Author Topic: .375 whelen  (Read 764 times)

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Offline LAB55

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.375 whelen
« on: March 01, 2011, 06:01:10 AM »
I haven't given up on the .405 win. but now I'm thinking of a .375 whelen. I spoke with JES and he said he could do it. Checking with RCBS and Redding about dies. Thinking of using a 24" 223 bull barrel. Would the extractor for a 30-06 work with little minimal mechanical work? What is the diameter of the barrel end of a 26" 25-06? I would use it if it is thick enough. All advice is appreciated.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2011, 06:13:16 AM »
The 30-06 is the parent cartridge for all of the Whelen's, so the 30-06 extractor will work fine as it. But I'd recommend the improved version to avoid the pitfalls of the small shoulder of the Whelen which is problematic even in the 35 Whelen. Muzzle diameter of the 25-06 Handi is ~.650", plenty big for a .375" bore, Wayne's minimum muzzle diameter for .375" rebores is .550".

Tim

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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2011, 06:17:55 AM »
The 30-06 is the parent cartridge for all of the Whelen's, so the 30-06 extractor will work fine as it. But I'd recommend the improved version to avoid the pitfalls of the small shoulder of the Whelen which is problematic even in the 35 Whelen. Muzzle diameter of the 25-06 Handi is ~.650", plenty big for a .375" bore, Wayne's minimum muzzle diameter for .375" rebores is .550".

Tim

http://www.oregunsmithingllc.com/Relining-Reboring-MuzzleBrake.html

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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2011, 07:37:27 AM »
CH4D will make a die set for $81.38, lots cheaper than anyone else.

Tim

http://www.ch4d.com/
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Offline Weatherman68

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2011, 07:46:30 AM »
What's the advantage of a .375 Whelen over the .35 Whelen?    Is there an advantage of the .375 over the 45-70 for instance?   I am not at all familiar with the .375
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2011, 10:25:31 AM »
What's the advantage of a .375 Whelen over the .35 Whelen?    Is there an advantage of the .375 over the 45-70 for instance?   I am not at all familiar with the .375

The 375 offers heavier bullets than are readily available for the 35 cal.

The 375 is ballistically superior to a .458, once available powder capacity is taken into account. For a ballistically optimal 45 cal bullet to equal a ballistically optimal 375 bullet, the 45 cal would be well over 500 grains. For the sake of argument, the 375 H&H is ballistically equal to the 30-06.

Of coarse, none of this takes into account a persons affinity to the .375 bore. ;)

CW
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Offline Shu

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2011, 10:57:47 AM »
The 35 caliber bullets are much cheaper. The 35 whelen is more than capable of killing anything in North America. Just price some jacketed bullets.

The 45-70 is very capable also, it is really a matter of personal preference. If you are a reloader any would be good. For a do all kind of rifle I would go with the 35 whelen. Yes I love my 45-70 and my 376 steyr.

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2011, 01:47:25 PM »
I MUCH prefer the 35 cal too!!

My own 35 Whelen is a 26" barreled custom on a Argentine Mauser action. Its a real tack driver too!!

CW
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #8 on: March 01, 2011, 02:16:09 PM »
All I have read on the 375Hollands is good on accuracy too, but it is more cartridge than I want. My 38-55 is tiny by comparison, and it can be driven pretty hot, so your idea is inbetween and can be loaded either way.
The next thing to carefully consider is the twist you will use and at what velo. Slower (fun) loads and/or heavier, longer bullets are going to need more twist than my factory 1:18(?) factory twist.
Ere on the side of a bit faster twist than some might choose and you will be good for sub-sonic through long high steppers.
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Offline LAB55

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2011, 07:36:42 AM »
Thanks Tim and everyone. Having looked at the list CH4D has I saw what I really wanted. A 375-358. Same shoulder as the 375 whelen imp. It will hold the same amount of powder as my 358 win. A little more pep than the 375 win and the 38-55. Time to get a 243 bull barrell.

Offline guns-o-fun

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Re: .375 whelen
« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2011, 10:31:48 AM »
CW - 35 whelen in a good custom bolt action all the way!  Everything from deer to grizzlies (if necessary).  338-06 has a little better sectional density, I guess, and maybe a little better penetration, but the whelen will do it all.  I have never had a problem with the small shoulder - neither in factory ammo or in the cases I have formed myself from 30-06 cases.  Of course, I do understand that some have had problems with the caliber in Handis...