35 Whelen

[Rule 303]

jruby,​

I like your taste in miliary rifles.

Re the case weight, bit hard to pick 10 grains in weight difference and highly unlikely when you are new to the game as the bloke with the 308 I mentioned was. Here in Aust, nowadays, if you are using ADI brass it is well known, at least with the people I know, communicate with, that you need to back off 2 or more grains in powder charge-depending on case size- due to the thicker brass. 2 grains is minimum in 223 size cases. ADI brass is some of the best you can get, strong, uniform weight. Designed for Military automatic weapons.

The wildcats you load for have publish data, may have to look for it or start with the min load recommended for the parent case.

I am on the wrong side of 60 but I like to experiment. Don't think I will be playing with anymore wildcats, but If I get a 350Rigby Magnum made up I will look to find it's boundaries, using the 358Morma Mag as the guide.

I may have to invest in Quickload, that would help and mean less brain strain for me

Cartridges of the World (At least in the 10th edition) has a good precise of the 400-350Riby, Rigby No2 and 350 Rigby Magnum.

 

[jruby]

I dont know how close the 358STA is to the 350 rigby. I think building a 350 Rigby would be fun except for the head size of .519 and hence trying to find brass for it. I figure a P17 might be a good starting point or some other long action in 30-06:so you would have the length and can open up the bolt face. Also would be a good choice for a ruger #1.. Good luck if you decide to make one.

I just turned 63 and am beginning to look at retiring someday.

 

[Rule 303]

I dont know how close the 358STA is to the 350 rigby. I think building a 350 Rigby would be fun except for the head size of .519 and hence trying to find brass for it. I figure a P17 might be a good starting point or some other long action in 30-06:so you would have the length and can open up the bolt face. Also would be a good choice for a ruger #1.. Good luck if you decide to make one.

I just turned 63 and am beginning to look at retiring someday.

Bertram Brass in Australia makes brass for the 350Rigby Magnum. The 358STW is, I think, based on the 375H&H case and performance wise is a good step in front of the 358Norma. It is close to my 358RUM based on the 338RUM case. 358 Norma 250 grain pill 2800fps; 358STA 250 pill at 2980fps; 358-338RUM 250 grain pill at 3160fps.

A P17 action is what I have my 358 RUM in and is a good choice, in my books, for any large and/or long case.

Thanks for the best wishes. I am 67 and going the wrong way, that is to my second childhood.........ming you plenty say I have never grown out of my first childhood

 

[wswolf]

I have a 338-06AI and a few 35 Whelens. Problem with the 9.3x62 is I can't make it out of a 30-06 case so its no good to me!

The nominal base diameter of the .30-'06 is .473". I just measured the bases of some new 9.3x62 cases.
Norma = .474"
RWS = .470"
Geco = .473'
Haven't tried it yet but I bet '06 cases would work just fine.

 

[Huvius]

The nominal base diameter of the .30-'06 is .473". I just measured the bases of some new 9.3x62 cases.
Norma = .474"
RWS = .470"
Geco = .473'
Haven't tried it yet but I bet '06 cases would work just fine.

That’s been standard for ages I’d think. I know a lot of folks that do it with no fuss.
It’s a lot less extreme than making 333 Jeffery or 280 Ross from 300H&H belted brass and fire forming the case ahead of the belt. That works too but a little scary if you ask me…

 

[Rule 303]

The nominal base diameter of the .30-'06 is .473". I just measured the bases of some new 9.3x62 cases.
Norma = .474"
RWS = .470"
Geco = .473'
Haven't tried it yet but I bet '06 cases would work just fine.

What you have there for the30-06 is Rim diameter, Base diameter is .470.
Base diameter of 9.3x62 is .473 rim is.470 going by Cartridges of the World.
Not too much in it.

 

[wswolf]

What you have there for the30-06 is Rim diameter, Base diameter is .470.
Base diameter of 9.3x62 is .473 rim is.470 going by Cartridges of the World.
Not too much in it.

Thank you for the correction. I got the.473" from the Nosler manual which shows the diameter of the rim and not the base. Should have investigated further. The base diameters of RWS, Lapua and Winchester '06 cases measured .464" to .465". The nominal base diameter of the 9.3x62 is .4764" according to Speer #15.

 

[Elmbow]

Since the .35 Whelen and the .350 Rigby Magnum are ballistically similar, I thought these articles about the .350 Rigby Magnum might be of interest.

