30-06 brass re-sizing to 35 Whelen

[gerry]

I know that the Speer 220 grain FN is sufficiently tough to take down a grizzly. Launched at the leisurely speed of 2400 fps from a Model 94 chambered in .356, the first bullet broke both shoulders of a large bore and put him down for the count. I wasn't finished shooting, however, as I still had five rounds loaded. I recovered one bullet and two cores. The one bullet recovered had passed through the hump on the back and travelled down the left leg where it was recovered under the left front paw. It was pretty impressive performance.

That beats my "bullet test"

 

[orchemo]

So I resized some older 30-06 brass to 35 Whelen. Loaded up the above mentioned Whelen load and went to the range.

The accuracy was great at 100 yds. I was feeding one case at a time. I am a happy camper with my purchase.

Then I tried using the magazine for feeding and became dis-enchanted. 50% failure to go into battery. A few words under my breath.

Home and load some more re-sized brass. Off to the range with a second magazine. Still not going into battery. I am now kicking myself for not listening to all the internet talk "Rem 750 - jam-o-matics".

On the way home I buy a box of factory ammo. I then also crack into the factory 35 Whelen brass I have, done with trying to re-size. Load up another 30 rounds of Speer 220gr FP

Off to the range - 100 % function with both the factory ammo and my factory 35 whelen brass. Now I am happy camper.

My re-sizing of older 30-06 brass was not sufficient somehow, I suspect the base not being sized enough?

Regardless, I will stay with factory 35 whelen brass as I now have about 120 cases. I have about 70 Speer 220 gr FL left, then I move onto Speer 250 gr Hot-Core.

I need to order a Timney trigger and then I will have quite a nice 35 cal. lead slinger.

Cheers

 

[gerry]

Glad it is going well for you and you solved the problem quickly maybe you can post some pics of your gun and targets

 

[SJB358]

Glad you got your loads squared away. That 220 grain Speer is a good one as is their 250gr. Looking forward to seeing some pictures of groups and your rifle. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

The 220 grain Speer is a fine bullet. I used it to down a grizzly a couple of years back, and it was launched from a much milder cartridge than the Whelen. Good to hear that you worked through your problem.

 

[SJB358]

Good to see you back Mike! How was your hunt? Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I'll ring you up to date tomorrow. I'm just trying to review a few things tonight, and I still have quite a bit of gear to stow. In short, however, no blood on my knife, but some great adventure and some wonderful country. I explored some new areas, and I have my elk/moose site for opening next year. I'll fill you in shortly.

 

[SJB358]

I'll ring you up to date tomorrow. I'm just trying to review a few things tonight, and I still have quite a bit of gear to stow. In short, however, no blood on my knife, but some great adventure and some wonderful country. I explored some new areas, and I have my elk/moose site for opening next year. I'll fill you in shortly.

Sounds great Mike! I imagine it was worth it just being in that country! Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

Can not wait Doc!