35 Whelen build help

[Bluefish]

Just bought a couple boxes of 200g ttsx from Barnes. Powder, varget or cfe223. Cfe will give more velocity, but is less temperature stable. So watch jumping from summer to winter temps for velocity drop and pressure increase if you develop loads in the cold and then shoot in the hot summer.

 

[35WhelenAI]

IMR 4064 gets a 200 TTSX 2940 fps from my 25" bbl 35 Whelen Ackley Imoroved. Power Pro Varmint is good for 3020 fps with the same bullet. Easily reached 2650 fps with 250 gr Speer bullets and 2000-MR.

I did fairly extensive work with case head expansion (CHE) comparing new brass, low pressure fire formed brass and full power loads. In addition to no traditional pressure signs, the above loads all fell on the lower end of what is considered safe CHE. There was room to go but needing more velocity than that with those respective bullets is a moot point.

Look at the newer Speer and Sierra data for the 35 Whelen, newer powders take it to another level (reference the loads with Power Pro Varmint and 2000-MR).

Fwiw, I feel the AI chamber is good for 20-30 fps, and the 25" bbl is good for 20 fps per inch over a std 22" or 24". AI version is a nice talking point around the campfire but the std Whelen is so close as to be considered the same in my opinion.

 

[Timo494]

Just got my build back from the smith.
Ruger m77 mkii action trued/lapped lugs
Factory trigger polished and added lighter spring
Factory ruger bottom metal
Wilson 1-12” twist #4 contour at 22” threaded 9/16X24 for a suppressor
B&C sporter epoxy bedded
Total cost including parts, labor, and the donor rifle was $1800.