Author Topic: 30-06 JDJ (Read 875 times)

stratocaster · « **on:** July 19, 2004, 06:51:58 AM »

I'm considering having my Encore barrel rechamber to JD's 30-06JDJ. Anyone have any expierence with this cartridge? With the 60 degree shoulder, it's a pretty radical looking case. He is claiming 2700fps with 165g bullet out of a 15" barrel. Any input will be appreciated!

jhalcott · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2004, 08:06:14 AM »

Remember ,that much velocity requires a lot of RECOIL! I believe that you can get 2700 from that barrel as I can get the velocity he claims in 2 of his barrels.I also KNOW you do NOT need that much speed & recoil to kill deer at 300 yards! The .308 will do it with factory loads.My 6.5 jdj has killed deer well past 200 yards using 120 grain bullets.The monster 358jdj drops them right there with 200 grain slugs at 200+ yards,but with out a brake recoil is vicious. Are you considering 1000 yard shooting? The case shape is not a good reason to buy it (but there are NO bad reasons to get a new gun)Shheeesh! I sound like john kerry >
It's your money,but I can buy a LOT of .308 ammo for what that barrel costs. :wink:

stratocaster · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2004, 08:18:19 AM »

Thanks for the reply jhalcott. My reasoning for this is that I currently have a 30-06 factory encore barrel with a muzzle brake. The chamber was cut a bit too deep from the factory so when using new brass, they sit approx .002 to .003 below the breech. I get the ocassional mis-fire, so I have to fire-form all my brass before I can use it. I figure if I have to fire-form the brass anyway, why not gain some benefits from it. I spoke with VVCG and they do not recommend rechambering the 30-06 to a 30-06AI. JD feels with his 60 degree shoulder, the rechamber would not be a problem.

stratocaster · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2004, 05:00:37 AM »

Thanks for the replies guys. I called T/C about this and their response was that since I hand load for this cartridge anyway, just back out the die a bit. He also said that .002 - .003 below the breech is still within SAAMI specs, so there is really not a problem. I do back out my die when loading for this to give me .001 between the frame and case. (My frame to barrel gap is .003, so I size the case to protrued .002 from the breech). My feeling is that this is not a big deal, and I have no problem with T/C's response, it's just like I said before, if I have to fireform the cases anyway, I might as well gain something from it.
I totally agree with jhalcott about not needing that much power for deer. I use this barrel mostly for elk and black bear (with the occasional deer thrown it). I also figure while JD is rechambering it, he can also install one of his T'SOB quarter rib scope mount.
Thanks again guys!

Rog · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2004, 07:09:44 AM »

Stratocastor,

I have the 30-06 JDJ, and I really like it. My barrel started life as a factory T/C barrel 15" bbl in .308 Win.

It shot really well as a 308 and shoots equally well or better as a 30-06 JDJ.

My velocities have been chrono'd very near what JD claims (my barrel is the old style T/C rifling - equal width lands and grooves). If you have the newer style T/C rifling, you should not have any trouble getting the velocity JD states.

I've shot very few 150's and 180's out of mine, and quite a few 165/168's. I really think the 165/168's are the ideal bullet weight for the 15" 30-06 JDJ.

One of my current favorite loads will push a CT 168 Ballistic Silvertip bullet to 2715 fps (chrono'd at 15') with accuracy of 0.750"-1.00" for 3 shots at 100 meters.

I've chrono'd one load with a Nosler 150 BT that went just over 2900 fps (the only 150 load I chrono'd).

My experience with 180's has been very limited. I have only shot Nosler 180 Partitions briefly. I quit at ~2550 fps since accuracy was getting worse as powder charge weight went up and recoil was causing my scope to shift a bit (I later fixed that by changing scope mounting position...).

All in all, I'd say that the 30-06 JDJ will do what JD claims. However, In my barrel, loads are on the warm side. Brass life is not as good as I'd like with the max loads.

So far, I've shot IMR4064, H4350, H4831SC, RL22, VarGet, and IMR4350 out of my '06 JDJ, along with 150, 165/168 BT's, 165 & 180 Partitions.

My barrel really seems to like the 168 Ballistic Silvertips and 150 Ballistic Tips, with IMR4064, RL22, and H4350 as the propellents.

Regards,
Rog

stratocaster · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:14:07 AM »

Thanks for the detailed info Rog. Is your barrel ported or have a muzzlebrake on it? If not, how is the recoil, is it manageable? What kind of brass life are you getting? Are you anneling the neck/shoulder area before fireforming. Thanks very much!!

Rog · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2004, 10:58:31 AM »

My barrel does not have a break on it. It is a 15" standard T/C factory barrel. Recoil is quite stout, but not unmanageable, at least for me.

Brass life can be as short as 3-4 firings, depending on how hot they are loaded. The primer pocket usually loosens up, rendering the brass useless. I don't have any problems with the neck/shoulder area, other than the occasional split during fireforming.

Rog