The 35 Whelen is a powerful rifle cartridge that was developed by James Howe in the early 1920s. It is based on the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, which was a popular military round at the time. The 35 Whelen is essentially a necked-up version of the .30-06, meaning that the neck of the cartridge has been widened to accommodate a larger bullet. This results in a larger caliber bullet, which provides greater stopping power and better performance at longer ranges.
The 35 Whelen is known for its excellent performance on big game animals, making it a popular choice among hunters who pursue large and dangerous game. The cartridge is capable of delivering heavy, high-velocity bullets that can take down even the largest of game animals with ease. It is also known for its relatively mild recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge to shoot for extended periods of time. Overall, the 35 Whelen is a versatile and powerful cartridge that is well-suited for a wide range of hunting applications.
Key Takeaways
- The 35 Whelen is a powerful rifle cartridge developed by James Howe in 1922.
- It was originally a wildcat cartridge, but was later standardized by Remington in 1988.
- The 35 Whelen offers excellent ballistics and performance, making it suitable for hunting medium to large game.
- It is particularly effective for hunting deer, elk, moose, and bear.
- Rifles chambered in 35 Whelen are available from various manufacturers, and suitable ammunition can be found from major ammunition producers.
History and development of the 35 Whelen
The 35 Whelen was developed by James Howe in the early 1920s. Howe was an avid hunter and firearms enthusiast who saw the potential for a larger caliber version of the .30-06 cartridge. He began experimenting with necking up the .30-06 case to accommodate larger bullets, and eventually settled on a design that used .358 caliber bullets. The resulting cartridge was named the 35 Whelen in honor of Townsend Whelen, a well-known firearms expert and writer.
The 35 Whelen gained popularity among hunters and shooters due to its excellent performance on big game animals. It was particularly well-suited for hunting in thick brush and dense forests, where a heavy bullet with good penetration was essential. The cartridge also gained a reputation for its accuracy and long-range performance, making it a favorite among hunters who pursued game at extended distances. Over the years, the 35 Whelen has remained a popular choice among hunters and shooters, and it has earned a reputation as a reliable and effective cartridge for big game hunting.
Ballistics and performance of the 35 Whelen
The 35 Whelen is known for its excellent ballistics and performance on big game animals. It is capable of delivering heavy, high-velocity bullets that can take down even the largest of game animals with ease. The cartridge typically fires bullets in the 200 to 250 grain range, which provides excellent penetration and stopping power. This makes it well-suited for hunting large and dangerous game such as moose, elk, and bear.
In terms of trajectory, the 35 Whelen performs admirably at longer ranges. It has a relatively flat trajectory out to around 200 yards, making it well-suited for hunting in open country and on plains. Beyond 200 yards, the bullet begins to drop more significantly, but it still retains enough energy to deliver effective killing power at extended distances. This makes the 35 Whelen a versatile cartridge that is well-suited for a wide range of hunting applications.
Suitable game for the 35 Whelen
| Game Type | Suitable Game |
|---|---|
| Big Game | Elk, Moose, Bear |
| Medium Game | Deer, Antelope |
| Large Game | Wild Boar, Caribou |
The 35 Whelen is well-suited for hunting large and dangerous game animals. It is particularly effective on animals such as moose, elk, and bear, where heavy bullets with good penetration are essential. The cartridge is also well-suited for hunting in thick brush and dense forests, where a heavy bullet with good stopping power is necessary to quickly bring down game animals.
In addition to large game animals, the 35 Whelen is also effective on medium-sized game such as deer and antelope. The heavy bullets fired by the cartridge provide excellent penetration and stopping power, making it an effective choice for hunting these animals at extended distances. Overall, the 35 Whelen is a versatile cartridge that is well-suited for a wide range of hunting applications.
Rifles and ammunition for the 35 Whelen
There are a number of rifles available that are chambered in 35 Whelen, ranging from bolt-action rifles to semi-automatic rifles. Some popular choices include the Remington Model 700, Ruger M77, and Browning X-Bolt. These rifles are typically equipped with high-quality barrels and actions that are capable of delivering excellent accuracy and performance with the 35 Whelen cartridge.
In terms of ammunition, there are a variety of factory loads available for the 35 Whelen, ranging from light to heavy bullets. Some popular choices include bullets in the 200 to 250 grain range, which provide excellent penetration and stopping power on big game animals. There are also a number of handloading options available for shooters who prefer to tailor their ammunition to their specific needs.
Tips for hunting with the 35 Whelen
When hunting with the 35 Whelen, it is important to select appropriate ammunition that is well-suited for the game you are pursuing. For large and dangerous game such as moose, elk, and bear, heavier bullets in the 225 to 250 grain range are recommended. These bullets provide excellent penetration and stopping power, which is essential for quickly bringing down these animals.
It is also important to practice good shot placement when hunting with the 35 Whelen. The cartridge is capable of delivering heavy bullets with excellent penetration, but it is still important to place your shots carefully in order to ensure quick and humane kills. This means taking the time to carefully aim at vital areas such as the heart and lungs, which will quickly bring down game animals.
Maintenance and care for the 35 Whelen
Proper maintenance and care are essential for keeping your 35 Whelen rifle in good working condition. This includes regular cleaning and lubrication of the barrel and action, as well as inspection of all moving parts to ensure they are functioning properly. It is also important to store your rifle in a dry and secure location to prevent rust and corrosion.
When cleaning your rifle, it is important to use high-quality cleaning supplies that are specifically designed for firearms. This includes using a bore brush and solvent to remove fouling from the barrel, as well as using a lubricant to ensure smooth operation of the action. It is also important to inspect your rifle regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
In conclusion, the 35 Whelen is a powerful and versatile cartridge that is well-suited for hunting large and dangerous game animals. It offers excellent ballistics and performance at extended ranges, making it a popular choice among hunters who pursue big game in a variety of environments. With proper care and maintenance, a rifle chambered in 35 Whelen can provide many years of reliable service in the field.
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If you’re interested in learning more about the 35 Whelen cartridge and its performance, you should check out the article “The Ultimate Guide to 35 Whelen: History, Ballistics, and Uses” on MarketOnEarth. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the history, ballistics, and practical uses of the 35 Whelen cartridge. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a firearms enthusiast, this article offers in-depth information that will enhance your understanding of this powerful cartridge. MarketOnEarth is a great resource for all things related to firearms and ammunition, so be sure to explore their website for more informative articles and guides.
FAQs
What is the 35 Whelen cartridge?
The 35 Whelen is a powerful rifle cartridge developed by James Howe in 1922. It is based on the .30-06 Springfield cartridge case, necked up to accept a .358 caliber bullet.
What is the purpose of the 35 Whelen cartridge?
The 35 Whelen cartridge was designed for hunting medium to large game, such as deer, elk, moose, and bear. It is known for its excellent penetration and stopping power.
What firearms are chambered in 35 Whelen?
Several firearms are chambered in 35 Whelen, including bolt-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and some semi-automatic rifles. It is also possible to rechamber certain firearms to accept the 35 Whelen cartridge.
What are the ballistic characteristics of the 35 Whelen cartridge?
The 35 Whelen typically fires a 200 to 250 grain bullet at velocities ranging from 2,500 to 2,900 feet per second. It delivers strong energy and good trajectory for hunting at medium to long ranges.
Is the 35 Whelen a popular cartridge for hunting?
While the 35 Whelen may not be as popular as some other cartridges, it has a dedicated following among hunters who appreciate its power, versatility, and effectiveness on a wide range of game animals.