Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles New Whelen Fan

I've been wanting a .35 Whelen for years, but I always seemed to be one step behind in my acquisition of one. I finally caught up and bought a new Rem 700 CDL and I had the chance to shoot it this weekend.

I loaded up 20 rounds of new Remington brass with a slightly-less-than-maximum load (according to Alliant) of RL-15 and 250gr Hornady SP's.

After initial sight in, I shot 9 rounds (in three shot groups) into a little less than 1.5 inches at 100yds. I thought this was pretty good considering that I was doing the shooting and my less than ideal shooting rest.

The average velocity for 9 shots was 2623 fps, which, unless I'm mistaken, puts it really close to a factory .338 Win Mag 250 gr.

Needless to say I'm very happy with the new gun safe addition.

Congratulations; good move <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Try the same load of Re 15 with the Hornady 250 Interlock Roundnose bullet. My BDL shoots the RN bullets into tighter groups than the SP's...I suspect it's a function of the 1-16 twist. I've used the RN's, and Speer GS's, past 300 yards without a problem. I'm running them about 2530 fps, or so.

When I take my Whelen elk hunting in Montana week after next, the chosen load will be 58 gr Re 15 and the aforementioned Hornady RN.

Very nice cartridge...classic and deadly. I like the Sierra 225 Game Kings in mine....the pro hunters in 200 gr are good too. Great Elk/Moose rifle. Regards, Rick.

mc

The 250gr Hornady RN is a very good choice as is the 250gr Speer SP. I use IMR4064 but will be going to R-15 when the can runs out.

If you prefer a little flatter shooting bullet try the 225gr Nosler Partition or Sierra 225gr.

WN

Ah....another Whelen nut...gotta like it. Once you have one, your other rifles will gather a thick coat of dust. I sure like mine. I'm using Rel15 also, 60 grs pushes the 225 Partition at 2725fps and shoots really well in my 14" twist 24" stainless tube.....I haven't had the opportunity to smack anything with it yet, but the season isn't over until the end of November...........

I'm really happy with this 250gr Hornady SP and RL15 combo. I think it will do just about anything I will need the Whelen to do.

Does anyone have a good powder for the Rem 200gr SP's? I'm going to pick up a bulk pack and it seems as though RL15 might be too slow to be optimal. Maybe not, though.

I think I'm really going to like this rifle.

Congratulations on the new rifle! I bought a CDL in 25-06 last winter and really like it. Remington finnally built a very good looking rifle with this line.
Good Luck and Good Hunting, Rob

mcarr,

I use IMR 3031 for the 200 grain loads, unfortunately I haven't found a 200 gr. bullet that will perform at the Whelen velocities. It appears these bullets were made for the 358 Win and 35 Rem.

My favorite all time load is 225 grain Barnes TSX and Reloader 15. Welcome to the club!

BigBullet

According to Alliant, 60gr RL15 with a 200 gr bullet produces 2675 fps and only 44,800 cup. I think you'd have a hard time getting enough RL15 in the case to have an overload.

I would like to see 2800 fps and I think 63-64 gr (if that much fit) would get there. Any comments?

mcarr,

I am using R-P cases. The absolute max I can into the case is 62.3 grain of Reloader 15. Being slightly faster, maybe IMR 4064 or Varget will get you where you want to be.

BigBullet

mcarr...

Welcome to our ( small ) club ! Hope you enjoy years of fun and successful hunts with it...it is my "go to" rifle.

Bob

Thanks BB,

Is that a compressed load? My R-P cases fit the Alliant max of 59.5 gr RL15 under a 250gr bullet just fine with some room to spare. I read on another board of some guy being able to fit 64gr under the same 250gr bullet. (NOT THAT I'M RECOMMENDING THAT!)

Haven't experimented myself yet, still waiting for the 200gr's to arrive. Varget sounds like a good idea. I'm looking for a powder slower than RL7 but faster than RL15.

Mcarr, check your private messages please.

got it!

Bueno! Much obliged.

mcarr,

I beleive you may consider anything higher then about 59 grains compressed when loaded to standard length and 250 grain bullets. This would be considered very compressed. Many of the folks here have had good results with IMR 4064 and Varget, my experience with Varget is limited in this cartridge, but what I have found is good accuracy, just not up to the velocity of R15.

I have stopped using 200 grain bullets also, but I have been loading 225 - 300 grainers for a number of years. If you find a 200 grain bullet that will hold together at Whelen velocities, I'd be very intersted in that bullet.

Good Shooting,
BigBullet

Bigbullet,

Try the 200 grain Barnes X or the 200 grain Northfork. Both will hold together and penetrate at Whelen velocities.

Bob

Congrats on your new gun! I have a 700 Classic in .35 Whelen as well. I am still amazed at how accurately this combo shoots. I have only tried RL-15 in this rifle and with bullet weights from 200-250 grains, I have found no reason to change.

-Lou

I bought a 35whelen cdl this summer. I've now taken 3 animals with it and couldn't be happier! BTW I'm using IMR4064 and 225gr TSXs.