I like the old classic cartridges used in Africa; a little nostalgia and the romance of safari in days gone by. In fact, one of the main reasons I purchased my Ruger M77 Hawkeye in .35 Whelen was to have a rifle that could duplicate the original ballistics of the .350 Rigby Magnum. Since I can't afford an original Rigby rifle in .350, I can at least duplicate the cartridge's original ballistics. (.350 Rigby Magnum: 225 gr .358" diameter bullet at 2625 fps according to my reprint of the Kynoch / ICI catalog of 1936.) Plus, the .35 Whelen is a classic American cartridge. In my opinion, it pairs very well with my Ruger M77 Mk II in .30-06 Springfield.

By the way, my reasoning was the same when I purchased my Ruger M77 Mk II in .338 Win Mag. I think it makes a good substitute for the .318 Westley Richards (.330" dia) and the .333 Jeffery (rimless) cartridges. A rifle in .338-06 would have been a closer match ballistically but they're more dificult to find (or have built). And, the .338 WM gives me a little extra velocity compared to the older .318 and .333 cartridges. I can always load down my .338 Win Mag a little to match the ballistics of the .318 W-R and the .333 Jeffery if I want to and I have done so in the past. My .338 WM firing a 250 gr Woodleigh RN bullet at 2500 fps is very pleasant to shoot. A perfect load for the bushveld, IMO. (I had my fourth trip to South Africa booked for 2008 but I cancelled the trip in 2007. Remember the 2007-2008 financial crisis? I was planning to take my .338 Win Mag on that trip but, regrettably, I never made it back to Africa. Such is life.)

I hope you find the articles linked below to be of interest.

Just my two cents... Cheers! Bob F.


View attachment 708634


Behind the Bullet: .350 Rigby Magnum
by Philip Massaro posted on November 17, 2021
https://www.americanhunter.org/content/behind-the-bullet-350-rigby-magnum/

Rigby’s .350 Magnum – A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
SCI - August 13, 2021
https://safariclub.org/rigbys-350-magnum-a-nostalgic-trip-down-memory-lane/

Rigby’s .350 Magnum: A trip down memory lane, 1963
by Robin Hurt
https://www.johnrigbyandco.com/rigbys-350-magnum-a-trip-down-memory-lane-1963-by-robin-hurt/
(John Rigby & Co.)

Also see:

Loading Bench: What’s Right With The .35 Whelen
posted on December 19, 2019
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/loading-bench-what-s-right-with-the-35-whelen/

Handloads: A Faster .35 Whelen
by John Haviland posted on July 15, 2023
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/handloads-a-faster-35-whelen/

The Griffin & Howe Story
posted on July 10, 2021
(Briefly discusses the .35 Whelen and the .350 G&H Magnum cartridges.)
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-griffin-howe-story/

Griffin & Howe: 100 Years Of Adventure In The Making
A partnership between wood and metal craftsmen formed the foundation of a dynasty in custom riflemaking that built arms for some of the most famous people to ever venture out on safari.
by Rick Hacker posted on December 18, 2023
https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/griffin-howe-100-years-of-adventure-in-the-making/

Limited Edition .35 Whelen Rifle
Griffin & Howe
https://griffinhowe.com/custom-products/35-whelen/

Griffin & Howe
https://griffinhowe.com/

.350 Rigby
(the .350 Rigby Magnum and the .350 Rigby No. 2)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.350_Rigby

.400/350 Nitro Express
(aka the .400/350 Rigby Nitro Express)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.400/350_Nitro_Express


Some of my rifles:

View attachment 708635
Ruger M77 Mk II .30-06 Springfield

View attachment 708636
Ruger M77 Mk II .338 Win Mag

View attachment 708637
Ruger M77 Hawkeye .35 Whelen

Ernest Hemingway takes aim with his Griffin & Howe Springfield, Serial No. 956, chambered in .30-’06 Sprg., which still retains its G&H scope mount, even though the famed author relied only on its iron sights to take numerous game animals on two East African safaris and on hunts in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. “… most beautifully made and finished and simple, practical gun I’ve ever seen,” he wrote. Unfortunately, this rifle was stolen in the 1970s, and its current whereabouts are unknown.
from: https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/griffin-howe-100-years-of-adventure-in-the-making/

Osa Johnson, a celebrated filmmaker, author, and adventuress from the 1920s and ’30s, is shown with her Griffin & Howe Springfield .30-’06 Sprg. on one of her many safaris, during which she guarded her husband, Martin, while he filmed African wildlife. On at least three occasions, she saved his life by killing charging animals. She also supplied meat for the camp, often using this rifle.
from: https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/griffin-howe-100-years-of-adventure-in-the-making/

The rifle in bottom pic of Osa Johnson is a sporterized ‘98 Krag, not a Springfield.

