Author Topic: 35 Whelen (Read 4125 times)

Flfiremedic · « **on:** February 28, 2008, 03:08:47 PM »

Went crazy on Gunbroker.com a couple of months ago...the one I really wanted just came in. Remy 700 CDL 35 Whelen. Love the looks and feel. Will be a month or so till I get it scoped-Zeiss Conquest 3x9, and will wring it out then. Any advice or 35 Whelen stories out there? Best all around factory load for it?

burntmuch · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:15:27 PM »

I just started shooting a 35 whelen. Factory wise rem corlocts 200gr. Im reloading for mine soon. Waiting on dies. AS far as Im concerned the whelens the perfect happy medium between big & slow & small & fast. Its a medium sze bullet moving a descent speed
Hoping to elk hunt with it this year

Flfiremedic · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:22:34 PM »

I want to start reloading, and am slowly researching it. Would love to load some 200 gr TSXs.

Kurt L · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:23:17 PM »

I have had real good luck with the rem 200 also,you got to love that loud smack when it hits a deer.
also reloads with sierra 225 work well. the 250 gr bullets did no justice for me ,very little expansion.
I think the 250s are to heavy and thick of a jacket for deer these may work well for the elk hunters?

burntmuch · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:23:48 PM »

$$$$$$$ but They look like their worth it.

burntmuch · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:25:31 PM »

the rem corlockts get some good reviews on midway. Im gonna be tring some Hornady ssp 180s too for for michigan whitetail

Foggy · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2008, 03:32:57 PM »

I have the same rifle but I have a Leupold fixed 4 on it. You will love it. I shoot mostly rem 200grn, I had a nice 225 grain hand load but I can't find the recipe. I've shot about 7 deer and a truck load of woodchucks with mine. It will hammer you on the bench though.I was using some 200grn gc lead for varmints. the 180s for the 35Rem is a good whitetail round. I want to take a Moose with mine LOL we all need a dream

Foggy

AtlLaw · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2008, 04:45:27 PM »

I to love my 700 CDL that I picked up last year! For this last season I only had time to bed the action and work up a load that duplicated factory ballistics with the 200 gr. CL. But this year I'm going with the 225 gr. Sierra BTSP; just for grins!

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2008, 06:14:06 PM »

I had a pair of loads worked up for my whelen. 250gr Hornady RN over varget for 2400fps, and 225gr sierra over H322 @ 2650fps. Nice thing was when sighted dead on with the 250s the 225s hit exactly 3" high at 100 yards. That gave me a long range and brush load for the whelen. The Hornady RN is VERY accurate bullet too. I have tried the 225 Ballistic tips but wasn't impressed, and the federal premium load worked very well in the whelen I had built for my dad.

K-1 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2008, 04:11:35 PM »

I have 2 Rem 700. in 35 Whelen., all the things I hear is that the 1-16 twist doesn't stabilise the 250gr. bullets well. I used a 200gr. Hornady to take my Moose last fall at 137yr. and was pleased with that load, 60gr. RL.15. I would like to go up to a 250 gr., instead of re barreling to a 1-12 twist for the 250's, what loads would you recommend.

rickt300 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2008, 02:51:07 PM »

"What I hear is that the 1 in 16 inch twist will not stabilize bullets over 250 grains". I mean after all if Remington builds rifles for the cartridge their ammo should work in them right. They load a 250 grain pointed soft point bullet. My rifle is a 1 in 14 twist and it shoots bullets from 180 to 250 grs. very nicely. I like H380 in my rifle with 200 and 250 grain bullets. I even loaded some 250's with AA4350 and got fine accuracy.

