Experience with 35 Whelen ?

[zwickeyman]

    I thinking of having a semi custom built in 35 Whelen for *censored*s & giggles. I know there is a few die hard Elk hunters on here shooting this caliber. Its going to be a cheap build with a Howa action and custom barrel. Would love some advice on bullets, hand loads and barrel length.

    Im a big Partition fan, so Ill probably start there but any suggestions are appreciated


    I dont need it as I already have a 20" barreled 338 WM and a 300WM but thats never stopped me from getting a new rifle before

    Thanks in advance gents

[tgray]

I have 2 35 Whelen’s, (thinking about selling one) both are great shooters with anything I put in them. Partitions will be very hard to find. I have a hand load with 250gr Speer Hot Core going 2630 fps and very accurate, under 3/4” at 100y. Have not had the opportunity to take an elk with it yet but it knocks the crap out of deer. Fun gun to hunt with.

[Rat44]

Good luck on your project.
I will be following you progress.
I have a Remington 700 that I am thinking about re barreling also.
When in machinist school years ago I cut my 30-06 down to 16 1/2 inch barrel.
Sounded like a good idea at the time.
It only shoots reloads since factory stuff does not like that short of a barrel.
From my research it seems a 225 Partition is the sweet spot for that cartridge.

 

[GWP]

One of my hunting buddies from Montana used one to take everything ‘bigger’ from Alaska to New Mexico. Do not ever recall him using more than one shot on anything.

[CP]

I’ve taken 2 elk and a bear with a Remington 7600 in .35 Whelen shooting Federal Premium 225g Trophy Bonded Bear Claws.  All were DRT, really puts the hammer to them. 

I think that round has been discontinued. 

I like loading pistol bullets with Trail Boss to something north of .357 velocities.  Fun to shoot at the range.  The Bear Claws aren’t really much fun to shoot, and they are irreplaceable.

[zwickeyman]

Good luck on your project.
I will be following you progress.
I have a Remington 700 that I am thinking about re barreling also.
When in machinist school years ago I cut my 30-06 down to 16 1/2 inch barrel.
Sounded like a good idea at the time.
It only shoots reloads since factory stuff does not like that short of a barrel.
From my research it seems a 225 Partition is the sweet spot for that cartridge.

Thanks. If I end up going this route Ill post

[zwickeyman]

One of my hunting buddies from Montana used one to take everything ‘bigger’ from Alaska to New Mexico. Do not ever recall him using more than one shot on anything.

Thats what the consensus is. Hammer with moderate recoil. My gunsmith and his wife shoots one

[zwickeyman]

I’ve taken 2 elk and a bear with a Remington 7600 in .35 Whelen shooting Federal Premium 225g Trophy Bonded Bear Claws.  All were DRT, really puts the hammer to them. 

I think that round has been discontinued. 

I like loading pistol bullets with Trail Boss to something north of .357 velocities.  Fun to shoot at the range.  The Bear Claws aren’t really much fun to shoot, and they are irreplaceable.

Those Bear Claws are one tough bullet

[zwickeyman]

Do you guys recommend a 22" or 24" barrel ?

[Rat44]

Theres only about 100 fps difference in those lengths .
A lot will depend on the stock and action on what balances out.
And where you will be carrying it.
Some have done "20 barrels and were happy with the results.

[tgray]

Do you guys recommend a 22" or 24" barrel ?

I have a 21” and a 22”. Personally I would rather have a 24” barrel

[CP]

I believe mine is 22".  I wouldn't want it any longer.  The 18.5" carbine would be sweet for a deep woods gun.

[zwickeyman]

Do you guys recommend a 22" or 24" barrel ?

I have a 21” and a 22”. Personally I would rather have a 24” barrel

Thats where Im leaning if I go with a build. Would like to keep the weight down but not sure what size barrel I can get away with. Thanks for the input

[zwickeyman]

I believe mine is 22".  I wouldn't want it any longer.  The 18.5" carbine would be sweet for a deep woods gun.

I hear you on short barrels but I have a 20" 338WM with a can on it. Ill have to ask the smith what he suggests

Thanks

[zwickeyman]

I was going to buy a cheap Howa as a donor rifle but decided to use my Dads Remington 721. Ill have the receiver re blued and the stock refinished. Gun has a lot of experience  Probably 70 Deer and 15 Elk and a few Bear. Pops also killed his 263" Muley with this rifle. Still deciding on barrel length but leaning 24"

Thanks for all the unput