Author Topic: Hornady Light Magnum Ammo In 35 Whelen (Read 4389 times)

Retsof · « **on:** October 09, 2009, 05:15:19 PM »

Hello.

I was in the local sporting goods store yesterday and spotted some ammo that I did not know was available. It was Hornady Lt. Mag ammo in 35 Whelen with 200 gr SP bullet. On the box it stated that the MV was 2,860 fps. Since I reload for my primary deer hunting rifle, I haven't kept up with the latest factory offerings. So, I attempted to find out something on Hornady's web site but I couldn't find anything about it. I also checked Midway USA's selection of 35 Whelen ammo and it wasn't listed there either. This tells me that perhaps this ammo is new but I can't say for sure. I just wanted to mention it in case others with 35 Whelen rifles were not aware of it.

The reason I'm posting it in this topic area is because the store owner told me that he thought the 35 Whelen was becoming more popular in the States of LA & MS, due to allowing the use of single-shot rifles (such as the H&R) in lieu of muzzle loaders during their deer primitive weapon seasons. I don't know if that's true or not but I saw the Hornady Lt Mag 35 Whelen ammo with my own eyes. So, Hornady must know or suspect something.

xhare · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2009, 06:25:33 PM »

The other possibility is that the ammo is several years old and has sat on the shelf that long. Hornady is usually pretty good about getting their new items on their website. You may need to get out your micrometer and measure the depth of the layer of dust on top of the box.

Just kidding, but occasionally ammo sits of shelves forever. Just one possiblitiy thats all. If this is your regular store (meaning you would have noticed this before), than it is probably new stuff.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2009, 07:10:26 PM »

The 35 Whelen is legal for the MS primitive season, but Louisiana requires .38 cal or better. I suspect the Light Mag ammo is Hornady's offering taking advantage of the MS .35 Cal market.

Tim

GatCat · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2009, 08:23:07 PM »

Retsof, yes it is a new offering. I'm looking forward to trying it. Thanks for the heads-up.
Mark

BBF · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2009, 06:40:27 AM »

If it is aimed at the market in southern States I got to ask, what is so big and dangerous down there to "magnify" the Whelen?
If the load was meant for better trajectory perhaps a SST type bullet would be helpful similar to the 225 Nosler BT's

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2009, 07:51:27 AM »

Nothing big, just a lot of deer to manage, that's why MS allows single shot, breech loading hammer guns .35 cal and larger for their "primitive" deer season, the 35 Whelen is likely the best "long range" factory chambering available, and why H&R sold all of the 2009 run of 200 35 Whelen Handis in less than a month there.

Tim

mannyrock · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2009, 08:12:25 AM »

Tim,

I think you are right. I hunted in central Mississippi for many years. Huge deer and lots of them. But, unlike the Northeast, people in Mississippi don't think "hunt deep woods." Soybean is the no. 1 crop in that state, and it is not unusual to see 200 to 400 acres fields of it, surrounded by very wet densely wooded swamp land. People hunt "the edge" by setting up a stand about 10 feet back into the swamp woods, and watching the field, plus the tree line that they are in. Shots are long, and the 7 Mag and .270 Winchester rule the roost. The .300 Winchester Mag is very common as well.

So, I am not surprised that the .35 Whelen was a big seller for the primitive season. People are after the range, not the knock down power.

I am also not surprised that there wasn't enough demand in Mississippi to justify a special run of .35 Remington Handies. The .35 Remington is not held in high regard in that area, and the phrase "lever-action" means a .30-30, which I believe is issued to every boy in the state at age 14 :-) It is kinda regarded as a boy's rifle!

Best,

Mannyrock

blind ear · « **Reply #7 on:** October 10, 2009, 08:15:28 AM »

A long time ago the timber industry informed the MDW&F that if hunters didn't control the deer population the timber growers would. That began the doe harvest even though hunters had a hard time accepting killing does. The areas of the state that had low deer populations had a problem with illegal harvest. Useing deer dummies and greater effort the W&F corrected that problem and the deer population is strong state wide.

