Post by: zwickeyman on March 05, 2024, 05:49:02 AM
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
Post by: tgray on March 05, 2024, 10:22:26 AM
Post by: Rat44 on March 05, 2024, 11:32:33 AM
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.
Post by: GWP on March 05, 2024, 11:38:24 AM
Post by: CP on March 05, 2024, 12:40:52 PM
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.
Post by: zwickeyman on March 05, 2024, 03:29:31 PM
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
Post by: zwickeyman on March 05, 2024, 03:30:50 PM
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
Post by: zwickeyman on March 05, 2024, 03:31:57 PM
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
Post by: zwickeyman on March 06, 2024, 09:32:40 AM
Post by: Rat44 on March 06, 2024, 11:52:27 AM
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.
Post by: tgray on March 06, 2024, 11:52:52 AM
Do you guys recommend a 22" or 24" barrel ?I have a 21” and a 22”. Personally I would rather have a 24” barrel
Post by: CP on March 06, 2024, 12:02:39 PM
Post by: zwickeyman on March 06, 2024, 12:03:11 PM
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
Post by: zwickeyman on March 06, 2024, 12:04:51 PM
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
Post by: zwickeyman on March 14, 2024, 04:17:52 AM
Thanks for all the unput
Post by: BigGoonTuna on March 15, 2024, 04:09:34 AM
The only thing against .35s is bullet selection and availability. Ever since 2020 the only game in town seems to be Hornady and Barnes. I have heard great things about the 225gr partition but I've never put eyes on a box, and it doesn't look like Nosler has produced any in years. Same with the 225gr Sierra gameking, but at least I was able to snag a couple boxes at Pinto's before they disappeared.
Post by: zwickeyman on March 15, 2024, 04:31:31 AM
I hear his name all the time regarding rebores
I decided to use my dads old Rem 721 30-06 but I am going to rebarrel with a 1-13 twist with long throat. The first bullets Im trying are 2 from Hammer Bullets. The 245gr Shock Hammer and the 254gr Hammer Hunter. Im a Partition guy and would love some 225gr or 250gr Partitions but cant find any
My only decision left is refinishing the old stock or putting on a new one. I like lighter rifles but cant put a carbon stock on this rifle, doesnt seem right. So maybe a new Claro Walnut.
Thanks Dave
Post by: Angry Perch on March 15, 2024, 08:27:53 AM
If you've already got a donor, consider sending it down to JES in Oregon for a rebore. Way cheaper than having it rebarreled and they shoot well. I had a Savage 99 in .300 with a pitted out bore turned into a .358 Win, and the turnaround was only about 2 weeks.
The only thing against .35s is bullet selection and availability. Ever since 2020 the only game in town seems to be Hornady and Barnes. I have heard great things about the 225gr partition but I've never put eyes on a box, and it doesn't look like Nosler has produced any in years. Same with the 225gr Sierra gameking, but at least I was able to snag a couple boxes at Pinto's before they disappeared.
:yeah:
I had JES rebore a Ruger No.3 from .223 to .35 Whelen. He did a great job.
Post by: GWP on March 15, 2024, 08:42:03 AM
She had a great selection of reloading supplies the last time I was in there. It would be worth giving them a call.
Not always the cheapest, but if you need something, it may be worth it to you.
Pinto's 425-227-9280
Post by: jrebel on March 15, 2024, 08:47:15 AM
Have fun with the build and can't wait to see pics. :tup: :tup:
Post by: BigGoonTuna on March 15, 2024, 06:41:14 PM
Pinto's still exists. The daughter took over. They are in Renton now.yep, I was saying that the Sierra bullets had disappeared, not pinto’s :chuckle:
She had a great selection of reloading supplies the last time I was in there. It would be worth giving them a call.
Not always the cheapest, but if you need something, it may be worth it to you.
Pinto's 425-227-9280
They’re my favorite gun shop, it’s probably a good thing for me they’re a pain to get to because one of their guys seems to have the exact same taste in rifles that I do(big bores, single shots, and rare and unusual old stuff), I always seem to end up buying something every time I set foot in the place.
