6.5 JDJ

[Brian T]

I plan to hunt with my 6.5 JDJ contender for whitetail this year.  120 BT @ 2200 fps.  I plan to limit my shots to 150 yards.

any one have experiece with this caliber, should it be adequate?

thanks

[Lone Star]

It will be adequate if you can accurately place your shots.  Most users obatin a higher velocity with that bullet - 2400 fps - and have success out to 250 yards.  Your velocity is a bit lower, but out to 150 yards it will be fine.

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[Ken ONeill]

The 6.5 JDJ is an excellent choice for whitetails and similar size game. I run my 120 BT a bit over 2300 fps out of my 12" barrel, but your 2200 fps load will be fine with a BT at the distance you mention.

[jhalcott]

 Is your barrel a rechamber or a JDJ original? I get a bit more velocity than you with 120's. the 6.5JDJ is one of those "little giant rounds" that give performance beyond what they appear. I've used mine on deer, coyote and ground hog. I even used it on an antelope and a few prairee dogs. I got best accuracy with 120 grain bullets. 85's were all right for my ground hog hunting with best groups around 1 to 1 1/4". 120's went under an inch when every thing worked correctly! Many powders will work and that is another velocity key! Some work better than others. Bullet seating depth CAN make a difference also, seat them where JD tells you to. Good luck!

[palgeno]

The 6.5 JDJ has a loooooong record of efficient kills. The 120 BT works well and you might consider the 120 gr Speer also. I find it a little tougher than the BT but perhaps a little less accurate at longer ranges. Infield use, the slightly less accuracy has not been an issue for me. Gene

[Lone Star]

The 120 Speer used to be the ideal bullet for the 6.5JDJ, combining just the right combination of expansion at the JDJ velocities and deep penetration.  Unfortunately Speer redesigned this bullet in the past few years to be "tougher".  I hope it now isn't too tough for the JDJ - although Speer says it is still perfect....


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[Sweetwater]

I've never had the pleasure of a 6.5JDJ, but back in my IHMSA days, my contender sported a 10" 6.5TCU and a 14" 6.5TCU. A bunch of 120gr Speers went down range, but the only animal I have a record of was a Wyoming antelope. It fell to a 100gr Hornady. I knew at the time what the velocity of that load was, but it escapes me now. Range was something over 200 yards...
I expect your load in your 6.5JDJ will perform as expected. Don't be terribly surprised if it outperforms your expectation. What is written about it is very high praise, indeed. Enjoy.

Regards,
Sweetwater