Sourdough · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2008, 08:02:20 AM »

Several years ago I had ER Shaw barrel up an old Mauser action I had with an 18" .35 Whelen barrel. I put on a set of Williams receiver peep sites, and dropped it into a Bell and Carlson stock. I wanted something east to carry for brush, and something without a scope, since I am often in wet cold conditions. I built this gun not for hunting but as a gun to take that is easy to carry and will do for protection. After I got it back I started carrying it a lot since it was so easy to get around and convenient. I usually carry a Ruger .338 Rem Mag. I took the Whelen in to the cabin that year with the track rig before my Dad came up for a Moose hunt. I got injured, not bad, just enough I was not able to go get Dad. Wife sent him out by bush plane without a gun. Dad had never shot with a peep site before, but got a crash course that day. Took him out and he shot a nice bull 10 minutes after being put on the stand. One shot, perfect heart, lung shot. Moose took two steps and went down. Dad was using factory Remington Core-lokt 250gr.

A week later I was accompanying a friend in the same area. Again since I was not hunting myself I was carrying the Whelen. We heard a Moose outside our tent that morning. When we opened the tent zipper, the Moose took off running. We could see it was a decent Bull. As it ran away I grunted and the Moose stopped 80 yards out and turned broadside. My friend shot, and I could see blood fly out on the other side of the Moose. The Moose took off running into the willows and disappeared. As we walked out to check and see whether the Moose was down or still up, I heard a WOOF. Looking to the side I saw a Grizzly standing up on it's hind legs with it's nose in the air. Too close, 30 yards, and in the blood stained area. Here we were between it and the dead animal that it wanted. My partner suddenly came out with an experlative, OH ---- my gun is jammed! I threw the Whelen up and sited on the center of the bears chest. As I shot my sight picture was of the bear coming down off it back legs. I just knew I had missed and was going to be hit by a charging Grizzly. I worked the bolt as fast as I could, expecting to be hit at any instant. Afraid I would be hit before I could reload and take another shot. Then I started looking for a shot and could not see bear up close where I expected it to be. As I looked farther out, I saw the bear lying where it had been when I took the shot. Talk about one scared puppy, man after I realized the bear was down I started shaking so bad I could not hold the gun anymore. We forgot about the Moose and went back to camp, both so shaken we were unable to check the bear out till my friend got his gun fixed. First thing we did was to get the empty out of his gun, and reload it. Then we made breakfast watching the bear for any signs of life. As we were getting ready to go check out the bear, here came a friend who had a gun I trusted. He went with me down to check the bear. My bullet had hit just below the jaw as the bear came down. The bullet had traveled back and took out a section of spine where it joined the skull, killing the bear instantly.

Today that Whelen has been commandeered by the wife, put into a youth stock, and put into her vault. When I noticed it missing from my vault and asked about it, her response was, "I shot it, I like it, I took it, get over it. That's the cost of having me as your hunting partner". Since she is the best hunting partner I have ever had I can live with that. She wanted something bigger than a 30-06.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2008, 08:50:23 AM »

There is a lot of interesting stuff here.

http://www.35cal.com/

WyoStillhunter · « **Reply #13 on:** March 09, 2008, 06:57:33 PM »

Dixie Dude beat me to the punch. That's a great site. (His load data is hotter than I choose to duplicate...that's just me.)

My Rem 700 Classic 35 Whelen is getting an upgrade: new bottom metal (blued steel), an auxilliary peep sight on the back of the scope base, quick release ring modification, and a sleeved front ramp sight. Why? Just because I want to.

If elk weren't my main thing I would probably rely on plain, vanilla 200 gr. SP bullets as my basic load. However, when I carry the Whelen elk ARE my focus. Sticking with plain, vanilla 250 gr. bullets (Speer or Hornady), I'll work up my do everything load when the upgrade is completed. I am leaning toward the 250 gr. Hornady RN as my first choice and hoping it proves accurate in my rifle.

In the past, I have had nothing but satisfactory performance from factory ammo by Rem. (200 and 250 gr.), factory Federal 225 gr. Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, and handloads using 250 gr. Hornady Spire Points. With a variety of Whelen ammo I have taken several cow elk, a couple of eatin'-size bulls, some deer, an antelope, and one mountain lion. I do not load for max. MV and I do not shoot at long range, less than 100 yds. being typical.

