6.5 jdj 10"

[Tatume]

Does anybody here have experience with the 6.5 mm JDJ cartridge in a 10" Contender?

[6.5 mike]

I have a 14'' bbl that is just scarey with 120 gr nosler's & IMR 4320. Have not tried cast yet, another one of those down the road things, lol. If you need the info I have shoot me PM, I do have the factory load sheet that came with my bbl.

[Kraschenbirn]

Uhmmm...a 10" 6.5 JDJ? Are we talking about the 6.5 JDJ based on the .225 Win case or the #2 version formed from .307 Win? Using ol' JD's recommended loads, either one produces a fairly substantial muzzle blast from a 14" TC. A 10" using H414 (JD's preferred powder for the #2s) ought to be a real 4th of July winner.

Bill

[Tatume]

The cartridge I was considering was based on the 225 Winchester. However, after having read everything I can find, I've come to the conclusion that the 30 Herrett is probably the superior cartridge in the 10" configuration. As I already have one, I've ordered some new 30-30 cases and a few hundred Sierra 125 grain spitzers, and installed a freshly rebuilt 2x pistol scope on the barrel. I'll put the 6.5 JDJ idea on hold for awhile. I may revive it if I'm not satisfied with the 150 yard accuracy of the 30 Herrett.

Thanks.

[6.5 mike]

Mine is based on the 225 win case. To bad we are not closer so you could try mine. Good luck.

[Tatume]

Hi Mike,

It is nice of you to offer, and sometimes I do wish I lived in Florida. The hog hunting is very good everywhere I’ve been in the state.

I have a 14” 309 JDJ barrel, and I just don’t care for the long barrels. The 10” barrels seem to be just right to me, so I’m looking for a good longer range (150 yards) cartridge in that format. I suspect the 6.5 JDJ will be a bit much for the short barrel. Anyway, I have the 30 Herrett barrel already, so I might as well wring it out before I spend more money.

When I bought the 30 Herrett barrel, I knew everybody recommended 125-130 grain bullets, but they seemed too light to me. I worked up loads with 150 grain bullets, got them to shoot well, but was afraid I would stretch the frame if I pushed them too hard. Now I’ve reconsidered the 125 grain bullet, and I’m going to try them. I couldn’t get any Nosler Ballistic Tips, but I did locate 200 Sierra 125 grain spritzers. I’m pretty sure I can get 2100 fps with them, and that will give me the range I need. I’ll probably report back once I’ve gotten everything working.

Take care, Tom

[6.5 mike]

My contender came with a 6 m/m 14'' tcu bbl so I got used to the length right off. Mt 30 Herrett bbl is a 10'' but have to shim it to fit the frame. I have had good luck fire forming herrett brass with the lee 160 gr pp'ed & starting loads. Sometimes no lost cases, sometimes a couple with win brass. Need to find another frame & set it up for the herrett & my hornet bbl.

[dougader]

A gent on the single actions site used a Barnes 110 gr bullet to take a nice doe a few weeks back with his 30 Herrett.

[leadman]

I was thinking about getting my 6.5 TCU to 6.5 JDJ on the 225 Win case until I used it on an antelope hunt. Took a small buck at 225 yards with the 120gr Ballistic Tip. Went right thru both front shoulders so figured it was good enough. My barrel is cut to about 11" with a muzzle brake on it.

[6.5 mike]

Have a 6.5 tcu also. It likes BaBore's 129 gr Kurtz pp'ed, really need to work with it some more. Do know it's pure hell on crows, take's awhile for the feather to quit falling.

[Tatume]

Hi Folks,

I've been doing some research, and have also spoken with two of the industry experts. From everything I can gather, it appears that the 30 Herrett is the best deer and pig cartridge for 10" barrels. I've just finished a batch of new cases from Hornady 30-30 parent cases, and hope to get some range time this week. As I said earlier, I've tried 150 grain bullets in this cartridge, but believe they are pushing the strength limit of the Contender at the speeds I need to cause them to expand. Even then, I'm not convinced they will perform well, and haven't used them on game because of my doubts. I'm planning to try 125 grain Sierra SPT bullets on medium hogs this summer, if all goes as planned. In the meantime, I'm still looking around.

Take care, Tom