35 Whelen vs 9.3x62

[shootist~]

@Capebuffalo
No doubt the 338 WM is a superior choice for longer range shots, where appropriate. That's why I bought my Sako A5 about four decades ago. I just no longer enjoy shooting it. Sucks to be old!

 

[Capebuffalo]

@Capebuffalo
No doubt the 338 WM is a superior choice for longer range shots, where appropriate. That's why I bought my Sako A5 about four decades ago. I just no longer enjoy shooting it. Sucks to be old!

Shootist,
I don't know what is the weight of your rifle, but some companies just make their 338 rifles too light, and that is not somethings that needs experimentation with ...I feel mid bores need to weigh around 8-8.5 lbs to make it more fun to shoot. The older rifles also didn't have glass bedding and free floating barrels either, and then we have the muzzle breaks and suppressors nowadays...How privileged are we!

 

[Flewis]

My favorite 338 weighs 6.2 lbs bare and I’m old. Wish it were 5.8 pounds.

 

[shootist~]

Unfortunately the brake on my 338WM is why I'm nearly deaf. Tried it without, when first thinking about a Plains Game hunt and it was a no go. My 30-06 worked close to perfect, however. The 9.3x62 gets the nod in 6 weeks.

 

[Flewis]

I agree no brakes for me.

 

[Capebuffalo]

My favorite 338 weighs 6.2 lbs bare and I’m old. Wish it were 5.8 pounds.

Flewis,

If I may ask, is it custom made or a factory rifle? What grain bullets do you shoot with this rifle?

 

[Flewis]

T3 tikka, 225 grain accubonds at i think 2880.

 

[Capebuffalo]

T3 tikka, 225 grain accubonds at i think 2880.

225 gr is a smooth shooter, it is from 250 and heavier that things start to become challenging.....

 

[Flewis]

With the heavy stuff I think the 338 ultra is better. The 338-378 is just too big and heavy for mountain hunting, I tried it once and that was enough. I don’t carry my rifle on my shoulder, it’s in my hands.

 

[Flewis]

My 35w is just too pretty to chance all those rocks and shale slides, but my buddy’s kid use my first one to take an elk and wreck my rifle.

 

[Capebuffalo]

With the heavy stuff I think the 338 ultra is better. The 338-378 is just too big and heavy for mountain hunting, I tried it once and that was enough. I don’t carry my rifle on my shoulder, it’s in my hands.

Yeh, the ultra's work well if you are into the 800+ yard shooting....I am ok with the WM...I understand that if you carry it in your hands that you would prefer a lighter rifle...

 

[Capebuffalo]

My 35w is just too pretty to chance all those rocks and shale slides, but my buddy’s kid use my first one to take an elk and wreck my rifle.

Although I grew up in Africa and are from German decent, I think the 35 Whelen is a better all round cartridge than the 9.3x62...for various reasons.

 

[Flewis]

Cape buffalo, they are so close but I understand you. Frank

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Although I grew up in Africa and are from German decent, I think the 35 Whelen is a better all round cartridge than the 9.3x62...for various reasons.

@Capebuffalo
What reasons mate. I do agree though
Bob

 

[Capebuffalo]

@Capebuffalo
What reasons mate. I do agree though
Bob

Bob,

2 Great cartridges! Although the 9.3 had more exposure to Africa in the past and is well known there, the 35 can do the same on dangerous game, where allowed, with the right bullet in the 280 grain range (heard a few success stories of people who took buffalo with the 35). Both are actually excellent larger plains game cartridges, especially in the bushveld areas where shooting ranges are shorter (using 250-286 grain bullets), but the difference is on smaller plains game and North American game/Australian game, where a smaller bullet is necessary and more efficient. This is where the 35 shines with 160-225 grain bullets.