35 Whelen - Best Option for Eland Huntress?

[IA diver]

Considering my spouses more diminutive stature, we are in search of the most versatile set-up in an eland gun for her to use during our next safari, after she informed this trophy is now at the top of her list. Until now she has been extremely successful using her 6.5 Creedmoor or suppressed .270 with all one-shot kills in everything up to and including kudu. My 300 H&H is still on the lighter end of the spectrum for eland and just not a good physical fit, while my 375 Ruger remains a bit much to tame.

After much searching and looking at reviews it appears that the venerable 35 Whelen might be just what we are looking for. The CVA Scout V2 chambered in such appears to check of the most boxes when considering the following criteria:

· Accuracy and quality reviews

· Performance versus recoil#

· Cost and availability of ammunition (225 or 250gr)

· Adjustable fit and weight

· Initial acquisition cost

Any thoughts or better options for the huntress?

 

[mdwest]

FWIW my wife has an M98 in 35 Whelen and she handles it exceptionally well.

With 225gr TSX I wouldn’t hesitate using it on eland.

That said, I’m guessing most PH would be fine with 300 H&H as well... I’d bet 200gr TSX from a 300 H&H would make fine eland medicine

 

[Jeffrey]

The Whelen will be great if you want to buy a new gun.
One option would be to buy a stock for your 300HH that fits your wife perfectly.

 

[Rick Cox]

I used a 35 Whelen to take an eland a few years ago. The first shot was a steeply quartering shot at about 140 yds. below the mid line. It travelled up through the lungs after breaking several ribs and stopped in the brisket. The next was the same at 120 yds. Hit just beside the other. Eland was done within 50 yds but took one more to the neck up close. 225 TSX handloads.

 

[Red Devil]

Just acquired a Ruger Hawkeye African in 9.3x62mm and am very impressed.

- 8.5 lb. scoped.
- 286 gr. factory loads are manageable and readily available.
- Acquisition cost (rifle) was ~ $1,000 US.

A 286 gr. @ 2400 fps., (+/-) 20 fps. depending on bullet BC, will give a scoped rifle a max. 3" rise with a 200 yd. zero, a 300 yd max range with 12" of drop, and ~ 3,000/2,500/2,000 lb-ft. of energy at 100/200/300 yds. respectively.

Haven't used it on anything yet, but expect that w/ the right ammo it would suffice for your needs.

​

Red

 

[Jeffrey]

Agree with Red. That 9.3 is sexy

 

[sestoppelman]

If she can shoot the .300 mag, its plenty for eland.

 

[Rob404]

A while back I bought a used Remington (late 80s mod) in 35Whelen I worked on some loads and got it to shoot great. Over the winter I refinished the stock and I now have a great looking and a great shooter, When I go to Namibia it will be in my gun case

 

[Rob404]

Sorry I couldn't resist

 

[Rick Cox]

Just acquired a Ruger Hawkeye African in 9.3x62mm and am very impressed.

- 8.5 lb. scoped.
- 286 gr. factory loads are manageable and readily available.
- Acquisition cost (rifle) was ~ $1,000 US.

A 286 gr. @ 2400 fps., (+/-) 20 fps. depending on bullet BC, will give a scoped rifle a max. 3" rise with a 200 yd. zero, a 300 yd max range with 12" of drop, and ~ 3,000/2,500/2,000 lb-ft. of energy at 100/200/300 yds. respectively.

Haven't used it on anything yet, but expect that w/ the right ammo it would suffice for your needs.

Red

That of course will work well. Pretty well the same as a 35 Whelen.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Agree with Red. That 9.3 is sexy

+1

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Just acquired a Ruger Hawkeye African in 9.3x62mm and am very impressed.

- 8.5 lb. scoped.
- 286 gr. factory loads are manageable and readily available.
- Acquisition cost (rifle) was ~ $1,000 US.

A 286 gr. @ 2400 fps., (+/-) 20 fps. depending on bullet BC, will give a scoped rifle a max. 3" rise with a 200 yd. zero, a 300 yd max range with 12" of drop, and ~ 3,000/2,500/2,000 lb-ft. of energy at 100/200/300 yds. respectively.

Haven't used it on anything yet, but expect that w/ the right ammo it would suffice for your needs.

Red

Congrats. This is very good caliber for dangerous game.

 

[sestoppelman]

A while back I bought a used Remington (late 80s mod) in 35Whelen I worked on some loads and got it to shoot great. Over the winter I refinished the stock and I now have a great looking and a great shooter, When I go to Namibia it will be in my gun case

What?!?! Take a push feed to Africa?!?! The horror, the horror... LOL. But seriously I have too. I took a Ruger 77 tang safety model once, actually twice, one .338 and an '06, that's a push feed action and my brother took a Rem Classic 700 .300 H&H to Namibia and it worked perfectly.

 

[spike.t]

9.3x62 in one of those rugers or one of the cz carbines ...they pretty compact and good little rifles

 

[Ryan]

Does your 375 Ruger have the threads for the factory muzzle brake? If so it is no worse than a 30-06 if you use it and would be more than adequate for an eland without buying a new firearm.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I’ve only taken one eland, so take what I say with a grain of salt. It was HUGE! But one shot with my 375 H&H using 250 Barnes TTSX and after a 25 yard hobble, it was down.
They need a lot of killing IMO. That said, a premium bullet in the right spot will do it. Here on AH I believe I’ve read of people successfully taking them with 150 grain 270 Win and 168 grain 30-06.
The recoil of a 35 Whelen is noticeably more than a 270 IME. I’d suggest you let her try a loner if you can find one.
I don’t believe the recoil of a 9.3x62 is much more noticeable than the Whelen.
Either with a premium quality bullet should do well.
Best of luck in your decision! And good luck to your lady in her pursuit of a magnificent eland!

 

[Rob404]

What?!?! Take a push feed to Africa?!?! The horror, the horror... LOL. But seriously I have too. I took a Ruger 77 tang safety model once, actually twice, one .338 and an '06, that's a push feed action and my brother took a Rem Classic 700 .300 H&H to Namibia and it worked perfectly.

Yes I know It's Sacrilegious and I risked being banned, I'm also working on a post 64 Push Feed Winnie in 270WBY .wonder if I'll have to disclose that to the PH ahead of time or just take my chances

 

[Mekaniks]

35 Whelen is a great round. I had one custom built on a pre-64 model 70 action but haven't had a chance to hunt it yet.
As another option you might consider is a 338 Federal. Short action and easily fits in a smaller short barreled rifle with more energy than a 7mm mag. I took mine to SA in 2016 shooting 210g bullets and would hesitate to shoot an Eland with it at reasonable distance.

 

[shootist~]

Rifle and caliber of choice that fits her.
Muzzle brake.
Really good ear protection.

 

[Shaneb]

If it’s a new gun you want then by all means get a nice 35 whelen. But if I was on safari and Eland was on the list I would have no reservation letting a 150 grain Sierra game king rip out of my .270, and have no doubt there would be a dead Eland down in short order. If it’s the gun she is comfortable with stick with it.