Post by: zwickeyman on March 15, 2024, 07:04:23 PM
It appears the 35 Whelen is making a real come back. All my reloading forums have more post about the 35 whelen than I can ever remember in years post. Will be curious to see what you come up with and how you like it. Knowing I'm a Hammer fan....I bet a 200 grain hammer would easily be pushed at 2800 fps out of a 24" barrel giving it great terminal ballistics w/in 300 yards. If you really wanted to get crazy, you could push the 140 grain hammer at 3200 ish fps. which is just nuts.
Have fun with the build and can't wait to see pics. :tup: :tup:
I have some hammers coming Monday for it bit at the other end of the dweight spectrum. Some 254 and 245 grain
You were right on the hammers. Shot some great groups with my 300wm and 338wm today. 1/4" and smoking fast
Post by: jrebel on March 15, 2024, 07:15:01 PM
It appears the 35 Whelen is making a real come back. All my reloading forums have more post about the 35 whelen than I can ever remember in years post. Will be curious to see what you come up with and how you like it. Knowing I'm a Hammer fan....I bet a 200 grain hammer would easily be pushed at 2800 fps out of a 24" barrel giving it great terminal ballistics w/in 300 yards. If you really wanted to get crazy, you could push the 140 grain hammer at 3200 ish fps. which is just nuts.
Have fun with the build and can't wait to see pics. :tup: :tup:
I have some hammers coming Monday for it bit at the other end of the dweight spectrum. Some 254 and 245 grain
You were right on the hammers. Shot some great groups with my 300wm and 338wm today. 1/4" and smoking fast
Super easy to load for, accurate and terminal performance is awesome. Can't wait to see your success photos. :tup:
Post by: wadu1 on March 15, 2024, 07:23:58 PM
Mine as well, been shopping with them since the dad had the shop in Kent.Pinto's still exists. The daughter took over. They are in Renton now.yep, I was saying that the Sierra bullets had disappeared, not pinto’s :chuckle:
She had a great selection of reloading supplies the last time I was in there. It would be worth giving them a call.
Not always the cheapest, but if you need something, it may be worth it to you.
Pinto's 425-227-9280
They’re my favorite gun shop, it’s probably a good thing for me they’re a pain to get to because one of their guys seems to have the exact same taste in rifles that I do(big bores, single shots, and rare and unusual old stuff), I always seem to end up buying something every time I set foot in the place.
Post by: zwickeyman on March 24, 2024, 06:59:09 AM
Model 721 Receiver from dads 30-06
24" barrel with break
Claro Walnut stock AAA Fancy that I am going to finish myself
New hinged magwell
Leupold Backcountry rings
VX 5 3-15x44
Already have scope, rings, bullets and powder ready to go
Post by: Shadrach71 on July 20, 2024, 11:56:12 AM
Post by: jrebel on July 20, 2024, 01:38:57 PM
Post by: zwickeyman on July 20, 2024, 06:07:01 PM
Post by: okie john on July 22, 2024, 07:46:37 AM
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
There are two ways of looking at the 35 Whelen. The first was common up until about 20 years ago: a 250-grain bullet at 2,350 fps for heavy game in relatively close cover, with 275- and 300-grain bullets at 30-30 velocities. This version of the Whelen weighed about nine pounds in a 1903 Springfield or 98 Mauser. Load data was kept mild to avoid blowing up older rifles or rifles that had been converted by gunsmiths of questionable talent. This version was—and still is—a heavy hitter that kicked about like a 12-gauge pump with duck loads.
The second view of the 35 Whelen came after Remington made it a factory item in the late 80s. It took 15 or 20 years, but people started loading the Whelen like a twin of the 338 Winchester Magnum. Most manufacturers still build the 35 Whelen like it’s a 30-06, so they’re often lighter than a traditional Whelen by a pound or more. This version reaches out a long way and it hits hard, but it kicks like a mule in a lighter rifle.
There’s a good read on this version at https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.35+Whelen.html
Others have stated that the 225 is a good bullet weight. I agree, but these bullets have about the same BC as a 150-grain .308” flat-base spitzer. Wind drift gets bad beyond about 300 yards and it’s worse with lighter bullets.
Several states now allow the 35 Whelen for deer, manufacturers are building single-shot rifles for it, and Speer data (https://www.speer.com/reloading/rifle-data.html) lets you load the Whelen to modern pressures.
