35 Whelen

[truck driver]

I know it's been discussed here before but can't find the thread in the 500 plus post.
I'm planing on having JES rebore a Winchester M70 in 30-06 to 35 Whelen and was looking for some suggestions on bullets and loads. Jes recommends his 1-12 twist for the Whelen so that will be the rate of twist, he also recomends the 3 grove barrel.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.gun)

 

[loaders_loft]

The .35 whelen is phenomenal 225 TSX or 225 accubond, or, if you can find some, the 225 ballistic tip. Nosler's 225 accubond (formerly ballistic tip) is specifically designed for this cartridge, with a BC of .430. I'm pretty sure no other .35 projectile comes close...

For powder, use Varget or RL-15.

The Nosler manual has the most powerful loads. I spoke with the folks at Nosler, apparently they simply applied the full pressure rating of the 30-06 cartridge to the .35 whelen and these were the loads they came up with.

I recommend a very stout scope mount, bedded to reciever and scope body with blue loctite. The leupold dovetail mounts didn't hold up well to my whelen.

PS. also a nice decelerator recoil pad....

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

At the effective ranges of this rifle the 225 accubond would work fine but a regular spitzer or fp will work just fine too. This is the pill I'm tossing from my whelen; I'm using rl15 for the fuel. Ruger 77 Hawkeye with a 3-9 Burriss on top.
Speer Hot-Cor Bullets 35 Cal (358 Diameter) 220 Grain Flat Nose Box of

 

[WhiteRiver]

My Whelen has a barrel with 6 lands and grooves, a 1:14" twist rate and I primarily shoot 225gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claws. It shoots them into sub 1" groups at 100 yrds.

 

[Rock 29]

I have an 35 AI w/ a 22" Shaw stainless with a 1:14" that loves RL15. I can push Barnes 225 XLC to 2880 and keep them under 1". Problem is Barnes no longer makes the XLC.

 

[truck driver]

Thanks for the replies. It's just a matter of getting the rifle shipped to my dealer so I can get my project started.

 

[HARPERC]

Unless you're going to shoot the heavies (300 Woodleigh) you can use less twist. The 225's are likely where you'll end up, but who know's you might get a wild hair some day, and that 1:12" might be just what you need.

 

[truck driver]

Thanks for the info guys all help is appreciated.

 

[truck driver]

The donor rifle has been shipped to my FFL so I'm that much closer to making this a reality.
I know the Whelen is not considered a long range cartridge but should be good to 400 yds. which will serve my purpose because I'm looking for a medium range rifle with knock down power and the 35 Whelen should give me that with out the recoil of a magnum.gun)

 

[flashhole]

Why would you re-bore an existing barrel instead of replacing the barrel with a new one?

 

[J E Custom]

It may be to late to change the groove type but I would recommend the 6 groove for the heavy bullets.

The three groove barrels are great for light , fast bullets in varmint rifles but the heavy weights
200+grain work best with a 6 groove and bullets over 300 grain work best with 8 groove barrels.

Just a recommendation

J E CUSTOM

 

[truck driver]

Why would you re-bore an existing barrel instead of replacing the barrel with a new one?

Cost savings for one and turn around time. By re-boring an existing barrel you save on work time and you can re-use the existing stock with out making changes.

 

[truck driver]

It may be to late to change the groove type but I would recommend the 6 groove for the heavy bullets.

The three groove barrels are great for light , fast bullets in varmint rifles but the heavy weights
200+grain work best with a 6 groove and bullets over 300 grain work best with 8 groove barrels.

Just a recommendation

J E CUSTOM

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