Heavy Bullets in the 35 Whelen

[Rule 303]

​

Bugger the old 350 Rigby magnum was downloaded to what is 35 Whelen performance. Pondaro Taylor believed the 300 grain 358 bullets from that penetrated as deep as the 300 grain bullet from a 375H&H. So the 275 and 300 grain 358 bullets will penetrate a bit more than a 250 358. As you have the 375 then stopping at 250 grain bullet in the 35 Whelen makes sense.

 

[Bugger]

Good point.

I was thinking that with a well constructed 250 grain bullet would penetrate as well as the heavies.

However I have zero experience with testing one against another. I should learn to keep quiet in such discussions.

 

[Rule 303]

Good point.

I was thinking that with a well constructed 250 grain bullet would penetrate as well as the heavies.

However I have zero experience with testing one against another. I should learn to keep quiet in such discussions.

No need to keep quiet, it is one way we learn. The Woodleigh 225 grain Hydro I believe would penetrate as far as the 300 grain bullet or further. I would think the same with a mono metal with a wide meplate that is bigger than 50% of the diameter.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I don’t know why you’re looking for a heavier bullet than 250 in the 35, here’s my two cents worth, take it for what it’s worth:

I have 35 Whelen and a 375 Whelen. I stop at 250 grains in the 35. I have mainly shot 270 grain in the 375. In my opinion a 250 grain partition in the 35 will penetrate as well as the heavier bullets or nearly as well. I have not tried mono bullets in the 35.
The 300 TSX bullets in the 375 might penetrate too well on most any game except elephants, IDK. I’d stop at a lighter weight there too.

I was considering building a 416 on a AI version of the 9.3x62 case. I think that cartridge would be the most powerful cartridge with the ‘06 case head size which would work with a Mauser or Springfield size action. There’s a pile of 416 bullets to play with.

@Bugger
There's nothing wrong with a 310 gn bullet in the 35 Whelen at 2,455fps. I think it would handle anything that walks. The old 350 Rigby mag was highly regarded in its rim and was even used on heffalunps. Marginal yes but it did work.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Good point.

I was thinking that with a well constructed 250 grain bullet would penetrate as well as the heavies.

However I have zero experience with testing one against another. I should learn to keep quiet in such discussions.

@Bugger
A 225gn Woodleigh hydro cup point solid at 2,900fps will ream a buffalo out from stem to stern and still kick up dust a long way behind it.
How much penetration do you need
Bob

 

[MS 9x56]

I don’t know why you’re looking for a heavier bullet than 250 in the 35, here’s my two cents worth, take it for what it’s worth:

I have 35 Whelen and a 375 Whelen. I stop at 250 grains in the 35. I have mainly shot 270 grain in the 375. In my opinion a 250 grain partition in the 35 will penetrate as well as the heavier bullets or nearly as well. I have not tried mono bullets in the 35.
The 300 TSX bullets in the 375 might penetrate too well on most any game except elephants, IDK. I’d stop at a lighter weight there too.

I was considering building a 416 on a AI version of the 9.3x62 case. I think that cartridge would be the most powerful cartridge with the ‘06 case head size which would work with a Mauser or Springfield size action. There’s a pile of 416 bullets to play with.

With the 9.3x62 short neck I am not sure if that would work as an AI when the neck is expanded.

 

[Bugger]

The neck wouldn’t be any shorter, I believe. I think it would be longer.

 

[Boone66]

Ir, you could always take a 350 Norma mag, turn the belt off and rebate the rim, since we are talking wildcats here

 

[50Gunner]

Stands to reason Big Bob Nelson 35 Whelen's 310gr Woodleigh load is 25 fps faster than mine, it's his name for crying out loud.

My rifle runs the 310gr Woodleigh out at 2425 fps over H-4350 powder.

250gr Norma Oryx at 2668 over CFE-223
270gr Northfork cup point solids at 2538 fps over Leverevolution.

Oddly enough the 310gr Woodleighs land three and a half inches high at 100 yards, with the main hunting load 250gr Oryx landing three inches up, makes sense I guess as the heavier bullets trajectory curve will rise and fall quicker than the other two lighter faster bullets, increased recoil may also play a role.

With the 35 Whelen not being legal for Cape Buffalo, the 270gr Northfork cup point solid is for Eland, Zebra or any other truly heavy animal, Elk, Moose etc, that may turn to run from a first round strike from a 250gr Oryx, that bullet lands within the group at 100 yards with the big Woodleigh and Oryx bullet.

When you are talking about fleeing Eland butt, a one inch difference in POI at 100 yards is a complete non issue, it is a hell of a great and powerful round so loaded with rich hunting history the world over.