23 June 2008, 18:09
RenegadeRN35 Whelen and .358 cal 158 grain lead bullets....
One of the things that caught my eye before having a 35 Whelen commissioned was the fact plinking loads could be made up using .358 dia handgun bullets. Has anyone, does anyone reload plinking type rounds using .358 dia bullets for the .35 Whelen and what/where can I find data? Does anyone have any favorite loads?
I have access to a number of 158 grain .358 dia bullets. There is a crimping groove on the bullet. Do these need to be roll crimped, how much, etc.?
I really like the idea and want to try it out to see how things work, how the accuracy is and at what effective range these might be.
23 June 2008, 20:03
wrongtargetThe Lyman 48th has data for 158gr jacketed bullets using 240, SR4759 and XMP5744. They also show 195gr cast data with Unique, 2400, SR4759, IMR4198 and IMR3031.
23 June 2008, 21:33
onefunzr2I believe every Speer manual ever printed has pistol bullet loads for the Whelen. They are the .357" jacketed 158gr bullets. I use them in my 21.5" barrel Rem 7600. 45gr of IMR4895 (H4895, also) with light crimp in the cannelure...NOTE, do not work up, do not reduce this load. Gives ~2,000fps. Pretty accurate at plinking ranges.
23 June 2008, 23:52
snowmanRenegade I have a 35 w Imp and have used a 158 gr pistol bullet on top of a load of 4198. Check the speer manual. That loads is bang on at approx 20yds. I usually carry a 3 or 4 of these loads and have often taken the head off of a Ruffed Grouse or Spruce Hen while walking in the bush. I would suggest trying a couple different fast burning powders until you find one that groups close to where your full power loads shoot to.
24 June 2008, 12:38
tnekkccI have shot 158 LSWC and 10 gr pistol powder in a 35W, but did not get the great accuracy of 158 gr Hornady XTP with 15 gr Pistol powder in the same 35W, that got consistent clover leaves at 40 yards.