Author Topic: .35 Whelen Ackley Improved - Opinions (Read 1239 times)

Lawdog · « **on:** February 05, 2005, 03:42:21 PM »

Anyone have one? What is your opinion of theis cartridge and is it worth changing my .35 over to it? Lawdog

sgtt · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2005, 06:09:22 PM »

I had one in a 98 in a different life. I liked it. I like to be a little different so for me it was more a matter of attitude than performance.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2005, 06:50:28 AM »

Don't have an improved only the standard version. Really I guess it's a matter of why you want it. There are some advantages to having an AI chamber but some disadvantages too. If you're doing it for performance in my opinion it's wasted money. Another 100 fps if you get it is meaningless in the real world.

But improved case life is a supposed advantage of the AI rounds and less trimming is supposedly another. Are they worth the cost of the chambering job and higher priced dies? Dunno, each person has to decide.

kombi1976 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2005, 11:56:18 AM »

This is just speculation but I've heard that quite a few Whelen's have headspace issues because the shoulders are small. By increasing the shoulder angle you can give the case a clearer headspacing point. But that's not from experience, just an educated guess.
The alleged case life improvement Graybeard mentions is also another advantage, if it really does make a difference.
It certainly isn't the beasts that the .257 Roberts AI, .280 Rem AI, 7x57AI or even the 30-06 AI are but as Graybeard says, you have to decide.

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2005, 12:07:47 PM »

I was hoping for some data, maybe a comparison or two from those that have had one. I had a couple of guys tell me I should have the .35 Whelen Im building now reamed out to the improved version. For a 100 fps. no way but was just curious. Lawdog

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2005, 05:14:31 PM »

There are actually several improved versions. The most radical is I think the .280-.35 Brown Whelen. It's made from a .280 Remington case which is longer than the others on the '06 case and has the shoulder moved forward to keep the .280 from chambering in a .270.

This version gives the maximum improvement of any I'm aware of save the SSK Industries JDJ versions which aren't even called a Whelen in the .35 caliber version.

Still you're unlikely to get much if any over 150 fps and even then unless you have a long barrel you might not get that. Mine has a 24" barrel and is a standard Whelen. It will get as much velocity as an improved with only a 22" barrel. In the Whelen velocity really isn't the reason to improve it.

Robert · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2005, 07:01:53 AM »

I have to agree with G.B. It is not about velocity. Kombi..the minimal headspace and increased brass-life are the same issue. The claim is that the slight shoulder gets pushed into the throat causing grief to the brass. I do not know how much of a difference this makes, I have only had the improved. However, I have NO DOUBT that the Improved version does not 'feed' as well in a bolt rifle. It tends to snag a little and not chamber as quickly. I think you will be pleased with either version. In my case....I had two identical P-17's in 30-06. Now I have a 30-06 and a 35 AI...it is a very wonderful addition. I have only used my 30-06 one time since getting the 35 AI last year. I just love those big 358 bullets.

VFR · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2005, 03:03:03 AM »

I'll have to disagree with the feeding issue. My 35 Ackley Whelan is on a custom Springfield and feeds as smoothly as my pre64 300H&H. Like glass.

Robert · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2005, 05:29:47 AM »

VFR, I guess it depends on the action....mine is on an old P-17 and it binds a little bit when it is starting up from the magazine, and the sharp sholder snags.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2005, 07:54:07 AM »

Lawdog:

check out this link...

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=40012

Mac

Lawdog · « **Reply #10 on:** February 13, 2005, 12:48:37 PM »

Quote from: Mac11700

Lawdog:

check out this link...

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=40012

Mac

Thanks Mac. Some good load hints there but for bullets I am sticking with the Barnes or Nosler Partitions. Ballistic Tips make great varmint bullets but personally, I wouldn't use them on big game. Nothing but bad performance every time I tried. Lawdog