Heavy Bullets in the 35 Whelen

[35400Whelen]

Has any one loaded 275gr. to 310gr. bullets in the 35 Whelen?
I have some 275gr. Hawk bullets on order. I have not found much load data for heavy bullets in the 35 Whelen. If any one has used any brand of .358 bullets of 275gr and bigger in their 35 Whelen I would like to hear your experience and any load data you suggest, starting load, expected muzzle velocity, ect.

Thanks

 

[flatwater bill]

I have shot big bullets in the Whelen.....My initial heavy bullet was a 275 grainer and I tried to work up to Elmer Keith's favorite load of 57.0 grains of 4064 behind the Western Tool and Copper 275 grainer. I could not do it, as it proved too hot in my gun......but it gives you an ballpark..........best of luck. .....FWB

 

[Tra3]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen has to chime in on this one!

I’m curious to know the answer too.

 

[CoElkHunter]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen has to chime in on this one!

I’m curious to know the answer too.

+1

 

[35400Whelen]

I have shot big bullets in the Whelen.....My initial heavy bullet was a 275 grainer and I tried to work up to Elmer Keith's favorite load of 57.0 grains of 4064 behind the Western Tool and Copper 275 grainer. I could not do it, as it proved too hot in my gun......but it gives you an ballpark..........best of luck. .....FWB

Thanks, Elmer Keith was known for pushing his to the limit and then some. I would love to get a hold of some of his and Col. Whelen's books.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen has to chime in on this one!

I’m curious to know the answer too.

@Tra3
Haven't used the 275 or 310 yet but will gladly look up some loads. From memory H4350 works best with the 310 with best velocity and lowest pressure but I will check
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Has any one loaded 275gr. to 310gr. bullets in the 35 Whelen?
I have some 275gr. Hawk bullets on order. I have not found much load data for heavy bullets in the 35 Whelen. If any one has used any brand of .358 bullets of 275gr and bigger in their 35 Whelen I would like to hear your experience and any load data you suggest, starting load, expected muzzle velocity, ect.

Thanks

@35400Whelen
I've just looked up some loads for you
The 275 grains are all at 2,400 to close on 2,500 fps and max pressure is less than 52,000 cup.
ALL LOADS GIVEN ARE ADVICE ONLY. THEY ARE MAXIMUM LOADS AND SHOULD BE WORKED UP FROM 5 GRAINS LOWER KEEPING A WATCH OUT FOR PRESSURE SIGNS.
I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MISUSE OF INFORMATION.
ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN HAND LOADING.

For the 275 grain Woodleigh PPSP
Coal 3. 4 inches
Brass Remington
Primer Remington large rifle

Re 15 and Varget
58 grains 2,387 fps

CFE 223
61 grains 2,450 fps

AA2000MR
62 grains 2,480 fps.


310 grain Woodleigh RNSP
CFE223
54 grains 2,250 fps

Varget
51 grains 2,259fps

H4350
60 grains 2,219fps

AA4077ssc
60 grains 2,300 fps
Highest velocity under 51,000 cup

AA2700
60 grains 2,220 fps
Reasonable velocity low pressure 48,344 cup.

Hopefully this gives you a starting point.

Remember to work up to max safely

4064 did give good velocity to the 275 grainers up to 58 grains but pressure was up OVER 53,000 CUP .This is beyond acceptable pressure
Bob Nelson

 

[CoElkHunter]

Again, with these much heavier for caliber bullets in basically a .35-06, please consider a .375 or .400 Whelen if you must have the ‘06 as the parent cartridge? You guys are killing me with these heavy bullets and higher pressures in an ‘06 case. I use a 225gr. bullet in my .338WM and 270gr. in my .375 H and H? I’m all for experimenting, but there comes a point with diminishing returns?

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Again, with these much heavier for caliber bullets in basically a .35-06, please consider a .375 or .400 Whelen if you must have the ‘06 as the parent cartridge? You guys are killing me with these heavy bullets and higher pressures in an ‘06 case. I use a 225gr. bullet in my .338WM and 270gr. in my .375 H and H? I’m all for experimenting, but there comes a point with diminishing returns?

@CoElkHunter
The higher pressure if fine but I agree that unless your using the Whelen with 310 grainers at 100 yards or less and need that penetration you are wasting time. Go to a bigger caliber that can do it easily.
The 9.3x62 and the Whelen do push 300 grains at 2,200 fps but they are at there upper limit.
A 300 in a 375 hits harder and has a bucket full more authority for when it's really needed.
If you just want the ultimate in penetration and power out of the Whelen a 225 grain hydrostatic stabilized Woodleigh @ 2,850 fps and 4,000 fpe will ream out a brontosauras from stem to stern.
Bob

 

[CoElkHunter]

@CoElkHunter
The higher pressure if fine but I agree that unless your using the Whelen with 310 grainers at 100 yards or less and need that penetration you are wasting time. Go to a bigger caliber that can do it easily.
The 9.3x62 and the Whelen do push 300 grains at 2,200 fps but they are at there upper limit.
A 300 in a 375 hits harder and has a bucket full more authority for when it's really needed.
If you just want the ultimate in penetration and power out of the Whelen a 225 grain hydrostatic stabilized Woodleigh @ 2,850 fps and 4,000 fpe will ream out a brontosauras from stem to stern.
Bob

The 225gr is what I would consider a great weight bullet in the .35 Whelen? A 250gr would be good, but based on the powder capacity of the ‘06 case, at what bullet weight do diminishing returns occur? Your the .35 Whelen guru here, so you would know?

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

The 225gr is what I would consider a great weight bullet in the .35 Whelen? A 250gr would be good, but based on the powder capacity of the ‘06 case, at what bullet weight do diminishing returns occur? Your the .35 Whelen guru here, so you would know?

