338-06 or 35 whelan

[Ardent]

Hope I'm not stating the obvious, but if you're looking to go heavy, why not look at .375 H&H?

 

[wapitiwhacker]

And it happens to be one of the most useless AI cartridges ever created. If loaded to exact pressures the AI version of a 35 Whelen will give you a 25 fps increase over the original. Alot of work for nothing.

That's the whole point, if he is starting from scratch it is zero extra work, and maybe 20 extra bucks for AI dies. If he is getting a pre chambered barrel in 35 Whelen, then no, it's not worth the hassle. Increased velocity and case life may be a fairy tale, I don't know, I don't have an original to compare my AI to, but I am very happy with what I've got.

 

[Whelen B]

To the original question I would recommend getting a standard chambered 35 Whelen - 12 or 14 twist if possible so 280s and 310s can be used if wanted.

And it happens to be one of the most useless AI cartridges ever created. If loaded to exact pressures the AI version of a 35 Whelen will give you a 25 fps increase over the original. Alot of work for nothing.

I have a different take based on my experience - AIs are surely not for every one. However an increase of only 25fps (bullet weight?) has not been my experience. My 35W AI 40 degree with a 24" tube is quite practical IMO - 225s at 2830MV with ReL15. That's about 130fps faster typically than my standard chambered 35W shooters (only 22" tubes) at what I believe to be "comparable" pressure - based on case head measuring and other indicators. I know it don't fit the theories (LAW some prefer to say) so I MUST be wrong on my pressures - maybe so. None-the-less it's hardly a useless cartridge IMO. Case life is uber good as reported. Like wapitiwhacker I like mine.

 

[ton45-II]

I guess I'll be harrassing you Whelen B for more handloading tips when I eventually get a 35.