Anyone here shooting a .35 Whelen?

[njc110381]

Hi all. Long time no see. I don't tend to get on the forums as much as I used to.

Being one for unusual rifles I've just decided I'd like to get myself a .35 Whelen. It looks pretty handy, if a little large for UK deer and great for boar. Loadings for it range from 180gr right up to 300gr, and the velocities are sensible. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has anything to say on the subject? My main interest is what bullets you're using and for what? I'd appreciate your feedback.

Thanks.

Edited July 3, 2020 by njc110381

[Walker570]

It is a very good all round calibre. A 180g bullet at around 2650fps will cleanly kill any deer in this country.  You don't HAVE to shoot small for small as amazingly a 180g bullet travelling relatively slowly compared to huper speed 50g projectiles will do les meat damage put in the right place. I do not own one but have shot the calbre in the USA with great success.

You can then go up to 250g if needed but the 180g will deal with most you are likely to meet in Europe.  Very easy to make up from 30-06 cases.

[welshwarrior]

Used one a few times in Canada it killed big deer witb authority and was not abusive on white tail.  I had a 375 H&H (225 grn) and a 30/06 (165/180 grn) with me.

if I’d owned the whelen I would of just used that and been very happy here with it and most other places.  

[cervusman]

I have thought about the Whelen for Africa and read some very good reviews about it, but I also considered the 338-06 which has very good ballistics. I eventually just took my 30-06 and took Kudu to warthog.

Edited July 4, 2020 by cervusman

[njc110381]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I'm giving it a go just because I fancy one to be honest. It sounds interesting, and gives a pretty decent energy at sensible velocities. I'm much more a fan of a slow and steady bullet than a fast one.

I looked at the 180gr bullets and wondered about the BC of them, so am thinking I'll probably try a 200gr TTSX to start with. Upping the weight slightly will bring the velocity down. Energy isn't really a big deal because I think it'll be capable of covering everything I can fire it at with relative ease! It's good to hear some positive feedback though. Not many of them around in the UK to compare notes with other shooters.