35 Whelen Max Effective Range

[35WhelenAI]

200 TTSX is carrying over 2150 FPS at 350 yds when started at 3000 FPS which is safe with modern powders based on using Sierra and Speer data extrapolated and worked up safely using case head expansion. The Sierra 225 gr boattail can be pushed 2,900 FPS with modern powders using published data from Sierra. How much further reach is needed when talking 350 to 400 yards with this cartridge?

 

[EmperorMA]

Email Barnes. I’m pretty sure the 225 tsx was 1600 and the 200 was 1800 when I emailed them but can’t find it now. But that doesn’t mean it is actually good expansion. For the whelen I think that the partition is the best bet for down range expansion. Accuracy wise my jes rebore really liked 225 sierra gmk. Bad bc though and was at 1800 fps (stated minimum from sierra) around 400 yards.
Need a .35 cal eldm or tmk

You don't build a .35 Whelen if you're worried about bad BC. Pretty much all .358cal bullets have bad BC.

You build one to knock the hell outta stuff under 300 yards. It does that quite well!

 

[35WhelenAI]

I'll second that. Out to 350 yards with any Barnes first Gen 200, 225 or 250 X (elk and deer with each) along with the 200 TTSX (more elk and deer) expansion from experience is not an issue.

However even though I haven't used a 225 gr Partition in the field, I can't think of a better mix of expansion and penetration based on field performance I have seen from other hunters in camp over almost 30 seasons. I just don't care for the rapid initial expansion and damage if it hits anything hard, otherwise fine choice. That's why I've stayed with the Barnes since I started loading in the mid 90's.

 

[Balderdash]

I also am interested in using mine on Whitetail. Were any of your shots real close? Did you get a good exit wound and blood trail? Thanks!

Yes. I use a Whelen 7600 carbine for snow tracking. I've shot a couple at 20 yds or so. No troubles. Can't say how the blood trails would be; never had to track one shot close. I did have to track a buck I shot with a 200 hornady at 130 yds. Was in thick cover and was my only shooting lane. Deer went maybe 25 yds. Massive blood trail. Mid chest broadside shot.

The 200's are a lighter constructed bullet that upsets rapidly; I dont always get pass throughs with them. If you are after pass throughs but still want good expansion on WT, Id try some Sierra 225.

 

[Balderdash]

I'll second that. Out to 350 yards with any Barnes first Gen 200, 225 or 250 X (elk and deer with each) along with the 200 TTSX (more elk and deer) expansion from experience is not an issue.

However even though I haven't used a 225 gr Partition in the field, I can't think of a better mix of expansion and penetration based on field performance I have seen from other hunters in camp over almost 30 seasons. I just don't care for the rapid initial expansion and damage if it hits anything hard, otherwise fine choice. That's why I've stayed with the Barnes since I started loading in the mid 90's.

Ive had only so-so luck with NPT's. I no longer have any. Final straw was maybe 10 years ago. I shot a nice 6x6 bull about 80 yds broadside with a 338 WM and 250 NPT. Bull took off like nothing happened. I kept shooting. Hit him 3 times. Very minimal expansion on any of the bullets. Had similar experiences with 175's out of a 7mm WBY. Have also had good performances with NPT's, but Ill just pass along that Ive gone pretty much all cup and core, and I haven't looked back. I watched several young hunters drop elk through the years with 6.5 CM and 143 ELD-X's.

 

[Sizzler]

Love my whelens. My rem 700 cdl shoots the 180 ttsx at around 3100 with varget, 200 hornady sp at 2900 with accurate 2015, 225 accubond at 2700 with accurate 2015, and Hornady 350 gr sp at 2650 with accurate 2015.

 

[35WhelenAI]

200 TTSX, 225 Sierra have essentially an identical BC. The velocity difference gives the 200 TTSX a slight advantage in trajectory which also plays to expansion of the TTSX. My Whelen is an AI, gives a bit more velocity all else equal but it's splitting hairs now that modern powders have elevated the Whelen a notch or two in velocity potential.