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Author Topic: Swede & Whelen Classics shine  (Read 1012 times)

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Offline WyoStillhunter

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Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« on: August 02, 2008, 07:07:40 AM »
With big game seasons starting in about eight weeks I am finalizing my hunting loads and sight settings.

My priority in hunting rifles is consistent accuracy, reliable function, and comfortable handling.  I do not worship at the "Altar of Sub-MOA."  My hunting battery consists of three Rem. 700 Classics: .223 Rem., 6.5X55 Swede, and .35 Whelen.

At the 200 yard range this morning 3-shot groups for the Swede and the Whelen ran at, or just under, 3" for 3 shots from the bench.   8)  The Swede wears a fixed-power Sightron 4X42 and the Whelen carries a Weaver K2.5.

Shooting 250 gr. Speer Spitzers the Whelen threw the first shot (clean/oiled barrel) wide for a group size of 7.5" with the second and third shots only 0.7" ctc).  The second 3-shot group hit 2" low for a nice 2.8" triangle.  The 200 yard gong is about 18" in diameter -- 3 shots offhand, 3 bongs.  I'd say the Whelen is ready for elk season.

Hdy. 140 gr. SPs went 3.0" and 2.6".  Hdy. 120 gr. SPs ran 5.0", 3.9", and 4.8", and that is obviously not "the load" for that bullet.  The 140 gr. load looks good-to-go for antelope and deer.

I've had the Whelen for several years and it is a proven game-getter.  The Swede and .223 have been acquired this summer and the .223 has less than 25 rounds through it.  With the .223 (Leupold 2-7X33) to shoot alot and the other two to hunt with, I feel like I have about got things the way I want for the rest of my hunting days.

Now it's time to get off the bench and get serious about practicing field positions -- offhand, kneeling, sitting.

PS -- Not bragging...it's just that none of my local friends really appreciate the joy we get from shooting our hunting rifles.
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Offline sasu

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2008, 09:09:32 AM »
I enjoyed your post. I shoot a Remington 7600 35 Whelen and Remington Model Seven 350 Rem Mag so I can relate to your 35 Whelen.
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2008, 09:42:44 AM »
Refreshing to hear someone talk about groups that are real, not some made-up 1/4" group at 300 yards, oh ya, off-hand too!  I spend alot of time shooting rocks and dirt clods on my hind feet just for hunting situations.  Also try to do some from sitting, kneeling and leaning against something as well.  Hell, thats more fun than just setting at the table anyway.  Sight 'er in and go play, I say.  DP.
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline WyoStillhunter

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2008, 01:24:52 PM »
You got it, DP.  I will also use my .223 for "stump shooting" once I get it broken in.  I want to develop a reload that approximates the trajectory of the Swede and the Whelen, splitting the difference between them, out to 250 yards or there abouts.

The .223 will be my "carry gun" for rambling in the NF and BLM of SE Wyoming.  Three to six shots per hike at dirt clods, rocks, stumps or the occassional varmint should do wonders for my field marksmanship.  We also have a "canyon" range locally that provides hanging, steel sillohuette targets from 100 to 600 meters.  The beauty of it is that when no one else is around you can roam up the canyon, shooting at the metal plates from variable ranges and positions.  You gotta love it!

Have you heard of Frances E. Sell?  He wrote in the 1960s and talks about the "understudy rifle" for just such practice and skill development.
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Offline RussB

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2008, 03:52:56 PM »
Quote
My hunting battery consists of three Rem. 700 Classics: .223 Rem., 6.5X55 Swede, and .35 Whelen.

Now that, my friend, is a very nice battery! I don't see how a man could ask for anything better, when it comes to hunting calibers.

Russ...

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Offline nomosendero

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2008, 05:03:46 PM »
Quote from: RussB on August 04, 2008, 03:52:56 PM
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My hunting battery consists of three Rem. 700 Classics: .223 Rem., 6.5X55 Swede, and .35 Whelen.

Now that, my friend, is a very nice battery! I don't see how a man could ask for anything better, when it comes to hunting calibers.

Russ...



Yes, that is a nice choice of rifles & cartridges as well. I hope you have a safe & productive season.
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Offline Buckfever

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2008, 03:51:42 AM »
My 9.3x62 a kissing cousin to the 35 Whelen and says congrats on great groups and the use of pumkin bullets.  Great choice!   Buckfever
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Offline Improved 4 Me

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2008, 02:56:14 PM »
I happen to have one of each myself.  I have taken 3 caribou with THE SWED 1 at 325 yards it was sweet.   As for my Whelen I like to call her Ole Thumper she is an elk killing machine,  Anyone who has taken an elk with a 250 gr bullet knows what a thing of beauty
the 35 Whelen really is?
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Offline Sweetwater

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2008, 04:48:48 PM »
Haven't had a 223 since my M16 days across the Big Pond.
Got my first Swede in 1959, a M96 Husqvarna MilSurp. Got my last one last year, a Ruger M77 MKII. Have done a little load develop for her, but have yet to take her afield.
My 35 Whelen barrel arrived a few weeks ago and sits awaiting the rest of the pieces. This is a long awaited project, waits for money to form in the gun fund so I can purchase necessary pieces, one at a time. 

I, too, applaud your shooting techniques and believable reports. Keep us tuned in to your activities - you encourage us.

Regards,
Sweetwater
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Regards,
Sweetwater

Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway - John Wayne

The proof is in the freezer - Sweetwater

Offline WyoStillhunter

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Re: Swede & Whelen Classics shine
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2008, 12:36:03 PM »
"Want" and "need" are both four-letter words.  With this battery I no longer "need" anything.  I was just at Sportsman's Warehouse in Bozeman, MT where I am visiting and the gun rack really held no interest for me.  I guess the old "want"-monster was taking the day off.  :D

I did pick up some Hornady 140 gr. bullets and cleaning supplies so the trip wasn't a complete waste of gas. ;)
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