Some years ago while recovering from "small" heart condition, built me a 9.3x62 on VZ24 w/ Douglas barrel, nice walnut stock, NECG "stuff" and like the rifle. Still have extra VZ24 action, another Douglas barrel in 35 Whelen, stock, Argentine bottom, and all the other items. Winter coming on in near future and question is to build or not to build 35 Whelen with the 9.3 already in hand?? From what I see the two are pretty much equal in performance. The first one I did not drill and tap(read molest,)and set up with Lyman 48, but the spare action did drill and tap so thinking about a somewhat more flat shooting caliber. Would prefer keeping with the '06 case. Am leaning on just going with the '06 but open to any suggestions. Whatever barrel/caliber is easy for me since the "source" is only some 10 miles away and want to get with the program before anymore "little" heart problems. All feedback appreciated.

Instructor, I can't defend my preference, but like the idea of a Springfield for the Whelens -- and agree the .35 Whelen is mighty close to a 9,3X62 in performance. I too have a VZ-24 action put aside. If it doesn't become a 7X57, it might end up as a .416 Taylor.

Since you already have the 9.3x62, I too think the 35 Whelen is too close, and I am a 35 caliber nut.

On the other hand, you have that 35 caliber Douglas barrel just sitting there.

Being a lover of all medium bores, I have a 30.06, 303, 300WM, 338-06, 338 WM, 35 Whelen, 358 STA, 9.3x62, 9.3x66, 9.3x74R, 375 Ruger and 375 H&H. I am preparing to build a 358 NM. These are my 30ish-caliber mediums. So, with tongue in cheek, I have to ask, 'What's the problem?' Build the 35 Whelen!

Seriously, if I were in your shoes, I think the 30.06 would pair-up with your 9.3 perfectly. If you're open to 20 caliber 'mediums', I would also consider the 280 Remington. Or perhaps the 338-06, both sticking with the 30.06 case you desired.

So many calibers, so little time...

You could always build the Whelen light, and use it as a "light" medium, with 180 - 225gr bullets, and use the 9.3 as a "heavy" medium with 250 gr. and heavier bullets.

Thanks for the replies, and if I had a Springfield '03 spare action the 35 Whelen would be a real classic in my mind anyway.
I am about 80% done on inletting the action in the stock with barrel channel yet to be opened up for the barrel and final shape a long way to go. I have been giving some thought to welding extended tang on receiver and inletting that back across the comb area. This would be more for "looks" than function and see this done on various high grade bolt guns from time to time.
Started to do this on the 9.3 but chickened out in the end. I would like to do stock cross bolts as well, but never figured out how to do that properly, but again more for looks than function for it will be Marine Tex bedded. Weather turning colder now and will start on this project soon and can see many long evenings in the garage this winter. I'll let you know which way I go and again, thanks.

Say this slow and concise and hear how it rolls of your toung: Seven-by-fifty-seven.
Matt.

I might suggest opening the bolt face a bit and building a scorcher of a Plains Game rifle in 6,5x68 Shuler. Think of a 264 Magnum Taco with habaneros instead of jalapenos...

You don't say what you are going to hunt? You already have a rifle to hunt all larger game in North America. If you do not plan to go to Africa, and just plan to hunt deer in your state due to your heart condition, then I would think a nice 7 x 57 would be in order.

Instructor, I would build another 9.3 x 62 and put a scope on it.

I don't know where you hunt, but where I elk hunt, there is a mixture of timbered and wide open country. When hunting the timber, I like prowling around with the Lyman 48.

I load the ammo for accuracy for the scope sighted gun and use the same ammo in the receiver sighted gun and don't worry about super precise accuracy with it.

Cat, I like that you hunt elk in timber with a Lyman receiver site. There aren't many such hunters left.

I shoot both and IMO the 9.3x62 is more comparable to a .375 H&H than a 35 Whelen if you handload..

One should not use 30-06 brass to reform to 9.3x62s as you get a bulged case and reloading becomes problematic..I know some folks insist on doing it but it can even be dangerous as you will get ruptured cases in time..

I definatly used Talley QD rings and bases, a 3X Leupold on both and have a Talley slip on peep sight in my pocket when I hunt elk..Lots of rain where I hunt, lots of snow, lots of timber and the peep gets probably more use than the scope, but I have the option, if a good bull is on the far side of a timbered drainage, and I have time to swap to my scope as a rule..be prepared. That is unless I am hunting with my newly purchased .348 Win. then its peep all the way.

I love my 35 Whelen, but push comes to shove I'll take a 9.3x62 any day for hunting the African continient or the Alaskan Penn. for Brown bear, its just a better hammer..For the rest of N. A. either one is just dandy..

You know the problem Instructor? You ask a bunch of gun loons which one, you get all these different answers, and they're all right. You have to love the enthusiasm.
I pick my calibers by the range of bullet/bullet weight I can get. No wrong answers. the .30 caliber would be a nice compliment, but I'd go with the 7 x 57 Mauser, just because I like it and you can shoot bullets from 100 gr. to 175 gr.s and then let the 9.3 take over.

