.35 Whelen
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The .35 Whelen is a powerful medium bore rifle cartridge that does not require a magnum action or a magnum bolt face. The parent of this cartridge is the .30-06 Springfield, which is necked-up to accept a bullet diameter of .358". This cartridge is both more powerful than its parent, as well as possessing greater killing power on large game.
The .35 Whelen was originally developed in 1922 as a wildcat cartridge by James V. Howe (of Griffin & Howe) and was named in honour of Col. Townsend Whelen. In 1987 the Remington Arms Company 'domesticated' the cartridge.
Suitable .358" bullets range in weight from 150 grains to 300 grains. A great attribute of this round is its ability to utilise 38/357 pistol bullets (which are all .358") for cheap practice, low recoil target shooting, and varmint hunting. Using a 250 grain bullet, the .35 Whelen will generate 3500ft·lbf. at the muzzle from a 24" barrel.
The .35 Whelen is the ballistic twin of the .350 Remington Magnum. With the correct bullet choice, this cartridge is suitable for virtually all thin-skinned large and dangerous game. The European designation for this cartridge would be the 9 x 63 mm, and with its wide bullet selection and high muzzle energy, puts it in the same echelon as the venerable 9.3 x 62 mm Mauser.
[edit] .35 Whelen cartridge specification
- Bullet diameter: .358"
- Maximum case length: 2.494"
- Maximum cartridge length: 3.34"
- Shoulder angle: 17.5 degrees
- Industry maximum pressure: 52,000 CUP (Copper units of pressure)
