Thinking about picking up a 309 jdj contender pistol barrel, it would be primarily used for white tails. Any pros and cons for the 309
Thanks
Ron

I have a 309 JDJ Contender barrel . Forming the cases from new 444 Marlin brass is a reasonably easy two step process. I like the cartridge. Mine shoots very well.

Mine shoots lights out. Forming brass is easy as said above. Kills like a lightning bolt! But, if I had it to do again, would go with 30-30AI. Brass is more available, and I think it is easier on the weak link(frame). Have both.

Make sure the barrel comes with dies. 12 month wait for C-H dies if they are not in stock. I chambered for 308 Bellm because of the die issue. You can use 444 Marlin and 308 dies for the Bellm. The parent case of 444 Marlin is getting hard to find. Bellm told me to use 300 Savage mid power loads so as to not stretch the Contender frame. Bellm or JDJ is capable of signifigantly more velocity without frame stretch than the 30-30AI. 30-30 brass is easier to get but the AI has the same custom die issues.

7x30 Waters for the win.

If putting together a new toy in a cartridge I don't currently load for, availability of components to load for it is my first consideration. I recently did this with a T/C Contender and went 7-30 Waters due to brass and dies being in stock at the time.

I just did the same thing again with an XP100 in 7mm IHMSA because it came with dies and brass.

I've heard good things about the 309 JDJ - if you have a source for dies and 444 brass, I'd go for it...