My first 35 Whelen was an H&R just like the one you purchased. My father wanted it so it’s his now. I killed my best buck with it in 2012. If shooting factory ammo, I’d try the 200gr Federal Fusions, this ammo shoots consistently better than 1” groups. Ammo for the Whelen ain’t cheap, but man, does it ever hit hard. I currently have a CVA scout 35 Whelen and appreciate the muzzle brake, however obnoxious it is. I hope yours is a shooter too.
peak98