Hey guys,

I have a 35 whelen improved (there is some debate actually, my stepfather who gave it to me swears it is improved and the shop that built it seems to remember it being a Brown-Whelen) Anyways. I love the rifle, but it is on a 1917 REMINGTON enfield (caps because it was the best of the bunch, and no duck pond). Seems like a waste, and unnecessary weight.

So what I am wondering is this. It has a 26" douglas barrel. I have a springfield action laying about somewhere, and a bolt and guard that can go with it. I know cost wise it would take some, but is there enough meat there on the shank of the barrel to turn it down and thread to go on the springfield? Thoughts on this idea?

alternatively, I have a 308 Norma on a springfield, I could go to a 358 Norma in the Whelen. But how much performance advantage is that with what cost in powder? Thoughts on that move?

Thanks for the input people.

Red

Dago Red,
If what you have is in fact a 35 Brown Whelen chambered in a 26" barrel you should be seeing 2700+ with 250gr. bullets.I have a Brown Whelen with a 22" barrel and with hot loads I have reached 2700fps.I generally run mine at 2650fps with 250gr, nos/par.You should get 50fps, possibly more, with the extra 4 inches of barrel.
The Brown Whelen requires a real ammo tinkerer to form the cases(god help me I love this stuff) so if you arn't then the 358 norma is a good way to go. Its about 100/150 fps faster than the Brown Whelen and ammo would be much easier to get.
Why don't you rechamber the Enfield to 358STA? Just an idea but it might be the best way to go.

The thread pitch for both is 10 square threads per inch. The Enfield will clean up fine but even if it didn't a machinist can pick up the threads and cut the new ones in the remnants of the old when they have the same pitch.

Dago Red,
Me personally I'd have the bolt-face opened and rechamber the barrel to a 358Norma. The Enfields are one heavy action ... that helps to soak up recoil nicely.
Cheers...
Con

Thanks guys. I am going to go by the shop that built it today to find out just what it was they chambered it in, figure that is a good place to start, plus I need to pick up some new scope base bolts, old ones were bent. only noticed it because the bases were loose.

I'll give the Norma some consideration. Of course a custom 505 gibbs would be awesome, but.....money.

Red