When I first got a Whelen-- way back when, I thought it was going to be constantly delivering DRT results on Whitetails. Although some were DRT with shoulder shots and a lot of mess some also ran off after rib cage shots. Using lighter bullets, like the 200gr Hornady SP, helped provide better expansion but didn't eliminate the mess unless the velocity was reduced to 35Rem or 358W levels. I have since gone back to smaller calibers (270W & 6.5C) for deer and have been more than pleased with the frequency of DRT results. My 35's are now reserved for bigger or tougher game. I guess bigger probably isn't always better.
Very similar experience to mine & conclusion.
However I shot the 200 HSP at 2800 + in the ribs. I didn’t have a problem with messes.
I liked the rifle & cartridge history. The only reason I didn’t keep mine was, the rumor was DuPont was dropping IMR 4320 —> which they did NOT.
I had my rifle rechambered to 35 W BEFORE Rem adopted the cartridge. I could NOT get it back.
IMO , similar to W N, the 35 W is better suited to BIG game.
I O W, the 35 W is too much gun for Whitetail deer.
Jerry
