Author Topic: 2005 project 35 Whelen or 338-06.. help??? (Read 1578 times)

TScottO · « **on:** November 20, 2004, 07:08:15 AM »

Ive been sitting around putting together a wish list for next year. It looks like a 35Whelen or 338-06 will be on the menu built on a Win Mod 70 Classic action. Ive done a good bit of reading on these two cartridges but I cannot settle one way or the other. Will you all give me some help??

Thanks and Be Safe,
Scott

TNrifleman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2004, 08:53:39 AM »

Both are great game cartridges suited to the same hunting tasks. I have a 35 Whelen and love it. The Whelen is a true American classic cartridge. I have no doubt the 338'06 is just as good. Since you asked for input, I prefer the 35. Good luck with either one you chose.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2004, 09:27:45 AM »

Two peas in a pod really. Any difference a fan of one claims is in their mind only. In the real world it just plain don't matter.

The .338 bullets of same weight have a slight edge in BC but the Whelen can push them about 100 fps or so faster so if you use bullets of same make and shape as well as weight this washes out.

Pushed to full equal pressures the trajectory of them is within an inch to 400 yards. Both have 250s available for the big stuff. You can buy specialty bullets to 300 grains for the Whelen and I don't think you can for the .358.

Bullet choice is a bit limited in both but there is a more than ample supply of great bullets for both so I don't see that as a handicap for either. You can also toss in the excellent 9,3x62 as it is the same but with .366" bullets. There is not a single thing one will do the other two will not do equally as well.

I really wanted the 9,3x62 but never found the right rifle so I ended up with a Whelen.

Robert · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2004, 11:13:24 AM »

A buddy of mine is working on a 338-06 Ackley. I have been reading data for it, and it is truely amazing. It will do almost anything a 338 Magnum will do, but with a lot more efficient case. Also..the 35-284 another of his poroject rifles...is right in there with a 225 gr bullet. The Whelen has slightly more powder capacity...but not much. Eiother one of the four (including the 9.3) will make you very happy. The 35's though, can be used for varmints with hollow-point pistol bullets. The cheap pistol bullets also work nicely for inexpensive fire-forming and plinking.

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2004, 11:21:05 AM »

Scott,

It's very close but I would go with the .35 Whelen. I guess it comes down to which has the most history behind it. I always liked the Whelen and am in the stock phase of mine right now. Lawdog

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2004, 11:38:24 AM »

I went thru the same decision a few years ago and ended up going with the 35 whelen. It is extremly easy to load for and isn't too bad off the bench. I am extremely pleased with my whelen.

kutenay · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2004, 01:30:00 PM »

A very difficult decision and one that I have struggled with as well. I am a fanatic .338 Win. shooter and currently own five excellent rifles so chambered, however, I do not have a .35 bore. Yet, for big game hunting, I prefer the .338-06 over the .35W, I'm kinda an Elmer fan.

But, if you are going to want to whack Grouse and shoot Gophers, the use of pistol bullets in the .35 W makes it the better choice, IMO. You can buy specialty bullets up to 310 grs., I believe, for the Whelen and 300 grs. for the .338 bore. These are Woodleigh and Smithrite Bonded from Vancouver, B.C. respectively. I prefer Nosler Partition Gold 250s in the .338 and either 280 gr. Swift A-Frames or Northfork 270s in the .358 bore.

Actually, these along with the 9.3x62 are just about the finest "one gun" cartridges for the guy who hunts Deer, Moose. Elk and especially back or horsepacks in Grizzly country. You have excellent stopping power, more shots and a slightly lighter rifle than the magnums..............the only real answer is to get one of each!

TScottO · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2004, 06:11:38 PM »

Looks like there are many 35 Whelen fans here. Thanks for the replies.

I was considering having one built but also have an inquiry out on a Ruger 77rs in 35 Whelen. What do you think about this gun?

Also, to have one built, what specs do you think best complement a 35 Whelen such as the barrel length, barrel taper, barrel mfg, sights etc

Thanks again for your input.

Be Safe,
Scott

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2004, 06:23:39 PM »

If I were going to build one I'd use a stainless Remington 700 action, 22" Shilen SS barrel, Boyd's pepper laminate stock and Limbsaver recoil pad. I'd mount the scope in Burris Double Dove tail base/rings and use whatever scope cranks your tractor.

RaySendero · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2004, 08:38:21 AM »

TScottO,

338/06 or 35 Whelen - Both are great cartridges! Either way I don't think you can go wrong! Good luck on your project - Lets us how its coming along.

Steelhead · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2004, 12:44:35 PM »

I am found of the 35 Whelen, albeit there probably isn't much difference between the two. I do believe the 35 caliber bullets floating around are better designed for Whelen velocity's vice the 338 bullets which are more geared for 338 WMag velocities. I have been using the Whelen since 89, here is mine, just put a new stock on it last year. Shot it today with some 220 Speers, doing 2450 from the 20" barrel.

Don't underestimate what those 250 Nosler Partitions can do, they are FANTASTIC.

handirifle · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2004, 01:17:25 PM »

steelhead
I too, have been considering this exact same conversion, except for my Savage 30-06. The point you make about bullet velocities might just be the best point I have seen made of all the comments on this and other threads.

Since the 338-06 was just recently made a SAAMI round, I think it is safe to say most 338 bullets are, indeed, made for the heavier calibers and slightly higher velocities. I wonder if the 200-300fps is enough to make a big difference in bullet performance?

