What do I need and why?

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

The 358win is why I said the 35w.
On fl hogs and deer the 358 win seemed to hit just as hard if not harder than the more powerful 338 wm that I had been using
So if the 358 win is good the 35w should be more good lol

@Flbt
Both the baby Whelen aka 358 and the Whelen seem to hit harder than they should.
Especially with a nice 225 or 250gn round nose. They seem to take the fight out of big critters real quick.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My re-barrel project is a blue/walnut rifle. I also have the Mark II 270 stainless/laminate stock. Both are shooters but I only need one.

@Linkerman
Two options
Rebarrel
Or
Rebore by JES
Either way go a 1:12 twist barrel.
Bob

 

[TnKen]

Definitely go with the 35 Whelen. I just got back from RSA last week using it, I and my PH was impressed with its performance. The rifle started life as a plain REM 78 sportsman in 270. New ER Shaw barrel and a new claro walnut stock.

 

[Xpraetor]

The 358win is why I said the 35w.
On fl hogs and deer the 358 win seemed to hit just as hard if not harder than the more powerful 338 wm that I had been using
So if the 358 win is good the 35w should be more good lol

No disagreement there, I was asking the OP purely out of curiosity, not to be nay-sayer.

 

[coreydb]

I agree with Ontario. Pragmatically, the real issue is what you want; not what you need. BUT.....if you want to bridge you gap, you first should consider the hunting you intend to do. If you want killing power at any distance for any size of game up through the large African, Alaskan and Canadian animals, why not consider Weatherby's 30-378, or maybe anything in the .338 family? Your larger calibers are more limited in distance to closer and/or thick skinned game. It really doesn't matter since you already have two rifles that span the entire kill spectrum of game animals.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I agree with Ontario. Pragmatically, the real issue is what you want; not what you need. BUT.....if you want to bridge you gap, you first should consider the hunting you intend to do. If you want killing power at any distance for any size of game up through the large African, Alaskan and Canadian animals, why not consider Weatherby's 30-378, or maybe anything in the .338 family? Your larger calibers are more limited in distance to closer and/or thick skinned game. It really doesn't matter since you already have two rifles that span the entire kill spectrum of game animals.

@coreydb
Unless you are shooting game in the next zip code you don't need a 30-378. That is an awesome weapon but takes a bit to master that cartridge.
The average hunter us struggling to hit game past 400 yards and 90% of shots I dare say are under 200.. That big 39 cal isn't even warning up until well past those ranges.

The Whelen in the other hand offers a good balance of range, power and recoil and is a very versatile cartridge.
Bob

 

[meigsbucks]

As others have stated, you don’t “need” a bridge round, but if you decide to go that route, I’d go with the .35 Whelen. Mainly due to ease of getting properly head stamped brass as well as some factory loads.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

@dogcat1
Since when has need have anything to do with it.
I may not need it but I want it.
I didn't need a 270 but wanted a Whelen. Bought a 270 at the right price and it became my Whelen.
Bob

Rechambering is the only good use for a 270
Gumpy

 

[358 Norma]

Just buy a 338 Win mag or 340 Weatherby mag and be done with it. I love the 358 Norma mag but finding quality bullets and brass can sometimes be difficult. So I recommend buying something you can get ammo, brass, and bullets relatively easily for.