An Established Classic: The 308 Winchester
Brief History and Background
The story of the 308 Winchester is one of military necessity and civilian adaptation. Born in the crucible of post-World War II arms development, the 308 Winchester, also known as the 7.62x51mm NATO, was designed to replace the larger and heavier 30-06 Springfield in military service. The goal was a cartridge that offered similar ballistic performance in a shorter, lighter package. The result was a resounding success. Introduced commercially by Winchester in 1952, the 308 Winchester quickly gained popularity among hunters and sport shooters worldwide. It’s been a workhorse of the shooting world ever since.
Specifications and Characteristics
This cartridge’s appeal lies in its inherent balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. It’s a cartridge that’s easy to find, easy to shoot, and generally easy to load for. The popularity of the 308 Winchester has fueled the industry with a vast array of ammunition options. Bullets range in weight, typically from grains to grains, giving shooters a lot of options to choose from.
Advantages of the 308 Winchester
The ballistic profile of the 308 Winchester is relatively flat, meaning it has a less dramatic trajectory than many rounds. This contributes to ease of aiming at longer ranges. Its trajectory combined with the range of bullet weights makes the 308 Winchester extremely versatile. This cartridge can be effectively used for everything from varmint hunting, such as coyotes and other similar-sized predators, up to larger big game animals like deer and black bear.
Disadvantages of the 308 Winchester
One of the key advantages of the 308 Winchester is the immense availability of both rifles and ammunition. Most major rifle manufacturers offer a wide selection of rifles chambered for the 308 Winchester, making it relatively easy to find a rifle that fits your needs and budget. Ammunition is readily available at nearly every sporting goods store, and prices are generally moderate, which is another of its key advantages. The 308 Winchester’s combination of affordability and availability is a major draw for new shooters and seasoned veterans alike.
The Big-Bore Powerhouse: The 35 Whelen
Brief History and Background
The moderate recoil of the 308 Winchester is also a significant plus. The felt recoil is typically less than that of larger cartridges, which contributes to a more enjoyable shooting experience and allows for more consistent shot placement, especially during rapid firing or multiple shot scenarios. The precision potential of the 308 Winchester makes it an excellent choice for target shooting as well. Many competitive shooters utilize this cartridge with great success.
Specifications and Characteristics
However, the 308 Winchester isn’t without its limitations. Compared to the 35 Whelen, its power is somewhat diminished. While capable of taking down larger game, the 308 Winchester may be less effective at longer ranges, particularly on heavier animals. The smaller bullet diameter means that it has less of a “smack-down” effect on impact than a bigger bullet, though this can sometimes be mitigated by proper bullet selection. When faced with heavily built animals or in situations where maximum stopping power is desired, the 308 Winchester may not be the optimal choice.
Advantages of the 35 Whelen
The 35 Whelen is a different beast entirely. Conceived in 1922 by gunsmith James Whelen, the 35 Whelen is essentially a 30-06 Springfield case necked up to accept a .358-inch diameter bullet. It was initially a wildcat cartridge, meaning it wasn’t a factory-loaded round. It was built by experienced gunsmiths and handloaders. However, the 35 Whelen gained a significant following among dedicated hunters who sought a cartridge with increased stopping power and penetration, especially on larger game. Its popularity grew steadily, and in 1988, Remington officially standardized the 35 Whelen, solidifying its place in the world of commercially available cartridges.
Disadvantages of the 35 Whelen
The 35 Whelen is known for its ability to deliver impressive power in a relatively straightforward package. Its .358-inch diameter bullets come in a range of weights, most commonly from grains to grains, offering versatility depending on the target and hunting conditions. The heavier bullets, in particular, carry a substantial amount of kinetic energy and are capable of delivering deep penetration, making the 35 Whelen a popular choice for hunting heavier game such as moose, elk, and even some species of dangerous game, at moderate ranges. The recoil will be noticeable in this cartridge but is often described as manageable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Recoil Comparison
The 35 Whelen benefits from a larger bullet diameter. This larger diameter produces a wider wound channel, leading to faster and more effective incapacitation of game. The heavier bullets of the 35 Whelen tend to retain more momentum, especially at moderate ranges, resulting in better penetration, which is critical when hunting large, tough-skinned animals. The 35 Whelen excels in situations where brush or heavy cover can present challenges.
Ballistics Comparison
Compared to the 308 Winchester, the 35 Whelen presents a different set of advantages. The most significant is its enhanced stopping power. This is critical when hunting animals that have a strong fighting instinct and may react aggressively when wounded. The increased bullet weight and diameter translate to significant energy transfer upon impact. This can result in shorter tracking distances for wounded game.
Game Performance
The 35 Whelen has a reputation for being an effective cartridge for close to moderate-range hunting. Its relatively flat trajectory ensures that shots are accurate at distances up to three hundred yards, depending on the conditions and the specific bullet. The straight-line trajectory, combined with its greater kinetic energy, makes the 35 Whelen a formidable choice for hunters who prefer to hunt at the ranges where they are most comfortable.
Rifle Availability and Cost
However, the 35 Whelen isn’t without its drawbacks. Ammunition availability is less widespread compared to the 308 Winchester. While commercially available, it’s not stocked in every sporting goods store, and finding specific bullet weights might take some searching. Rifles chambered for the 35 Whelen are also less common, though still readily available from major manufacturers. The price of ammunition is often higher than that of the 308 Winchester.
Choosing the Right Cartridge for You
Consider Your Hunting Needs
The other notable disadvantage of the 35 Whelen is its increased recoil. The felt recoil can be significant, especially with heavier bullet loads. This requires proper shooting technique and may be uncomfortable for some shooters, particularly those new to larger caliber rifles. Proper practices will help mitigate the effects of recoil.
Consider Your Shooting Experience
Recoil is a crucial factor for many shooters. The 308 Winchester, with its lower recoil profile, allows for quicker follow-up shots and greater comfort during extended shooting sessions. The 35 Whelen, on the other hand, kicks harder, which can impact accuracy and may require a shooter to become more accustomed to the heavier recoil. Recoil depends on a number of factors, including the weight of the rifle, the bullet weight, and the amount of powder. Experienced shooters can often handle the recoil of a 35 Whelen, but it’s important to acknowledge its greater intensity.
Factors to Consider
Ballistically, the 308 Winchester boasts a flatter trajectory, particularly at longer ranges. The 35 Whelen, with its heavier, wider bullets, tends to have a more curved trajectory. These differences are often minimized by appropriate bullet selection, such as a lighter, high-ballistic coefficient bullet for the 35 Whelen. At closer ranges, the difference in trajectory is often less significant. The energy at the target is another area where the 35 Whelen holds an advantage at most practical hunting ranges.
Summary and Recommendation
The performance of each cartridge on game is often the most critical factor for hunters. The 308 Winchester is an excellent choice for deer-sized game and can be effective on black bear with careful shot placement and appropriate bullet selection. The 35 Whelen is known for its effectiveness on larger, tougher game like elk, moose, and bear. The larger bullet diameter and substantial weight ensure greater penetration and, ideally, a quicker, more humane kill.
Conclusion
The availability of rifles and ammunition is another critical factor. The 308 Winchester excels in this area. Rifles chambered in 308 Winchester are found everywhere, and the price of ammunition is often more affordable. The 35 Whelen is less widely available, and ammunition costs will generally be higher. This impacts the overall cost of shooting.
