Need some info.

[markc]

Try as I might, I can't quite understand some things about loads and pressures.  Could someone who knows, give me a comparison of the
309 JDJ  and the 308 Win?  I understand that the 308 is too high pressure for the contender but the 309 JDJ isn't?  Please explain that if you would.  Reading the loading book and cartriges of the world, it just doesn't make sense to me how the 309JDJ works well in the contender with the same bullets as the 308Win,  but the 308 can't be chambered in the contender.  HELP!
Thanks
markc :?

[Hawkeye]

From what I can find and read the 309 uses the 444 brass which is a little thicker from what I'm told. Also the 309 has almost a straight wall, longer cartridge wall length and this helps grip the wall of the chamber and this prevents the case head from putting undo pressure on the case head and streatching the frame. I know there are others that can explain this better but this is what I was told when I bought my 309JDJ and asked questions.
I wouldn't take for my 309. It is a hoot to shoot and has taken deer at ranges I never thought I would be able to reach hunting deer with my handgun. At 2" high at 100yards its about 1" low at 200 yards. I took a doe at 235 yards in Dec and held dead center of her body. Knocked her down at impact. You could send an e-mail to SSK and they could tell you exactly I'm sure.

Mike

[Tony D]

The reason you can get by with the 309 JDJ or other 444 Marlin based wildcats is considerably reduced pressure.  The 308 works in the 50-55,000 psi class, whereas the 444 Marlin based wildcats is around 40-42, 000.  You also have considerably more powder capacity in the Marlin case, so you can use more of a slower burning powder.

[clodbuster]

Mark  A larger cartridge case working at a lower pressure can produce the same performance as a smaller case working at higher pressure.  That's an over simplification of complex physics  but much of the other issues have already been answered.

[markc]

thanks guyys,  I guess I understand it a bit better now.  Hawkeye how is the reloading for your 309?  Easy, difficult?  Do you buy brass all ready to go, and then just load for it?  Details man,  gotta have details.   :grin:
markc

[Gary T]

a link you might want to look at for some additional info.  :-)  Gary T
http://www.bellmtcs.com/FAQ/30calcomp.htm
Note: Previewing the message, I see the automatic "censor feature" will not allow me to post the full address for the above link. Mark, if you're interested in the info, send me a "Private Message" and I'll get back to you off-line.  :? Gary T.

[HHI #4694]

Yes, all this sounds good in theory, I agree. However, in actual practice in front of a chronograph, the story quickly changes. I found that the 308 will easily beat the 309 JDJ by at least 200fps with nearly any bullet weight. It is also a lot cheaper to shoot, and much less of a headache to reload. I still do like the 309 JDJ though. :grin:

[markc]

problem is that the 308 is too much for the Contender.  So the 309 JDJ becomes an option, unless I have the $ to buy an Encore.  Wish I did, but for now I just don't have the extra $ for an encore.  Thanks for the info guys. :-)
markc