Matt said "It is significantly more powerful than the '06, since the Whelen is capable of pushing a 225 gr. bullet to the same velocity as the '06 with a 180 gr. bullet."
Matt. not disputing you,but where did you find this data?
Checking my Hornady manual. The .06 loaded to book max with a 180 gr bullet shows 2800fps, and with the 220 gr bullet, 2600 fps.
The 35 Whelen is listed as book max as 2700 fps for a 200 gr bullet and 2500 fps for a 250 gr bullet (none listed for a 225).
Simple calculations show that:
180gr @ 2800fps = 3133 ft lbs
220gr @ 2600fps = 3033 ft lbs
200gr @ 2700fps = 3238 ft lbs
250 gr@ 2500fps = 3470 ft lbs
Realizing that any load can be worked up over book max to achieve a greater velocity,that is true with both the .06 and 35.
I find it a little hard to believe that since the 200 gr ,35 Whelen is listed at 2700 fps and the 180 ,30-06 is listed at 2800 that anyone could achieve a greater velocity out of a 225 gr 35 Whelen than 180 gr 30-06.So one gains about 100ft lbs going to the 200 gr 35 Whelen and maybe 200 ft lbs going to the 225 gr Whelen.That is insignificant in the hunting world
I am interestd, as I state earlier,as I have thought about this conversion,but did not see the advantage.Just a bigger diamater hole.
I never forget a number. I am positive I saw 2800 FPS. associated with a 225 gr. bullet for .35 Whelen. The source I am not as sure of, but I think it was
Ammo and Ballistics II. I have read it several times, and often use it as a reference for dreaming up a new rifle. I was pretty amazed I'll admit. I figured it had something to do with a more efficient burn due to the changed shoulder profile or something. It also seems that enlarging the bullet diameter without increasing the powder charge would reduce pressure, allowing for a stouter charge. Mind you - this is all my speculation. Add in new powders like Hornady's Superformance and it's not such a stretch.
All that aside though, I am not as impressed with velocity as I am with slinging heavier projectiles. Tests have proven time and again that heavy and slow will out-penetrate light and fast every time. That is my primary reason for choosing the Whelen.
