I went a different route for my Whelen. I'm more of a stailess/synthetic kinda guy (even with a classic like the Whelen). I got a used stainless Ruger MKII in .30-06 for cheap and had it rebarreled with 1:14 twist .35 Whelen barrel. It's a fairly inexpensive way to get a semi custom rifle.

You could do the same with the action of your choice.

I also shoot 225gr TSX @ 2700fps for great accuracy and awesome penetration.

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