Ron T. · « **Reply #12 on:** November 24, 2004, 01:31:54 PM »

I have and hunted with a pre-64 Model 70 Alaskan in .338 Winchester magnum for over 40 years, but retired it in favor of a .300 Savage in a Model 99 Savage rifle cause I only hunt whitetails now and a .338 Win. Mag. is over-kill for whitetails, as Im sure youll agree.

If I were making the choice, Id probably choose the .35 Whelen. The bullets available in .35 caliber are often designed for .358 Winchester velocities which means theyll work well at .35 Whelen velocities whereas the vast majority of the .338 bullets are designed with the .338 Win. Mag. in mind and are, therefore, a bit tougher.

But either round is an excellent all-around caliber for North American game so it looks like you have a choice to make for yourself, eh? Hahahaha good luck, my friend and enjoy your new rifle. :grin:

Strength & Honor

Ron T.

onesonek · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2004, 11:35:41 AM »

flip a coin and don't look back :wink:

TScottO · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2004, 04:24:00 PM »

Thanks for the info guys.

If you see a stainless mod 70 crf action abouts please keep me in mind.

It may turn out to be cheaper to buy the Winchester custom other than having one put together. I'm leaning towards a synthetic stock so at the moment I'm still looking for an action to build on.

Be Safe,
Scott

longwalker · « **Reply #15 on:** December 01, 2004, 12:02:42 PM »

I too went through this decision process. I hunt with hand guns and rifles for big game. I have a 25-06 and use it for everthing. I wanted a gun to hunt bigger game like elk. I eventually went direction 338-06. For me the decision has been a good one.

Of course I do a fair amount of reloading anyway. But if you have to purchase new 338-06 ammunition you'll be paying big money. This could be a significant factor in your decision. If you reload no problem if not maybe 35 Whelan.

I used a Savage 270 and purchased a barrel from Adams & Bennet in 338-06. It was a very easy change over. In addition I found two loads that shoot very well in it. 62 grains of IMR 4350 and a 200 grain Speer Spire Point or 61 grains of IMR4350 and a 225 grain Speer Boat tail. Both are sub one inch at 100 yards, with the 225's closer to .700.

Make sure you work up your loads from the Minimum.

You will be pleased with a 338-06. Penatration is not a factor these bullets expand, hit bone, and keep on going. I have yet to recover a bullet. Very little meat damage and outstanding "dropping" power.

Good Luck

TScottO · « **Reply #16 on:** December 13, 2004, 05:15:41 PM »

Well Guys, this is what its looking like so far:

Caliber35 Whelen

Montana Action-- speculative- trying to dig up info on this action

Barrel--Lilja #5 Contour 22, barrel twist selections are 10, 12 and 16What do you all suggest on twist rate?

Stock--H-S Precision Pro Series

Finishbead blast

Hopefully soon after the holidays I can get this kicked off. If you wish to add more comments or suggestions please do so.

Thanks and Be Safe,
Scott

Graybeard · « **Reply #17 on:** December 13, 2004, 06:21:01 PM »

Remington uses 1 in 16" for all their .35s from the .35 Remington and .350 Rem. Mag. in the Model 7 MS to the .35 Whelen in the CDL. I suspect they have a pretty good idea what is right. Unless you plan to stay only with the longer and heavier bullets of 250 up I think I'd follow their lead.

Barstooler · « **Reply #18 on:** December 31, 2004, 11:16:14 AM »

Scott,

I have both the .35 Whelen and a 338/06. Love both of them. Decision should rest on type of terrain and game you plan to hunt.

I keep my Whelen with a peep sight and primarily use it for close cover hunting with 250 gr. Speer bullets and IMR 4895.

My 338/06 has a Leapold 1.75 X 6 scope and use it for more open shooting with 220 and 225 gr bullets.

Both have 24" barrels.

My advise -- get one of each. :wink:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 31, 2004, 11:37:42 AM »

I have been wondering about this 338-06 for some time now...and was just thumbing thru my Nosler and new Barnes manuals...and on the next page in the Barnes# 3.. after the 338-06...they have a 338 Scovill...that according to whats printed..can be had by slightly reaming the 338-06 out a-bit...and supposedly gaining another 150fps for it...for a bolt action...seems like it would be a-little bit better than the 338-06 and still using the 30-06 cases...using the 160 grain XFB...getting 3249 fps with it...and getting 2657 fps with the 225 grain XLC-FB...

Mac

RaySendero · « **Reply #20 on:** January 03, 2005, 06:43:22 AM »

Quote from: TScottO

Well Guys, this is what its looking like so far:

Caliber35 Whelen

Montana Action-- speculative- trying to dig up info on this action

Barrel--Lilja #5 Contour 22, barrel twist selections are 10, 12 and 16What do you all suggest on twist rate?

Stock--H-S Precision Pro Series

Finishbead blast

Hopefully soon after the holidays I can get this kicked off. If you wish to add more comments or suggestions please do so.

Thanks and Be Safe,
Scott

Scott,

From what I've read I would have recommended a 1 in 14 twist. Some say Remington should have used a 1 in 14 in their rifle too. Since this is not one of your options I'd say go with the 1 in 12 if you plan to shoot 250s and higher. If you plan on staying on lighter side with 200 to 225s then I'd go with the 1 in 16.