First, I have to apologize...no pics from the outing. So if you feel inclined to stop reading now...

First gun out on the bench was my SSK Encore in 6.5/270 JDJ - I had picked up this barrel and dies secondhand earlier this spring, and had yet to get some trigger time with it yet. The previous owner had provided me with some brass ready to go, but I figured some fireforming was in order to get the feel of the barrel, and get it on paper. I mounted a 2.5x8 Leupold VX-III in 4 Weigand rings, slapped the fluted SS barrel with Holland brake on a new-to-me frame and off we went!

After loading up some 129gr Hornady SST's with some reduced H4831SC loads in the new necked-down .270 brass, I sought to put it on paper and get a feel for the effects of the brake. My initial thoughts were 1. LOUD, and 2. Really effective at reducing felt recoil! The Holland brake is certainly effective, and may warrant trying a rifle scope before deer season rolls around. Once I got her dialed in, I was amazed at the accuracy of the fireforming loads - between myself and a buddy, we put 14 shots in a nice 1.5 inch cluster! And since we were battling the storms for range time, there was no cooling off period for the barrel...I can't wait to experiment with load development with the "real" loads. Only had 2 of the brass to dimple and deform, so I have plenty of 6.5/270 ready to go.

Next out of the case was the Encore in 7-08. I had this barrel mounted on a separate frame with Pachmayr grips, and after shooting the 6.5 barrel(with a really sweet trigger job), I almost ran out of breath several times waiting for the shot to go off. I had just swapped scopes from last year, so first order was to get the 2.5x8 Leupy on paper and then shoot for groups with the various 120 gr NBT reloads over IMR 4350. On paper it went, but this trigger felt like 10 lbs compared to my other frame. I quickly decided to table this exercise for the first frame I shot with, and without screwdriver and Allen wrench nearby, back it went to the truck. Note to self - trigger job, pronto.

And then I decided on some punishment to end the day - my new-to-me .475 JDJ SSK 12" Contender barrel...a 10th Anniversary HHI half-round, half-octagon with 4 Magnaports (can I get some more), topped off with a Leupold 4X. Reloads were 325 gr Speer Gold Dots over a healthy dose of 2230. Recoil was...sporty. First impressions, with this load and Pachmayr presentation grips, not a plinker! I think for now, I'll pass on the big 500 gr solids. Needless to say, Pachmayr Decelerator Grippers have been ordered

Shot the barrel offhand at 25 yards and 50 to get an idea of the "boom", and then went back to the bench at 100 to dial her in. Perhaps it was the heat, impending storms, or the recoil rattling my brain around, but somewhere in the chaos I forgot that the M8 Leupy's adjusted 1/2 MOA/click and not a 1/4 MOA/click like the others I had played with that day. Took me a minute or two, but got it figured out - Still have some tweaking to do to get it game-ready...but it's a shooter for sure.

The previous owner had taken bear, deer and hogs with the barrel - and said that it was a 100 yard hammer. With which I concur...I'm not sure if JD had created the TSOB by then, because the barrel wears a smaller, narrower base than I'm normally accustomed to (Talley?) - the smaller base only accomodates 2 rings, so I'm thinking that a TSOB may be warranted to mount the scope in 4 rings. A little preventative medicine would be better than wearing a helmet or face shield into the woods come hunting season!

Anyways, a good day - burning powder, testing new guns, and gearing up for hunting season. Can't beat it!

Which ones you gonna break-in on the Dec hunt? Sounds like the 6.5/270 is gonna be a shooter!

KRal,

Hopefully these new single shots will have tasted success before then - December should be wheelgun territory...

Durwood, sounds like the 475 JDJ is a real a**kicker! LOL The recoil shouldn't be a problem for a pimp daddy like yourself. Just teasing, it sounds like you had a great day. You still need to bring the 475 JDJ in Dec.; everyone would get a KICK out of shooting it.

Nice report.

Good shooting Dur! Sounds like you're getting them dialed in. I'm particularly interested in the .475 JDJ. I wonder how the velocity of that round would compare to the .475 Linebaugh out of a 12" Encore? I'd love to see a photo of that setup when you get a chance for a pic.

HEE, HEE, I HATE the TC's recoil and I am not recoil sensitive at all, shooting very large calibers in revolvers or anything in a rifle. I just do not like the grip on a TC and would feel better hitting my hand with a hammer. They ruin my middle knuckle.
I have to hand it to anyone that can shoot the big bores in a TC.
They need 20# hung on the barrel or a thick bungee cord down to your ankle!

430Man,

I feel your pain...literally. The bench was the most abusive for sure, and I do have a new beauty mark on the middle knuckle. I'm hoping the Gripper style grip will help with the pounding. The sweaty palms didn't...

I agree 100% on the recoil of the TC guns. It comes back straight into the hand. I had a 445 barrel and it was twice the abuse of my revolver in the same cartridge with the same load.

When sighting in my T/C's from the bench I wear leather shooting gloves PLUS put a strip of leather around the appropriate appendage to keep from getting that beauty mark.

When in the field shooting at that buck or bull I never feel it.

I'm glad I don't have to worry about that hand beating anymore.


Let us know if you decide to put that rifle scope on.
Which rifle scope are you considering?

Guys, the problems w/ T/C's and recoil is why I shoot Competitors. The 475 JDJ on average will push a 500 gr. bullet roughly the same fps as a 475 Linebaugh can push a 400 gr. bullet out of the same action and barrel length. I'll be willing to bet my 475/350 Rem in my Competitor will not recoil with as much force as the JDJ round even though it's a belted case that will hold more powder. This is an awsome round (475 JDJ) for boar in Dec. Dur. Revolver = Ram, 475 JDJ= Boar, what do you think SChunter?

Ernie, with regard to the riflescope, chances are strong I'd go with the Leupold - I have a 4.5x14 VX-III that would get the nod. And one of my friends speaks very highly of the ART reticle for LR shooting.

OK, thought I'd at least redeem myself with some photos of the guns...furniture scheduled to change on both rigs before too long..


Darrell, don't have a chrony, so I can't give you an idea of what velocity that 325 grainer is traveling, but here's a comparison on cartridge size to a 460 S&W...thought I'd throw them in front of a rifle-shot warthog skull for a little flavor.



David, as for the 475 for December, it has a big fat boar picked out on trail cameras to meet up with well before then. Just needs to cool off a little.

Dur, very cool photos. I really like the Holland brake and the warthog skull is VERY IMPRESSIVE.

If you give Holland's a call to get your scope converted to a ART Reticle, give Darrell and or Rosita my regards.
I think the 4.5-14 is one of the best all around choices for hunting.
Just remember that you have to have the optic on 14x for the Reticle to have the correct subtension.
If you get that scope converted don't hesitate to call me-I would be glad to help you, if you need it.

I would still have to say you had a great day...