Author Topic: .358 JDJ (Read 1560 times)

SD Handgunner · « **on:** August 25, 2004, 05:57:59 AM »

I was reading GB's report on the .358 JDJ the other day, and was impressed with the performance of this cartridge. I was also thinking that in .35 Caliber (like GB stated) there is a good selection of bullets available designed for the velocity levels this cartridge is capable of producing.

I have been contemplating a large caliber Contender Barrel for quite a spell, but never really could decide what it should be. Since .444 Marlin Brass is readily available, as are .35 Remington Contender Barrels this just may be the right option for me.

While I found the info valuable, it did leave me with a question. First of all are .358 JDJ dies the only dies required to form this cartridge ? If not what other dies are required to form this cartridge. Secondly is there a difference when forming one of these wildcats in using Nickel Plated Brass, or Brass ?

Thanks

SD Handgunner

tnwill · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2004, 06:29:27 AM »

SD, my 358 JDJ is a rechambered 357 Herrett Super 14. You will need a set of 44mag or 444 marlin dies to remove any dents from the case mouth before you run the brass through the JDJ dies. I usually run new brass through my 44 mag expander die then slightly lube the cases and run them through the JDJ dies. As for the nickle cases, I have never used them. Hope this helps, if you decide to get a barrel, I have plenty of load data for the 358 JDJ.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2004, 07:47:22 AM »

Thanks tnwill. I may indeed be getting in touch with you. Not sure what I am going to do as yet, but probably look for an inexpensive SS .35 Rem. barrel to send to SSK to have rechambered (probably the only way I can afford to do this project currently). SSK did the rechamber of my .30 Herrett to .30-30 AI and I have been very pleased with their work and turn around time.

Thanks again

SD Handgunner

tnwill · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2004, 08:31:01 AM »

I considered getting a custom until I found this barrel. I have been very pleased with it. I shoot 225gr Nosler BT's at 2180fps, and it shoots moa. I would recomend getting a six screw base installed on it, I had to send mine back to SSK and have this done. The four screw base lasted about 50 rounds, [the burris scope didn't last that long].It now wears a B&L 3200 and it has performed great.

Moe · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2004, 10:39:12 AM »

SD, I had a 358JDJ some time ago and just ran the cases in the JDJ dies and that was it. Never had any problem. The barrel I had was 4 port magna ported and kicked like a mule. I was not a big fan of recoil that hard back into the hand, from the porting.

Hawkeye · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2004, 11:14:46 AM »

SD, check this site. He did have two of them and they were priced very resonable. I was by his shop last night and he has all of the brass and everything you need. Open web site and go to 3rd party stuff.

http://www.edstc.com/edstc/index.html

Mike

jhalcott · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2004, 05:50:06 PM »

Sd, I developed carpaltendon problems and had a Vias brake installed on my 358 jdj barrel.It really cuts down on recoil. I've hit deer in the lungs and drove them side ways for a step or two. Mostly I use 200 gr RN's , occassionally I try 180's.I use 358jdj dies to form the cases but after fireforming, I've used a 358Winchester die to partial size them. Nickel cases are very hard and can damage your dies. The nickel CAN flake off. Inspect the nickel cases very carefully for cracks in the plating. I use both and brass seems to be a better deal.less work.
I might reccommend you get a 35REm barrel and shoot it a while.It might be all you want or need.A 180 gr bullet at near 2000 fps will kill any deer or bear in the lower 48,IF put in the right place! It uses less powder than the jdj kicks less and can be store bought!

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2004, 06:48:30 PM »

I do not agree with the comment that a .44 Mag or .444 die is required. But then I take a different approach to the problem mentioned for their use. I have a tool made by The Hanned Line back before Dennis Smith closed it down. He might still have some and I can provide contact info for him. But before that I used a round nosed punch to smooth out those case mouths. No need for lube and no need to run them into a die. I use the Hanned Line tool for all my cases regardless of caliber. Nice tool and I have a review of it up.

I know nothing of the brake mentioned but I did send mine back to SSK for their Arrestor brake. Before it jerked up and to the left violently. Twisted my wrists badly and with arthritis that was bad. But when it came back there was zero lift and zero twist. BUT all of that force was now directed straight back into the web of my hand which for me proved to be even worse. I ended up selling it. I cannot take that level of recoil and freely admit it. I have damaged my body too much already and arthritis has done the rest for me.

Bob C · « **Reply #8 on:** August 26, 2004, 01:05:40 AM »

I worked up a couple of full power loads with 2520, and will reserve them for larger game than deer. My .358 JDJ barrel does not have a brake.

With full power loads the .358 JDJ has major recoil, making my elbows and wrists sore after 20 or so rounds. I've also had some problems with loosening scope mounts and bases.

Loaded down to around 1950 fps with IMR 4895 and a 200 grain bullet it's much more manageable.

RWD · « **Reply #9 on:** August 26, 2004, 02:45:45 AM »

tnwill, do you have load data other than thru SSK? If you do, I would like to see it if possible. You may e-mail me at:
jffbrghtREMOVE@ptd.net.

Thanks

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #10 on:** August 26, 2004, 04:39:35 AM »

Thanks for all the replies guys. This project may well be a ways off into the future. Just wanted some good info to file away for when the time comes.

Thanks again

SD Handgunner

Pinkerton · « **Reply #11 on:** August 27, 2004, 02:49:03 PM »

Hey SD handgunner, How's things on the other side of the river? I'm gearing up for Black Hills Deer 2pt or better. and have 2 antelope tags for north of Belle Fouche this year. Using the 308Bellm for range goat and 358JDJ for Hills Deer.

