My project of converting my 14" Armor Alloy .35 Remington barrel to 358 JDJ is actually coming together. I have my quote from SSK and am readying everything to send off. This project started in about 2002 with the purchase of the barrel and has waited for available funds/time/energy/etc.

I've been reading everything I can about the cartridge since 2002 and have seen enough load info to make my head spin, much of it dated, as this cartridge doesn't seem to be very popular among handgun hunters (which is a small group anyway). I wanted to ask around to see what the preferred load is/was for the 358 users here. My quarry will be Whitetail, Axis deer, hogs, and whatever strange exotic may wander up to my feeder. I had planned on using the Remington 200 gr. RN (outstanding bullet!), but it is unavailable. I want a fast energy dump and don't anticipate a shot over 150 yards, so don't believe the spitzers will be ideal. I'm thinking the Speer 180/220 gr. FP may be the next best. Any info is greatly appreciated!

I use the Speer 220 flat point for Deer with a heavy dose of H-4895 powder. It?s been working for me for 30 + years. Actually almost 40. Check out my other posts. I have quite a few on the 358 JDJ. It?s my go to cartridge for getting it done!

Thanks Bill. I've read a bunch of your posts on the topic, maybe all of them! I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything or something new. I snagged a bag of 100 444 Marlin cases today from Brownells. I need not get my component situation figured out. One nice thing about those Speer bullets is that they're cheap. They seem to be one of the go-to slugs for the cartridge, though I've read good things about the 180 too. Is there a reason you chose the 220 over the 180?

BTW, I'm going to go with an Arrestor brake. Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel and all...

You'll love the Arrestor brake. I have them on most of my guns. Muzzle rise is from 1" to 3" even on .375/.284 and .376 Steyr. Felt recoil to me seems at least 50% less on everything. Tames the big boys really well.

My 358JDJ began life as a 14? factory TC in 35 Remington with the muzzle tamer ?1995?. After poor experiences with the 35 Remington mainly misfires, I had SSK rechamber it. I?ve taken several Indiana whitetails with it over the years, the only bullet I?ve used is the Hawk 180 x 025 flat point. Have had excellent results both accuracy and terminal performance. Most all my shots have been 100 yards or less.
D.

Thanks for that info Buck. I had seen you mention that in my research, but hadn't really given that bullet much thought for some reason. I looks really good. Is there a reason you went with the 180 over the 200 or heavier? I'm curious to see the range of preference. Billa went with the 220 in the Speer over the 180 and I'd like to hear his reasoning also.

I want to be sure I can put Whitetail down quickly, but need a tough bullet since we have exotics roaming around as well. Axis deer are common, but while rare, a Fallow, Sitka, or Red Stag could wander in and I want to be prepared. So realistically, 200 lbs would exceed a typical max weight, but some critters could push 300+ lbs. Feral hogs cover the place as well. Thanks for your input!

WVHitman, while not recoil sensitive, I DO feel it! I'm not getting any younger and want to be able to enjoy shooting this barrel (within reason), not just grin and bear it. I appreciate your opinion of the Arrestor Brake. It'll make for a long package added to the 14" barrel, but I'll have good ballistics and manageable recoil. Muzzle rise was a big concern since I'm thinking of adding an elevated box blind to the place and those windows aren't usually large. Thanks!

In my 10.5" JDJ Contender, I prefer the 200 gr. R-P spire point. Holds up well with good expansion on Hill Country Whitetails. In my G-2 14" SSK, I use the 225 gr Nosler Partition in case I run into something larger,

My purpose for owning a 358JDJ is to have a big hammer that can hit harder and shoot farther than a 44 Magnum. I want to get full penetration at any distance from any angle. The 220 Speer does that for me on deer sized game out to 200+ yards. JD Jones preaches heavier bullets are better in the big JDJs and I follow that rule. I have never recovered a 220 as they always pass through. I have shot a few that were facing me center chest that have exited just under the tail. Easy to track and no meat loss! The flat point does expand and they give a great wound channel.

That being said I think the 180 is probably plenty for deer under most conditions.

I use the 180 gr Speer fp or the 200 gr Rem. sp in mine. My barrel was Magna ported when I got it. Would a lot rather have the arrestor brake over the magna port ,its is way more efficient.

At the time I went with the 180 Hawk for the slight uptick in velocity over the 200, my notes show I did wet newsprint test the Hawk 200 x .025 flat points with a notation of excellent results. In 2010 I had SSK craft up a 15? 35-06 JDJ barrel, I have used the now discontinued 180 Hornady SSP bullet and the 220 Speer. Keep in mind these were at a higher velocity vs the 358 JDJ that said, I?d think the 220 Speer would serve you well.
D..

May want to look at the Speer 180 gr Hot core. Great 35 cal bullet. Did well in my 356 Win along with the 180 Hornady SSPB.

Good photo to look at this was a 35 Rem

http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3702&ppuser=2724

It?s back! I wasn?t sure if the Arrestor would be an add on or not. It wasn?t and I?m glad. It now has 12.5? of runway and about 1.5? for the expansion chamber/brake. A nice side effect is that it seems to balance a little better. The Super 14?s have always been way front heavy, for obvious reasons. I went overboard with a 4th ring on the T?SOB, but better safe than sorry! I have Speer 220?s, AA2520, primers and Imperial Wax on the way from Midsouth Shooters Supply. This project has been a long time coming. I?m finally in the Hand Cannon Club! Can?t wait to shoot it, but that?s going to be awhile.

John,

The gun looks great. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

JDK: THE 4th RING IS NOT "GOING OVERBOARD", AND LOOKS BETTER TOO.