Pretty good range day

[lefty315]

I have decided to take my .35 Whelen and 7x57 with me in May when I go to Africa. The 7x57 is a Ruger No 1 with a 1-4 Leupold on it. It shoots 160 Accubonds at 2750 and will hold an inch easily. I had been shooting my .35 Whelen with 250 Speer HotCores at 2450 with good Accuracy. It's a Ruger 77 with a laminated stock and also wears a Leupold 1-4 on it. I picked up several bags of 250 PT's from the Shooters Pro Shop last year. I decided to try and work up a load. I sort of figured a 3 shot 1/2 inch group at 100 yards at 2455,2458 and 2459fps was a sign from somebody to stop right there. :grin:

 

[gerry]

Sounds great, we need to see some picures of your guns Hope you have a great time in Africa what animals are you planning on hunting?

 

[OU812]

I decided to try and work up a load. I sort of figured a 3 shot 1/2 inch group at 100 yards at 2455,2458 and 2459fps was a sign from somebody to stop right there. :grin:

Yes sir. You would have to look long and hard to find a better stopping point. Sometimes it's nice to stop at the beginning.

 

[DrMike]

That Whelen will produce a pounding on anything you shoot, that's for certain.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Good news! Which powder you using in your Whelen?

 

[DrMike]

CC,

I don't know if this is a general question or directed at one of the posters. However, for myself, I use either RL15 or A2520.

 

[gerry]

I'll answer this one too have had some good groups in the past with AA 2015 and RL 15. I really like Varget now and plan on trying IMR 8208 XBR in my new gun, it sounds like a really good powder for a Whelen.

 

[6mm Remington]

Both sound like very nice rifles and they both are shooting great! They should work very nicely for you. That 7x57 sure sounds sweet, but them I'm extremely partial to those Ruger #1's! :grin: Good luck on your hunt.
Please post us up some pictures of your rifles, and critters when you get there!
David

 

[Guy Miner]

Accuracy of your loads is just fine. Enjoy that hunt, you've earned it!

 

[Elkman]

I picked up several bags of 250 PT's from the Shooters Pro Shop last year. I decided to try and work up a load. I sort of figured a 3 shot 1/2 inch group at 100 yards at 2455,2458 and 2459fps was a sign from somebody to stop right there.

I would consider it as such and get ready to go hunting. Enjoy the trip and bring us back some pictures.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

CC,

I don't know if this is a general question or directed at one of the posters. However, for myself, I use either RL15 or A2520.

It was directed towards the OP but thanks for your reply. I can't believe I've gone all these years and have never tried any of the Alliant powders for my rifles and now that's all I want to try! They've certainly made their money from me with their handgun powders though. I've emptied more Unique, Bullseye and Power Pistol jugs than any other.

 

[DrMike]

CC,

RL15 works very well in the Whelen, as well as a number of other cartridges. The Alliant rifle powders are very good.

 

[SJB358]

That sounds like a great shooting load in the Whelen and 7x57! Your Whelen with 250 PT's should stomp just about anything you lay the crosshairs on..

When you get a chance, could you post up your 7x57 loads. I am still working with my son's rifle and would like to see what you've got. I am pretty close, but more data never hurts.

Mike, Alliant rules the roost around here for the most part. RL15 works well in the 308, 35 Whelen, 22-250 -- RL19 300WSM, 338, 7x57, 243 -- RL22 - 7WSM, 270WSM -- RL25 - 264WM.... Pretty happy with them actually. They work well for me.

 

[JD338]

Lefty,

Congratulations on you safari. Two classic calibers going to the dark contiant, man what an adventure that awaits you!

I shoot a Whelen too and RL 15 is the powder to use. FWIW, I am shooting a 250 gr PT at 2581 fps, ES 8 SD 4 and sub MOA accuracy.

What are your loads Lefty?

JD338

 

[jmad_81]

Great, just what I need, another 35 Whelen nut showing off how good his 35 shoots. You guys are going to get me to own one of these yet!

Sounds like your set! I'm not sure what part of Africa your headed to but from what I've seen, the 35 Whelen couldn't be more perfect for the larger plains game. I'm not sure that I would go after the big five with it, but for anything that didn't have a temper, claws, or really big teath, your set for sure!

Take lots of pics, and keep us posted when you get back!

 

[lefty315]

I'm using H4895. I know I could get more velocity but I load for 10 different rifles and have it down to 2 powders. H4895 and IMR 4350 is what I use for everything. I am right at the target velocities and accuracy is good to great with everything I have (knock on wood).

 

[CatskillCrawler]

I wish I could get down to two powders. Thanks for the info.