35 whelen for elk

[Teaman1]

Anybody use the 35 whelen for elk? I absolutely do not need one, but I’ve really wanted to set one up for hunting heavy timber.

 

[bitbckt]

There’s nothing in North America I wouldn’t use my Whelen for.

 

[Bearlodge10]

I don't have the Whelen but a 338-06. With that said, I like the idea of a .35 for closer work in the timber and brush. Don't discount the 350 Rem mag or the 358 win in smaller handier platforms as an option for the .35

 

[bitbckt]

Both the Whelen and (esp.) 350RM are fully capable of 400+ yard performance - don’t discount their reach either. The 350RM has some extra reach on the Whelen, but the magazine length on a shorter action can interfere with realizing that potential.

The 358 Win is best kept under 300 yards, in my opinion. A BLR is a nice option.

 

[Bluegrassvw]

I have two Whelens. For perspective they are great moose guns. They'll hammer an elk though; I wouldn't plan on shots further than 500 yards.

 

[Teaman1]

I’ve sold most all of my rifles, minus a 300 and 325 wsm. I don’t shoot passed 450 yards with those. Something about the 35’s just seem cool

 

[bitbckt]

Obviously, I’m a big fan of the .35 bore’s effectiveness, but in the modern era of BC fetishism and 1000 yard pecker swinging the contrarian options have an undeniable attraction.

 

[Teaman1]

I agree with that post. I overlooked the 325 for a couple years because of lower BC’s. Now, I want a fairly heavy hitter within 250 yards, but capable of a 450 yard max. I now own a lightweight 325 wsm as my main rifle and love it

 

[TauPhi111]

Years before I started elk hunting, I built a 35 Whelen on a 1903-A3 action with dreams of one day using it for elk. Only problem was back then, I didn't know how important having a light load out was. It is a gorgeous gun, but at nearly 10 lbs I won't be taking it out on any long pack ins unless my backpack gets a lot lighter. Lately I've been thinking about taking it on a float trip for moose - something where I don't imagine I'd be hiking mountains as much. However, until I have the cash for a truly light mountain gun, my light little 358 Win will be accompanying me into elk country for the next couple years. With the handloads I am developing, it'll be fully capable on elk out to 400 yards and then some.