.35 Whelen vs .338-06

cam1936

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My question is regarding these two cartridges. I'm wondering why the max pressure of the 35 is so much lower than the max listed for the .338? In the same action (ruger m77) could you push the Whelen to .338-06 pressures?
 
Yes - and when you do, you will see higher MV's than the 338-06 in the 35 Whelen for every bullet weight.
 
CUP does not equal PSI

My question is regarding these two cartridges. I'm wondering why the max pressure of the 35 is so much lower than the max listed for the .338? In the same action (ruger m77) could you push the Whelen to .338-06 pressures?

I've checked Lyman handbook and both 30-06 and 35 Whelen are loaded at 50 000 CUP (Copper Unit Pressure). The load for 338-06 are expressed in PSI and are higher but remember that CUP and PSI are not interchangeable! Also, Nosler load for 225gr Bullet in 35 Whelen give same velocity as 338-06.
 
Regardless of the psi/cup numbers, the .35 Whelen is more gun, and preferable if you're looking for more THUMP.
 
More range, higher BC and overall better performance with the .338-06. I like the .35 very much but it's outshined by it's brother. If the Whelen could use heavier bullets without sacrificing so much speed there would be a bigger difference.
 
Familly of 30-06 based cartridges

Everything 30-60 is great, I love them all but am move of a 25-06 and 270 type of guy.

25-06 = .257 caliber, optimal for game smaller than deer, very good on deer
270 = .277, optimal for deer, very good on moose
280 = .284, optimal for deer, very good on moose
30-06 = .308, optimal for deer, excellent for moose
338-06 = .338, excellent on deer, optimal for moose
35 Whelen = .357, excellent on deer, optimal for moose

The real difference is that each caliber is optimal for a given sectional density and that recoil goes from light (25-06) to heavy (35 Whelen).
 
Most people don't use either chambering for a LR rifle, so for the most part a higher BC advantage is moot. Sounds good on paper though.


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How about the .338's much superior SD then? Honestly I think the real world differences are slight but if we are going to argue...
 
How about the .338's much superior SD then? Honestly I think the real world differences are slight but if we are going to argue...

I have used both calibers. Most velocities posted on the net for 250 gr bullets are pretty fanciful, and are only achieved by leaning really hard on brass. If you are going to use 225 gr, then the standard 30-06 with 220s is far ahead of the 338-06.

Only kept the 338-06 for two seasons, then had it rechambered to 338 Win Mag. Better, but not as good as my 358 Norma. :)

Ted
 
I have used both calibers. Most velocities posted on the net for 250 gr bullets are pretty fanciful, and are only achieved by leaning really hard on brass. If you are going to use 225 gr, then the standard 30-06 with 220s is far ahead of the 338-06.

Didn't keep the 338 more than two seasons. :)

Ted

So you are suggesting the .30-06 over both? Not sure what you mean with your post. I can't attest to much hunting experience. I can read pretty well though and my chrony seems to be accurate...
 
Okay, your chrony is accurate, and I think my Oehler is, as well.

However, my comments here are based on experience hunting with all three cartridges and bullet weights. you would be quite amazed at what a 220 gr 30 cal bullet loafing along at around 2550 fps will do on big game.

Ted
 
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Okay, your chrony is accurate, and I think my Oehler is, as well.

However, my comments here are based on experience hunting with all three cartridges and bullet weights. you would be quite amazed at what a 220 gr 30 cal bullet loafing along at around 2650 fps will do on big game.

Ted

I wasn't arguing. I have immense respect for the .30-06 and it's offspring. As I have said the difference are slight. If we are going to argue .35 Whelen vs. .338-06 though... let's argue! LOL.
 
Okay, your chrony is accurate, and I think my Oehler is, as well.

However, my comments here are based on experience hunting with all three cartridges and bullet weights. you would be quite amazed at what a 220 gr 30 cal bullet loafing along at around 2650 fps will do on big game.

Ted

what are you loading to get 2650 with a 220 grain bullet Ted?
 
I vote .338 win, best of all worlds. Good B.C. good trajectory, good bullets, good accuracy, and good energy. Bang flop done! I know the O.P. was about .35 whelen and .338-06 but really the .338wm does it hands down and so does it's prodidgy.... .358 norma and .308 norma, fantastic cartridges so why piss around?
 
I vote .338 win, best of all worlds. Good B.C. good trajectory, good bullets, good accuracy, and good energy. Bang flop done! I know the O.P. was about .35 whelen and .338-06 but really the .338wm does it hands down and so does it's prodidgy.... .358 norma and .308 norma, fantastic cartridges so why piss around?

You were halfway there when you mentioned the 338, but then you redeemed yourself when you mentioned the 358 Norma! :D
 
338-06 leaves the 35 in the dust with higher BC's

so,..........then the 30-06 leaves the 338-06 in the dust with higher BC's....:D

d:h:

and I agree with Kimberman, re: the 338 Win Mag .....the 2.5" magnums are a good choice over the '06 case rounds in almost any bore size....why strain the pressure gauge with hot loaded '06 cased rounds when you can have a 2.5" cased mag in the same bore size....no matter if it's a 25-06 vs a 257 Wby or a 338-06 vs the 338 Win Mag....
 
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