35 whelan in encore rifle

[woods]

First let me say I'm not new to t/c products I have several old style contenders and one g-2 rifle. What I am looking at purchasing is a 35 whelan barrel and encore which I don't currently own any of .  Anyone own one currently, or have a opinion on one? I have been looking for a faster twist barreled 35 for several years most all are 1-16 twist except encore which is 1-14 twist to stabilize longer heavier bullets. So I have settled on the whelan encore. Plan on useing it on larger game in the USA maybe moose, elk, bear, and mullies. I like the fact I can load down to shoot 158 gr pistol bullets for plinking. Plan on using 225/250 gr for larger species. I'm looking at a stainless pro hunter with the thumbhole camo stock. If anyone owns one currently I'd like to hear what you have to say.

woods

[MS10point]

I have a 26" Prohunter in .35 Whelen. I am pleased with its performance so far but it definately is finicky about ammo. Being a handloader would certainly be a plus. That being said, it shoots the Remington 250's into about an inch @ 100 yds. and the Nosler custom 225 accubonds into about 1.25 ". I have tried the Remington 200's and Hornady light mag 200's to no success. Both group (if you can call it that) at well over 5". In Mississippi the .35 Whelen encore is legal for use as a "primitive weapon" so there are many of them around. There are a fair amount of headspace issues going on with these barrels with the Hornady bullets experiencing more than their share of fail to fires. Most folks are solving this by handloading or by changing to a heavy duty hammer spring. I have also heard lots of good reports from the folks buying MGM custom barrels. I really like the .35 and it has slowly become my "everyday" gun. Just know that you may need to tinker and experiment a little.

[Encore28]

MS10Point
What is the recoil like in the Encore set-up??   The .35 Whelen is a great caliber but I do not like getting my fillings knocked out!!! I have a 350 Rem Mag But it is not in an Encore and I only hunt Encores now.
I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a custom .338 Federal barrel after the holidays and will be buying a Prohunter set-up.
Thanks for the info

Encore28

[MS10point]

Recoil is noticeable but not harsh. I have a regular synthetic thumbhole stock with a Sims pad and its not bad. It's not much different than my .280

[Encore28]

Thanks for the info!!

Encore28

[poncaguy]

I have a bunch of Encores, but my 35 Whelen is a Handi rifle. Very accurate, recoil not bad, took a Kansas doe this month, she dropped  like a bag of rocks. I love the round......