Deer bite the tops out of young pine and that will often kill the tree, that is what I have been told.

eddiegjr

Sourdough · « **Reply #8 on:** October 10, 2009, 08:19:35 AM »

I beg your pardon fellows. It's not just a southern market they are catering to. The .35 Whelen light magnum ammo is very popular here in Alaska.

With the graying of America, many of the non-resident hunters coming up here are opting for a .35 Whelen over the magnums. Recoil is one major factor. They can get a .35 Whelen and practice with it down there, and also use it down there for hunting locally. Then bring it to Alaska and hunt here as well. I built my first .35 Whelen for Brown Bears/Grizzly bears and it does the job well.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** October 10, 2009, 09:52:12 AM »

That doesn't surprise me, but the only reference to the Hornady Light Mag 35 Whelen ammo I found on the internet was in forums like GBO, not one listing for the ammo itself at any online retail store including Midway and Hornady, Hornady lists NO 35 Whelen ammo, so it's only available in a limited market, Louisiana and Mississippi to be specific for sure, I found no reference to it being available in Alaska, lots of references to the 35 Whelen in Alaska, but none on the Hornady Light Mag ammo, I would expect Hornady would offer it there with heaveir bullets that 200gr soft point.

Tim

Retsof · « **Reply #10 on:** October 10, 2009, 02:52:10 PM »

quickdtoo, I suspect that you're right (as usual). I do find it amazing though that a company like Hornady would make a special run of ammo only for LA & MS. With this being said, with the 35 Whelen's that H&R is selling in that area, it does make sense. Sort of like when Ford offered their LA/TX/OK packages for their trucks, since a huge chunk of their sales were in that 3 state area.

BBF · « **Reply #11 on:** October 11, 2009, 04:14:48 AM »

Sourdough:
The Whelen with a 200 gr. bullet( other then PT or similar) doesn't read well for me in case of grizzlies. Something in the 250 gr weight rings much better. What is your take on this?

Retsof · « **Reply #12 on:** October 13, 2009, 12:43:28 PM »

quickdtoo,

I am confused, which is my normal state of affairs. What you previously posted about the caliber restrictions for MS & LA for the Primitive Weapon Seasons is correct. You state that LA requires 38 caliber or larger. This is correct. However, in reading the MS hunting regs it states that for the Primitive Weapon Season the weapon must be 38 caliber or larger but then in the same paragraph it states "35 caliber or larger". I know your statement about the MS Primitive Weapon restrictions are correct because I hunt in MS. Does this mean LA really means the same thing (ie, a 35 caliber weapon can be used)? I don't know. Like I said, I'm confused.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** October 13, 2009, 12:50:27 PM »

The MS .38 cal restriction is on muzzleloaders, cartridge guns min is .35 cal, that got me once too, so don't fee bad!!

Louisiana minimum is .38 cal for either. http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/hunting/regulations/primitivefirearms/primitive_weapons.pdf

Tim

http://home.mdwfp.com/PDF/Wildlife/Notice/2008/LE5-2280.pdf

Drilling Man · « **Reply #14 on:** October 13, 2009, 02:45:17 PM »

Quote from: BBF on October 11, 2009, 04:14:48 AM

Sourdough:
The Whelen with a 200 gr. bullet( other then PT or similar) doesn't read well for me in case of grizzlies. Something in the 250 gr weight rings much better. What is your take on this?

I'm with you. Every 200 grain 35 cal. i've seen used for tough shots on the biggest game, (moose and big bears) there wasn't enough penetration.

DM

Retsof · « **Reply #15 on:** October 14, 2009, 06:05:57 AM »

Tim,

Thanks for clearing up my confusion.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** October 14, 2009, 06:15:46 AM »

You're welcome.

Tim

teddybaham · « **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2010, 08:23:08 PM »

i know im bringing up an old topic but does anybody have a visual on this ammo in LA?

jason045 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2010, 08:44:35 PM »

I havent seen it anywhere. Although I have heard rumor that .35 caliber will qualify for primitive weapons season in the 2011-12 hunting season.

Ten Ring · « **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2010, 07:27:49 AM »

I bought a box Monday at Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge. $30.99 a box. It's listed on the box as 2850 fps at the muzzle. I have also purchased it at Van's sporting goods in Brandon Ms.
Jim