I can't seem to get the accuracy that I think the gun is capable of in my 14" SSK 309 JDJ.



I was wondering if you would mind sharing what works for you in your 309 JDJ?

Thanks in advance...

Don't know much about the 309, but that is a right handsome piece you have there.

Darrell, Nice looking gun. While I do not currently have a 309 JDJ, I did for years and took a lot of game with it. I always found Nosler's 150-165 gr. BT shot well in my gun; with JD's recommended load. What type of groups are you getting/expecting?

Thanks for the compliments guys! Yes, I like the way she looks, now if I can just get her to perform.

Mark, I'm just after MOA groups. Right now, my groups are double that or more. I've used the 150 & 165 grain ballistic tip and the 165 grain Sierra btsp. Powders I have tried include Varget and IMR 4350. I picked up a pound of BLC2 to try earlier but deer season got underway and I abandoned the project.

This was going to be the gun that I took on my TX auodad hunt (leaving in 10 days) but I couldn't get comfortable with it. Luckily, I've got this ol' 308 Win XP-100 to fall back on:


I've got 150 grain Nosler BT's traveling 2600 fps grouping 2.5" high at 100 yards so I think I'm good to 250-300 yards.

I don't have time to mess with the 309 JDJ before the Texas hunt but I thought that I would resume the load development project after I get back. What powder did you use in the 309 JDJ Mark?

That is a downright beautiful XP!!

I shoot a .338JDJ#2....it loves RL-15. It is similar to Varget but my gun preferred it over Varget. Slightly larger bore than the .309 but powder burnrates are close.

Gosh Darrell, Too much water has passed under the bridge; can't recall what powder I used but it was recommended by JD. If I can find any of my notes I'll get back with you.

The XP-308 will be great on your aoudad hunt. Can't wait to hear about it when you return. Hope you get a monster.

Best of Hunting,
Mark Hampton

Thanks Dan! Since this photo was made, I have swapped the HS silhouette stock for the wider "varmint" style.

Thanks for the well wishes Mark! I'm also taking my Ultradot topped 454 Casull SRH in case I can get within revolver range of a good auodad. It is sighted in with 325 grain Swift A-frames and I'm comfortable with it to about 100 yards. If I have time, I'd also like to hunt a javelina. Thought I'd use the revolver for that as well.

I appreciate all of your load suggestions guys, keep em coming!

do have any load data?? email JDJ they might send it to you.. they did me.. WORM

Worm, I did get the load data from SSK when they shipped my barrel. I was just wondering what other folks have found that works in their 309's, realizing that it may or may not work well in mine. Thanks!

I've used AA2520 for 25+ years in my .309 with 150, 165 BTs, 150 Bal. SilverTips, and 168 TSX. I've never had accuracy problems out to 350 yds. Almost no deer have ever moved when hit. I've taken 210 deer with it.

Sounds like I need some AA 2520, thanks Doc!

I have for years used the 165 Nosler ballistic tip and RE 15 with Fed 215 primers for ~2400 fps, but JD has always recommended the 4350's in the .309 JDJ.

Thanks Ken! Sounds like I need to try RL15 as well.

Get it all figured out for me Darrell...it'll make my 309 JDJ load development a touch easier

I picked up some RE 15 earlier this year based on Glenn's recommendations - IIRC, he told me that was Ken's load, so thanks Ken!

I've got a couple cans of AA powder...I think 2230 but maybe some 2520 stashed somewhere.

As far as bullets go, I picked up some 150 and 165 BT's and some Hornady SST's to play with...

I have a 308 Bellm - which is very similar to the JDJ. My likes 150 BT's over H4895. I get 2350 or so with that combo. Deer hate it

I want a 309JDJ one of these days.

Darrell, I have been shooting my 309JDJ for about 10 years and have shot nothing but IMR4350 with the Nosler BT 150grn bullets. Mine is a 30-30 rifle barrel cut to 15", I use 51grn of IMR4350 and it is running 2340 fps.
You might want to start a little lower with the JDJ barrel. I have to really be careful with sizing my brass and only neck size or I get some rings at the base of my brass. I think the chamber is a little deeper than normal but it shoots great. I took the first deer with it at 256 yds and dropped her right there with a shoulder shot. The 150 BT's sure do the job. I have been looking for a barrel like yours for some time. Don't know why except it has that cool factor with the rib and ports. Mine is tapered, blue and no break.
I'm sure will find some type of pistol to take on your trip. HAH
Good luck on your hunt.

Mike

I don't get quite the velocity as others but its very consistent from freezing temps to summer weather velocity wise with the RL15 Ken mentioned. I think I get in the 2360ish range with 165s. I'd have to look but it's whatever I gave to Dur not long ago. Good luck on the hunt bud!

Mine likes 165gr. Nosler partitions with IMR 4350. I used AA2520 and RL15 as well with decent results. I couldn't get my SSK barrel to like anything in the 150gr. range, and it wasn't fond of 165gr. BTs either, but likes PTs just fine...

Thanks for the suggestions and the well wishes guys, I appreciate it! I'm looking forward to getting re-started on this reloading project in a few weeks. Y'all have given me lots of ideas to try, thank you!

Hi Darrell & Happy New Year.
I have 3 JDJ’s on the Contender frame [309,358 & 416]. On the Encore frame I have the [35-06 JDJ] and a SSK crafted [7x57 Ackley Improved].
My 309 JDJ was purchased in 1996 a 14” barrel with brake, TSOB & Leupold 2.5 x 8 pistol scope. The summer of 96 I did a lot of bench and range work I at no time had any accuracy issues. Most all of my testing was done with a 150 grain Hornady SP. For you and others I list my results this may help establish a base line that works for your setup.
1996 Load notes:
150gr Hornady SP \CCI-250 \COL 3.052” – Pact Chrono @ 10 feet.
N135 42.4gr 2309fs
N140 46.0gr 2289fs
N160 52.0gr 2257fs
IMR 4064 47.0gr 2263fs
IMR 4320 44.2gr 2284fs
IMR 4350 50.0gr 2184fs
AA 2520 46.5gr 2361fs
Varget 48.0gr 2457fs 1996 Pet Deer Load

With the other barrels I have not done much with the 309 in several years. I got it out this fall and began some redevelopment in hopes to try and take a doe in our late antlerless season. I am very fond of Vihtavuori powders and have re-worked a couple of loads.
2012 Load notes:
150gr Hornady SP \ CCI-200 \ COL 3.052”
N150 49.5gr 2406fs

150gr Sierra SPT \ CCI-200 \ COL 3.095” \ .020” off lands – Pact Chrono @ 10 feet
N150 47.0gr 2405fs 2012 Pet Deer Load

I don’t see a need to use magnum primers as I did in 1996, I have the Sierra’s set at a 150 yard zero and feel the 2400fs area is a happy medium Vs maximum velocity.
Good luck with your project.
B..

Howdy Buck and nice collection!!