Bob Nelson convinced me - 35 Whelen

[CoElkHunter]

@leslie hetrick
Can't beat a good 30 cal 30ought six, 303 or 308. All will stop or slow down most opponents.
Bob

Bob,
Can't beat the WW2 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) .30-06 for stopping opponents. The U.S. gangster Clyde Barrow (Bonnie & Clyde) preferred a BAR over the Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45ACP, as the .30-06 would penetrate car bodys and the .45ACP wouldn't. I believe he also preferred the .38 Super over the .45ACP pistol cartridge in his Colt 1911 for the same reason. When he migrated to OZ in the 1930s, he preferred a BAR in .303.
CEH

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Bob,
Can't beat the WW2 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) .30-06 for stopping opponents. The U.S. gangster Clyde Barrow (Bonnie & Clyde) preferred a BAR over the Thompson Sub Machine Gun .45ACP, as the .30-06 would penetrate car bodys and the .45ACP wouldn't. I believe he also preferred the .38 Super over the .45ACP pistol cartridge in his Colt 1911 for the same reason. When he migrated to OZ in the 1930s, he preferred a BAR in .303.
CEH

@CoElkHunter
Nothing wrong with a good BREN gun either

 

[ZG47]

@ZG47
When my father was in Korea some of the battles they were in the SMLE No1 mk111 with the skim barrel would get that hot the forend would start to smoke.
On a few occasions the would break ranks and throw their rifles in a creek. Back to the line and keep fireing while others did the same. This was repeat several times during the fire fight with no apparent harm to the weapons.
Bob.

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen Great story. I had not read or heard of that one before. If it worked it worked. I understand that Bren and MG42 barrels could be cooled that way without harm. I should have stated that it may not be a good idea with light barrels as I have come across the odd account where it did not work out. Might have been with hammer swaged (hammer forged is a marketing term like nitrocellulose and 'radiator') barrels from new makers. I had a USRAC Model 70 Fwt which would put the first shot dead on from a cold barrel, then a 5 shot 80mm group and 150mm or worse 10 shot @ 100m. Not as tricky as jet engine turbine blades but obviously a big learning curve.

 

[Rule 303]

During an ammunition expenditure shoot "yippy shoot" I had the barrel of an SLR starting to glow red. A Sgt had his well and truly glowing red-nearer to ammo point so had more mags. The WO who had recruits handing him mags had the barrel white hot, almost translucent. He and the Sgt had the M60's asbestos gloves on their support hand. The WO's rile you could see a grey streak go down the barrel when he fired. At end of shot that barrel had a slight downward curve.

Next day that SLR still shot just the Point of Impact was way low. It was sent off and barrelled. I think they may have replaced the forearm timber as well considering the burn marks on the outer surface.

Never handed a BAR but have carried and put many rounds through a Bren. Love the Bren. The Bren had a chromed lined barrel. When I walked the Kokoda Track in 2006 some old brens actions were rusted out others still in good nick. However all the barrels, out side and in were in very good condition.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen Great story. I had not read or heard of that one before. If it worked it worked. I understand that Bren and MG42 barrels could be cooled that way without harm. I should have stated that it may not be a good idea with light barrels as I have come across the odd account where it did not work out. Might have been with hammer swaged (hammer forged is a marketing term like nitrocellulose and 'radiator') barrels from new makers. I had a USRAC Model 70 Fwt which would put the first shot dead on from a cold barrel, then a 5 shot 80mm group and 150mm or worse 10 shot @ 100m. Not as tricky as jet engine turbine blades but obviously a big learning curve.

@ZG47
You won't read about it or hear about it unless you have talked to old Ozzie vets. The same as you don't hear much about the American 72nd tank division giving close support to Australians.
Dad was in one battle where the called in fire support and the reply was we can't do that the Australians are there. The tank commander replied if that's where they want it that's where you f###ing put it.
You probably don't hear much of the Presidential Citation given to 3RAR by Gen Van Fleet for the battle of Kapyong either.
The Korean war doesn't get spoken of much because it was regarded as a police action.
The Vietnam vets weren't the only ones spat on and called kiddie killers. My father suffered the same fate in 1953 when he returned to Australia.
Sorry about the rant I jest get pissed off when people remember WW11 and Vietnam but forget Korea.
Bob

 

[cajunchefray]

turkeys are very hard to sneek up on, the best way for me has been to call then in close in the spring season(mating season)

View attachment 397462View attachment 397463View attachment 397464View attachment 397465View attachment 397466

Nice hunting!

 

[cajunchefray]

@ZG47
You won't read about it or hear about it unless you have talked to old Ozzie vets. The same as you don't hear much about the American 72nd tank division giving close support to Australians.
Dad was in one battle where the called in fire support and the reply was we can't do that the Australians are there. The tank commander replied if that's where they want it that's where you f###ing put it.
You probably don't hear much of the Presidential Citation given to 3RAR by Gen Van Fleet for the battle of Kapyong either.
The Korean war doesn't get spoken of much because it was regarded as a police action.
The Vietnam vets weren't the only ones spat on and called kiddie killers. My father suffered the same fate in 1953 when he returned to Australia.
Sorry about the rant I jest get pissed off when people remember WW11 and Vietnam but forget Korea.
Bob

Hello Bob,

Good to hear of your Dads missions on South Korea. Bless him for that.
Some of those battles were hell.

