Ammo questions for new 35 Whelen

[krod47nw]

I just picked up a new Handi in 35 Whelen.  I know some have had problems with this caliber.  I have seen post where NEF couldn't even fix them and had them trade for another caliber. 

Has anyone tracked down the problem?  I have read that it was due to a problem with remington ammo?  I also read somthing about the firing pin spring. 

I have not fired mine yet, but don't want to waste money on factory ammo or getting set up to reload this caliber if it may not work.  I need to know where to start. 

Who owns a Handi rifle in this caliber, and have you had any problems??

[BANG_OW]

I don't have a Handi in this caliber, but have a lot of experience with the .35 Whelen. If I were you, I would give the Federal Premium with the 225 gr Bear Claw bullets a try. I have a Remington 700 Classic that shoots these very well.
Please keep us posted and enjoy.

[quickdtoo]

Is it a 22" late model, or a 26" RMEF? The 22" is the one with all the problems, you may want to reconsider handloading for it, other than Rem and Fed ammo(which may not be on shelves for a while) semi custom ammo is all that's available. Most of those that handload for it don't have a problem, although some do and it may be due to badly sized brass.

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,100788.msg1098266994.html#msg1098266994

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,109304.msg1098325014.html#msg1098325014

[krod47nw]

It is a brand new 22"..   It's not that I wouldn't handload for it.  It's just that I am not setup for this caliber, and don't want to make the investment to do so only to find I have to send it back and trade for another caliber.  I want to be sure it will function properly first.

I was unaware that federal was making ammo for it.  I thought remington was the only one and heard that it was problematic in other types of rifles as well as the handi.  I guess I'll try to locate a box of federal ammo for a test fire session. 

[quickdtoo]

The Federal ammo was discontinued, but they apparently reconsidered and are supposedly offering it again. I doubt you'll find any unless it's old stock. Midway still has it listed as discontinued. Factory ammo is available from Nosler, Conley and one other custom maker that I can't remember.

Tim

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=3&Categoryid=9354&categorystring=653***690***

http://www.nosler.com/customammo.html

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/660965

http://www.cpcartridge.com/35whelen-P.htm

[Devy55]

Supposedly Remington had a bad batch of ammo or primers, but that's fixed.

I've used Remingtons with no problem.  The Rems come in 200 grain and 250 grain bullets. 

Hornady was making them in 225 grain which was really a tack driver for my rifle.  It loved them.  I think Hornady has dropped them in 2007 because they're not on listed on the web site.  But if you can find them, they're good bullets.  However, not matter what I've shot, they've all given consistant shot groups.  It's a large slow bullet by magnum standards, but it shoots like a freight train.  Comparably little deflection and the bullet mass keeps your shots pretty consistant.

Federal came out with 225 grain ammo this year, but I haven't tried them yet.  I'm hoping I get the same, or better, performance as the Hornady.

Hope this helps.

[krod47nw]

Supposedly Remington had a bad batch of ammo or primers, but that's fixed.

I've used Remingtons with no problem.  The Rems come in 200 grain and 250 grain bullets. 

Hornady was making them in 225 grain which was really a tack driver for my rifle.  It loved them.  I think Hornady has dropped them in 2007 because they're not on listed on the web site.  But if you can find them, they're good bullets.  However, not matter what I've shot, they've all given consistant shot groups.  It's a large slow bullet by magnum standards, but it shoots like a freight train.  Comparably little deflection and the bullet mass keeps your shots pretty consistant.

Federal came out with 225 grain ammo this year, but I haven't tried them yet.  I'm hoping I get the same, or better, performance as the Hornady.

Hope this helps.

I'm assuming you have a handi in this caliber, correct?   Have you had any problems with misfires?

[Devy55]

I've got a Handi, but not in this caliber.  My 35 Whelen is a bolt action.

I've been watching the posts on this forum and have followed the misfire problems.  I recently read the thread "Handi Chamberings - The Good & The Bad ?" at the link below.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,115146.msg1098366984.html#msg1098366984

It, among others, add a little bit of explanation to the 35 Whelen ammo problem.  Like I said, I've never had any problem with the .35 and only recounted what others have experienced.  I like it a lot, and if I didn't already have one, I'd get a Whelen barrel for my Handi.