I am getting a 20" stainless steel .375 JDJ in a week or so and was wondering what everyone likes to feed them. I don't have any componets yet so I am starting fresh. I have some time as I still haven't obtained dies, or a rifle stock yet, but hopefully I will be able to find them soon.

I really like the looks of Hawk bullets, but want to hear what everyone else is using!

As for powder, probably the best is H4895 for all bullets 220 grains and heavier. Standard rifle primers (CCI 200, or similar) are all that is needed. For bullets, I like the Barnes 235 XLC coated bullets. This is my favorite bullet for deer, penetration and expansion are both excellent. If you are hunting anything heavier than deer, I would stay away from the 260 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. For some reason this bullet will squirt its core at the lower velocities, at least that is what J.D. advises. If you need any specific load data, please Email me and I will tell you the loads I have worked with. Mine is a 14" contender. I have not yet shot these through a Chrony, but I know the approximate velocities.

[ 02-25-2003, 22:30: Message edited by: Ken Cline ]

From Ken's response and other sources I have checked it looks like H4895 is a winner, so what do you all think about bullets. I plan to use this exclusively for elk out to about ~250 max. I'm not much into long shooting.

I don't plan on going to the range and just pumping bullets through for fun, have much softer shooting rifles for that ! Was thinking either Barnes Original or X's, or possible one of the Hawk bullets. I hear the Hornady 270 was the original reputation builder, but I am open to any and all suggestions.

Oh come now folks, don't be shy!

Has anyone tried the 250 or 270 X or XLC in the JDJ. Accurate arms list data for the 250, but I haven't found anything on the 270. It is too long to work well in the cartridge and still keep it off the lands like JD suggests.

Ken gave me some great data on the 235 XLC, how do you all think they would fair on elk? These aren't moster elk, only in the 6-700 lbs range. This would really make a flat shooting hard hitting combo...humm, might have answered my own question.

[ 03-27-2003, 22:50: Message edited by: Biathlonman ]

For the 375 H&H, Barnes does recommend the 235 XLC for use on elk, so I don't think a lower velocity would make much difference. You know they will hold together, there is no core to squirt. They sure would be better than the 260 grain Ballistic tips.

I got a deer last year with the 235 XLC's in my 375 JDJ, and performance was excellent. The bullet went right through, but the exit hole indicated good expansion. I wouldn't have a problem using them on elk.

I'm keeping an eye on the new 260 Accubond Nosler is going to be putting out. Being in the mid 20s on price it might just be the ticket. I've heard good things about them so far, guess we just need to figure out the velocity range they are mean't to work in.

Just talked to Nosler on the Phone and Mike said that they new accubond would need to be moving about 1700 to get good expansion.

So if my charts are correct with a muzzle velocity of 2300 which should be very easy to hit with my 20" barrel, which should see good velocity out to about 375 yards! I won't be shooting that far away!

Midways catalog that I got in the mail listed them at 24-25 dollars for 50. Looks like we have a winner folks!

But Ken, I certainly won't forget your advice on the 235 XLC, I have it printed and tucked away just in case!