Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Choosing Between 9.3x62 and .35 Whelen Ackley Improved

If you're not going to hunt african dangerous game with the rifle that you're considering buying, or
considering to have built, for some really big game elsewhere on Earth, why not take a hard look at
the .35 Wheelen Ackley Improved. On ammoguide.com it shows that the Whelen A.I. case capacity
is 0.1 grains MORE than the 9.3x62. PLUS, with both using a 250 grain bullet, the 9.3 has muzzle
energy of 3,471 and muzzle velocity 2500, and the Whelen A.I. has muzzle energy 4124 with
muzzle velocity 2725. The .35 W.A.I., at the microscopic 8/1000ths of an inch smaller diameter, is
indeed the better performer. And I'm confident brass acquisition will be easier with the W.A.I., and
it's an American round, so there's the patriotic "thing", at least for me anyway.
What do you all think about this comparison???

I’m a big fan of both.

Same bullet in each, I doubt any animal on earth would know the difference…

I think that the Whelen is likely running at much higher pressures to see a 225 fps velocity increase over the 9.3. Especially given that capacities are within 0.1 grain of each other. You're not comparing apples to apples.

In my dotage, it sure is nice not to have to fire-form brass. In addition, 9.3 x62 reloading dies are relatively cheap and available as is properly head-stamped brass.


Ya!

GWB

I am a big fan of the 35 Whelen, but I think this comparison is WAY OFF too. With a small disadvantage in case capacity, and a small advantage in bore diameter, any difference in velocity should be negligible in EQUAL BARRELS at EQUAL PRESSURE.

I like the Whelen for the ability to use reduced velocity loads with pistol bullets for plinking, and because it is American.. Others like the 9.3x62 for it's acceptance for African game.

Can't go wrong either way.

AI'ing the Whelen kills its "traditional American" cool factor.

I’m in agreement with WA here. I’ve got both, both with 22” barrels and they are so much the same cartridge and ability I’m not sure who’d be able to ever tell the difference.

If you are going to make the comparison at drastically unequal pressures , what’s the point ?

Sorry, too lazy to look it up, but I think JB said the Whelen was one of the worst rounds to AI due to the lack of shoulder in the first place.

For a one gun hunt the world chamber you can’t beat a 338 Win Mag. Components and ammo everywhere, hurls 180 and 200 grainers flat and faster than a 300 Win Mag, hurls 250, 275 and 300 grainers on the heels of a 375 H&H. I guess it’s just to ordinary to be cool. More versatile than a 9.2 or Whelen step child, especially by virtue of todays .33 bullet designs.

Aside from the ballistic comparison, you also asked what we thought.

Two things come to my mind. (1) The 9.3X62 is so common in the US now days, that I think it is probably easier to get that brass than 35 Whelen brass. I may be wrong about that, but they’re pretty close anyway, so I would not use that to decide upon either one in my selection of cartridge. And (2), I hunt Africa pretty often, and the 9.3x62 is legal for DG in many, if not most, African countries. The 35 caliber has VERY few countries that would allow it for DG, compared to the 9.3, therefore I’d choose the 9.3x62 over the 35WAI. Plus, if ammo is lost in transit, 9.3x62 will be MUCH easier to find in Africa than 35 Whelen, let alone the 35WAI.

Having said all of that, I want to state how much I love my 35 Whelen. I own about (13) of them. I also own many 9.3x62s. I have used both calibers in Africa, but only my 35 Whelen in America for both Elk and Moose. GREAT cartridge! In Africa, with my standard 35 Whelen, I have taken Leopard, Hartebeest, Sable, Sitatunga, Bushbuck, Lechwe, Oribi, and Warthog.

If I wanted to use a 35 caliber other than my standard Whelen and needed a little extra power, I’d simply use either my 358 NM, or my 358 STA, both of which will reach farther and hit harder than a 35 WAI.

However, I also say, buy/build whatever pleases you. This is the fun part of rifle/cartridge ownership!! And no one can tell you what is right for you. If you like the idea of a 35 WAI, GO FOR IT!!

I chose the 375 Whelen AI over either of those.

I went with the 9.3 just in case I ever to make to Africa

I think mines pretty cool, deer don’t though.

9.3x62 all the way for me. No contest.

and who was PO Ackley , a foreigner ?

Improving/wildcatting cartridges is American as apple pie ya commie

JMO……35 Whelen Imp. Lot’s of available brass, and a pretty good selection of .35 caliber bullets. And for some to consider…..38/.357 cal handgun bullets, less expensive than rifle bullets and expand at lower velocities, can be used in light loads for plinking or small big game use! Making the . 35 caliber rifles very versatile. memtb

Very nice!

I have used various .35 Whelen rifles for perhaps 30 years as my "bigger than deer" hunting rifles. Shot a couple dozen elk, some moose, caribou, etc. with them and have zero complaints or want or need of any extra power. I have mostly used 250 grain bullets at 2500 FPS muzzle velocity. The Ackley "Improved" version seems to me is solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
In the last 10 years I also have used a 9.3x62 and 9.3x74R. Only shot a few elk and bears with them, but they worked exactly as I would have experienced and expected of my .35 Whelen. No discernible difference. I also took the 9.3 to Namibia where it was greeted by my PH with a smile and knowing nod. Performance on Kudu, Gemsbok, and even a huge Giraffe was perfectly satisfactory. When the hunt was over I left the surplus ammo with my guide which was greatly appreciated. In Africa, also Europe, Asia Argentina, and to some extent Australia and New Zealand the 9.3s are standard cartridges. The Whelen is pretty much limited as a niche part of the USA market, with a little spill over into Canada.
For an international hunting cartridge, I would certainly choose the 9.3x62 over any .35 caliber, and especially over the wildcat "Improved' version.