The 257 AI has a ton of cool factor! I don't think it's a bad idea to go with the 8.5t. it will give you more options. A 6 month wait isn't too terrible. It will still give you 3 months for load development.
JD338
I've used a lot of Speer bullets over the years. They have always shot great. Although the Speer Hot Cor is not considered a premium bullet, the Hot Cor acts like a bonded core bullet.
The 358 250 gr Hot Cor is a great bullet in the 35 Whelen
JD338
I bought a new Weatherby Accumark Limited in 6.5 Wby RPM. Mounted an old VX-3 2.5-8x36mm and picked a random load using the Sierra 140 gr Game King. Shot it at 100 yds and then put a hit on the 200 & 250 yard gongs. This rifle seems to be a shooter
JD338
Valid points Don. My favorite defense gun is my Kimber Tactical Pro II 45 ACP. It has a great feel, points where I'm looking and makes me look like a better shooter than I am. 😁
JD338
The 358 250 gr PT is indeed a great bullet in the Whelen. Nosler just finished a run on the 358 225 PT. It's my understanding that they are going to make a run of the 250 PT and also 375 260 & 300 PTs
As a side note, the Speer 358 250 Hot Cor has a profile almost identical to the Nosler 250 PT...
Thanks for the heads up Jim. I'm not a Cabela's Club Member so I don't get those alerts and sales.
I actually just bought a heated vest for my wife for Christmas. I got her a Oroco and an extra battery pack.
JD338
Nice shooting. You are almost there.
Try seating the bullets deeper to tighten up the group. Go .005" and .010". I'd bet one of those would do it for you.
JD338