My first was a Mod 700 Classic 35 Whelan reamed out tot he Ackley Improved. Used it 20yrs, all the while trying out different .338 rounds, which I also loved. I never got my 338/280 going well as time/sorry Nickle plated brass at the time were an issue. I have used the 338 WM, 340W, 338 RUM and my furthest shot on any kind of game with them all was the 35 WAI and the 200X. 347 lasered yds. With a 24 inch barrel and todays powders, a standard Whelan can give a 35 WAI a run for its money! Same can be said for the simple 338/06 I think. My "problem" if you would , with the Ackley version is all my hunting loads were hot. The "cases" never showed me any indication, but the "math" of QL showed I was running around 72K. I only have one good eye left ( non shooting related btw!) so I quit it. Its much safer to gain speed/oomph via a bigger case. All it takes is "once"...:)