The Whelen hasn't performed any better for me than the '06, .280 Rem., or .444 Marlin on deer, antelope or elk, but it has a certain romance and history that adds an extra dimension to the hunt.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2008, 04:04:07 AM »

I am going to try the Barnes Trippleshock 225 gr bullets. On another thread on this forum, someone tried them. The Barnes have less pressure, so they are faster at muzzle. They also penetrate deeper. From what I have read they are good for moose and griz. If the 225 is zeroed at 200 it is about 3" high at 100 and about 3" low at 300 and about 10" low at 400. It has about 2000 ft lbs of energy left at 300. So, it is a fairly long range killer.

wsjones · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2008, 01:50:23 PM »

Excellent choice! Welcome to the club. I bought the same gun back in 2004 when they were only available as a "custom" item from Grice Wholesale in PA (not in the Remington catalog but were on their website by mid-year). I loved the CDL when it came out and when I saw the Whelen was an option I sent my money off to Grice sometime in the spring and waited until September when my rifle came in. I love it.

I bought 100 empty brass and loaded up a number of different jacketed pistol bullet fireforming loads, most of which shot quite well. A also shot up 2 boxes of Rem. 200 gr factory loads and then went on to 225gr Nosler BT's, RL-15, and Rem 9 1/2M primers for a deer load. Needless to say it kills them.

Everything I've shot through it has been accurate. It doesn't kick and it's probably best combination of looks and feel of any of my bolt rifles. Just before logging on I was looking at it and comparing it to several others, including two different 700 Classics, and the CDL's the best of the 3. I think the black fore end tip and subdued cheek piece make it for me. If I had one request it'd be to make the fore end the same diameter as the Classic's (slightly bigger), but then I've got long arms and fair size hands. The CDL looks better but if I close my eyes the Classic fore end feels more substantial, which I appreciate if a gun's got any recoil.

As for factory ammo, I just heard today on another forum that Federal has reintroduced their Premium 225gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw offering. I've got 2 boxes of them that I've yet to shoot a single one of. Federal discontinued them but now apparently they're back. If they shoot (and in my experience usually Federal Premium's do) they ought to be a dandy large game load.

Enjoy! -WSJones

Stoneybroke · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2008, 04:31:47 PM »

I have one of the Grice Whelen 700CDL rifles also. I removed the wart and installed a Callahan speed lock. I sold the wood stock on E-bay and replaced it with a Remington TI takeoff. (24oz) With Talley lightweights and Leupold VXIII 2.5x8x36, the rifle weighs 7 pounds even. My best loads are at book max for RL 15 behind the 225 Nosler BT or 225 Sierra. Velocity is 2730-2760FPs. Both loads are extremely accurate. The nosler BT has been discontinued-replaced with the accubond. The Sierras kill deer like the wrath of God, but they open like a 270 on steroids. I have 5 boxes of the discontinued 225 Federal bearclaws. Two years ago, they were $30 a box! I bought mine for a Canadian moose hunt, but given the current state of the US dollar, I doubt the moose hunt is going to happen.

Flfiremedic · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2008, 04:34:30 PM »

How was your CDL's trigger out of the box? Mine wasn't as good as the trigger on my '06 CDL. Not bad by anymeans, but will probably end up getting it lightened...I LOVE the looks of the CDLs

burntmuch · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2008, 05:13:32 PM »

I tell ya what. Ive been to alot of gun shops looking for a used Rem 700 in 35 whelen. There are none.

Flfiremedic · « **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2008, 05:24:55 PM »

If you want new, gunbroker.com has some at pretty decent prices.

burntmuch · « **Reply #20 on:** March 12, 2008, 11:48:15 PM »

Im just a poor civil servant. They got layaway?

