Randy; I have not shot anything with my 35 Whelen yet since i got it after my hunting season was over [4 animals and a full freezer!]However, I have been testing various loads and it looks very good so far. I can get 2600+ with the 250 Speer or Hornady, and 2700+ with the 225 Partition and Ballistic Tip. The Ballistic Tip shoots a ragged hole for three shots at 100, the Partition is just at 1", the 250 Speer shoots just under an inch, and the Hornady is about the same. I shot a few 200 Hornadies, but not enough to give an objective test. Powders that are showing real promise are: RL15, Vihtavuori N540 & N550, Varget, W748. I am looking to try some Ramshot TAC as soon as I get my hands on it. I will report on that one later. RL15 and V N540 seem to give the highest velocities at safe pressures. The rifle has a bit of recoil, but is far from punishing, particularly with the R3 recoil pad. I will take it bear hunting in the spring and moose hunting next fall to see how it performs in the field. I have great expectations, though!! Regards, Eagleye.