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View Full Version : New-to-me 35 Whelen- Help!



Bug
12-29-2006, 06:56 PM
I recently took delivery on a 35 whelen. It's something I've been thinking on for a long time. It is an Interarms MK-X action, with what I'd call a magnum contour 24" 1-12" twist aftermarket barrel(I do not know make). Oh, goody! I just happen to have a brand new set of RCBS dies.
After annealing a batch of '06 cases, I necked them up in the FL die. It has the tapered expander plug. Inside of the neck & outside lubed with Imperial. They don't fit! Hmmmm. So I reset the FL die so the shellholder contacts it, and there is some "cam-over".
Well now they will fit, but are pretty stiff to close the bolt on. I expect they will fit a lot better after some fireforming... On to some loading!
Well, SPIT! My books have let me down. There are no cast bullet loads shown for the 35 whelen and a 180gr cast anything, not to mention using surplus 4895. Plenty jacketed loads, but they're way faster than I wanted. Drat!
So, here I am. Will you guys help me out here? I need some loads to get started. I need to use the GB 180gr RFN bullet (at least til we get the 200-220 done!) and Surplus 4895 powder (have 16#). I think I'd like to run them in the neighborhood of 1800-2000fps just to get the cases fireformed, and feel this thing out. Anybody been there, done that, and willing to help me out??? 'Preciate it, guys.

felix
12-29-2006, 07:20 PM
If no one else chimes in, start with 45 grains with your 4895. Keep adding powder a grain at a time until your cases are formed (easy to chamber empty, and looking square at the same time). Do not exceed 50 grains because that should be close to 2400, a practical max for lead boolits. ... felix

Bug
12-29-2006, 07:32 PM
Thanks, Felix. 45gr is where I'll start. I knew someone here had that info!
Oh yeah, and I'll be using the chronograph too!

45 2.1
12-29-2006, 07:46 PM
If you want to use a fast powder, the 30-06 has basically the same capacity. Go to the 30-06 180 gr. lead section and use those loads.

Marlin Junky
12-30-2006, 04:11 PM
Here the link to AA's data for 200, 250 and 280 grain boolits:

http://www.accuratepowder.com/loaddata_caliber_rifle_standard_358cal.htm

You need a pdf reader to view it.

MJ

NVcurmudgeon
12-30-2006, 07:41 PM
I have shot some faster loads in my .35 Whelen, but my favorite shoot all day cast load is NEI 220358, a RN that weighs 214 gr. in my alloy, and 20.0 gr. 2400 @ 1700 fps. When I want to pull out all the stops there are 250 Nosler Partitions and 56.0 gr. Reloader 15 @ 2600 fps.

lovedogs
12-30-2006, 11:26 PM
Many moons ago I built up a .35 Whelen Improved on a '98 action and a Herter's stock. Had a 24 inch McGowan bbl. on it; a beautiful bbl. by the way. It shot everything really well. I let a friend get away with it and have kicked myself ever since. Heck of a bear and elk rifle!

georgeld
12-31-2006, 03:33 AM
Check the Lee Reloading Manual out. THere's lots' and lot's of cast loads
in there.

PatMarlin
01-06-2007, 01:22 AM
Lee also shows you how to calculate reduced loads for cast.

Also how to use comdom bullet load data for your cast loads, which is to basically use the data for a little heavier copper comdom bullet then your cast boolit's weight.

THen of course there's a practicle velocity limit for cast that Felix commented on above... :Fire:

PatMarlin
01-06-2007, 01:38 AM
The way I find a light load is by using suggestions from Richard Lee in his book Modern Reloading. Loading a reduced "too Little" powder charge load with very slow powder and large rifle cases can be a dangerous (SEE) pressure spike situation, so he offers this info... Quote-

"A very conservative guide line would be to limit charge reduction to 20% for the slowest powder on the Burning Rate Chart (he's refering to the burning rate chart listed in his book which is an extensive list of common powders). You may increase the reduction by 1% for each preceeding 30 powders on the chart. Limit total reduction to 50% for the rest except for greatly reduced squib loads. Load these with a very fast but extremely light load."


.....:drinks:

9.3X62AL
01-06-2007, 11:09 AM
Bug--

GREAT choice of caliber and twist rate in that rifle.