Richard, I love the 7 x 57 in 160 grain. Truth be known, if you have that caliber, you don't need the 9.3 x 62, at least on this continent. But of course, for us rifle nuts, that makes no sense.

Instructor, don't want to hijack your thread, but responding to Bill--I have to say that I get more pleasure from my Mauser with the Lyman 48 than I do from any other rifle Part of it is that I'm in my mid-sixties and not as rabid to kill something as I used to be. Maybe, a better way to state it is: I want to take my game on my terms, by hunting and shooting in what I consider to be "real" hunting. And opening the action and watching the cartridge smoothly slide in and close with solid clicks is kind of gratifying (no sexual connotation meant). But even neater is the feel of the rifle. No scoped sighted rifle has the same balance or feel between your hands. It just feels "gunny". I figure if bow hunters and muzzle loaders can do it, then I can do it with a receiver sight (I know that they frequently have the advantage in that they are able to hunt in the rut)

Again sorry Instructor for moving your question off on a tangent. I might end by saying that you know and everyone of us know that it makes little difference in what caliber you choose, but it sure is fun, thinking about it, contemplating it---trying to make this so called perfect rifle. I offer one thought on that issue--I've been after the perfect rifle for thirty years from some of the top makers. Haha, it doesn't work

Why both!

I have 9.3x62 on a Mauser 98 nearing completion and a 35 Whelen on a 1917 Enfield that needs the stock finished.

Figured both actions were suitable for the round given country of origin and dates.

Schrodingers Cat,
No problem, appreciate your comments. As for the Lyman 48 it just comes natural to me for quite a few years shot long range matches using "irons" and scopes seem to just add weight and bulk on a sporting rifle. Prone/sling shooting and a scope I see every pulse/heart beat and even though it's still there with the peep sights, it does not give me a problem. Do have low powered scope on 45/70 Gov't, but only real scope is Unertl 16X mounted on my Springfield '03 and very accurate rifle, but only recently acquired Lyman 48 long slide plus proper globe front which will go on the Springfield this winter. With the addition of the Lyman and the Unertl, I have found my "perfect" rifle. I understand fully about your comment the "feel" of the rifle, well said.

nice choice to have -- i really like 35s -- but I might build a 30'06 fast'ish twist setup up for 165gr TTSX

a great paring for the 9,3

I think a .338 06 is a great round.
Still pretty close to the 9.3 but with a 210 grain partition, it would have great knockdown power and shoot a bit flatter than the 9.3...tj3006

I have 2 35 Whelens well sort of one is the standard cartridge and the other is the 35 Whelen AI. If it were mine I would open the chamber up to 35 Whelen AI and never look back. My AI is based off a M70 action and barrel. Sent it out to J.E.S. and had it rebored from 30-06 to .358 and chambered for the AI 40* shoulder and have been having a ball developing loads for it. With the chamber properly cut per P.O.Ackey's instructions you can shoot the standard 35 Whelen factory ammo in it which makes fire forming brass very easy. There's more to gain with the AI chamber then just 100fps velocity.

Since it's a Mauser action I'd go with 7x57. Plenty of bullets and brass available. Low recoil. Great gun for hunting here in Wild and Wonderful WV. (Douglas makes 7mm barrels too )

I have a 9.3x62 that is a real favorite and several years ago got a 358 Win for a great price. While I had my heart set on a 35 Whelen, I have grown to really like the 358 Win. Although I have the 35 Whelen surrounded (caliber wise) If it were me, I'd go with the 35 without giving it a thought.

Why stop at one? Have a matching pair made up. 7x57 and 35 Whelen

Well, made up my mind, going to complete the 35 Whelen project since already have the barrel on hand. Have adequate supply of 9.3 brass and plenty of '06 which would serve as a supply for brass of the Whelen. Understand you can make 9.3 cases out of the '06 but not recommended to do so. Did shoot the 9.3 couple days ago and had been a while. Used the NRA HP 200yd target@200yds. and first shot(from bench/bag) went high @ 11 o'clock, 9 ring. Two more within inch or so of first one and took few clicks down and few right and next shot, 12 o'clock cutting the X ring. Friend spotting and heard him say "lucky shot" and fired two more, both in the X ring. Suggested he shoot the rifle and he felt that there was far more recoil than he cared to handle. Typical 6mm bench shooter.

I've shot hogs and red stag with a 9.3x62 and in comparison with other mediums I have used, it just produces more DRT in my experience...no need for any tracking...

I'm surprised nobody suggested a 6.5/06. That will shoot mighty Flat and it in the case you want.

Since you already have the 9,3x62, I would build a light 30-06.
or maybe even a 270.

I don't think folks either read, or heeded the fact that you already have a .35 caliber barrel in hand! I assume you would not have shared this information unless you had a rather strong inclination to put said barrel to use.