Tunaman · « **Reply #21 on:** March 13, 2008, 02:32:46 AM »

I just dropped of an old Savage, that was just sitting in the safe, to my smith to be converted to a 35 wheelen. I couldn't be more excited. Living in the Deep South, I really don't have much of a need for her but it was just so tempting. She will probably come along to Wyoming this year as My elk rifle but after that I will have to find some use for her. She will sport a 24 inch Barrel and new Boyd's stock. I think that a little added weight may help take the edge off of her kick. I asked the smith to install Irons but I will probably install Qd rings for a compact scope as well. I was thinking either a fixed 4x or a low power variable. I will let you know when I get her back. I was pleasantly surprised at just how little this project is going to cost me. That may be the way to go.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #22 on:** March 13, 2008, 03:08:55 AM »

Forgot to mention. I have a custom Mauser action with a 22" barrel. More of a shove than a kick. I live in the deep south too, but want to soon go out west and Alaska, then Africa.

Flfiremedic · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2008, 05:08:51 AM »

Actually I bought mine on layaway with one of the companies on Gunbroker...pm me and I'll point you towards them.

Stoneybroke · « **Reply #24 on:** March 13, 2008, 12:32:09 PM »

When my tax refund comes in, I'm going to order a Jewell trigger for my Whelen CDL. I have two Remington 700 KS rifles with Jewells and they will spoil you. They are a bit dear, but IMO worth every penny. Mine break like an icicle at 2.5 pounds with absolutely no creep or overtravel.

Flfiremedic · « **Reply #25 on:** March 13, 2008, 12:45:05 PM »

Thats what I want in a trigger

jager · « **Reply #26 on:** March 15, 2008, 11:02:10 AM »

You want loads for deer "down south" in the "Whelen?" Try 54.0 to 55.0grs of AA2520 or 54.5gr of H4895 with a 200gr spt or RN bullet at 2450 to 2600fps for a nice accurate, low recoiling combo. You won't be "overpowered" and can shoot deer from any angle to reach the "boiler room" and up to whatever range you would shoot a .308. I have a "bolt" and a "pump" in the .35 Whelen and consider them my "go to" rifles; just change the weight of the bullet and powder for the game you're after.

Barstooler · « **Reply #27 on:** March 31, 2008, 09:07:56 AM »

I built my 35 Whelen on a 1903 MK 1 action in the 1967. I had the original 30-06 barrel re-bored and re-chambered, and fit it with a then Fajen stock. That gives my Whelen a 1-10 twist so it handles very heavy bullets, very well.

It was also polished and blued, and I put a good Lyman receiver sight on.

Lately, as my eye sight has faded, I had a local gunsmith install a Timney trigger, turn the bolt, and mounted a Leupold VXIII 1.75-6 scope.

I am in the process of re-inletting the stock for the new trigger and the turned bolt, but should have it back up and shooting by next month.

My “go to” Whelen load for 40 years has been 55gr of IMR 4895 and a Speer 250 gr spitzer bullet.

It has taken 22 deer (whitetail and mule) 4 elk and 2 bear. All were one shot kills and none of them went more than 10 yards.

I know I can get more velocity out of a 200 or 225 gr, but I like the heavy slow 250 grain and the wound channel it produces.

If I want to shoot the 200 or 225gr, then I will use my 338-06 (also built on a 1903 action).

Barstooler

jcn59 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 02, 2008, 06:31:28 PM »

This is my .35 Whelen: Savage action, Shaw barrel & aftermarket stock. It was a .270 when I bought it. So far I've just used it for elk. I use smaller calibers for deer.

I'm pretty sure I have at least one/one billionth of the hunting experience some of you have. Probably less. I enjoy all your comments and contributions.

35Waylon · « **Reply #29 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:41:38 PM »

I just picked up a 700 CDL in 35 Whelen last week. Couldn't hold back any longer. I played with this gun on the shelf for more than a year to find it marked down a hundred bucks. Sweet!