35 Whelen

[truck driver]

This is getting close to reality and I need some more info. While checking out rate of twist I noticed the manufacture ( Douglas ) offers a 1-10 twist for .358 barrels. Would I gain anything with this over the 1-12? :?: I want this to be as perfect as I can get it. :grin: I was also thinking their #3 sporter contour 24" which weighs in at 3lb over the standard #2 sporter which is 2 3/4lb. I don't see 4oz being a disadvantage for a hunting rifle and would make the barrel a little stiffer. I'm thinking out loud here fellows so any opinions will be appreciated. :grin:

 

[DrMike]

A ten twist is pretty fast. I went with a twelve twist, and it is more than adequate to handle even 280 grain Swift A-Frames. Actually, a fourteen twist would have worked for the Whelen. I don't believe you will regret the #3 contour if you go that way, either.

 

[JD338]

TD,

My 700 Classic 35 Whelen has a 22" barrel with a 1:16 twist. Accuracy with 200 gr, 225 gr and 250 gr bullets has been sub MOA out to 300 yds. I think I would go with a 1:12 twist. Depending on what, where and how you hunt would dictate the barrel length and contour (weight). I have shot quite a few deer and a bear with my Whelen, only need a fast second/insurance shot twice. The lighter weight might be nice.

JD338

 

[truck driver]

OK 1-10 is out and the 1-12 is in. Barrel length is 24" so that one is not an option unless I want to cut it down latter and I like the extra 100fps the 2" will give me.

 

[sask boy]

Rodger my 35 Whelen has a 1-14 twist and I have shot the 250 coreloks out of it with no problem. I shoot the AB 225gr exclusively out of it so 1-14 is more then fine for my purposes. But if you are thinking heavier bullets then go with the 1-12.
I have the PacNor 24" barrel in a #4 contour and I am very happy with it. I am shooting 225s at 2730fps or there abouts and they sure do the job on both Moose & Elk.
I am sure looking forward to seeing that build you are working on.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[truck driver]

Rodger my 35 Whelen has a 1-14 twist and I have shot the 250 coreloks out of it with no problem. I shoot the AB 225gr exclusively out of it so 1-14 is more then fine for my purposes. But if you are thinking heavier bullets then go with the 1-12.
I have the PacNor 24" barrel in a #4 contour and I am very happy with it. I am shooting 225s at 2730fps or there abouts and they sure do the job on both Moose & Elk.
I am sure looking forward to seeing that build you are working on.

Blessings,
Dan

The #4 contour in a Douglas barrel weighs 3 1/2LBS and that 1/2lb would be more than I want to carry. I had though about the 1-14 also but I might get a chance for the big bears in Alaska and would like to use the heavier bullets for stopping power and penetration.

 

[sask boy]

Rodger my rifle is heavy I am not sure what it weighs but I will check it out and let you know later today.
Douglas barrels are top shelf as well & I agree go with the 1-12 it will only benefit you when you go with those real heavy grained bullets.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[gerry]

A #3 Douglas 1 in 12 twist should work well for a sporter 35 Whelen. Another option is to have them copy your factory barrel contour as long as that's heavy enough for you.

 

[JD338]

You could also get the barrel fluted to save about 1/2 pound.
FWIW, my 22" barrel is pushing the 250 gr PT at 2575 fps which is pretty decent. A 24" would get you over 2600 fps.

JD338

 

[billbam]

I went with a Shilen #3, 1/14 @23" in a McMillan stock. Scoped, comes in a little over 8 lbs and carries well. Shoots 225's and the 250 Part very well.

 

[gerry]

I really like that rig Bill, very well thought out....

 

[DrMike]

That is a fine looking rifle, Bill. It looks as if it would be at home in the field.

 

[billbam]

Thanks guys. IMO the #3 is about perfect, stiff enough while keeping the weight good for carrying and shooting.
I liked it so much, I went with the same when I did the 260.

 

[sask boy]

Well I just weighed my 35 Whelen & now I know why I get tired carrying it :wink:.
It weighs 9.6lbs!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[SJB358]

My Whelen is a Model 700 CDL with the 1-16" twist. I would think anything in a 14 or 12 twist would be just fine for anything over 250. While it is fun to shoot the heavier bullets, the 250 PT is a big bullet that would be absolutely all a guy needed for the biggest of bears.

My Whelen weighs right at 8lbs or so, without being loaded. Very comfortable to carry all day long.

My 35 Newton is a 1-12 twist, so I suspect it should shoot everything pretty decent. I have a few 270 grain Northforks to try out of it once I get the 225 AB's dialed in some more.



Thats a .358 270 grain Northfork on the left and a .338 225 grain Northfork on the right.

 

[SJB358]

Bill, that rifle looks awesome buddy! Just a perfect hunting rifle! Great build!

 

[Guy Miner]

Bill, that rifle looks awesome buddy! Just a perfect hunting rifle! Great build!

No kidding... Great looking rifle.

Guy

 

[sask boy]

Bill, I apologize for not mentioning your photo of that sharp looking rig :wink:. It definitely looks like it is all business and I am sure it will do everything that you want it to.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[gerry]

Like the looks of those North Fork bullets, that 270 gr should be a real stomper in your Newton.

 

[JD338]

Scotty

That is one big bullet!

JD338