35 Whelen build Part 2- Update and barrel questions

[christian1]

The project is moving along. I bought a Remington 700 LA new from Grabagun for 450 new. I had a local guy cerakote it matte black.

During this time I remembered that I had a stock from my Christensen Mesa 300 Win. I took that stock off and put a McMillan on the 300. I dropped the action in the stock and it seemed to fit just right. I think it will be a great start for this gun. I plan to learn to bed this action, so this may be a good place to start.

I'm on to a barrel now. I don't have much experience in this area. Most barrel manufacturers offer remage barrels PRE-FIT or FITTING AND CHAMBERING. I have no idea what the difference is. I asked one manufacturer what the difference was and their reply was, "you want fitting and chambering" which is 200 dollars more than Pre-fit. I pose it to you guys. Which do I want and why???

So far my barrel choice looks like--22", 1 in 14 twist, stainless, threaded 5/8 with a cap for now, #4 SPORTER contour.

Looking for input on any or all.

chris

 

[Wrench]

Fitting is machining to your action vs a barrel nut to set headspace.

 

[christian1]

Fitting is machining to your action vs a barrel nut to set headspace.

So, is fitting worth the extra for a 35 Whelen that will be a 300 yard max gun?

chris

 

[Wrench]

It's a matter of opinion. If you want to inlet the stock to accommodate the nut, it's less money to the smith. If you want the clean look and lighter weight, a traditional shoulder is the answer.

 

[christian1]

It's a matter of opinion. If you want to inlet the stock to accommodate the nut, it's less money to the smith. If you want the clean look and lighter weight, a traditional shoulder is the answer.

As a discussion point only--

Could one "open up" that repurposed Christensen fiberglass stock with a dremel tool in the area of the barrel nut knowing full well you plan to get back and "fill in" during the bedding process????

chris

 

[Wrench]

Yes.

 

[tankgijohn72]

So, is fitting worth the extra for a 35 Whelen that will be a 300 yard max gun?

chris

I have a savage barrel nut 35 whelen and it's shoots great. Easy 400yd rifle for deer/elk. 500 yds if up at higher altitude. Quality of bore and chamber is most important thing.

 

[Leaf Litter]

I have a savage barrel nut 35 whelen and it's shoots great. Easy 400yd rifle for deer/elk. 500 yds if up at higher altitude. Quality of bore and chamber is most important thing.

According to Strelok my 35WAI has expansion velocity out to 450 yards at sea level. Certainly longer range than people give it credit for.

 

[robtattoo]

Save a bunch of time, money & headache on the rebarrel & just have JES rebore it. Jesse does stellar work, very reasonably with really quick turnaround times.
Ask literally anyone that's had him bore a gun.

 

[christian1]

I called Pac-Nor and ordered the barrel today. They said they do not make a 5G/14T barrel. I would either need to go 12 twist or 15 twist. If I plan to shoot 180-225 or maybe up to 250 grain, will the 12 twist work?

chris

 

[christian1]

Anyone?

 

[tankgijohn72]

No reason 12 won't work. You may be spinning bullet faster than it needs to be spun for stability, but no chance of bullet breakup. Worst thing that could happen is that you start to see pressure slightly sooner on load workup by over spinning. But doubt you will ever notice.

 

[christian1]

No reason 12 won't work. You may be spinning bullet faster than it needs to be spun for stability, but no chance of bullet breakup. Worst thing that could happen is that you start to see pressure slightly sooner on load workup by over spinning. But doubt you will ever notice.

Thanks

 

[christian1]

Wanted to update the project for anyone following. Got my barrel and action back from Pac-Nor a couple days ago. I splurged and got some fluting done. Need to clean and start shooting it. I am not sure I am going to stick with the stock it's on (formerly on my CA Mesa 300WM ). It just doesn't fit like i wanted it to and I'm not sure how to bed it. I go back-and-forth about a McMillan stock or having it bedded by someone. If I knew a good gunsmith to bed it I probably wouldn't hesitate so much, but I don't thus my dilemma.

Going to work up some loads with IMR powders and 200 grain TTSX to start with.

chris

 

[christian1]

I also wanted to thank all of those who helped me put this together and makes decisions. Your help was appreciated.

 

[christian1]

Took it out shooting for the first time today. I had a box of Hornady factory loads that were 200 grain.

I ended up bedding the stock myself with JB Weld. I figured the worst that could happen is that I mess it up and have to replace it with a different stock. I was so pleasantly surprised with how it shot. I did the whole shoot one and clean process for most of the box. Toward the end I put together a three shot string at 100 yards. I was shooting off a bag with no rear rest. All three were right in the center ring. Can't wait to get some reloads worked up for this rig.

My only regret is not threading it for a break. Also, the factory Rem trigger is very stiff. I have Timney triggers on a few guns, so I am considering the upgrade.

It was a fun project and I am very happy with the results. Seems like a great caliber to play around with. Hope to kill somestuff with it this year.

chris

 

[03mossy]

Very cool! A lightweight 35 Whalen is on my bucket list of guns some day!

 

[Leaf Litter]

I really like shooting the 180-200gr bullet weights. I get really good accuracy out of 180TTSX and 200 Spire points. Decidedly worse accuracy from 200gr FTX. I suspect it's because they're shorter bullets, but that's pure conjecture

I also got some 254gr hammers and loaded them up to about 2600fps. While they had great accuracy, they also have tons more recoil, even with a brake. Probably just load up a box worth and put them in my ammo stash for the off chance that a roving gang of grizzly bears moves into Central Iowa.

 

[christian1]

I really like shooting the 180-200gr bullet weights. I get really good accuracy out of 180TTSX and 200 Spire points. Decidedly worse accuracy from 200gr FTX. I suspect it's because they're shorter bullets, but that's pure conjecture

I also got some 254gr hammers and loaded them up to about 2600fps. While they had great accuracy, they also have tons more recoil, even with a brake. Probably just load up a box worth and put them in my ammo stash for the off chance that a roving gang of grizzly bears moves into Central Iowa.

I have some 200 gr TTSX, but I also bought some 250 grain Hot Cors. If I wanted to shoot 180's, I would just pull out my '06. I don't think whitetails will need anything more than the TTSX, but maybe some day I will go after something more stought---maybe something in Africa.

 

[Leaf Litter]

I have some 200 gr TTSX, but I also bought some 250 grain Hot Cors. If I wanted to shoot 180's, I would just pull out my '06. I don't think whitetails will need anything more than the TTSX, but maybe some day I will go after something more stought---maybe something in Africa

I got 180s because it was what I could find in stock at the time. I think 200TTSX and 222 hammers should be about the perfect length to fill the magazine but not intrude into the powder column. I'll probably wait to see what Hammer puts out for a tipped bullet before I buy anything else.