Pushing JandC 400 - experience?

Ok, if I have a bright scene the film tends to do fine... But, it seems when I try to push it, (low SBR) I struggle getting the contrast up for AZO or Palladium. I tray develop in pyro hd (metol)... by inspection. And, I have left it in the developer a long time to try and raise the highlights and contrast. I rate the film at box speed.

I can push efke 100 just fine.

Do others experience this? Are there other suggestions? Should I increase film speed over 400? Or, is it tough film to push in low SBR? Thanks for the help.

Contrast is a very complex issue. Trying to compare an ISO 100 film with an ISO 400 film will cause difficulties. Grain size, film speed, and film contrast are related. A high-resolution film will necessarily have small grains, high inherent contrast, and relatively low sensitivity (low speed). Conversely, a high speed film will necessarily have larger grains, lower inherent contrast, and low resolving power. These relationships are dictated by the laws of physics.

You might try a different developer with the fast film. One that inherently produces higher contrast.

You're trying to increase contrast, not push. I've gotten enough contrast for Azo in low contrast situations with Classic 400 rated at EI 160 in ABC pyro 1+1+1+7, I don't have my times handy, but since you're developing by inspection, you should be able to figure them out. Here's an example that prints well on Azo grade 2--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

If you can't get enough that way, try intensifying the negative in Kodak Rapid Selenium Toner, 1+3, about 8 minutes, and that should give you about another zone of expansion.

Will ABC have a different characteristic than Pyro HD with this film? Thanks. Also, when I lowered the film speed, I blocked up the shadows..

Let me clarify, the overall negative would build up a lot of stain and be flat/almost muddy looking. Kind of like it was overall overexposed.