 

[MS 9x56]

The rifle in bottom pic of Osa Johnson is a sporterized ‘98 Krag, not a Springfield.

When I looked at that picture I thought the same thing.

 

[BFaucett]

The rifle in bottom pic of Osa Johnson is a sporterized ‘98 Krag, not a Springfield.

Well, Griffin & Howe says it's a Springfield .30-06.

Also, in Osa's book I Married Adventure (1940) she lists "1 American Springfield" as part of their rifle inventory during their four year stay at Lake Paradise.

Whatever . . . Bob F.

source URL: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ROvawKxhX/

Griffin & Howe - Exceptional Sporting Experiences Since 1923

Explore Griffin & Howe's exceptional collection of custom rifles, fine shotguns, and premium firearms. With a legacy of craftsmanship and precision since 1923, we offer bespoke solutions for discerning hunters and shooters. Visit us for unparalleled quality and service.

griffinhowe.com

link: https://griffinhowe.com/

M1903 Springfield Rifle
pic source:
Classic Guns: The M1903 Springfield Rifle
by Rick Hacker posted on February 21, 2019
link: https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/classic-guns-the-m1903-springfield-rifle/

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

I wish bullet makers would bring back the round nosed bullets in heavey for caliber bullets. I can attest to the fact they hit harder and lead to shorter heavier blood trails. They are getting harder to find every year.

All I know to say to this is...........AMEN!!!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

2075 fps for 2965 flbs out of a 24 in barrel

@Flbt
What powder are you using.
I use H4350/2209 and with the standard load it's 2,200fps for 49,000psi.
My load runs upto 61,000psi for 2,455fps.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My 9.3 throws a 286 North Fork at 2500+ fps.

But I still have a hankering for a 35 Whelen moving a 225 @2625 (the old 350 Rigby).

@baxterb
Why such a sedate speed.
You can get close to 2,900fps very safely in the Whelen with 225s.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

All I know to say to this is...........AMEN!!!

@Hagler.450Ex
All hail Woodleigh
They make beautiful 225,250 and 310gn round nose .358 projectiles.
Bob

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

@Hagler.450Ex
All hail Woodleigh
They make beautiful 225,250 and 310gn round nose .358 projectiles.
Bob

I'm just waiting for 286gn Woodleighs in 9.3, and in solids as well.

 

[Rule 303]

I'm just waiting for 286gn Woodleighs in 9.3, and in solids as well.

It will be a fair while before Woodleigh start re doing Solids. Go to the Hydro. They are made elsewhere and were not effected by the fire.

 

[Hagler.450Ex]

It will be a fair while before Woodleigh start re doing Solids. Go to the Hydro. They are made elsewhere and were not effected by the fire.

I'll just wait for good old RN solids. I can't use anything else and still feel happy. Thankfully, I'm not in a hurry. I just hope it's within 2-3 years at least. That fire stole a great deal from all of us.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I'll just wait for good old RN solids. I can't use anything else and still feel happy. Thankfully, I'm not in a hurry. I just hope it's within 2-3 years at least. That fire stole a great deal from all of us.

@Hagler.450Ex
I would love to try the big 310s in the Whelen at 2,400fps.
The Woodleigh solid in the Whelen has a lead core followed by a steel liner then covered in a gilding metal or copper jacket. It also has a nice flat meplat instead of the conventional round nose. What's not to love.
Bob

 

[baxterb]

@baxterb
Why such a sedate speed.
You can get close to 2,900fps very safely in the Whelen with 225s.
Bob

If I can get it with standard OAL from a 24” I’d be happy to get whatever I can. I personally do not like loading “long” for any cartridge I use. I have had great luck thus far in getting good results without needing to.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

If I can get it with standard OAL from a 24” I’d be happy to get whatever I can. I personally do not like loading “long” for any cartridge I use. I have had great luck thus far in getting good results without needing to.

@baxterb
You can get it comfortably from a 24" tube with normal loading lengths.
Give CFE 223 a try you will be amazed.
Bob