My Dad tried to enlist towards the end of the war, in the Air Force, that's when the US Govt found out he was colorblind. He enlisted in the US Army, for the Cold War in Germany.

My two best Chef Mentor Friends, Father was a 2 Purple Heart Veteran of the 82nd Airborne in Korea. Mr. George was a helluva a man, lived till 92 years old.

Nevertheless, the 35 Whelen is the chambering I picked, way back in 2000. for my only true custom rifle. Today ( and since 2010) is now the minimum caliber for "Primitive Weapon" season for deer here in Louisiana, and adjoining states. Our local hunters swear by it, with good reason.

There ain't no flies on it and is a reliable, deer, hog and gator weapon.
I have 2, a Ruger #1 ( 24"barrel) and my custom Steyr 98 Mauser, along with my next project, an extra barrel to mount on a Husquvarna ( FN Mauser) 98 with peep sights.

North America's all around rifle. Someday I will take one to Africa for Plains Game.

A most versatile weapon that works beautifully with Hodgon Varget in 225 to 250 grain bullets.

 

[cajunchefray]

Hello Bob,

Good to hear of your Dads missions on South Korea. Bless him for that.
Some of those battles were hell.

My Dad tried to enlist towards the end of the war, in the Air Force, that's when the US Govt found out he was colorblind. He enlisted in the US Army, for the Cold War in Germany.

My two best Chef Mentor Friends, Father was a 2 Purple Heart Veteran of the 82nd Airborne in Korea. Mr. George was a helluva a man, lived till 92 years old.

Nevertheless, the 35 Whelen is the chambering I picked, way back in 2000. for my only true custom rifle. Today ( and since 2010) is now the minimum caliber for "Primitive Weapon" season for deer here in Louisiana, and adjoining states. Our local hunters swear by it, with good reason.

There ain't no flies on it and is a reliable, deer, hog and gator weapon.
I have 2, a Ruger #1 ( 24"barrel) and my custom Steyr 98 Mauser, along with my next project, an extra barrel to mount on a Husquvarna ( FN Mauser) 98 with peep sights.

North America's all around rifle. Someday I will take one to Africa for Plains Game.

A most versatile weapon that works beautifully with Hodgon Varget in 225 to 250 grain bullets.

My go to loads are 225 Sierra GameKings with 56 gr of Varget, or 250 Hornady RN with 54 grains of Varget. Both shoot to about the same POI, with low pressure and long case life.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hello Bob,

Good to hear of your Dads missions on South Korea. Bless him for that.
Some of those battles were hell.

My Dad tried to enlist towards the end of the war, in the Air Force, that's when the US Govt found out he was colorblind. He enlisted in the US Army, for the Cold War in Germany.

My two best Chef Mentor Friends, Father was a 2 Purple Heart Veteran of the 82nd Airborne in Korea. Mr. George was a helluva a man, lived till 92 years old.

Nevertheless, the 35 Whelen is the chambering I picked, way back in 2000. for my only true custom rifle. Today ( and since 2010) is now the minimum caliber for "Primitive Weapon" season for deer here in Louisiana, and adjoining states. Our local hunters swear by it, with good reason.

There ain't no flies on it and is a reliable, deer, hog and gator weapon.
I have 2, a Ruger #1 ( 24"barrel) and my custom Steyr 98 Mauser, along with my next project, an extra barrel to mount on a Husquvarna ( FN Mauser) 98 with peep sights.

North America's all around rifle. Someday I will take one to Africa for Plains Game.

A most versatile weapon that works beautifully with Hodgon Varget in 225 to 250 grain bullets.

@cajunchefray
My old man despite being Australian was in hospital with a few 72nd boys after being shot in the mouth and was also given a purple heart.
Forget loading the Whelen with 250 grainers and Varget. Have a look at the Speer reloading site for there 250 grain loads.
A 250 grain out of the Whelen at 2,700 fps would put a lot of hurt on hogs. A Hornaday 250 grain round nose would be even more hurt at closer ranges 200 yards and less.
The Whelen performs well on plains game. All mine were one shot and down.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hello Bob,

Good to hear of your Dads missions on South Korea. Bless him for that.
Some of those battles were hell.

My Dad tried to enlist towards the end of the war, in the Air Force, that's when the US Govt found out he was colorblind. He enlisted in the US Army, for the Cold War in Germany.

My two best Chef Mentor Friends, Father was a 2 Purple Heart Veteran of the 82nd Airborne in Korea. Mr. George was a helluva a man, lived till 92 years old.

