Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 35 Whelen pet loads.

I run right at 2600 with a 250 grain bullet.

Mart

Thank you sir.

Just finished reading Elmer's Rifles and Cartridges written in 1936.. Kinda reaffirms my love for the Whelen! Plus, it kinda winds me up to put one of them awesome 400 Whelen's together in the future.

Anyone ever try the Super performance powder in the Whelen. Sure advertise high velocities with the 200 grain bullet. Wander if it would handle the 225 or 250's?


Roy

I built a 400 Whelen recently as a big brother to my 35. You won't be disappointed. It has been a ball. It also smacks caribou really well.

Mart

I have read a ton on yours sir. I know if I happen to run across a 30-06 that I can grab easy enough, it'll make for a great 400 Whelen donor. That would be a pretty sweet rifle I believe and your results show it.

Mart, what is your favorite bullet so far with the 400?

I asked Hodgdon and the stuff they use in the Hornady factory loads isn't the same as Superfomance powder so they said it wouldn't work well in the Whelen. With 200's IMR 8208 gets you close to those ballistics.

My best load in my 7600 IMR 4320 with Speer 250 gr bullets work up to max load. Or RL 15. Look for similar burn rates on above powders. Never saw a Whelen that did not do well with similar powders.

Never realized 4320 was so close to RL15. That looks to be promising for the Whelen. Never thought of trying it. Might have to grab a can if I ever find any around.

Cartridge : .35 Whelen
Bullet : .358, 250, Nosler PART SP 44801
Useable Case Capaci: 59.664 grain H2O = 3.874 cm�
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : IMR 4320

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-10.0 94 51.13 2340 3040 43807 6596 97.0 1.341
-09.0 96 51.70 2365 3104 45244 6662 97.3 1.322
-08.0 97 52.27 2389 3169 46725 6725 97.7 1.303
-07.0 98 52.83 2414 3234 48258 6786 98.0 1.285
-06.0 99 53.40 2438 3300 49844 6845 98.2 1.267
-05.0 100 53.97 2462 3366 51487 6901 98.5 1.249
-04.0 101 54.54 2487 3432 53185 6954 98.7 1.231
-03.0 102 55.11 2511 3500 54949 7005 98.9 1.214
-02.0 103 55.67 2535 3567 56771 7053 99.1 1.198 ! Near Maximum !
-01.0 104 56.24 2559 3636 58664 7099 99.3 1.181 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 105 56.81 2583 3705 60623 7141 99.5 1.165 ! Near Maximum !
+01.0 106 57.38 2607 3774 62655 7181 99.6 1.149 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 107 57.95 2631 3844 64762 7218 99.7 1.133 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0 108 58.51 2655 3914 66950 7252 99.8 1.118 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 109 59.08 2679 3984 69221 7283 99.9 1.102 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0 110 59.65 2703 4056 71579 7311 100.0 1.088 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by � 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 105 56.81 2680 3988 72233 6851 100.0 1.091 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 105 56.81 2444 3316 50064 7114 95.2 1.262

My pet load for my .35 Whelen is 60.4 gr. of Re15 and the 225 gr. Barnes TSX. Velocity is 2710 FPS and groups run .50" to .75" from he bench. The rifle is a custon Mauser with 24" Barrel. That load proved to be too hot in a Remington M700 Classic I have and my Ruger M77 may have a headspace problem so I haven't tried the load in it. Brass is Remingtom and a Winchester WLR primer. I've taken two elk with that load so far, one at 150 yards and the other at 325 to 350 yards as estimated by my hunting partner and the guide. I ahve a few rifles but that mauser is getting to where it is my all time favorite. It's been said that the 30-06 is never a mistake but I have to say, neither is the .35 Whelen. But then I'll admit to being prejudiced.
Paul B.

Anyone ever try the 200 Accubonds or is it just better the stay with the 225 and 250's?


Roy

So far I'm liking the 400 grain Woodleigh but am currently testing the North Fork 360, Swift 350 A Frame, and Hawk 350. The Swift and NF are showing real promise. The Hawks tend to be inconsistent, one great group several not good groups.

I also picked up 150 Barnes 300 grain X bullets on an auction last week. I'm anxious to really wring them out in some testing.

Mart

Mart, what is the main powder for the 350-400's? Does RL15 work as well in the 400 as it does in the 35 Whelen?

I imagine that Woodleigh would be a beast. What kind of speeds does it come outta your rifle?

I have been using R 15 and 200gr TSX's, and am going to try the TTSX's, thinking about using Varget. Anyone have any luck with Varget in the 200gr stuff?

Kinda funny you mention it I just happened to get this black bear for meat yesterday with the 200 gr Accubond, two shots one through the chest and one through the shoulders, both exited. Load is 57 gr IMR 8208 that clocks in the 2820-2840 fps range. The heavier bullets are good but the 200 gr AB is great game bullet too.

Very nice Gerry. I would imagine those 200's with their thick jackets are very robust and shoulders on a bear at close range back that theory up. Great speed too!

In the thread I did not see mention of the Ramshot powders. Has anyone worked with Big Game or Hunter with the Whelen? I would think Big Game should show promise. Any ideas are appreciated. I have a good supply of both powders and am looking for loads.

I'm looking to try some Big Game with the 250 gr Hot Cor and 275 gr Woodleigh in mine in a couple of weeks. I bet it works great.

