What is the real world difference in the two. A "friend" and I got into a discussion and I stated that the 358 Winchester can do any thing a 35 Whelen can do. I stated that my BLR can handle most any situation inside of 200yds with the correct bullets and the conversation heated up after that. Since I did not want to sit there and argue over the difference I bowed out of the conversation. Is the extra FPS that the Whelen can provide that much of an edge. I feel that in the real world it just does not matter.

I would say there is about a 200 fps real world difference between the two . With my 24 inch Whelen , I can get enough speed to get me a 300 yard PBR on elk size game (with 250 gr slugs) , which is comforting at times .

If hunting close cover , there would certainly be no flies on the .358 ......

i think it depends on the gun too. if clip/box fed then the bullets can be a large factor. if tube fed you are limited to a FP.
i think up to 200 there isn't much practical difference in the two. 225 and up at longer ranges you will see a difference.
apples and oranges. if you can hit what you aim at to 300 yards with any gun you are all set. 2500 fps or 2700 fps.
woofer

federal loads the 35 whelen 2600 fps.. 225gr

i get 2525 in my 20" barrel 358.....

it's 100 factory, and 200-250 handloader, as the whelen is loaded soft

jeffe

The .358 is to the .35 Whelen as the .308 is to the .30-06. Inside that 200 yards I feel as comfortable with my .358 BLR as I wood with the Whelen. If the range was going to be longer, I'd take my .340 Weatherby.

I think it's best to work your way back from the bullets. If you want to drive a 225 gr bullet 2500 fps, the 358 win is an outstanding platform. If you want to drive a 250 gr bullet 2500 fps, the 35 whelen is an excellent platform.

Comes down to species and applications. I would much rather use a 35 whelen for moose, as I want the heavier bullet. For deer and black bears, the 225 gr bullet and hence 358 win makes more sense.

I think the 308 win is much closer to a 30-06 then the 358 win is to the 35 whelen.

The 358 win is an outstanding round, but it is not in the same class as the 35 whelen. I know several people who rate the 35 whelens performance on game as on par with the 375 H&H, but I've never heard the 358 win get the same accolades.

Really depends on what and where you hunt.

WN, inside of 200 yards your .358 will do anything you want it to. The Whelen starts to shine beyond that. Federal has a 225 gr. loading with a TBBC that I use in a Remington 7600 that is probably as good a factory load in any calibre that I've seen. To me the 225 gr. bullet is the correct weight for the Whelen for power and versatility. That's my two bits.

Take a .358 win case, set it next to a 35 Whelen case. See the difference? Now tell me which one you thing will have the highest velocity!

Jeffeosso- Do you mind posting your load for the .358 Win with 225gr at 2525. I just built a 20 barreled bolt in .358win. I've tried three different powders and the best I've done is 2435, and that was a couple grains over max, although no sign of pressure. I realize your load is for your rifle and may not be appropriate for others, but every bit of knowledge can be useful. BTW the 225 I am using is the Sierra. I am trying to hit 2500fps. Thanks, Al