Post-COVID, the main issue with the 35 Whelen is getting bullets. 200s are still common, 225s less so, and you should grab any 250s you can find. Most bullets are either all-copper or standard cup-and-core. Old standbys like the Nosler Partition are pretty much extinct.
Most factory rifles have a 1:16 twist. People bitched about this for decades, insisting only 1:14 and 1:12 would stabilize 250-grain bullets. (FWIW, Jim Cloward once built me a 35 Whelen with a 1:10 twist.) That was probably important back when people still used the 275- and 300-grain bullets that are almost impossible to find now. I got sub-MOA accuracy with bullets up to 250 grains in several 35 Whelen rifles with 1:16 barrels, so I quit worrying about it.
Any powder that works well in the 308 is a good choice in the Whelen.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Okie John
Post by: Rigby416 on July 23, 2024, 10:20:10 PM
Post by: Dan-o on July 23, 2024, 10:38:00 PM
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
It's easier to turn a 24" barrel into a 22" barrel than to go the other way. :chuckle:
I'd start at 24", and I bet I'd never end up cutting it down.
Post by: zwickeyman on July 24, 2024, 03:56:11 AM
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
There are two ways of looking at the 35 Whelen. The first was common up until about 20 years ago: a 250-grain bullet at 2,350 fps for heavy game in relatively close cover, with 275- and 300-grain bullets at 30-30 velocities. This version of the Whelen weighed about nine pounds in a 1903 Springfield or 98 Mauser. Load data was kept mild to avoid blowing up older rifles or rifles that had been converted by gunsmiths of questionable talent. This version was—and still is—a heavy hitter that kicked about like a 12-gauge pump with duck loads.
The second view of the 35 Whelen came after Remington made it a factory item in the late 80s. It took 15 or 20 years, but people started loading the Whelen like a twin of the 338 Winchester Magnum. Most manufacturers still build the 35 Whelen like it’s a 30-06, so they’re often lighter than a traditional Whelen by a pound or more. This version reaches out a long way and it hits hard, but it kicks like a mule in a lighter rifle.
There’s a good read on this version at https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.35+Whelen.html
Others have stated that the 225 is a good bullet weight. I agree, but these bullets have about the same BC as a 150-grain .308” flat-base spitzer. Wind drift gets bad beyond about 300 yards and it’s worse with lighter bullets.
Several states now allow the 35 Whelen for deer, manufacturers are building single-shot rifles for it, and Speer data (https://www.speer.com/reloading/rifle-data.html) lets you load the Whelen to modern pressures.
Post-COVID, the main issue with the 35 Whelen is getting bullets. 200s are still common, 225s less so, and you should grab any 250s you can find. Most bullets are either all-copper or standard cup-and-core. Old standbys like the Nosler Partition are pretty much extinct.
Most factory rifles have a 1:16 twist. People bitched about this for decades, insisting only 1:14 and 1:12 would stabilize 250-grain bullets. (FWIW, Jim Cloward once built me a 35 Whelen with a 1:10 twist.) That was probably important back when people still used the 275- and 300-grain bullets that are almost impossible to find now. I got sub-MOA accuracy with bullets up to 250 grains in several 35 Whelen rifles with 1:16 barrels, so I quit worrying about it.
Any powder that works well in the 308 is a good choice in the Whelen.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Okie John
Great info Okie John Ill most likely be in that 225gr to 250gr area and push it pretty hard
Post by: zwickeyman on July 24, 2024, 03:59:09 AM
Mine is a first year production Rem 700 classic. It likes 250 grain Speer Hot Cores and shoots sub minute of angle. I've taken 2 deer and a bear with it. Truely the Hammer of Thor. One sot each & DRT.
Rigby416 This wont be my main rifle and I am more of a bow hunter but I definitely need to hunt with it and see what it can do
Post by: zwickeyman on July 24, 2024, 04:00:15 AM
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
It's easier to turn a 24" barrel into a 22" barrel than to go the other way. :chuckle:
I'd start at 24", and I bet I'd never end up cutting it down.
