I recently ordered a 35 Whelen A&B barrel and stock from Midway and was looking at the ballistics for it. I noticed it is about 200 fps slower with 250 gr. bullets than a 338 Win. Mag. My question is, if they are that close to each other, do they perform in the field similarly? I am referring to both using spitzer bullets, with velocity only about 200 fps difference. i would like to hear from someone who has actual field experience with both cartridges. Good luck and good shooting
Posts: 849 | Location: Between Doan's Crossing and Red River Station | Registered: 22 July 2001
Eterry: Congratulations on your new rifle.The .35 Whelen should be a great big game gun.
The .338 magnum produces greater velocity, even when 250-grain and heavier bullets are used. To compare these two would be like comparing apples and oranges. Keep in mind that the .338's 250-grainers have an SD of .313, coupled to at least 150 to 200 fps greater than the .35 Whelen.
Now, if you compare the .35 Whelen to the .338-06, then I would say both are very close ballistically. Both are excellent cartridges, too.
Posts: 2448 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 25 May 2002
You can make the same comparison between the Whelen and the 375. Just a little slower with a little bit lighter bullet. As a matter of fact, that was the rationale behind the Whelen: approximating the power and performance of the .375 in a standard length rifle. Now, doesn't that sound better? ;-) Dutch.
Posts: 4564 | Location: Idaho Falls, ID, USA | Registered: 21 September 2000
Have both, use both. As far as I can tell, (after taking 4 caribou and a couple of moose), out to 100 yards or so there ain't a hell of a lot of difference. Beyond 100 yards, there is no comparison. The .338 eats the Whelen for breakfast. Sure, the .35 will kill game at the longer ranges, bot the extra velocity of the .338 make the longer shots easier. The additional energy makes a big difference on moose. I have no problem using either gun, but for longer ranges, or bigger game I prefer the .338. Ask any woman, bigger IS better.
Posts: 282 | Location: Mid-Hudson Valley, NY | Registered: 26 July 2001
Thanks for the input guys, I am looking forward to getting it up and running. Doubt it will be ready for this season, but maybe go hog hunting with it in the spring. It should sledgehammer a porker. Good luck and good shooting
Posts: 849 | Location: Between Doan's Crossing and Red River Station | Registered: 22 July 2001
I had a 35 whelen with an A&B barrel and it was a good shooter. I rebarreled to 338-06 imp. A month ago I took that barrel and married to a '43 m98 action and chambered it to 358 Norma mag. Which in my opinion is everything the 338 win is and maybe a little more.
The Whelen is excellent though and i posted my loads at huntingnut .com
The 338 wins hands down, holds more powder and will shoot a bigger bullet better ie: 300 Gr. Swift at 2400 to 2500 FPS. A 210 Nosler at 3005 FPS...
An alternative to the 35 Whelen is one of the 35 cal. short magnums, which are supreme killers of game at any range...The 350 Norma or the 338 necked up to 35 cal........Fully the equal of the 338 I suspect.
The 35 Whelen is an awesome round for the shorter ranges(100-200yds) in my opinion. I have a custom M1Garand that is chambered in 35Whelen. Yeah, you heard right, a Garand in 35Whelen. It is just a monster. I shoot the Nosler 225gr. ballistic tip, and it shoots awesome. Check out www.mccannindustries.com for the Garand conversions. Jeff
Thanks for the info Jeff, I have a Garand that I bought from the DCM, will have to give it some thought before I convert it. Most of the shooting around here is under 150 yards, last season I took a buck at 40 yards, the year before at 20 yards. But I hope to get my Whelen up and going soon. Good luck and good shooting
Posts: 849 | Location: Between Doan's Crossing and Red River Station | Registered: 22 July 2001