Nevertheless, the 35 Whelen is the chambering I picked, way back in 2000. for my only true custom rifle. Today ( and since 2010) is now the minimum caliber for "Primitive Weapon" season for deer here in Louisiana, and adjoining states. Our local hunters swear by it, with good reason.

There ain't no flies on it and is a reliable, deer, hog and gator weapon.
I have 2, a Ruger #1 ( 24"barrel) and my custom Steyr 98 Mauser, along with my next project, an extra barrel to mount on a Husquvarna ( FN Mauser) 98 with peep sights.

North America's all around rifle. Someday I will take one to Africa for Plains Game.

A most versatile weapon that works beautifully with Hodgon Varget in 225 to 250 grain bullets.

@cajunchefray
Noslers load of 60.5 grains of Varget gets the 225 grain accubonds out of my Whelen at 2,850 fps
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

My go to loads are 225 Sierra GameKings with 56 gr of Varget, or 250 Hornady RN with 54 grains of Varget. Both shoot to about the same POI, with low pressure and long case life.

@cajunchefray
Get hold of some Hogdon CFE223 that will make the GameKings sing up to 2,900fps and the hornaday round nose to almost 2,700fps
Bob

Bob

 

[Rule 303]

Bob all you say about Korea I know about plus plenty more. Keen history student plus have spoken with a few vets. I do truly dips me lid to them.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Bob all you say about Korea I know about plus plenty more. Keen history student plus have spoken with a few vets. I do truly dips me lid to them.

@Rule303
I will give you a ring tomorrow
Mate.
Bob

 

[Scrumbag]

@Scrumbag
At least we can measure our intelligence, it may not be Einstein level but far higher than any Englishman. At least we don't drink hot beer.
Bob

Being largely Welsh I would tend to agree

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

THIS a caution to all owners of a 243 wimpchester.
My good MATE @CBH has a wonderful sense of humor and would like to invite you to his home town for the big BROKEN HEEL festival. Merchandise as shown in the photos is available to any one that can show they actually own a 243 and use it in public. You WILL also have to be attired in your best high heel hunting shoes..
If you can't attend in person please send Chris a photo of yourself, rifle and heels to be displayed at the festival.
The winner for the best photo or real life appearance will receive STUFF ALL apart from our sympathy.

Disclaimer
This is a joke as Chris sent them to me as a fellow hunter and STIRRER.
Every one knows I don't like the 243 and the above is meant in jest .
Bob

the last 2 photos are a beer can cooker the o the is a pin you can wear with embarrassment.

 

[bruce moulds]

bob,
it looks like both you and chris really need to get out in the bush and hunt some pigs/other.
bruce.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

bob,
it looks like both you and chris really need to get out in the bush and hunt some pigs/other.
bruce.

@bruce moulds
I'm on my feet now so in a month I should be able to get to the range at least.
Have you got y our heels and rifle for the photo shoot.
Bob

 

[bruce moulds]

bob, unfortunately i am a non starter, as i have no 243.
in fact have never owned one.
i had a thought today.
if you were laid up a bit longer, you could have invented wildcats in 15 and 45 cals.
this would give you 15, 25, 35, and 45 cal rifles.
the 15 would require a specially manufactured barrel and bullets but could be done.
the 14 hornet and14/ 221 were done, but a 15 would be better.
bruce.

 

[CBH Australia]

bob, unfortunately i am a non starter, as i have no 243.
in fact have never owned one.
i had a thought today.
if you were laid up a bit longer, you could have invented wildcats in 15 and 45 cals.
this would give you 15, 25, 35, and 45 cal rifles.
the 15 would require a specially manufactured barrel and bullets but could be done.
the 14 hornet and14/ 221 were done, but a 15 would be better.
bruce.

I hear Sprinter arms are still in existence somewhere in SA , No, that's South Australia for you Africa nuts.
Our Croweater freinds have a few good gunsmiths.

Cousin Bruce, I resigned today, when Uncle Bob is back on his feet we might do a road trip if he makes it for the next Broken Heel Festival, Funny thing is I think he has a Broken Heel, the mind boggles.

Yes, it's true. I was in at the Palace on the slopes one night. I know Bob reminisces about the old Broken Heel.

I've said before I worked there back in the day. For those who are familiar with .243 & the Priscilla movie I worked for Mario Celotto the Mario who was seen welcoming the "Ladies" in the movie.

I was there a year or so before. , I digress. Bob has find memories of the place.

I am a bit nostalgic. I had a few on a night out with the wife. I immediately thought of Bob, I was gonna stir shit online but I had to pay attention to the wife as we were at the same table.

I couldn't find his photos on the wall but, I know he's been there.

He thinks I sent that stuff to stir shit but I think I only got it for him cause I knew he would miss the Broken Heel Festival with his Broken Heel.

Bob, have a beer and don't take it do seriously, it's ok to be different

 

[bruce moulds]

so now you are the official dog catcher in the hill (heel)?
hope you didn't catch anything working on that movie.
i think bob knows it is ok to be different.
bruce.