As for the 358JDJ it's a hard hitter. I've got a custom shop 35Rem 21" carbine rechambered. I've used only new brass to form cases and have lost a few out of each 100 when just using the 358dies. but pretty acceptable loses if you don't have a 44 or 444 die.

My barrel has 4 port magnaport and it is the hardest kicking little rifle I've ever had, worse than the 300Weatherby or 444Marlin that I have. no muzzle rise just a sharp strait back slam.

I've only used JD's load data and have never been able to reach his max data w/o having sticky extraction so that may be a factor with a rechambered barrel. I do remember Graybeard being able to reach velocity better than JD's data and it seems his was a rechamber so every barrel is different.

Ed's TC's had (haven't checked for a long time) a 14" 35 Rem armor alloy barrel converted to use on standard frames listed dirt cheap and I remember someone posting that the AA barrels seem to shoot well and give slightly faster velocity than other barrels. If that's true I'd jump on that deal if he still has it for a potential rechamber.

Hope your fall hunts go well.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #12 on:** August 27, 2004, 06:05:51 PM »

Hey Pinkerton, good to hear from a fellow South Dakotan. Things on this side of the river a OK for the most part. Our weather has not been typical at all this year, with actually a fairly cool summer. Not sure what I am going to draw for tags this year as the East River Drawing isn't till next month. I do have my applications sent in for my wife and I though. Not sure what the youngest daughter is going to do this year as we move her out of the house tomorrow and off to Brookings for her first year of college. Not sure if she is going to be able to hunt on weekends as every other weekend she is home she will be working.

Are you hunting for Pronghorns in Butte County or Harding County? I used to hunt Pronghorns in Harding County but haven't made it out there for years. Hopefully next year I can find the time to get out there again. I just love going out to the western part of the state, but unfortunatly do not get to all that often.

I have to see how the funds balance out after all of the college thing, and hopefully will be able to squeak in a .358 JDJ or something similar in the not to distant future.

SD Handgunner

Graybeard · « **Reply #13 on:** August 27, 2004, 06:25:30 PM »

SSK will not rechamber an AA barrel. So if that reference is to a .35 Rem. for later rechamber be aware of JD's policy. IF the barrel is already rechambered it almost for sure wasn't done by SSK and therefore isn't a .358 JDJ but some clone or other round with similar dimensions. JD told me the AA is too hard on their tools so he won't rechamber them.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #14 on:** August 27, 2004, 08:00:43 PM »

Thanks for the info GB, I guess I was not aware of SSK's policy on the AA Barrels. If I do go forward with this project I may just look for a 14" Hunter Barrel with the Brake to rechamber. If I do indeed do this project it's main purpose would be for the chance at a Black Hills Elk Tag some day.

SD Handgunner

HHI-7420 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2004, 01:55:18 PM »

SD Handgunner, mine is a 14" hunter(which yields a 12-3/4" actual bbl.) rechamber by SSK. You'll never feel the recoil when shooting at game, but at the range it will be felt(watch your elbows), but not bad. I love the Rem. 200gr. rncl. You can run right at 2,300fps with AA-2520, and as someone said earlier, with 4895 you can have a very pleasent shooter. Pat

Ravenwolf · « **Reply #16 on:** September 01, 2004, 04:55:55 AM »

Whew, I haven't been on the forum for a long time and it feels good to be back. I'm just working on an article to submit to JD for the Sixgunner paper on my ole friend the 358 JDJ. SD Handgunner, you really can't go wrong with this cartridge. Mine is a 35 Rem rechamber that JD did up for me about 15 years ago. I've shot loads ranging from 158 grain pistol bullets up thru 250 grain partitions. Mostly I use AA2520. In my 14" barrel JD's loads actually provided faster velocity with acceptable case expansion, so my barrel is actually "fast". We all know each barrel is an individual. I've taken over twenty deer with this round using mostly Hornady's 200 grain spire points @ 2400+ fps, some 225 grain Nosler BTs, and Partitions @ 2200 fps. I usually practice with Rem's 200 grain CLs as they are cheap. I've been lucky as all the deer I've shot with this caliber have either fallen on the spot or traveled no more than twenty yards but again bullet placement is everything. Shots have ranged from 10 foot (not a misprint) to a lazered 310 yards. The only scope I've had on it is a T/C 2.5-7X. It is also a dandy black bear/boar round and I would have no trouble taking it hunting after Elk or Moose with the right bullet. The only other round I use as much in a Contender is my 7mmX307 Win Improved (it's a better long range woodchuck gun). Good luck and good shooting.

KYODE · « **Reply #17 on:** September 01, 2004, 05:03:11 AM »

what kinnda range you suppose it would be effective on elk?

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #18 on:** September 01, 2004, 05:16:56 AM »

Hey Ravenwolf, it is indeed been a long time. Thanks for the insight on the .358 JDJ, that is pretty much the standard answer I have been getting on this cartridge.

Like I stated, it may well be a while before I venture into this project (to many other irons in the fire at the present), but will file all the info away for future reference.

Thanks again to everyone who responded, it is appreciated.

SD Handgunner

Pinkerton · « **Reply #19 on:** September 04, 2004, 09:40:55 AM »

SDHandgunner,

I'll be hunting Butte county, on the west side of the county and just south of the Harding county boarder. I haven't hunted pronghorn since I was a teenager.

I can relate the the university funding thing, SDSU made loads off me.

Wasn't aware of JD's policy on AA barrels so that options out.

Good Luck in your draws this year.