158 gr XTP in a Whelen

[bstarling]

I've been a member of this site for a while now, but haven't posted much (any? can't remember). I have found this place to have a good number of well informed folks. I'm glad to be a participant.

Recently I completed the build of a 35 Whelen on an FN30 action. The gun is simple and functional and shoots really well. I've done quite a bit of experimenting with loads both full power and reduced loads. One of my reduced loads was a 160 grain GC cast with 14.5 gr of Red Dot. That was a nice load and got me thinking about shooting some more handgun bullets in the gun. One I am interested in is the Hornaday 158 grain XTP. My original thinking was that I could load it pretty hot for close in pig shots. After speaking to the Hornaday folks I am beginning to wonder. They said they would be concerned about blowing the lead out of the jacket leaving the jacket in the barrel. That doesn't sound like such a good plan. Does anyone have any experience loading these things in the Whelen at 2-2500 fps. My favorite load so far is a 200 grain jacketed bullet with 60 grains of RL15. It is very substantial and probably more than I need for the local piggies. My current powder inventory is RL15, H4198, H4350, Red Dot, and Unique and I'd like to stick with one of these if I can.

Thanks,

Bill

[Dixie Dude]

What about Barnes 125 gr and 140 gr XPB bullets?  Solid copper, said for deep penetration.  Do you use filler when using pistol powder?  I've never reloaded pistol bullets in my Whelen.  It would be nice to have a good light pointy bullet for varmit shooting at range. 

[yooper77]

I've been a member of this site for a while now, but haven't posted much (any? can't remember). I have found this place to have a good number of well informed folks. I'm glad to be a participant.

Recently I completed the build of a 35 Whelen on an FN30 action. The gun is simple and functional and shoots really well. I've done quite a bit of experimenting with loads both full power and reduced loads. One of my reduced loads was a 160 grain GC cast with 14.5 gr of Red Dot. That was a nice load and got me thinking about shooting some more handgun bullets in the gun. One I am interested in is the Hornaday 158 grain XTP. My original thinking was that I could load it pretty hot for close in pig shots. After speaking to the Hornaday folks I am beginning to wonder. They said they would be concerned about blowing the lead out of the jacket leaving the jacket in the barrel. That doesn't sound like such a good plan. Does anyone have any experience loading these things in the Whelen at 2-2500 fps. My favorite load so far is a 200 grain jacketed bullet with 60 grains of RL15. It is very substantial and probably more than I need for the local piggies. My current powder inventory is RL15, H4198, H4350, Red Dot, and Unique and I'd like to stick with one of these if I can.

Thanks,

Bill

I would stick with rifle bullets, since they are designed for the velocities you want.  I would choose one of Hornady’s 200 grain bullets.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=316745
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=767926

If you are reducing loads then I would choose the Hornady 180 grain single shot pistol bullets.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=556754

I used a Nosler’s/Winchester’s 200 grain Combined Technology Ballistic Silvertip bullets out of my 338-06 A-Square on a white-tailed doe last year and caused less tissue damage then my 270 Winchester with Hornady 150 grain bullets.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=708720
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=335358

yooper77

[quickdtoo]

Here's one of the best Whelen bullet performance sites available.

Tim

http://35cal.com/35bullet_study/35bullet_study1.html

And more in general on lots of 35s...

http://35cal.com/index.html

[v-man]

Don't forget the 158gr XTP also comes in a flat point rather than HP and it is a great rifle round.

[Dixie Dude]

The 35cal.com site is good, but it doesn't have Barnes TSX bullets listed and some of the newer powders.  Hasn't been updated in a few years. 

[bstarling]

Thanks to all for the helpful input and links. This is giving me something to ponder over.

Dixie Dude, I do not use a filler with the Red Dot loads. I haven't found them to be especially sensitive. Normally, I lift the muzzle before firing and I guess that might help with uniform ignition. That loading is along the lines of "The Load" which holds true for most anything in a case the size of an /06. It is hotter than the specs for that one and I would not try to go much over the 14.5 grains without some careful consideration. What sort of reduced loads have you tried?

Bill

[Catfish]

I tried some .410 handgun bullets in my .411 Hawk. I pushed them to about 2,400 fps. I got real good accuracy with them, but never shot anything but paper with them. I`m sure that they would explode on impact at those velocities.

[Dixie Dude]

I've never tried reduced loads.  Never really had a reason to.  I just change guns and use a different cartridge for whatever I am hunting.  I've wanted to, so I ask questions.  Also, just wanted to be more prepared in case of having only one gun in a SHTF situation.