I'm looking at ordering 2 SSK barrels for my contender and I was needing a little help from you. First, on a 375 JDJ I need opinions on muzzle brakes. Does it REALLY need one (I don't mind my SRH 454 at all) and if so, should I go with the arrestor or mag-na-port? Second, anyone who has had dealings with a 6.5 JDJ please offer you opinions on its performance on deer sized game. Thanks

If you are comfortable with full throttle loads in your 454, then skip the brake on the 375......

The 6.5 JDJ is one of the best deer killers you will find for your contender......

Buy them both and don't look back!

My 375JDJ is 12" and has a mag-na-port(4-ports) on the end. It seems to be alot less noise than an SSK/brake or similar brake.(I have 2 of these SSK brakes, one on a 30/40Krag and a 45/70 both 14" barrels) I can shoot my 375JDJ 1-handed with no problem with a brake, it's easy on the wrist. I've shot a bunch of deer and ground-hogs with braked pistols and the only one that I noticed blast was a 223 w/brake(bought used)and I got rid of it( of course I always wear ear plugs while range shooting). Do yourself a favor and order your 375JDJ with a full-lenght rib TSOB mount. It looks awesome!!!
On the 6.5 note. I just got a 6.5JDJ#2 14" SS SHILEN barrel. It's gonna be a real shooter. 1st group at 50yds are touching!! The #2 is a rare caliber. Can't find anyone else on the net that shoots one. It's a 307Win case thats necked down to 6.5 and fire-formed to a JDJ shoulder. It is a wild looking round . The 307 is identical to a 308 in case dieminsion's except it has a rim and the brass is thicker allowing it to be safely shot out of Contenders. Thn only down side is dies. A RCBS full-lenght set is $135.00 from SSK. Making brass is pretty easy. I'm positive when the weather breaks and I fine tune this round it will be a real shooter. It has a lot more horsepower than a regular 6.5JDJ(#2 shoots 140gr bullet-IMR4350/41gr) Don't know fps untill nicer weather and can set up crony.

I can't give any advice on the 6.5 but I've heard nothing but good things form it. A buddy of mine has taken his to Africa and used it with great success.
As for the 375JDJ, it's a great round. I bought mine used for a great price with full length T'SOB mount and Mag Na Ported. If I were to order it again, I think I would be able to handle it without the ports but they makes it a lot more comfortable to shoot.

I have had two .375JDJ's, a 14" SS Shilen Bull Magnaported, and a 12" SS Diamond Configuration Fluted Magnaported. There was considerable difference in weight of the two barrels, but felt recoil was the same! Go Figure!! I prefer the 12". It's as accurate as the 14" and easier to carry. I have a 7mm JDJ #2 and it's excellent. I know piebald is happy with his 6.5mm JDJ #2!

I am not a fan of brakes, but a .375 JDJ without one is certainly a handful.

The 6.5mm JDJ is about as perfect a medium game round as there ever will be. A 120 grain BT at 2400 fps will take any whitetail or mulie out to 250 yards, and if you decide to tackle something a tad larger, switch to a 125 grain Partition, keep the range reasonable and let the 6.5mm JDJ work its magic...

I have the 14" 375JDJ in the Shilen, 10 groove fluted. I wouldn't take for it. The fluting took some weight off the barrel but it is still easy to manage without the break. I shot one with the break and it wasn't much less in recoil and much louder. I wish I hadn't got the break on my 45-70. It is a monster on both ends.
I was going to get the 6.5JDJ when I got a chance to get a .260 Remnington. It is a .308 case with the 6.5 bullet. If it is anything close to the 6.5JDJ I would not hesitate to get the JDJ. It will amaze you how flat it shoots and how hard it hits.
In my opinion the breaks would be for one that would shoot say 40-50 rounds in a setting. I saw get both and get some Pachmyer Decelerator grips. Sure takes the sting out.
Here is a photo of my .375JDJ.


Mike

I'm running both rounds in carbine length barrels, if you have any interest along those lines drop me a note. the .375JDJ is an SSK (20") the 6.5x225 improved (6.5JDJ) is 21" and from OTT. I like both rounds a great deal, but have yet to completely finalize load development for either as the weather went to pot before I got them sorted out.

I'm thinking of switching to a G2 frame and living happily ever after with the combination of barrels and rounds.

If you do get a G2, take your barrels and try them on the frame before purchase. I have a G2 frame that my SSK 309JDJ will not come even close to closing on. The barrel works fine on all my Contender frames. My other SSK barrels work on the G2 frame. I have heard other people say the same thing about the G2 frames. Just something to think about. Ed

McClura,

GAWD!!! JD does some FANTASTIC fluting doesn't he?.... WOW!!!

I'd put a brake on a 375JDJ... Might save you some surgery down the road as you destroy the cartilage in your wrist and hand.

$bob$