.35 Whelen

[Mike6158]

The .35 Whelen seems like a pretty good all around cartridge. I wonder how it holds up at long range, say 800 - 1200 yards?

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by Mike6158

The .35 Whelen seems like a pretty good all around cartridge. I wonder how it holds up at long range, say 800 - 1200 yards?

I think the Whelen is much better served as a short to medium range elk, moose, or?? weapon. One of the downsides to the 35 is bullet selection which would limit the long range capability IMO......Rich

[Mike6158]

Originally Posted by elkaholic

I think the Whelen is much better served as a short to medium range elk, moose, or?? weapon. One of the downsides to the 35 is bullet selection which would limit the long range capability IMO......Rich

Probably so... I loaded some 250gr bullets for a friend and they look kind of huge in the 30-06 case

[elkaholic]

Here is a good example of why I think long range hunting is out for the Whelen. A 225 grain Sierra Gameking with a b.c. of around .380 and a muzzle velocity of 2500' at only 800 yards would have a remaining velocity of under 1200'/sec. and just over 700 ft. lbs. energy. The bullets would not expand and energy is quite low.......Rich

[Mike6158]

I'll stick with my .338 Edge for long range just for that reason. The .35 Whelen has it's purpose. I think it would be a good brush gun at 200 and less. I've read a few articles that said it was good for lions and tigers but we don't get any of those down here

[elkaholic]

Originally Posted by Mike6158

I'll stick with my .338 Edge for long range just for that reason. The .35 Whelen has it's purpose. I think it would be a good brush gun at 200 and less. I've read a few articles that said it was good for lions and tigers but we don't get any of those down here

Unless they sneak accross the border

[Elkmen]

I consider my Whelen a 300 yard elk rifle, still has lots of energy and a high back hold. A great medium range elk caliber. Really puts out the energy up close. !!