Understanding the Cartridge
The .35 Whelen’s Legacy
The venerable .35 Whelen. A cartridge that, despite its age, remains a potent force in the hunting world. Its appeal lies in its ability to launch heavy bullets with authority, making it a fantastic choice for medium to large game. For those who appreciate customization and control, the practice of 35 Whelen reloading bullets is the next logical step. The advantages are plentiful: significant cost savings over factory ammunition, the ability to tailor loads to your specific rifle and hunting needs, and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. This guide will delve into the nuances of selecting the right 35 Whelen reloading bullets for optimal performance and enjoyment, ensuring you maximize the potential of your .35 Whelen rifle. However, before embarking on this journey, it is paramount to emphasize safety. Reloading is a complex process. Always adhere to established reloading procedures, and prioritize safety above all else.
The .35 Whelen: A Classic Combination
The .35 Whelen is a classic for a reason. Born from the marriage of the .30-06 Springfield case and a .35-caliber bullet, this wildcat cartridge was the brainchild of James E. Whelen, a prolific writer and firearms enthusiast. The .35 Whelen, conceived in the early 1920s, quickly gained popularity among hunters and handloaders due to its versatility. It offered a significant step up in bullet diameter and weight from the .30-06, making it a superior performer on big game animals.
Hunting Capabilities
The .35 Whelen is renowned for its ability to anchor game, delivering substantial energy and creating large wound channels. This makes it suitable for a wide range of game species, including whitetail deer, black bear, elk, moose, and even larger African game. Its effectiveness is owed to its ability to efficiently utilize a diverse range of bullet weights, providing flexibility for various hunting scenarios.
Effective Ranges and Trajectory
The .35 Whelen, when properly loaded with carefully selected 35 Whelen reloading bullets, can achieve impressive effective ranges. While it’s not a long-range cartridge in the truest sense, it offers a flatter trajectory than many other traditional big-bore cartridges. This allows for accurate shots at distances beyond the traditional “woods” hunting ranges. However, like any cartridge, it is crucial to understand the ballistics of the specific load you choose and to practice at the distances you plan to hunt.
Rifle Twist Rate’s Importance
An often overlooked aspect is the twist rate of your rifle’s barrel. This rate dictates the types of 35 Whelen reloading bullets that your rifle will stabilize effectively. The twist rate, which is the length of the barrel needed for the bullet to complete one full rotation, affects the bullet’s gyroscopic stability in flight. Generally, a faster twist rate (e.g., 1:12 or 1:14 inches) is needed to stabilize heavier bullets, while a slower twist rate (e.g., 1:16 inches) might be more suitable for lighter bullets. Before diving into reloading, consult your rifle’s specifications or measure the twist rate if you can. This ensures the chosen bullets perform predictably.
Important Considerations When Choosing Reloading Projectiles
When it comes to selecting 35 Whelen reloading bullets, several key factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance, both on the range and in the field. These factors play a huge role in making your hunting experience successful.
Bullet Weight: The Foundation of Performance
Bullet weight is one of the most crucial decisions when reloading. The weight of the bullet directly influences its trajectory, energy transfer, and overall terminal performance. The .35 Whelen, thanks to its generous bore diameter, offers a broad range of bullet weights to choose from.
There are three main weight categories you will encounter when considering 35 Whelen reloading bullets:
- Lightweight bullets typically range from one hundred eighty to two hundred grains.
- Medium weight bullets usually fall in the two hundred twenty-five to two hundred fifty grain range.
- Heavyweight bullets can range from two hundred seventy-five to three hundred grains.
The choice of bullet weight should correlate directly with the target game. For smaller game, such as whitetail deer, the lighter bullets may be more than sufficient. The lighter bullets will have a flatter trajectory and may expand rapidly, delivering a quick and decisive kill. However, for larger, tougher game, such as elk or moose, heavier bullets are generally recommended. These heavier bullets maintain momentum, offering deep penetration and devastating wound channels that ensure a clean kill.
Bullet Construction: Shaping Terminal Ballistics
Beyond weight, the construction of the bullet is paramount. The design and manufacturing processes of a bullet will determine its ability to expand upon impact, penetrate deeply into the target, and retain its weight.
There are several construction types commonly available:
- Soft-point bullets are the most basic type. They have a lead core with a soft, exposed tip. These are designed to expand readily upon impact, delivering a balance of expansion and penetration.
- Hollow-point bullets have a cavity in the tip. Designed for rapid expansion and are often favored for varmint or predator hunting. Expansion can be extreme, but penetration can be limited.
- Partitioned bullets are designed with a lead core divided by a partition, typically of copper. The front portion of the bullet expands rapidly, while the rear portion remains intact, providing deep penetration and excellent weight retention.
- Bonded bullets have a lead core that is chemically bonded to the bullet’s jacket. The bonding prevents the core from separating from the jacket upon impact, leading to excellent weight retention and deep penetration.
