6.5 TCU vs 6.5 JDJ

[Bob/FLA]

From a practical standpoint, is there a substantial difference between the 6.5 TCU & 6.5 JDJ?  On paper, I see only 300 fps using a 120gr bullet.  I don't usually get too excited about 300 fps, but I hear the hype about the JDJ.  

Your experience is greatly appreciated.

[Ladobe]

"Practical?"   Since when has shooting and loading for and buying TC's been practical?   :wink:

I also am not a 'speed freak'.    300 fps translates to some loss of effective yardage, but only you know what your type of shooting calls for.

Romance is probably what draws most to the 6.5JDJ.   JD marketed it very well way back when - took a ton of animals with it decades ago in Africa (and with the 375JDJ).   So I guess that makes me a 'lover' at heart..... I have a 6.5JDJ (and two 375's, two 309's, a 257 and just sold another 257 to a GBO member), but none of the T/CU's anymore.    And if I need more from a 6.5, the Super Bower comes out.

So if a few yards is not that important to you (and maybe a little loss in precision), you might also consider the costs involved.   Dies are about the same, but 225 Win brass is not cheap, when you can find it.   And the SSK barrels get a premium over the other custom makers - way over factory barrels and rechambers.   So starting from scratch, you could get up and running with a 6.5 T/CU for a heck of a lot less out of pocket than for a 6.5JDJ.   But then, blowing extra money is what men do over romance... just ask any women!    

Just some thoughts and ideas.....

Ladobe

[Javelina]

Hello Bob/Fla

I see Ladobe and I are thinking much the same way on this question.

When it comes down to simple numbers, 300 fps is more significant at 6.5 TCU velocities than it would be at 6.5-06 velocities.  Something on the order of 15% significant at around 2,100 fps and around 10% significant at around 3,100 fps.  If we're talking about a 120 grain bullet at 2,100 fps or thereabouts in the 6.5 TCU vs 6.5 JDJ at around 2,400 fps, the actual type of bullet selected and its inherent characteristics, along with your shooting capabilities will play a large part in how much of a difference 300 fps is.

If your shots are typically under 150 yards or so, my feeling is that the 6.5 TCU is probably a good choice if you are a capable marksman and don't take shots that are not optimal.  Over 150 yards and out to 250-300 yards, the 6.5 JDJ is the better choice because of the extra 300 fps.  Let's face facts here - a 6.5 TCU vs a 6.5 XYZ that has 300 fps is not dependent on whether marketing of the 6.5 XYZ has instilled a certain mystique into the XYZ version, it is still dependent on whether the 120 grain bullet you have selected can be launched accurately toward a target with that extra 300 fps margin of potential delivered energy and killing power.

To be as fair as possible in this comparison, we should remember that the 6.5 bullets are generally designed for velocities that are ideal for the 6.5 caliber pistols due to their thinner jackets, but, the 6.5 JDJ due to its 300 extra fps is about 15% better-equipped to effect proper expansion of the bullet at all ranges than the 6.5 TCU.  Nevertheless, if your shots are under 150 yards or so, and if a dollar is still a dollar to you as it is to me, you may be better-served by a 6.5 TCU in your particular situation.

I own and use a 6.5 JDJ and will never part with it, it is a permanent part of my T/C battery - it is a STELLAR piece of shooting gear.  It consistently shoots well below sub-MOA in the .4"-.5" as long as I can see the target well-enough (which isn't easy the older you get! :grin: )  JD Jones offers excellent equipment and that has never been an issue, what he sells works and works VERY well.  Do you pay a premium for it?  Yes.  Who has the responsibility for the final decision as to how your dollars are best spent?  You do.  The best element to this situation as I see it is that this decision should be fairly simple for you, and whichever way you go you're going to end up with a great-shooting pistol.  You can't go wrong with a 6.5 for deer and under, although I would be judicious about its use on dangerous game like hogs and similar vermin that might want to take a chunk out of your backside.

Good luck with your choice and please let us know what you decide.  I hope this was of some help to you.

