I built mine ( two 98 GEW Mausers) just for cast bullets- it's a great caliber to use cast with. one scoped and one peep sighted
My favorite bullet/powder combo is an RCBS 200gr FN with a gas check and Alliant 2400, but works well with many loads and bullet weights.
The Whelen is very ameniable, I've shot buckets of 158gr SWC and RN bullets designed for .38/357s through it with great accuracy.
