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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
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I'm about to thin the rifle herd again. I need to get rid of a medium. I have a ruger ss 338 rcm 20" and a rem 700 cdl in 35 whelen. One of them needs to go and all of my 33 or 35 bullets need to go with it.
I have a 375 ruger in a hawkeye African that is staying because its the one I used in Africa in 2008. The whelen shoots great but its a 24" blued gun and I kind of like the little 20" ruger 338 rcm's handling and the fact that its stainless. Ballistically I think the whelen and the rcm are close enough that no animal will know the difference. I realize the rcm's are all but dead and gone but I have enough brass to last.
I did this a few years back and eliminated all 17 cals, 25 cals, 270 cals, 338 cals, and 35 cals thinking I could clean up the reloading room and eliminate a few bullets. Then in moments of weekness I ended up with this rcm and whelen and now I have big boxes of brass and bullets for both.
I'd like to get to where I only need rifle bullets in 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 375, and either 33 or 35. I could probably do well with 22, 24, 26, 30 and 375 but I love my 7's so I'll have to keep 28's too.
So, which one goes in the classifieds the rcm or the whelen?
Bb
Last edited by Burleyboy; 09/27/13.
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Joined: May 2007
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2007
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Sounds like you'll be listing that CDL Whelen.
I'm deeply in love with mine, but a man's gotta do what's best for him.
FC
"Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a banquet."
- Mrs. FC
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2010
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B B -
Keep the Whelen, KOOL, KLASS. KLASSIC !!
jwall- *** 3100 guy***
A Flat Trajectory is Never a Handicap
Speed is Trajectory's Friend !!
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jul 2001
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Yeah, you won't ever have to worry about finding Whelen cases, since you can always neck up .300 Whelens.
Plus, there are probably some True Believers in the RCM's that will pay a premium for the rifle and brass. Not so much a Whelen or the brass.
“Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans.” John Steinbeck
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Sounds like you have the rifle looney fever, as most of us do. Can't speak for the RCM but I love my Whelen. Mine is the CDL also and am very happy with it. If I wanted to change to synthetic and stainless, would build on this platform. Just my thoughts
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jun 2007
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Keep the Whelen. It is more practical.
JOC was right. The 270 Winchester on a Model 70 is a great combination as is the 30/06 and 375 H&H
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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As always it the rifle that feels right to you more so then the cartridge, find it and run with it. Just me
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I've had both (different platforms than yours) and ended up moving the RCM. Could not source factory ammo or brass, for the life of me. During that same time, I could find 35 Whelen ammo/components from any number of places.
There is a mystique to the Whelen, IMO.
I'm becoming more tolerant of intolerant people.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2007
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I'd coat the Whelen to desired finish and sell the 338RCM. Orrrrrrrr, sell the Whelen and retube the 338RCM to a 350 mag.
WWP53D
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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There is a mystique to the Whelen, IMO. I don't think I've ever heard it put better. Then again, there are those that, for whatever the reason, don't feel the mystique. I'd normally call them NUTS, but then I remember that I'm one of those loons who just can't grasp the 1911 love-fest. I was told I'd get all lathered-up over 'em, but it just isn't so. OP should do what he's gotta. But if the Whelen must go, pledge to make sure it goes to a good home! FC
"Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a banquet."
- Mrs. FC
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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You keep the RCM
I'll watch out for your 35 Whelen.
Gun Shows are almost as comical as boat ramps in the Spring.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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There'll NEVER be another Col. Whelen!
A legacy!!
jwall- *** 3100 guy***
A Flat Trajectory is Never a Handicap
Speed is Trajectory's Friend !!
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Don't forget Col. Whelen's machinist who developed the cartridge for him.
Gun Shows are almost as comical as boat ramps in the Spring.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I'd keep the RCM. It's handier and will kill just as well. Besides, IMO the 700, even in a Classic, doesn't quite scream Whelen to me. Now if it was a rust blued Springfield with a tapered octagon barrel I'd probably vote different.
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
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Maybe I'll rebarrel the whelen to 270 and use the 35 tube as a tomato stake....! I could film the process and sell the vid as a rifle looney horror movie.
Bb
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Maybe I'll rebarrel the whelen to 270 and use the 35 tube as a tomato stake....! I could film the process and sell the vid as a rifle looney horror movie. Bb
If you DO THAT.... I'll find you!!! joking of course!
jwall- *** 3100 guy***
A Flat Trajectory is Never a Handicap
Speed is Trajectory's Friend !!
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I think the Whelen is a better cartridge, primarily due to component availability. From your description, I think the RCM would be a more interesting rifle to me.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Aug 2009
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Keep the Whelen and sell the ReCtuM.
Life Member SCI Life Member DSC Member New Mexico Shooting Sports Association
Take your responsibilities seriously, never yourself-Ken Howell Proper bullet placement + sufficient penetration = quick, clean kill. Finn Aagard
Ken
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