Good and safe shooting to you!  

Javelina

[Javelina]

Hello Bob/Fla,

Just a quick follow-up to my previous post.  225 Winchester cases that are used to form the 6.5 JDJ are not all that hard to find, and I have found that if you keep your eyes open, you can do very well when purchasing the quantities you need.  I recently bought 300 more cases for $20 per 100 from Graf & Sons during a sale they had.  The brass is out there and usually isn't prohibitively expensive, Huntington usually has some.

Although the 225 Winchester brass is not usually too expensive and there are good quantities around, we all know that the 6.5 TCU cases are going to be a heck of a lot cheaper and much easier to find if you go that route!  Good luck with your choice!

Safe and good shooting to you!  

Javelina

[jhalcott]

a 120 gr 6.5 bullet with a b c of .433 started out at2000 fps
will drop.4@50 yd,zero @ 100,3.0@150 yds
 windage.3  "       ,1.1     "     ,2.5    "
  T.O.F. .076sec,   ,.156 sec    ,.239sec
  energy1923      ,  1848         ,839
  same bullet 300 feet faster                            T.O.F.=time of flight
  drop .1@50 yds,zero@100, 1.2 @150yd
wind=.2@50,      ,.9@100    ,2.0@150
T.O.F.=.066@50 ,.13@100    ,.207@150
energy=2217@50,1215@100,1125@150
these are only 0 to 150 yard figures .Drop more than doubled at slower speed.Energy is nearly 25% less also.
  I use the 6.5jdj and the 7tc/u in 14" contenders(no 6.5 tc/u) and find the jdj superior to the 7tc/u for range AND accuracy.The 6.5tc/u can't be much better than the 7tc

[Bob/FLA]

I already have a VV 6.5 and was looking at the JDJ.  I see from your posts that @ 150 yds there is no real difference.  I hunt with a stick bow and a very short range muzzleloader.  I hunted mulies with a 30-30 in Wyoming when I lived there...I like short range weapons!  

If I need more range, I have the 7-30.  If I need bigger, I have the 45-70.  If I need smaller, I have that covered too...

BUT...I do have this jingle in my pocket.  Where is that guys number? :-D

Thanks guys!!!

Bob

[spinafish]

another option no one has mentioned is E.A.Brown..they have a round called the 6.5 BRM that is formed from good ole thurty-thurty brass..check them out at www.eabco.com..

[Bob/FLA]

I don't see that round listed in the Contender information.  I assume it's a rifle round?

[DLH]

I have a 6.5 Bellem, the velosity is  just what the JDJ will do, my acc. is real good. and we will see this year on deer.  It is a big step down, my normal deer round is a 45/70 in a Contender.  Had to try something new, and JDJ was too much money!!!

[Hopalong7]

One of the luckier days of my life, many years ago, while browsing a gun show, I ran upon a SSK 14" 6.5JDJ w/ TSOB scope mount and RCBS dies. I forget the exact price, but it was cheap enough that we didn't haggle much.  It rapidly became and still remains my all time favorite barrel.  GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt   :-D   :-D   :-D   :-D

[DLH]

Dave&Kay;
  in my 6.5 Bellm;
      I load 35 g  of Win 760, and get  2340 ave.  120g bullet with the crony at 10n ft from the muzzel.  Got any suggestions  for other loads and powders??
35 g is all that will fit in the case.

Thanks:D

[kciH]

Don't forget the 6.5 Bullberry from Bullberry Barrels.  It is formed  from the 30-30, there is an improved version as well.  The Bullberry barrels produce exceptional accuracy.  I shoot this cartridge from a Contender Carbine.  There is loading data on their site and the max loads are rather conservative by Freds own admission.  It may be worth a look.  I don't recall the redding dies that I got with my barrel being terribly expensive.

[DLH]

:-D    Dave&Kay;

If  you  would care to share your loads with me, my E- Mail addressis

    henthds@valunet.com


I just noticed it wasn't listed. I  Will  change that now.

Thanks