35 Whelen new loads

[FNWhelen]

40 plus years ago my dad loaded up 1000 with 49 grains of 3031 and 250 grain Hornaday spire points. That is what I have pretty much used in my Whelen ever since. At this point they are about all gone and I need to do some reloading. With all the new powders out now I am wondering if any of you guys have a load that you really like. Main use would be for moose and under 200 yards. Also needs to work well to fend off big toothy up close if needed.

 

[lefty315]

I’m running a 250 grain Partition with h4895 and get good results. Not a speed demon at just shy of 2500 fps but it’s a 22 inch barrel. The load is pretty much interchangeable with the 250 Speer Hot Core. I doubt there is much that would walk away from either load.

 

[JD338]

RL 15 is excellent with the 250's. I'm getting 2580 fps from a 22" barrel.

JD338

 

[gerry]

I'm going to try CFE 223 in mine soon. I would look at Varget, IMR 8208, IMR or H 4895 or even stick with IMR 3031. Any of those you can find locally would do the job.

 

[FNWhelen]

I would love to use some H4895 but it can not be found at this time. I think I have the same problem with RL15.
I keep hearing good things about CFE 223 but I have not heard from anyone using it just rumors. I just got a Garmin and will have to try some different powders and see what I see.

 

[gerry]

On the Facebook 35 Whelen group lots of guys have tried CFE 223 with the 250's and getting into the 2600 fps+ range easily. I shoot 225's often and they are getting into the 2800 fps range easily with them.
What powders are you able to find where you live?

 

[FNWhelen]

I have 3031, 2520, H BLC-2, Varget, H322 and H335. I can get CFE223 but have no load data for it. I avoid Facebook like STD

 

[gerry]

Speer and Sierra have data for CFE 223. Here's the Speer data

 

[FNWhelen]

Gerry thank you for pointing me in the right direction. I will have to check my local gun shops and see if they have CFE233

 

[NMachine]

I have experience with CFE 223. I run a 250 gr Speer right at 2600 fps from my 24” barrel. The load is 62.5 grs, Rem 9 1/2 Magnum primer, seated at the standard 3.340 OAL. I do put a light crimp with a Lee FCD. I have only been using this load this year, but it has been a consistent MOA performer.

Of the other powders you list, I have also tried 2520. I really wanted this powder to work for me because I have an 8 pound jug of it. Unfortunately, it just couldn’t reach the speed I wanted. I think I got a really slow batch. I was over book by a couple grains and still was more than 150 fps behind posted velocity. This was tested in two different guns and the results were the same.

I really like H335 in the Whelen. I use it with the lighter bullets from 180 to 225 gr with very consistent speed and accuracy. I have not gotten around to testing it with the 250 gr bullets yet, but I am sure it would work well.

Varget should also work for you, although I have not tried it. I seem to prefer prefer the ball powders in the Whelen. Life is too short to F with stick powders in a powder drop. Lol

 

[gerry]

@NMachine sounds like a great load. I have the Speers and CFE 223 just haven't had time to try it out. Going to carry the Whelen more next year so need to get it done this spring. Going to try it with the 225 gr Sierra and AccuBond too.

I tried RL 15 and H 4895 with the 225 gr AccuBond and they did ok but not great for accuracy. IMR 8208 is always a solid performer with the 200 gr AccuBond and TTSX. Does good with the 225 gr Sierra too.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Haven't tried with 250gr bullets but have with 200gr Tac, Varget and Big Game. Velocity was good with all. Accurracy good this in a Rem 700. Not sure how it would work for you with 250s, but I'd check them out especially Tac since you prefer ball powders. Once my H4895 runs out I will be doing more testing with Tac and the Sierra 225gr for sure.
Dan.

 

[JD338]

Speer and Sierra have data for CFE 223. Here's the Speer data

View attachment 24502

Taking a look at the load data, CFE223 sure looks good. I think I will have to give it a try.

JD338

 

[NMachine]

Taking a look at the load data, CFE223 sure looks good. I think I will have to give it a try.

JD338

Go for it. You won’t be sorry. Only negative is CFE 223 has a weird smell when fired. I burn so much H335 on the lighter bullets, I guess it will take a while to get used to.

 

[JD338]

I've used CFE223 in the 375 H&H Mag and it did ok with the 250 TTSX. Next up is the 35 Whelen.

JD338

 

[RL338]

Those 250gr Hornady were challenging in my Whelen. Might need to revisit with CFE223. TAC was another powder mentioned to me by a fellow member in here.

 

[gerry]

Glad someone mentioned Big Game because I did try it before. Hard to believe it was 11 years ago now.
That 275 gr Woodleigh load sure got your attention in a 7.5 lb rifle. The 250 gr Speers did quite well and 2559 fps was pretty decent speed.

35 Whelen with Ramshot Big Game

Thanks to some quickload data from Scotty I have been doing some work the last couple of days with Big Game in the 35 Whelen. I started with the good old 250 gr Speer and was not disappointed, it appears it will be an accurate bullet in my gun, the worst group was around 1 1/2" and most much...

forum.nosler.com

 

[FNWhelen]

This is the Whelen my father built for me 40 plus years ago. FN 98 action, Douglas premium barrel, Timeny trigger and a Fagen stock. After all the hunts it has been on I am surprised at how well it has held up.

 

[DrMike]

A handsome presentation of a rifle chambered in a grand cartridge.

 

[RL338]

This is the Whelen my father built for me 40 plus years ago. FN 98 action, Douglas premium barrel, Timeny trigger and a Fagen stock. After all the hunts it has been on I am surprised at how well it has held up.

Very nice