Anyone ever try .358” 200 grain FTX on deer loaded in the 35 Whelen?

[badaxeriverman]

I like the idea of the “ballistic tip looking” projectile. I know they’re not recommended for anything faster than 35 Remington velocities but I’m curious at how they would do going faster out of a 35 Whelen on a Whitetail deer? Anybody ever tried them and if so, how did they do?

 

[rjm158]

I didn't shoot any deer with them (Accubonds were more accurate in my rifle) but I loaded and shot some for groups. They weren't terrible, just not the best.

Ron

 

[RL338]

Hornady has data for the FTX in the 35 Whelen.

 

[badaxeriverman]

That looks like it’s probably a newer addition than my horn day book…Thsnks! I just need to get my hands on some of those to try now.

 

[gerry]

Looks like they don't recommend over 2600 fps with it. As long as you don't crank it up it should work fine.

 

[badaxeriverman]

Looks like the book data above doesn’t push them very hard anyways in anything with 200 grains versus the Hornady super performance ammo at 2950 fps. At that velocity, I’m really not gaining anything anyways versus the 2500 ft./s 180 grain hot core I’m currently shooting. IMO I am better off to stick with trying to get the hornady 200 grain spire point or Barnes 180 grain tipped to eventually shoot at higher velocities.

 

[SJB358]

I bet they’d be decisive on deer sized stuff.

 

[NYDAN]

This write-up suggests that it might be a bit frangible at 35 Whelen velocities.

.358 Winchester

.358 Winchester, history, loads and performance on game.

www.ballisticstudies.com

 

[badaxeriverman]

Yeah, I’ve read “opinions” too. I was just hoping that someone has used them at faster velocities on Whitetail deer and can share their experience, but I appreciate the link above. I read it a long time ago too. I’ve also read opinions that they stick together enough even at fast 35 Whelen velocities and dump in their tracks. Just never seen any proof with either opinions.