New rechamber project

[MtJerry]

Now that we got lots of work going with the 445 Super Mag project, let's talk about re-chambering a 357 mag barrel into a 35 whelen.

If I could do that myself, I'd be a REALLY happy camper.

What would it take?

[quickdtoo]

I considered it and I really wanted a 35 Whelen, but the 357mag has a 1:18¾" twist rate, 35 Whelen has 1:16" or faster, I didn't do it cuz the reason for the Whelen was to shoot 250gr-275gr or bigger bullets at Whelen velocities. And with H&R bores tendancy to be on the big side of bore specs, I think that would be not be the best combination. Ultimately my gunsmith recommended against it after I discussed it with him, so I'm glad I was hesitant. If you want to shoot lighter bullets in it, it would work fine, but it's not likely to work for the longer, heavier bullets. The barrel length is the other catch, a 24-26" Whelen barrel makes a lot more sense to me than a 22". Some folks here think the 1:18¾" twist rate will work fine for the heavier bullets.....my gunsmith doesn't agree and I trust his experience since it's his business to know such things. :wink:

[handirifle]

All the smiths I have talked to about the 35 cal's reccomend 1 in 12 twist, if you intend to use heavy bullets.

I'd suggest getting a 25-06 barrel and re-bore it to 35 whelen.  More money but better in the long run.  Longer barrel and already has the chamber.

[quickdtoo]

I'm gonna find out if 1:16" is fast enough for the 250gr Speer hot-core .358"!! The 35 Whelen Ultra has a 1:16" twist which is pretty much standard for em, but certainly not exclusive!! I may end up going to a Hornady interloc roundnose in the 250gr to get em to shoot good, though. Fortunately, the Speers aren't expensive at $11 a box.

http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/700cdl_35.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_twist_list.htm

http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/7600_35cal_05.htm

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=4629