35 Whelen Deer Load

[trapperon]

I have one of the limited Number 1A 35 Whelen's on its way. As this will be my first whelen, I just wanted some recommendations on your favorite deer load for this round. Mainly Michigan whitetail, and shots not too much farther than 100 yards where I hunt. I will probably try the new Hornady Superformance for my first firing of the rifle, but wondered what your favorite handload was?

 

[Silent Sam]

I don't have a 35 Whelen but use a 358Win quite a bit. For the conditions you describe any cup and core bullet will work especially if you ignore the high BC spitzers. A round nose conventional bullet at moderate velocity will kill whitetails as quick or quicker than any premium bullet. You don't need premium ammo for deer at 100 yards.

 

[br6ppc]

Nosler 225gr Accubond, Fed 210M primer, IMR 4064 55 grs. This will get me sub MOA accuracy and avg velocity of 2530 fps. This load also works just as well in my M700 CDL with 225 gr partitions. If you have either Varget or IMR 4064, I would try those powders. Hodgdon's data allows a max weight of 56 grs IMR 4064 for a 225 gr bullet (Sierra SBT) but accuracy was best for me at 55 grs.

 

[Sgt Garcia]

I've used the Remington 200 gn Core-lokt factory load on mule deer with good results.

FWIW

Dennis.

 

[DeletedMember275]

I've used the Remington 200 gn Core-lokt factory load on mule deer with good results.

FWIW

Dennis.

+1; I haven't done any loading for my Whelen yet, but that 200 grain factory load hits like the hammer of Thor! I call it my 'bang-plop' gun, because that's what happens whenever I shoot a deer with it!

 

[clintsfolly]

Start with Rem Core-lokt (the Cheaper green box) to get your brass then any cup/core bullet you think looks good. then go kill may deer as you want! Clint

 

[mike7mm08]

I have had great results with the seirra 225 grain on deer. I am shooting them out of a 350 mag though at about 2600 fps. Velocities should be very similar to that of the whelen. Find a load that is accurate and I can guarantee the bullet will perform flawlessly. Every deer that I have shot with this bullet has gone straight down. They just disappear from the scope. For my remington 7600 35 Whelan I shoot original 225 grain x bullets, I have a pretty good stash. More bullet than is needed for deer but they were the first bullet I tried and are scary accurate. Honest 1/2" or just under groups at a hundred. But as already been said any standard bullet that is accurate will be just fine for deer.

 

[Stumps13]

I have not reloaded any 35 Whelen but I do have 4 boxes of factory Remington 200 gr and 65 (200 gr) pulled bullets that I would like to sell if you might be interested.

 

[trapperon]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! exactlly the stuff I was seeking. I did plan on about a 2500 fps velocity, but was torn on the round nose core lokt type bullet, or a ballistic tip style. I know that the 30 cal 150 grain ballistic tips are just outstanding on deer--have used them in both 308 and 0-6. I am very anxious to play around with the whelen!

stumps--sent you a pm on your ammo--thanks

Ron

 

[mike7mm08]

The 35 ballistic tip is no longer available. It has been replaced by the accubond identical dimensions to the ballistic tip just bonded. I have some of the ballistic tips but have not tried them. The ballistic tip now the accubond was supposedly designed specifically for the 35 Whelan. That said the accubond might be a little too tough of a bullet on deer. Sure it will work just don't expect the lightening like kills your accustomed to with ballistic tips. The ballistic tip was just replaced by the accubond this year so you still might be able to find some around.

 

[mohavesam]

Get thy self to Barnes website, and get their manual.

The 35 Whelen is more than adequate for any north American deer, right up through elk and moosies when the range is ethical. It has been since way before computers designed the bullets!

 

[Paul B]

My bullet of choice for the .35 Whelen, at least for elk is the 225 gr. Barnes TSX over a charge of 60.4 gr. of RL-15. Do start a couple of grains lower as that is absolute max in my rifle. For deer at reasonable ranges I see no reason why a 200 gr. bullet would not be sufficient. About all I can say is the Whelen has some serious smack down on elk.
If your #1 will shoot the 200 gr. bullets well, then loading them to something in the .358 Win. velocity range should do you just fine with reduced recoil. probably factory 200 gr. loads might be a bit strenuous for deer at the distances you will be shooting.
I think any of the 225 gr. bullets might be a great compromise loading for the Whelen unless you're looking at one of the great bears. In that case I'd look as a tough 250 gr. bullet like the Partition or Federal's load with the 225 gr. trophy bonded bear claw bullets.
I did find 4 boxes of the early two core version of Speer's Grand Slam bullets for my Whelen but haven't loaded any up yet. After the results I got on my elk hunt last year with the 225 gr. TSX, I wonder if the heavier bullets are really necessary? The one thing I can state without reservation is, I truly love my .35 Whelen.
Paul B.

 

[trapperon]

Thanks everyone. stumps helped me out with some factory ammo, so I will be starting out with the remington 200 gr. factory loads. Probably pick up any nosler ballistic tips I happen to find around and settle on a load at around 2500 fps or so. I have always been attracted to the 35 whelen since Remington introduced it in the 7600......when the Ruger No. 1A came out I just had to finally buy one!!

Ron