- Solid bullets, often made from copper or a copper alloy, are designed to penetrate deeply and offer exceptional weight retention. They typically offer very little expansion, relying on their mass and shape to create a devastating wound channel.
Each construction type is suited to different hunting applications. Choosing the right construction type will dramatically improve the success of a hunt.
Brand and Quality: Reliability Matters
The manufacturer and the quality control processes that they use will have an impact on the final product. Opting for well-regarded manufacturers and high-quality bullets often yields better accuracy and more consistent performance.
Several manufacturers have earned a reputation for producing excellent 35 Whelen reloading bullets:
- Nosler, known for its excellent partitions, is a reliable choice.
- Hornady, a popular choice for hunters and reloaders due to their diverse product line.
- Sierra, offering match-grade and hunting bullets.
- Barnes, known for its all-copper bullets, and offering exceptional penetration.
- Swift, a manufacturer of premium bullets offering high-quality bonded bullets.
Reading reviews and studying ballistic data of different bullets can provide valuable insights. This will enable you to make a more informed selection, aligning your choice with your specific hunting style. Pay attention to how bullets perform in real-world hunting scenarios and the reported consistency of those bullets.
Popular Projectile Choices for Reloading
Here are some suggestions for some good reloading choices, which are only a small sample of the available 35 Whelen reloading bullets:
Lightweight Options (One Hundred Eighty to Two Hundred Grain Bullets)
These lighter bullets are ideal for hunting smaller game, such as whitetail deer at moderate ranges, and for varmint hunting. They offer flatter trajectories and good expansion. An excellent example of a good lightweight bullet is the Hornady 180-grain SSP (Single Shot Pistol) bullet. This bullet is designed to provide rapid expansion with a controlled depth of penetration.
Medium Weight Selections (Two Hundred Twenty-Five to Two Hundred Fifty Grain)
These bullets represent a versatile weight range, suitable for general-purpose hunting of a wide variety of game. These are a very popular choice for the .35 Whelen.
The Nosler Partition, in its two hundred twenty-five-grain form, remains a go-to choice for many. It provides controlled expansion, excellent penetration, and high weight retention, and a reputation for consistent performance. The Hornady InterLock, also in two hundred twenty-five-grain, is another solid and affordable option, delivering good expansion and penetration characteristics.
Heavyweight Projectiles (Two Hundred Seventy-Five to Three Hundred Grain)
If you are looking to take on larger game, these bullets are a must. This bullet weight is ideal for hunting the biggest game animals like elk, moose, and even bear. The Swift A-Frame, with a weight of two hundred seventy-five grains, is a premium offering, known for its exceptional weight retention and deep penetration. Barnes TSX, in a variety of weights, has a reputation for deep penetration and excellent performance, and is a very popular choice for many hunters.
Reloading Advice and Tips
Safety First: The Golden Rule
Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always wear safety glasses. Be meticulous. Double-check every step. Never exceed recommended load data.
Finding Reliable Data: The Foundation of Good Loads
Always consult reliable sources for reloading data. Reloading manuals from manufacturers, such as those from Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra, are essential resources. Also, online data from reputable sources can supplement, but never replace, the information found in the manuals.
Powder Considerations: Fueling Performance
Powder selection significantly impacts the performance of your loads. Various powders are suitable for the .35 Whelen. IMR 4064 is a classic choice, known for its accuracy. Reloader 15 and Varget have also been shown to offer excellent results.
Primer Selection: The Ignition Source
Use the primer type that your manual recommends. Consider that a standard large rifle primer is typically recommended. The primer is a critical component of a reload, and the selection of the right primer will increase the chances of your loads performing correctly.
Tips for Accuracy and Performance: Refining Your Technique
- Proper crimping can improve the consistency of your loads.
- Seating depth can affect accuracy. Experiment to find the optimum seating depth for your rifle and bullets.
- Always keep your reloading tools clean and well-maintained.
- Consistent neck tension in your brass can improve accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Reloading for the .35 Whelen allows you to tailor your ammunition to your specific needs and preferences. By carefully selecting the right 35 Whelen reloading bullets, powder, primers, and adhering to safe reloading practices, you can create incredibly accurate and effective ammunition for your hunting pursuits. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best with your rifle and hunting goals. Remember, precision and attention to detail are critical for successful reloading.
Remember that reloading is a serious undertaking. Prioritize safety above all else. Always consult reliable reloading manuals and data sources.
Resources for More Information
- Reloading manuals from: Hornady, Nosler, Sierra.
- Bullet manufacturer websites for specific ballistic data.
*Disclaimer: Reloading ammunition can be dangerous. Always follow safe reloading practices and consult with reputable sources. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a definitive guide. Always adhere to safety precautions and consult with qualified professionals before reloading.*
