A Glimpse at the Contenders
Introduction
The world of big-game hunting often presents hunters with a delightful dilemma: choosing the perfect cartridge. Two formidable contenders frequently rise to the top when considering power, reach, and versatility – the .35 Whelen and the .338 Winchester Magnum. Both of these cartridges have carved out significant niches in the hunting community, boasting impressive track records and a devoted following. But which one reigns supreme? This article will delve deep into a comprehensive comparison of the .35 Whelen and the .338 Winchester Magnum, meticulously examining their ballistic characteristics, practical considerations, and hunting applications to help you make an informed decision. We’ll unpack the nuances of each cartridge, providing insights to guide hunters and shooters in selecting the best tool for their specific needs.
The .35 Whelen
Let’s begin by introducing the stars of our comparison. The .35 Whelen, a cartridge that traces its roots to the classic .30-06 Springfield, is a testament to the principle of “bigger is better.” Born from the desire to enhance the .30-06’s performance, the .35 Whelen was created by necking up the .30-06 case to accept a .358-inch diameter bullet. The result? A potent, hard-hitting cartridge that quickly gained popularity among hunters seeking more stopping power, especially in close-range situations.
The .338 Winchester Magnum
On the other side of the spectrum, we have the .338 Winchester Magnum, a cartridge designed by Winchester in the mid-twentieth century. This magnum cartridge aimed to deliver exceptional performance at longer ranges. It’s built on the .375 H&H Magnum case, necked down to accept a .338-inch diameter bullet. The .338 Win Mag quickly earned a reputation for its flat trajectory, impressive energy delivery, and versatility on a wide range of game species, making it a favorite for hunters targeting elk, moose, and even larger game animals.
Ballistic Showdown: Velocity, Trajectory, and Energy
Velocity
Understanding the ballistic differences between these two cartridges is crucial to appreciating their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s begin with velocity. The .338 Winchester Magnum, with its larger case capacity, typically achieves higher muzzle velocities. For example, a .338 Win Mag loaded with a 225-grain bullet can easily surpass 2,800 feet per second (fps). The .35 Whelen, when loaded with a similar-weight bullet, often hovers around the 2,500 to 2,600 fps range. This initial velocity difference translates into significant differences downrange.
Retained Velocity
As bullets travel further, the disparity in velocity becomes even more pronounced. The .338 Win Mag retains its velocity more effectively, resulting in a flatter trajectory. This flatter trajectory is a major advantage for hunters who need to make longer shots, as it reduces the need for significant holdover. The .35 Whelen, while still effective, experiences a steeper drop at longer ranges. This means hunters using the .35 Whelen will have to compensate more for bullet drop, which can be critical in accurately hitting a target at extended distances.
Energy at Various Distances
The trajectory differences lead directly into the consideration of energy. The .338 Winchester Magnum generally delivers more kinetic energy at all ranges, due to a combination of higher initial velocity and a bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient. Energy is a crucial factor in knockdown power and penetration. The .338 Win Mag, with its greater retained energy, can deliver more powerful impacts at longer ranges, making it a strong contender for larger and tougher game. The .35 Whelen still packs a significant punch, particularly at closer ranges, but its energy levels tend to diminish more quickly compared to the .338 Win Mag.
Practical Considerations: Recoil, Rifles, and Ammunition
Recoil
Beyond pure ballistics, several practical factors influence the choice between the .35 Whelen and the .338 Winchester Magnum. Recoil is often a primary concern. The .338 Win Mag is known for having significant recoil. The greater powder charge and typically heavier bullets contribute to a forceful kick. This intense recoil can impact accuracy, especially for shooters who are not accustomed to it. In contrast, the .35 Whelen, while still producing noticeable recoil, tends to be more manageable. The recoil is typically described as a powerful push rather than a sharp jab, making it a better choice for shooters who may be sensitive to recoil.
Rifle Availability and Cost
Rifle availability and cost are also important considerations. Rifles chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum are widely available from various manufacturers, often at a range of price points. The .35 Whelen, while not as common, can still be found in a decent selection of rifles, particularly from companies that cater to the hunting market. The cost of rifles in both calibers varies based on brand, quality, and features.
