Having problems igniting new unfired brass in my 35 Whelen. Had the smith check headspace yesterday and he used a 30 06 gauge claiming there would be no difference between the two 06 vs 35 whelen). The bolt would not close on the no go gauge and close on the go.
Sound ok?

Your smith was correct. Headspace gauges are the same for 25-06,270,30-06,338-06, and 35 whelen. You might try seating the bullets out to the lands with a light load to form the brass to headspace properly.

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Your smith was correct. Headspace gauges are the same for 25-06,270,30-06,338-06, and 35 whelen. You might try seating the bullets out to the lands with a light load to form the brass to headspace properly.

Agreed, the shoulder may be just a little too far back on the brass. I had the same issue with my Ruger Hawkeye with CCI primers. Started neck sizing only and no problems.