Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 35 Whelen loads in Sierra's V6

35 Whelen loads in Sierra's V6
by Dustylongshot on 59 seconds ago

I had the opportunity to test these new 35 Whelen loads using CFE 223 behind 225 SBT listed in Sierra's Volume 6. From starting loads to maximum loads Sierra lists 6 loads in increasing order. I like others here found it hard to believe that 70 grains of powder in an 06 based case would fit. But fit it does. I loaded two rounds of each of Sierra's CFE 223 loads to check for pressure signs. I was still skeptical but I started with the lowest load and fired it into the Savage Range Systems bullet trap in my gun shop. I used new unprimed R-P 35 Whelen brass and The older WW plated primers. Test rifles is a 1943 Smith Corona 1903A3 with a 4 groove, 1-10 twist, 25 inches long, made for me by Krieger

Load #1 63.0 grains
Load #2 64.9 grains
Load #3 66.5 grains
Load #4 67.9 grains
Load #5 69.1 grains
Load #6 70.0 grains

None of these loads showed any signs of pressure problems. Bolt lifted easily after each shot and there is no cratered or blown primers. The only thing I noticed was a huge increase in recoil from the starting load to the maximum. I let the rifle completely cool between each set of two. These loads were not checked for velocity or accuracy. I just fired them into the bullet trap looking for signs of excess pressure.

I tried to attach pictures but it said they were to large, I will try to resize and post them later.

And the point of this exercise is?

And the velocities are...?

Kinda weird man....

That’s a boat load of powder. Looking forward to seeing the speeds.

While I admire the effort, don't believe it reveals much about pressures generated, other than in your rifle. Need more information before arriving at a conclusion about pressures.
Velocities would be easiest additional data.
From your data, I might conclude that you were shooting a loosely chambered rifle with an oversized bore.

Not an exercise I'd be interested in engaging in, what's the point of the "huge increase in recoil"? One of the reasons that I shoot the Whelen is the cartridge is sufficiently powerful without punishing recoil.

Their Re-15 recipes for the 225 SGK look eye popping to me.

I will check for speed and accuracy when I can and report back. The barrel on my rifle is made by Krieger and the breech end with the dimensions was cut off and filed with my build data. It says .350 X.358. And I chambered it with a SAAMI 35 Whelen reamer from PTG.