Dan-0 I ended up comprimizing and going with a 23" barrell
Post by: high_hunter on July 24, 2024, 06:32:36 AM
If you've already got a donor, consider sending it down to JES in Oregon for a rebore. Way cheaper than having it rebarreled and they shoot well. I had a Savage 99 in .300 with a pitted out bore turned into a .358 Win, and the turnaround was only about 2 weeks.
The only thing against .35s is bullet selection and availability. Ever since 2020 the only game in town seems to be Hornady and Barnes. I have heard great things about the 225gr partition but I've never put eyes on a box, and it doesn't look like Nosler has produced any in years. Same with the 225gr Sierra gameking, but at least I was able to snag a couple boxes at Pinto's before they disappeared.
:yeah:
I had JES rebore a Ruger No.3 from .223 to .35 Whelen. He did a great job.
Great learning about JES in this thread and hearing good feedback Reached out over the weekend about doing similar to OP or a .338-06.
Following along.
Post by: zwickeyman on December 24, 2024, 02:55:11 PM
Used my dads Remington 700 receiver as a donor. 23" barrel, Timney trigger and topped with a Leica Amplus 6 2.5-15X50. Weighs in right at 8 1/2#. Feels so good, Scott at SS Guns here in Victor did a great job
Post by: high_hunter on December 24, 2024, 07:32:47 PM
Post by: Dan-o on December 24, 2024, 08:51:33 PM
That's a really beauty.
I hope you get decades of enjoyment from it.
Post by: Rat44 on December 24, 2024, 09:14:50 PM
Hope it shoots as good as it looks.
Post by: EnglishSetter on December 25, 2024, 09:54:09 AM
If you've already got a donor, consider sending it down to JES in Oregon for a rebore. Way cheaper than having it rebarreled and they shoot well. I had a Savage 99 in .300 with a pitted out bore turned into a .358 Win, and the turnaround was only about 2 weeks.
The only thing against .35s is bullet selection and availability. Ever since 2020 the only game in town seems to be Hornady and Barnes. I have heard great things about the 225gr partition but I've never put eyes on a box, and it doesn't look like Nosler has produced any in years. Same with the 225gr Sierra gameking, but at least I was able to snag a couple boxes at Pinto's before they disappeared.
:yeah:
I had JES rebore a Ruger No.3 from .223 to .35 Whelen. He did a great job.
Great learning about JES in this thread and hearing good feedback Reached out over the weekend about doing similar to OP or a .338-06.
Following along.
I just had my late father's pre-64 .264 WM with a shot out barrel rebored by JES to .338 WM. Have a 3x15 VX5 sitting here, Warne mounts/rings coming Friday. Bought a couple boxes of Hornady 225 SST's at the gun show.
No beauty queen with 50 years of hunting and another 10 in the safe, but looking forward to see how it shoots in the next week or so.
Post by: zwickeyman on December 25, 2024, 11:08:16 AM
If you've already got a donor, consider sending it down to JES in Oregon for a rebore. Way cheaper than having it rebarreled and they shoot well. I had a Savage 99 in .300 with a pitted out bore turned into a .358 Win, and the turnaround was only about 2 weeks.
The only thing against .35s is bullet selection and availability. Ever since 2020 the only game in town seems to be Hornady and Barnes. I have heard great things about the 225gr partition but I've never put eyes on a box, and it doesn't look like Nosler has produced any in years. Same with the 225gr Sierra gameking, but at least I was able to snag a couple boxes at Pinto's before they disappeared.
:yeah:
I had JES rebore a Ruger No.3 from .223 to .35 Whelen. He did a great job.
Great learning about JES in this thread and hearing good feedback Reached out over the weekend about doing similar to OP or a .338-06.
Following along.
I just had my late father's pre-64 .264 WM with a shot out barrel rebored by JES to .338 WM. Have a 3x15 VX5 sitting here, Warne mounts/rings coming Friday. Bought a couple boxes of Hornady 225 SST's at the gun show.
No beauty queen with 50 years of hunting and another 10 in the safe, but looking forward to see how it shoots in the next week or so.
Good to hear you received the VX5
Hope it shoots lights out for you
Post by: teanawayslayer on December 25, 2024, 01:22:04 PM
Finally got my 35 Whelen AI in my hands. Took a while mostly because I did the stock. Still needs 15 or 20 more coats of oilBeautiful!
