Here is my take, I have both
Mostly applies to hand loading
Most 35 bullets have a poor BC, most factory loaded ammo uses a bullet w a poor bC
I run 225 Nosler or 275 woodliegh in the 35
I skipped the 250’s as the BC/velocity equation didn’t suit me
2785fps on the 225’s w a BC of 0.43
2550fps on the 275’s 0.45bc
R17 powder
22” barrel
Groups less than 1” or so w hand loads
There is a ton of lead and pistol bullets available for fun
The 9.3
I have really good luck with Nosler 250’s & 286
BC’s of .497 & .48
I have really worked on the 250 AB’s and get 2700fps, clover leafs occasionally with both the 250’s & 286
20.5” barrel
Western Bullets makes gas checked 9.3 286g bullets that I shoot with trail boss for fun
Ace Dub made a chamber adapter for me to shoot 9mm Marakov rounds out of the rifle, they group spot on, 1” at 30y
PPU and S&b have every day ammo for sale at about $20/box, pre-crisis prices, whelen every day ammo is more
The 9.3 is more qualified for Africa
Summary
The 9.3 has maybe 5-7% more power if you are going all out
9.3 has higher BC bullets available
9.3 has cheap loaded ammo available
35 Whelen can shoot lighter bullets (relative) like 225g faster and better
Probably, w twist rate in mind, the 9.3 will be better w heavy bullets
9.3 is better for Africa, maybe meet a legal requirement
I am not sure if an AK grizz can distinguish between a 9.3 286g compared to a 275g 358 dia bullet traveling at the same speed, next time I see one I will shoot him with both and ask if he could tell the difference
I ended up leaning toward the 9.3, only took the 35w out 1 time in the last 4-5 yrs, I take the 9.3 out elk hunting and to the range to work out my 286g Africa loads and other ideas for the range.
