35 Whelen

[Lost Oki]

I had wanted a 35 Whelen for several years.  A friend sold me a 1917 in a nice fajen stock for cheap for the project.  It needed some work to remove the rear sight ears so I checked out the gun show looking for a remington or winchester action.  Low and behold I found a 1917 in 35 Whelen, fiberglass stock, scope, gun box, dies and 100 rds fo brass for $600.  I am 5'8 and need a short stock...it fit....had to be a sign.....it followed me home.  Now, back to the subject.  You will love the 35 Whelen.  I have a 1-14 twist and shoot 200 to 250's.  I lean toward the 250's.  Don't forget to try 200 grain cast...they are extremely accurate in my rifle.  All rounds are more push than kick.  Actually would rather shoot the 250's than my 06 in 180...

[jager]

I have a 7600 Rem and a Mark X with a Shaw BBL in .35 Whelen. The Mark X has a 1:14 twist and the 7600 has a 1:16; they both shoot 250gr accurately. While the 1:14 may handle bullets over 250gr better, there are not many to be had and velocity drops off considerably when they are used. I've only shot deer with mine thus far, using 200Spt Hornady and 225 Sierra bullets; great "terminal" effects without causing trerrible "blood shot" wounds like the fast "magnums". I plan on taking the Mark X to Canada on a Moose hunt this fall along with an "iron sighted" 444. BTW, nice looking Savage.

[Drilling Man]

  I've harvested several moose with a 350 Rem Mag., (same bullet at the same velocity) using Rem. factory loads, and the 200's didn't penetrate deep enough for me...  The 250's were the better choise...

  If i used one today, i'd probable use NP's...

  DM

[rickt300]

I shot my Whelen for the first time since having the barrel shortened from 24 inches to 19 inches.  Interestingly the point of impact was only 2 inches lower than it was before the shorteneing and dead on horizontaly.  It put three 250 grain Speers in one inch exactly. Almost as good with the 250 grain Hornady RN's.  I will most likely hunt with either of these two bullets this year as most of my brass is loaded with them and I figure they will take deer just fine.

[Dixie Dude]

Barstooler, What was the ranges of your kills?

[Buck-Ridge]

 I bought one in the 700 Classic to upgrade from a .243 I bought as a teenager. I have hunted with the 200 and 250 Remington loads and The Federal Trophy Bonded load. They all shoot MOA and kill quick with any good hit. I love mine and wouldn't choose any other caliber for use in thick woods. My longest shot was 327 yds. at a doe someone else had crippled. Most of my shots with it though are under 100 yards.
 I call it Thumper.