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Blammer
05-01-2009, 08:27 PM
FINALLY got to the range to shoot my Marlin XL-7 in 35 Whelen. It's only been a week since I last went but it seems like forever when you really want to do something!

So to the nitty gritty.

100yds, calm wind
Win 30-06 cases necked up to 35 cal (of course)
WLP
40gr IMR4895
280gr 358009, sized to .358 gator checks (naturally.. :) ) and some mystery lube

Not a very loud load per se, but a good boomer as most heavy boolits are.

NO leading AT ALL! Yea!

and here is the pic

the first three shots to the left and down are, obviously, the first three. I took the rifle apart last time and then put it back together, so maybe that is why they were off.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/blammer8mm/Targets/35Whelen3589.jpg
the next load was with 46gr of IMR4895 and 220gr cast GC boolit.

What a CRACK of a loud shot! No accuracy to speak of, but no leading either. Must been pushing them about 2200 fps or better out of my 22" brl.
At least I got the brass fireformed now. :)

nicholst55
05-01-2009, 08:42 PM
The Whelen is really a great cartridge! It seems to kill game animals all out of proportion to the velocity and diameter of the bullet/boolit. I haven't tried cast in mine yet, but it's definitely on the list of things to do.

Blammer
05-01-2009, 09:26 PM
I weighed my rifle an scope it' wt's 8lb 1oz.

PatMarlin
05-02-2009, 02:31 PM
Need one of those little squirrel targets ...:mrgreen:

stubshaft
05-02-2009, 02:40 PM
Looks like you got yourself a shooter on your hands! Good shooting.

stocker
05-02-2009, 04:04 PM
Blammer: Not sure what your bore slugs but I have had very nice results with boolits sized
.360. The same 40/IMR4895 typically groups 5 rounds in an inch and a quarter using aircooled WW+2%Sn. Carnauba red lubed. Both my moulds drop at just a smidge over .360 and a sizer does little more than even them out. It might be worth while trying them larger unless your bore is very tight.

Blammer
05-02-2009, 10:00 PM
my Shilen barrel slugs at .358x.351

TREERAT
05-02-2009, 11:44 PM
this is just my opinion, but I have proven it to myself many times. DO NOT write off a load for poor accuracy or leading if it occured durring fireforming! It will act very different in a formed case vs not formed yet case. I may still not work, but give it a chance with your formed case. for this reason I no longer shoot at paper for groups with fireforming loads, just bang away at dirt clods or rocks on the backstop.

Blammer
05-03-2009, 11:22 AM
I agree treerat, I don't count accuracy loads when fireforming. All I know is that the accuracy I'm getting now with the fire form loads is well worth persuing with formed brass. :)

sundog
05-03-2009, 12:18 PM
Not only fire formed, but also cases that are weight segregated and neck turned - that is, if the gun is good enough to deserve all that work.

Blammer
05-03-2009, 10:06 PM
the gun is, the shooter is not. :)