contender

[Handgun'r]

Ted,

As Rocky mentioned, the Contender's (old & new) are pretty limited on calibers as of late (unless you visit the custom shop). The newer G2, which replaced the older Contender frame, appears like a smaller version of the Encore, and looks beefier than the old frame in comparison, but, in category, it's still kept along the lines of the older frames as far as calibers are concerned.
I've read where they are structurally stronger, and it appears so, but since they share the same barrel interchange ability as the older frames, TC decided to play it safe and keep them on the same level. Good idea.

The recommendation of the 7-30Waters is a very good one, and is about the only 7mm cartridge available in that configuration that is worthy of being used for deer. I load for it, but I don't shoot or own one currently. Mainly, a friend's gun.
They also had the 7mm TCU, but that was designed as a sillhoutte round initially, and is marginal "at best" on deer.
Many will look at the fact that a .45-70 barrel was/and is offered in the Contender/G2 and wonder why not the 7mm-08, or others.

It has everything to do with the cartridge's pressure, which is transmitted back to the head, or the face at the breech end. The .45-70 has a large rimmed head, and also runs at much lower pressures than most rifle cartridges, so it functions very well and safely there, as does the .444 Marlin.

One round that I absolutely love chambered in the Contender is the .357 Maximum. I have had several over the years since it's inception around 82-83', and they all were decent shooters.
Currently I have a Super 14" Contender chambered in the Maximum and I'm getting 1995fps. safely, using 170gr Sierra JHP's.
Anything that I've shot with it over the years, goes down in a pile 90% of the time. Very devastating.
I'm currently building a custom 20" carbine based on that round, and I can't wait to run it through the wringer.

Good luck Handgunning.......

Bob