Ammunition Selection and Availability
Ammunition selection and availability are further practical factors. The .338 Win Mag enjoys a very large selection of factory loads, including a wide range of bullet weights and designs. This provides hunters with considerable options for tailoring their ammunition to specific game species and hunting conditions. The .35 Whelen also has a respectable selection of factory loads. However, the variety of bullets available can be more limited. Reloading allows for a significantly larger variety, which is often the chosen path for maximizing performance with the .35 Whelen.
The Hunt: Matching Cartridges to Game and Scenarios
Game Species
The most critical consideration is how each cartridge performs in real-world hunting applications. For medium-sized game, such as deer and black bear, both cartridges are effective. The .35 Whelen’s larger bullet diameter and generally good performance in thick cover can make it advantageous in environments where shots are taken at close range. The .338 Win Mag’s flatter trajectory and increased energy make it well-suited for open-country hunting, where shots are frequently taken at longer distances.
Larger Game
For larger game species such as elk, moose, and brown bear, the .338 Win Mag often gains the upper hand. Its flatter trajectory and retained energy are better for making accurate shots at longer ranges that are often encountered when hunting these animals. While the .35 Whelen certainly has the power to take down these large animals, its trajectory makes accurate long-range shots a bit more difficult.
Hunting Environment
Beyond the game species, the hunting environment itself plays a significant role. In dense forests, the .35 Whelen can be a real asset. Its larger bullet can be advantageous in breaking through brush and ensuring sufficient penetration at close ranges. The .338 Win Mag’s trajectory shines in open areas, where visibility is excellent, and shots can extend to 300 yards or more.
Shot Placement
No discussion of hunting cartridges is complete without emphasizing the significance of shot placement. Regardless of the caliber, a well-placed shot is essential for a quick and ethical harvest. Hunters should always prioritize shot placement over raw power. Knowing the effective range of your chosen cartridge and practicing consistently is paramount.
Advantages and Disadvantages: A Quick Overview
The .35 Whelen
- Advantages: Hard-hitting at close to medium ranges, great for thicker cover, good terminal performance on a wide range of game, less recoil than the .338 Win Mag for some shooters.
- Disadvantages: Steeper trajectory, shorter effective range than the .338 Win Mag, potentially limited ammunition selection.
The .338 Winchester Magnum
- Advantages: Flatter trajectory, longer effective range, more energy at all ranges, wide range of ammunition options, excellent for larger game species.
- Disadvantages: Stronger recoil, can be less forgiving in thick cover, more expensive to shoot, may not be as well-suited to very close-range hunting scenarios.
Which Cartridge is Right for You? Making the Choice
Ultimately, the best choice between the .35 Whelen and the .338 Winchester Magnum depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choosing the Right Cartridge
If you primarily hunt in thick cover, where shots are typically close, and you value a manageable recoil and want plenty of stopping power in a wider bullet, the .35 Whelen might be an excellent choice. It’s a proven performer for medium-sized game and can handle larger animals if shots are taken at moderate distances.
On the other hand, if you regularly hunt in open country, where shots at longer ranges are common, and you are comfortable with greater recoil, the .338 Winchester Magnum would likely be the better option. Its flatter trajectory, greater retained energy, and extensive ammunition options offer a considerable advantage at distance.
Consider the game you intend to hunt, the terrain you’ll be hunting in, your comfort level with recoil, and your shooting experience. Think about your target range and desired trajectory performance. Carefully evaluate the availability of ammunition, particularly if you don’t reload.
The Final Word
Both the .35 Whelen and the .338 Winchester Magnum are excellent hunting cartridges. The selection boils down to personal preferences and the specific demands of your hunting situations. The .35 Whelen presents a balance of power, and suitability for closer quarters. The .338 Win Mag is a superior choice for long range hunting. Ultimately, the best cartridge is the one that allows you to consistently place accurate shots ethically and safely. Consider your needs carefully, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge, and choose the one that best suits your hunting style and the challenges you will face in the field.
