35 Whelen twist rate

badbrass

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Do you think a 1-16 is to slow for the 35 Whelen?
Or if you have one with a 16, 14, or 12 twist and would like to share your findings, that would be great! Thanks.
What do you think of the Remington 700 CDL STAINLESS FLUTED LIMITED EDITION.
 
I have a Remington 700 CDL and a Remington 7400 35 Whelen. Both have 1-in-16" twists and will stabilize up to and including 250gr bullets but won't stabilize 310gr bullets. The Woodleigh Bullets Loading Manual states that a 1-in-14" or faster twist rate is required for their 310gr bullet. Also states that a 1-in-16" twist is ok for their 275gr bullet.

(my .350 Rem. Mag. and .358 Winchester have 1-in-12" twist rates and stabilize the 310gr Woodleigh bullet just fine).

I really like my 700 CDL. Nicely balanced even with the 24" barrel -

35Whelen700.jpg

Remington 700 CDL 35 Whelen with Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32mm scope

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Remington 7400 35 Whelen with Leupold VX-2 1-4x20mm scope
 
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Actually, almost all Ruger #1 and m77 have a 1:12 twist...... Only a small batch of m77 came with the 1:16 twist, and those were rechambered 35 rems.......
 
I've owned several Remington's with the 1:16 twist, zero issues with loads up to 250gr. Accuracy was excellent on all with 180-250gr.




I shot a 1:14 twist custom barreled Savage for a bit, accuracy was good up to the 275gr loads tested, but I didn't like the Savage action.

The only 1:12 twist I've owned was built on a Marlin X7 action. It shot the 310 Woodleigh bullets well, but accuracy seemed to fall off with lighter bullets (180-200gr) when pushing them fast.



The M700 limited stainless/fluted is one I was looking at recently as well. I doubt you would have issues with accuracy if you're keeping it under 250gr, but the 24" barrel and lack of sights kept me from buying one.

My lasted Whelen Acquisition:

1988 "Classic" NIB



 
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For my Nosler M48 Outfitter in 35 Whelen the twist is 1 in 14

I've only had it a short while, & only used 225 grain projectiles so far. I plan to experiment with bullet weights when I reload for it.

Sounds like it should stabilize the heavier projectiles with a 1 in 14" twist rate...

Cheers
Jay
 


This one has been in our family since 1964.
Dad brought it home from a gun show table in Montana.
It had a 26.5" barrel, iron sights as well as a scope and was a pretty hefty piece of ordinance for a skinny teenager ( me ) to hunt with.
Thus began my reloading addiction.
Over the years only one thing has bugged me and that is what should I do to fix the hole in the stock that was cut out for the old receiver sight.
Bevan King replaced the tired old John Buhmiller barrel about 20 years ago..... I will measure twist in it..
 
I have 2 Whelens. One is built on a Savage action with a 22 inch semi-bull 1-14 twist barrel. It shoots 200 grain FTX Hornady Bullets into under a half inch and 225 grain Barnes TSX into half inch at a hundred yards. I have shot a few reloads with 250 grainers and these are grouping around one inch. I felt the 1-14 twist was the happy medium for what I needed. I don't really see the need anything heavier than 250 gr..... that is what my 9.3 x62 is for�� . My second Whelen is a Rem 7600 carbine with a 1-16 twist... Still trying to figure out what it likes best. It'll shoot the first 2 bullets in a group in about a half to one inch but then the 3rd shot will fly anywhere from 1-3 inches high. I have only put about 30 rounds through it though since I bought it new last year. Great little gun... it's going to be my go to wild boar rig with a Ziess Terra 2-7 scope on top.
 
I've owned several Remington's with the 1:16 twist, zero issues with loads up to 250gr. Accuracy was excellent on all with 180-250gr.
Same here. I had the best luck with 250gr Speers in those rifles.

Bevan King replaced the tired old John Buhmiller barrel about 20 years ago..... I will measure twist in it..
Bevan's 35cal bbls were 1:14" twist and shot very well.
 
Bevan's 35cal bbls were 1:14" twist and shot very well.

Bevan's barrel seems to shoot any bullet weight well and much better than the original barrel.
My favourite bullet was the old long discontinued 275 gr. Hornady, would love to find some of those.
They were nothing spectacular, just a good dependable hunting bullet, reliable expansion and opened up well.
 
My biggest cartridge rifle is Rem Mod 760 1-16" rifling in 35 Whelen rechambered from 35Rem.
I use it whenever I go moose hunting north of PG b/c any shot in the woods there is a dinner ringing bell for grizzlies.
I have extra clip loaded with 275gr Hornady bullets that my rifle shoots really well.
To say it frankly 1-12" rifling in 35Whelen I suspect would stabilize 400gr bullet!
What's next, 1-10" rifling for 358 Norma Magnum?
Why recently we have a push towards ridiculously tight riflings I have no idea....
 
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