[hsure]

I have a 10mm barrel for my single shot Thompson Center Contender and was wondering if I can use .40 S&W ammo in it. I know the S&W 610 revolver in 10mm can also use .40, but clips are required to hold the rounds in place.

I couldn't find any info on the T/C website.

Thanks in advance,
Hank

[skullcrusher]

Originally Posted by hsure

I have a 10mm barrel for my single shot Thompson Center Contender and was wondering if I can use .40 S&W ammo in it. I know the S&W 610 revolver in 10mm can also use .40, but clips are required to hold the rounds in place.

I couldn't find any info on the T/C website.

Thanks in advance,
Hank

Hank,

First, I can't answer your question with any amount of real knowledge about the T/C Contender. What I can say is that I'm sure someone here will know for sure. I just offer the congenial check with the manufacturer kinda thingy.

Second, it is very common for new members to stop by the Introductions thread and let the members here to get to know them for a bit.

Third, I am very curious as to the answer to your question as well. I know that many single shot firearms in recent years have been centered around multiple calibers in order to broaden the interest.

[danf_fl]

I could be wrong, but I think it has something to do with the way it uses the case mouth being used to hold the cartridge in place. Remove the barrel and drop a .40 in and see if it goes too far in to be hit by the firing pin.

[robocop10mm]

Just an educated guess here, but you would be forcing the extractor to provide the head space. Rimless handgun cases headspace off the case mouth. Because of the length differencethe .40 will not headspace properly. The extractor will hold the case (probably), but will allow too much slop. When the cartridge is fired, the firing pin will force the case forward until stopped by the extractor. The expanding gasses from the powder will force the case back against the breech face with considerable force. Even in a strong action like the Contender, this is not good.

In the 610 Smith, the headspacing is actually provided by the moon clip.

[masterPsmith]

The .40 and 10mm headspace on the case mouth. "NO", you cannot use the .40 in the 10mm contender !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Jim...

[Pat-inCO]

Originally Posted by robocop10mm

Just an educated guess here, but you would be forcing the extractor to provide the head space. Rimless handgun cases head space off the case mouth. Because of the length difference the .40 will not head space properly. The extractor will hold the case (probably), but will allow too much slop. When the cartridge is fired, the firing pin will force the case forward until stopped by the extractor. The expanding gases from the powder will force the case back against the breech face with considerable force. Even in a strong action like the Contender, this is not good.

In the 610 Smith, the head spacing is actually provided by the moon clip.

Excellent answer!

Yes, you - can - do it, but it is NOT a good idea.

[hsure]

Thanks for the useful info -- I guess I won't be trying the .40 in my 10mm barrel.

BTW the reason for this question was that I sold my Ruger P94 and have 750rds of .40 left. And now I'm debating whether to get a Glock in .40 or 10mm. Decisions decisions.

[ScottA]

Originally Posted by hsure

Thanks for the useful info -- I guess I won't be trying the .40 in my 10mm barrel.

BTW the reason for this question was that I sold my Ruger P94 and have 750rds of .40 left. And now I'm debating whether to get a Glock in .40 or 10mm. Decisions decisions.

10mm ammo will cost you at least half again as much as .40

Unless you have a specific reason for the extra oomph of the 10, I'd stick with the .40 for a primary firearm.

[WDB]

It's possible but as already expressed I wouldn't do it. If you look on sites like gunbroker you can find a 40 S&W barrel for your TC for a reasonable price (less than $200). half the fun of owning a TC is all the barrels you can add for different uses.