I have had a 309 JDJ for about 10 years. I have found that it is the only contender I shoot anylonger (I have a 375 and 416 JDJ also) I have taken deer and pronghorn out to 250 yards with it. On paper it shoots sub MOA out to 300 yards which is the longest I have ever shot it...ON PAPER. On an antelope hunt in WY. We shot a prarie dog town after taking out goats and we took turns with the 309 making hits out to nearly 500 yards with it, not consistantly because we were just guessing hold over and adjusting with each shot based on where the bullet impacted but the 309 is a great cartridge in the contender.
I shoot the 150g Ballistic tip and Accurate powder..It is a great combo. In a contender I dont think there is a better cartridge for long (for a pistol) range shooting and mild recoil.