That said, I think you made a wonderful decision to go ahead with the .35 Whelen project, especially since you plan on scoping this new rifle and leaving the 9.3 unscoped. The two together would make a very nice two-gun battery for a trip to Africa.

quote:

Originally posted by Instructor:
Some years ago while recovering from "small" heart condition, built me a 9.3x62 on VZ24 w/ Douglas barrel, nice walnut stock, NECG "stuff" and like the rifle. Still have extra VZ24 action, another Douglas barrel in 35 Whelen, stock, Argentine bottom, and all the other items. Winter coming on in near future and question is to build or not to build 35 Whelen with the 9.3 already in hand?? From what I see the two are pretty much equal in performance. The first one I did not drill and tap(read molest,)and set up with Lyman 48, but the spare action did drill and tap so thinking about a somewhat more flat shooting caliber. Would prefer keeping with the '06 case. Am leaning on just going with the '06 but open to any suggestions. Whatever barrel/caliber is easy for me since the "source" is only some 10 miles away and want to get with the program before anymore "little" heart problems. All feedback appreciated.

I wouldn't do a 35W already having a 9.3x62.
Nothing wrong with 35W.
Doubt you would have any problem selling that barrel - Should get lots of interest for it.

You could build another 9.3 like you say you want and sell the other.

Me, think I'd do a 7x57, 30-06 or

even a 10.75x68 w/o much bolt face work. Just check for the length.

Can't do this with the 9,3

Pretty sure you can...

I have to agree with you. I grew up shooting irons sights and hunting with iron sights on 94s and 99 Savages..I love the feel and balance of a bolt action with irons, or any rifle with irons, they carry nicer, shoot just as fast and are accurate to 200 or more yards..A good receiver sight is good to 300 yards, and I seldom shoot further than that on game, I also believe its always easier to slip up another 100 yards in most cases...I probably shoot more game with irons than with a scope, but if game is wild, the terrain is such that a scope is a better option, I will use a scope and I reserve the option to make that decision for myself. As I age I am sure I will use a scope more and more.

I am assuming those are "pistol" bullets in the photo and that is what is meant. Few Pistol bullets in .366.
Sure can do any cast bullet you want though with any of those three powders in both the Whelen and the 9.3 x 62

Go the Whelen and make it an Ackley improved. This is one cartridge that improving the chamber does make a difference.

That or do a 358Norma or 350 Rigby but load this to the specs it should and can be loaded to. These are similar to a 338/358RUM.

I know this has been settled already, but with everyone else muddying the water, here's my $0.02.

Since the Whelen is a US calibre and the action is European, I'd be inclined to look for another action to build the Whelen on and look for a European calibre to complement the 9.3. A Euro[ean classic, like the 8x57 or 8x60 (not much difference) or the 7x64 Brenneke, which is a lovely cartridge.

Since it's all your money I'm spending, feel free to not listen, but that's what I'd be considering.

quote:

Originally posted by GAHUNTER:
I don't think folks either read, or heeded the fact that you already have a .35 caliber barrel in hand! I assume you would not have shared this information unless you had a rather strong inclination to put said barrel to use.

That said, I think you made a wonderful decision to go ahead with the .35 Whelen project, especially since you plan on scoping this new rifle and leaving the 9.3 unscoped. The two together would make a very nice two-gun battery for a trip to Africa.

Steady on GAHUNTER everyone did read that the OP had a 35 Whelen barrel but he did ask - "so thinking about a somewhat more flat shooting caliber. Would prefer keeping with the '06 case. Am leaning on just going with the '06 but open to any suggestions. Whatever barrel/caliber is easy for me since the "source" is only some 10 miles away and want to get with the program before anymore "little" heart problems. All feedback appreciated".

Hence all the suggestions on topic.

I think a .280AI would complete your battery. A great cartridge for longer ranges. You've already got shot-medium range covered very well. Nothing wrong with the .270/.280/30/06 either.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
I think a .280AI would complete your battery. A great cartridge for longer ranges. You've already got shot-medium range covered very well. Nothing wrong with the .270/.280/30/06 either.

If you like to reload, I think a 6.5-06 would be a very interesting endeavor!

I will through in another vote for the 7x64 - flat shooting, hard hitting and without a lot of fuss.

When you say that you have a .35 Whelen barrel, so you mean that it is already chambered in .35 Whelen? If not, I would put my vote in for a 9X57 Mauser.

It is pleasant to shoot, would fit your Mauser action perfectly, with no modifications, and be able to use the full range of .35 caliber bullets available to the Whelen. Cases can be easily formed from 8X57 brass. Chambering reamers are available from rental services.

The .358 Winchester would be another choice, but having owned both, I would vote for the 9X57.

So now the suggestions have gone to eveyones favorite caliber and not addressing the original question, as usual and of course!

Therefore, being guilty of such as well, I shall add my two bits, having a 35 Whelen and a 9.3x62, both awesome calibers when properly loaded with the 9.3x62 winning the battle in my books by a substantial margin. but after years of using both, I still prefer the 30-06 to about anything out there, I have seen it perform over the years with such prestine performance that I wonder why I ever shot anything else..but that's just my personal and totally prejudiced opine.

You already own a 9.3x62----- and you have a 35 cal barrel just waiting for a new project-- if you are into wildcats, rechamber the 35 cal to use the 9.3x66 Sako case. It is now called the 370 Sako magnum. The 66mm case is the longest case that will fit into an /06 magazine.
Cheers Malcolm