.950 JDJ

The .950 JDJ (24.1×70mm) is a powerful large caliber rifle cartridge developed by American gunsmith and weapon designer J. D. Jones of SSK Industries.

Cartridge
.950 JDJ cases are approximately 70 mm in length, and are based on a 20×110mm case shortened and necked up to accept the .950 in bullet. Projectiles are custom-made and most commonly weigh 3600 gr which is 8.2 ounces or over half a pound.

Rifles
As its name implies, rifles chambered for the cartridge have a groove diameter of 0.950 in. SSK received a "Sporting Use Exception" to de-regulate the rifles. Thus, in the United States, they can be owned like any other Title I rifle by an American citizen at age 18. The rifles use stocks and extraordinarily thick Krieger barrels bearing an 18 lb muzzle brake. Overall, depending on options, the rifles weigh from 85 to 120 lb and are therefore only useful for shooting from a bench rest or heavy bipod. Despite the weight, recoil is significant and shooters must be sure to choose components (i.e., scopes and bipods) that can handle the force. The sheer size, weight, and power of these rifles make them rather impractical for hunting use. SSK only manufactured three of these rifles and as of 2014 no longer produces the ammunition.

Ballistics
The cartridge propels its 3,600 gr bullet at approximately 2,200 ft/s. This yields a muzzle energy of 38,685 ft.lbf.

By comparison, the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, used in the M16 and M4 rifles, produces between 1,200 - 1,300 ft.lbf, while the .308 Winchester, a favorite for hunters, police, and military snipers, produces between 2000 - 3000 ft.lbf depending on the load used. Even the .50 BMG, which has a kinetic energy of around 13,000 - 15,000 ft.lbf delivers less than half the energy. The ballistics of the .950 JDJ are more similar to that of the 20 mm autocannon round, which delivers approximately 39500 ft.lbf. The muzzle energy of the .950 JDJ is comparable to the kinetic energy of a 2800 lb automobile traveling at 20 mph.

In a 110 lb rifle, this will develop well over 200 ft.lbf of free recoil energy. Shooting usually involves a heavy "lead sled" or similar shooting rest, and the rifle scope has significant eye relief to avoid injuring the ocular orbit.