New 35 Whelen for deer this year. Which factory ammo???

[Paul Shirek]

Hello:
I just got a new Ruger Hawkeye African in 35 Whelen and plan to hunt whitetail deer this year with it. I am not sure about what ammo to use. The H. Superformance 200 grain groups great but at 2940 (what I get) I wonder if it will just blow up too quickly to get an exit wound. I also have some Nosler trophy 225 gr. Accubonds. What is your experience???

 

[EuroOptic]

I have the same rifle!
I shoot these in mine Barnes TTSX - I dont carry em but barnes makes a great product!
Ive taken several whitetail over the last 2 years with it, its a thumper.. the 2 that took steps left blood trails a blind man could follow based off the slipperiness of the ground!
-Jake

 

[Bluefish]

I have not put any cup/core on an animal from my 35w. I will say all the coppers I have used hammer, cutting edge, all leave two holes. I have some ttsx loaded for this year. They shoot well and I expect won’t explode on entry if the wood chuck that wandered on to the range is any indication. Have not put one on deer yet. Hopefully soon.

 

[TaperPin]

What a cool rifle - it has a lot of personality.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Between my dad and I, we have shot 7 white-tail with a .35 whelen and always used the Hornady. 1 mature buck, 1 young buck, and 5 does. 3 of the does were DRT and the rest maybe made it 30 yards or so. No extreme angles but some slight quartering to and away and some broadside. Meat damage was on-par with other rifles I have used (.308 win, .243 win, 30-30, .223 rem). Full pass throughs on all of them. I don't think you can go wrong either way. I would just shoot whichever groups best.

 

[Paul Shirek]

Thanks guys for the good responses!