Used my dads Remington 700 receiver as a donor. 23" barrel, Timney trigger and topped with a Leica Amplus 6 2.5-15X50. Weighs in right at 8 1/2#. Feels so good, Scott at SS Guns here in Victor did a great job
Post by: EnglishSetter on December 25, 2024, 01:44:06 PM
If you've already got a donor, consider sending it down to JES in Oregon for a rebore. Way cheaper than having it rebarreled and they shoot well. I had a Savage 99 in .300 with a pitted out bore turned into a .358 Win, and the turnaround was only about 2 weeks.
The only thing against .35s is bullet selection and availability. Ever since 2020 the only game in town seems to be Hornady and Barnes. I have heard great things about the 225gr partition but I've never put eyes on a box, and it doesn't look like Nosler has produced any in years. Same with the 225gr Sierra gameking, but at least I was able to snag a couple boxes at Pinto's before they disappeared.
:yeah:
I had JES rebore a Ruger No.3 from .223 to .35 Whelen. He did a great job.
Great learning about JES in this thread and hearing good feedback Reached out over the weekend about doing similar to OP or a .338-06.
Following along.
I just had my late father's pre-64 .264 WM with a shot out barrel rebored by JES to .338 WM. Have a 3x15 VX5 sitting here, Warne mounts/rings coming Friday. Bought a couple boxes of Hornady 225 SST's at the gun show.
No beauty queen with 50 years of hunting and another 10 in the safe, but looking forward to see how it shoots in the next week or so.
Good to hear you received the VX5
Hope it shoots lights out for you
Thx. Yeh, it arrived unscathed and on time. I'm pondering that other scope.
Hopefully it shoots "good enuf". Not a lot of meat at the muzzle, but met JES's criteria.
Post by: zwickeyman on December 25, 2024, 01:53:43 PM
Finally got my 35 Whelen AI in my hands. Took a while mostly because I did the stock. Still needs 15 or 20 more coats of oilBeautiful!
Used my dads Remington 700 receiver as a donor. 23" barrel, Timney trigger and topped with a Leica Amplus 6 2.5-15X50. Weighs in right at 8 1/2#. Feels so good, Scott at SS Guns here in Victor did a great job
Thanks Heath With 254 gr Hammer bullets should be a thumper
Post by: Angry Perch on December 26, 2024, 10:55:30 AM
Post by: zwickeyman on January 15, 2025, 06:12:26 PM
Man that is a good looking rifle.
Thank you Sir
Finally get to shoot it tomorrow
Forgot to say its a 23" Shillin Barrel with a 1-12 twist
Post by: zwickeyman on March 29, 2025, 03:42:30 PM
Shooting 1/2" groups with this 245gr Stone Hammer at 2790 fps. Smoking fast for this 23" barrel and is going to absolutely smash anything that gets in front of it. Extremely nice shooting rifle
Post by: kselkhunter on March 29, 2025, 04:43:23 PM
Post by: zwickeyman on March 29, 2025, 04:57:29 PM
Very nice results, and a great looking rifle. I haven't loaded up my Hammer Hunters in my 35 Whelen yet, as I have a pile of 250gr Hot Cors loaded up already. Good to see you're getting good groups. I just had my 35 Whelen threaded for use with my suppressor, and the gunsmith cut it from 24" down to 22". Haven't put a chronograph on it yet to see the velocity loss. I do enjoy having the suppressor on it though.
I havent shot it with a can yet as my 46 cal is living on my 20" barrel 338 WM. I should try it though
Post by: kselkhunter on March 29, 2025, 05:15:53 PM
Very nice results, and a great looking rifle. I haven't loaded up my Hammer Hunters in my 35 Whelen yet, as I have a pile of 250gr Hot Cors loaded up already. Good to see you're getting good groups. I just had my 35 Whelen threaded for use with my suppressor, and the gunsmith cut it from 24" down to 22". Haven't put a chronograph on it yet to see the velocity loss. I do enjoy having the suppressor on it though.
I havent shot it with a can yet as my 46 cal is living on my 20" barrel 338 WM. I should try it though
The Hybrid 46 definitely takes some recoil out of the 35 Whelen. More noticeable reduction than my 30 cal cans have on my other rifles.