Here are some specs from the Kimber Catalog. The Classic Select 35 Whelen has a muzzle diameter of .64" as compared to .56" for all other cartridges from .223 to .338WM. So does that make it a #2 or #3 contour? Someone here can answer that. For a 24" barrel the Whelen is listed at 6# 2oz., similar to the 30-06/280AI/270Win.. The WSM's go to 6# 10oz with a 24" barrel. The 7mmRemMag, 300WM and 338WM weigh in at 7# 4oz, all with 26" barrels.
So the bottom line is that the Whelen weighs as much as a 30-06 - 6# 2oz. realizing that some variation will occur with wood densities.
So what would the recoil be in comparison between a 180gr. 30-06 (2750fps) and a 225gr in the Whelen (2500fps)? I'll go calculate it.
Ok back again. Using 7#'s as my rifle weight, the 30-06 load is 23.7 ft/lbs and the Whelen is 27.7 ft/lbs.. Just for comparison, a 150gr at 2800fps in a 270Win./7# rifle is 18.8 ft/lbs..
So fwiw, we knew it would be more, but that much noticeable?
Yeah, probably. But too much? Only you can decide. I can only surmise that the recoil of these larger bores is more of a big push than a sharper jab of the 300 style magnums.
It also comes down to if you can accept a wood stocked rifle with the conditions you hunt in. Again only you can decide.
Last edited by bigwhoop; 02/18/12.