Cartridge : .35 Whelen
Bullet : .358, 225, Nosler AccuBond 50712
Useable Case Capaci: 57.585 grain H2O = 3.739 cm�
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot BigGame

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-10.0 99 54.27 2454 3009 42217 6785 94.7 1.298
-09.0 100 54.87 2482 3078 43698 6861 95.2 1.279
-08.0 101 55.48 2510 3148 45235 6935 95.6 1.259
-07.0 102 56.08 2538 3219 46834 7007 96.1 1.240
-06.0 103 56.68 2566 3290 48494 7076 96.5 1.221
-05.0 105 57.29 2594 3362 50225 7142 96.9 1.202
-04.0 106 57.89 2622 3435 52021 7206 97.2 1.184
-03.0 107 58.49 2650 3509 53894 7266 97.6 1.166
-02.0 108 59.09 2678 3584 55843 7324 97.9 1.148 ! Near Maximum !
-01.0 109 59.70 2706 3659 57873 7378 98.2 1.131 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 110 60.30 2734 3735 59988 7429 98.5 1.114 ! Near Maximum !
+01.0 111 60.90 2762 3812 62193 7477 98.7 1.097 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 112 61.51 2790 3889 64495 7522 99.0 1.081 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0 113 62.11 2818 3968 66890 7563 99.2 1.065 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 114 62.71 2846 4047 69405 7600 99.4 1.049 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0 116 63.32 2874 4126 72026 7634 99.5 1.033 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by � 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 110 60.30 2860 4086 72842 7187 100.0 1.035 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 110 60.30 2560 3275 48771 7256 92.4 1.218


Cartridge : .35 Whelen
Bullet : .358, 250, Nosler PART SP 44801
Useable Case Capaci: 59.664 grain H2O = 3.874 cm�
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot BigGame

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-10.0 95 54.00 2362 3096 42447 6977 96.7 1.356
-09.0 96 54.60 2387 3163 43886 7048 97.1 1.336
-08.0 97 55.20 2413 3232 45374 7117 97.5 1.316
-07.0 98 55.80 2439 3301 46918 7183 97.8 1.297
-06.0 99 56.40 2464 3371 48519 7246 98.1 1.278
-05.0 100 57.00 2490 3441 50179 7306 98.4 1.259
-04.0 101 57.60 2515 3512 51902 7363 98.6 1.240
-03.0 102 58.20 2541 3583 53690 7418 98.9 1.222
-02.0 104 58.80 2566 3656 55547 7469 99.1 1.205 ! Near Maximum !
-01.0 105 59.40 2592 3728 57473 7517 99.3 1.187 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 106 60.00 2617 3802 59478 7562 99.4 1.170 ! Near Maximum !
+01.0 107 60.60 2642 3875 61560 7604 99.6 1.153 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 108 61.20 2667 3950 63724 7642 99.7 1.137 ! Near Maximum !
+03.0 109 61.80 2693 4025 65976 7677 99.8 1.121 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 110 62.40 2718 4100 68320 7708 99.9 1.105 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0 111 63.00 2743 4176 70759 7736 100.0 1.089 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by � 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 106 60.00 2724 4118 72074 7243 100.0 1.090 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 106 60.00 2463 3368 48281 7516 94.8 1.276

Cartridge : .35 Whelen
Bullet : .358, 275, Woodleigh PP WeldCore 53B
Useable Case Capaci: 58.602 grain H2O = 3.805 cm�
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Ramshot BigGame

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-10.0 94 52.22 2262 3124 43240 6832 98.0 1.409
-09.0 95 52.80 2286 3190 44686 6895 98.2 1.388
-08.0 96 53.38 2309 3257 46184 6956 98.5 1.368
-07.0 97 53.96 2333 3324 47733 7014 98.8 1.348
-06.0 98 54.54 2357 3392 49339 7069 99.0 1.329
-05.0 99 55.12 2381 3461 51003 7121 99.2 1.310
-04.0 100 55.70 2404 3529 52728 7171 99.4 1.291
-03.0 101 56.28 2428 3599 54517 7217 99.5 1.273
-02.0 102 56.86 2451 3669 56371 7261 99.7 1.255 ! Near Maximum !
-01.0 103 57.44 2475 3739 58296 7301 99.8 1.237 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 104 58.02 2498 3810 60294 7338 99.9 1.220 ! Near Maximum !
+01.0 105 58.60 2521 3881 62368 7372 99.9 1.203 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 106 59.18 2544 3953 64521 7403 100.0 1.186 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+03.0 107 59.76 2568 4025 66757 7431 100.0 1.169 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 108 60.34 2591 4098 69081 7455 100.0 1.153 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+05.0 109 60.92 2614 4171 71501 7478 100.0 1.137 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by � 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 104 58.02 2591 4098 72850 7004 100.0 1.138 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 104 58.02 2360 3402 48881 7401 96.2 1.328


Big Game looks pretty good to me, especially with the heavier bullets. Never thought of trying it, but I will be looking forward to Gerry's load work with the 275 Woodleighs. Those seem like a serious load for heavy game.. Loads like that would make old Elmer smile!

Man those look really good I'm going to have to try Big Game with the 225's as well. Once we are done hunting bears I'll head out and give it a whirl. Thanks buddy.

Figured I'd ask my question in this thread and keep all the Whelen info together. I've been reloading for about 6 months now and its all been for my .270 but I'm ready to start working up loads for my .35 Whelen, a Ruger all weather.. The only powder I've been able to find for now is IMR 4895. I've got some 250gr Partitions and some 225 TSX's but haven't had much luck finding loads for this powder/bullet combo.

Hodgdon has info for bullets of the same weight but not these two in particular. When loading for different bullets of the same weight but different manufacture do you back off the starting charge and if so how far? I'm really just looking for a starting point to work up from. Sorry for the newbie question and thanks for any help.