Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Two rifle battery covered.

Well, I’m getting my 35 Whelen project rolling. I have a SS Ruger M77 action as the donor and having a Shilen 35 Whelen barrel put on. I’m going 12” twist likely 22” long in whichever contour that matches the current barrel. It will have irons and be Cerokoted. The action has been previously smoothed out and the trigger has been cleaned up and adjusted to 3#’s. This will be my thumper and coupled with my 280 will cover all bases. Of course there’s a 22LR and a couple of 12 gauges in the mix with my dad’s gun and my uncle’s 270 that will come out for nostalgic purposes once in a while but, that’s what I have whittled it down to.

I just sold my 35W. Have lots of dies, brass, bullets, and factory ammo (Nosler and Barnes) that I will sell at major loss but must sell all or nothing. PM if serious and I will do inventory.

Also have the Benchmark barrel

Sounds like a great build Brinky. The 35 Whelen is never a bad choice!

I already have dies bullets and brass on order unfortunately.

35 Whelen & 280 Rem. Hard battery to beat!

I only took two animals in Colorado this year. A giant bull Shiras Moose, and 16" Pronghorn.

Took the Moose with my Ruger Hawkeye SS/syn in 35 Whelen with a 280 SAF @ 40 yds.

Took the Pronghorn with my Ruger Hawkeye SS/syn in 280 Rem. with 140 BST @ 100 yds.

Great 2-rifle battery for NA.

It’s funny how my history of rifles and rifle calibers has evolved. Interesting how I ended up with the 280 Remington aso my favorite and most logical choice for the very same reasons that my dad chose the 280. The Whelen has just been one I’ve wanted forever for thumping black bears and will make a nice elk gun too.

I’ve made a couple changes with mine when I actually ordered the barrel. I went 14” twist after talking with a few folks who have actually shot the Whelen for some time. Reasoning being that a 14” will stabilize all bullets up to 310 grains and won’t be as finicky with load development as a 12”. Just what they said. And I’m holding off on the cerokote and irons until I use it a season and see what I really want and need. I also went 24” v 22”. I can always trim 2” off if I want and it gives me room to AI it if I get the itch and still have some length.

Ed that’s great sounds like ya got big game in NA covered! Great choices.

I am on the same exact path except I also have 357 Magnum, .357 Maximum, 35 Rem, and a 358 Win rifles. Getting rid of a 35cal rifle is like selling off kids, unthinkable. My New Haven Stainless Classic 30-06 is going in for a rebore and rechamber to 35 Whelen.

I really like the extended range capability the 280 Rem offers and my Classic Featherweight 280 carries nicely.

Thanks, Dinny

Good stuff. I just received my 35 Whelen from Hill Country Rifles. 24 inch Benchmark stainless barrel in 1:12 twist, McMillan stock, sunny hill stainless bottom metal, left hand Remington action, and a triggertech. Shot a half inch test group with factory federal ammo.

I’m currently in the process of collecting the parts for a 280 AI build with basically the same components.

The Whelen will be used for anything 300 lbs and up (plains game, moose, elk, bear, red stag).

The 280 will be used for pronghorn, deer, sheep, caribou.

Can’t really think of two better cartridges to pair together.

With the .35 Whalen.....you made a great choice! memtb