@CoElkHunter
I use the Speer reloading site for the Whelen and the 250 grain hotcore.
I'm getting 2,700fps with CFE223 chronoed. This is 4,000+fpe which should be ample. I would prefer a bonded bullet like the woodleigh.
You've got to ask yourself if 300fps less and 25 grain more bullet is any better, the same with the 310 grain 500 fps slower and 60 grain more bullet weight. Only the person using it can determine it.
Bob.

 

[bruce moulds]

@CoElkHunter
I use the Speer reloading site for the Whelen and the 250 grain hotcore.
I'm getting 2,700fps with CFE223 chronoed. This is 4,000+fpe which should be ample. I would prefer a bonded bullet like the woodleigh.
You've got to ask yourself if 300fps less and 25 grain more bullet is any better, the same with the 310 grain 500 fps slower and 60 grain more bullet weight. Only the person using it can determine it.
Bob.

especially when a 250 swift will probably do as good a job with better trajectory.
bruce.

 

[Shootist43]

I totally agree with Bob. The 35 Whelen performs its' best when using 225 Gn. monometals and bonded bullets and or a 250 Gn. bullet of just about any configuration. In 2018 my son put a 225 Gn. Barnes TSX through a large Sable stem to stern at 220 yds. My load of 59 Gn. of IMR 4064 came out of a Barnes publication. Chronographed velocity out of my gun was 2730 FPS out of a 23 1/2" barrel.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I totally agree with Bob. The 35 Whelen performs its' best when using 225 Gn. monometals and bonded bullets and or a 250 Gn. bullet of just about any configuration. In 2018 my son put a 225 Gn. Barnes TSX through a large Sable stem to stern at 220 yds. My load of 59 Gn. of IMR 4064 came out of a Barnes publication. Chronographed velocity out of my gun was 2730 FPS out of a 23 1/2" barrel.

@Shootist43
Art the 225grain accubonds punches holes clear thru a black wildebeest @ 180 yards quatrtering away, the 250 grain hornaday roundnose leaves a goofball size hole in the off side of an Oryx at 120 yards as well.
The 225 grain Woodleigh left a big hole in two pigs with one shot. One thru the chest and the one behind him lost the top of his head as well.
Bob

 

[35400Whelen]

@35400Whelen
I've just looked up some loads for you
The 275 grains are all at 2,400 to close on 2,500 fps and max pressure is less than 52,000 cup.
ALL LOADS GIVEN ARE ADVICE ONLY. THEY ARE MAXIMUM LOADS AND SHOULD BE WORKED UP FROM 5 GRAINS LOWER KEEPING A WATCH OUT FOR PRESSURE SIGNS.
I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MISUSE OF INFORMATION.
ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN HAND LOADING.

For the 275 grain Woodleigh PPSP
Coal 3. 4 inches
Brass Remington
Primer Remington large rifle

Re 15 and Varget
58 grains 2,387 fps

CFE 223
61 grains 2,450 fps

AA2000MR
62 grains 2,480 fps.


310 grain Woodleigh RNSP
CFE223
54 grains 2,250 fps

Varget
51 grains 2,259fps

H4350
60 grains 2,219fps

AA4077ssc
60 grains 2,300 fps
Highest velocity under 51,000 cup

AA2700
60 grains 2,220 fps
Reasonable velocity low pressure 48,344 cup.

Hopefully this gives you a starting point.

Remember to work up to max safely

4064 did give good velocity to the 275 grainers up to 58 grains but pressure was up OVER 53,000 CUP .This is beyond acceptable pressure
Bob Nelson

Thanks, these will be helpful.

 

[35400Whelen]

The 35 Whelen built it's reputation with 250gr. bullets, and most feel that it is the best all around bullet weight for the 35 Whelen. Col. Whelen and Elmer Keith both liked 275gr. bullets in their 35's, but they did not have the bullets we do today. 225 an 250gr. bullets will be my main bullets, but want to try the 275's and see how they do. If they do well I may keep some on hand for when I'm in grizzle country, witch can be often. I don't think I'll try any heaver bullets as I don't think it would be needed and if it is I'll be using my 400 Whelen witch shoots 350gr. an 400gr. bullets very well.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

The 35 Whelen built it's reputation with 250gr. bullets, and most feel that it is the best all around bullet weight for the 35 Whelen. Col. Whelen and Elmer Keith both liked 275gr. bullets in their 35's, but they did not have the bullets we do today. 225 an 250gr. bullets will be my main bullets, but want to try the 275's and see how they do. If they do well I may keep some on hand for when I'm in grizzle country, witch can be often. I don't think I'll try any heaver bullets as I don't think it would be needed and if it is I'll be using my 400 Whelen witch shoots 350gr. an 400gr. bullets very well.

@35400Whelen
I think a 250 grain Hornaday, hotcore, Woodleigh or swift at 2700fps will deter any grizzly you encounter. With 4,000fpe of energy each time you pull the trigger doesn't stop it put your head between your legs and kiss tour ass good by if you have the time.
Bob.

 

[bruce moulds]

@35400Whelen
I think a 250 grain Hornaday, hotcore, Woodleigh or swift at 2700fps will deter any grizzly you encounter. With 4,000fpe of energy each time you pull the trigger doesn't stop it put your head between your legs and kiss tour ass good by if you have the time.
Bob.

what he said
bruce.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

On the old north fork bullets website. There was man who shot a large grizzly bear with his 35 Whelen and a 225 north fork. The mushroom was perfect.

 

[35400Whelen]

The 35 whelen with a 250gr. bullet will more than likely kill more then I'll ever get the chance to shoot, I just have the bug to try some 275's just to do it.