I would like to get some input on the GNR line of cartidges vs. the JDJ line of cartridges for the Contender and Encore. Pros, cons of one vs. the other.

i could be wrong but i always viewed them as one the jdj as maximizing rifles style cartridges out of a single shot versus GNR's which made very little sense to me as shooting big bore pistol cartridges out of pistols. if it were me and out of a contender/encore i'd go for the jdj cartridges b/c if i wanted to shoot the others it'd be out of a revolver and if i wanted to shoot cartridges out of a revolver i'd just stick with the standards as there's really no need for the GNR's as i see it. my humble opinion

The ones I am looking at in particular are the 310, 338 and 378 GNR.

aaah, well then i think that the jdj cartridges are just the standard so to speak. sure do like the customer service from jd alot as well

I'm using 10 SSK barrels. With JDJ calibers, I use the .257, 6.5, .309, .338 and a pair of .375's, and all have been very satisfactory, from the standpoint of case forming, accuracy, killing power on the game each is intended for and durability. I'm also considering a 9.3 at the moment.

Given my complete satisfaction, I haven't been inclined to try the GNR's. Some owners love 'em, apparently some haven't been completely satisfied...but I emphasize that I have no direct experience with them.

When I'm happy, I'm happy. No need felt to shop around.

The 378 GNR is based on the 405 Win. case, whereas the 375 JDJ is based on the 444 Marlin case. If you are strictly looking for power the 378 GNR is stronger than the 375 JDJ. The 375/06 JDJ is more similar in power. The 475 JDJ and the 475 GNR are the exact same round they just go by different names, just like the 416/348 JDJ and the 416 GNR. It is hard to go wrong w/ any of JDJ's rounds or any of the GNR's. I would look at the level of power you want and things like the case costs and availability. If you really want power go w/ the 476 GNR which is based on the 50 Alaskan case. This round is very similar to the 470 Turnbull.

I will echo the comments from 500WE. Over the years, I have personally owned/shot/hunted with over 20 SSK barrels. Never had a problem and all performed flawless to their level of application. SSK is top-notch in my book.

Do not have any experience with the GNR line so can not inject an opinion.

Taking an SSK barrel (223) to Wyoming in a few days to whack prairie dogs. This barrel rivels my XP-100 223 and that takes some doing.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Mark Hampton

In the Contender I would go with the JDJ’s based off the 444 case. In the Encore I would go with the GNR ‘s based of the 405 case. I like the rimmed cased on the single shots. That is what it boils down to with me. I have 4 Reeder barrels and all of them with shoot lights out if you do your part. Reeder also has GREAT customer service. I am not saying SSK doesn’t and I have never heard a customer EVER complain about one of JDJ’s products. Just trying to share my experiences with Reeder.

Black Forest HP, have you been to Reeder’s Forum page?

I've had great customer service with both and both products are great.

I have a 378 GNR and used to have a 375 JDJ. The edge in power goes to the GNR, BUT 405 brass is getting expensive and sometimes hard to find.

I have been on his page. I have also talked to him this week. At this point I am leaning to a 338 GNR.