Three powders in my Sierra reloading manual give fps over AA-2230. 6 listed powders 2600 fps max. Only 3 powders over 2600 fps. Data for a 225 gr SBT bullet only. If it's safe in a 225 it should be safe in a 250gr. Start low. My Berger manual doesn't list 35 Whelen. Hogden may have data online.Accurate 2520 powder
I have a 35 Whelen (built 30+ years ago) that I got in a trade a long time ago.
Shot Remington 250 gain factory loads in it, when I wanted to shoot it. Accuracy was pretty darn good. However, accuracy all over with 200 grain bullets.
Now factory loadings are difficult to come by, so I decided to reload for it (have primers. cases and I have a supply of 250 grain bullets so will be using only 250's.bullets).
I have not loaded for it previously ( have loaded for 30+ years) just not for this cartridge.
I am looking for a powder that will have good velocity with above average accuracy. I have seen Accurate 2520 in some of the reloading data and 2520 is available (unlike many other powders unless you want to spend $90 a pound).
Just wondered if some here has had some experience with 2520 and 250 grain bullets in the 35 Whelen.
Thanks for your comments
Got some stuff loaded up waiting for range time.Any updates here? I'm just starting my Whelen loading.
What length barrel?Accurate 2520 powder
I have a 35 Whelen (built 30+ years ago) that I got in a trade a long time ago.
Shot Remington 250 gain factory loads in it, when I wanted to shoot it. Accuracy was pretty darn good. However, accuracy all over with 200 grain bullets.
Now factory loadings are difficult to come by, so I decided to reload for it (have primers. cases and I have a supply of 250 grain bullets so will be using only 250's.bullets).
I have not loaded for it previously ( have loaded for 30+ years) just not for this cartridge.
I am looking for a powder that will have good velocity with above average accuracy. I have seen Accurate 2520 in some of the reloading data and 2520 is available (unlike many other powders unless you want to spend $90 a pound).
Just wondered if some here has had some experience with 2520 and 250 grain bullets in the 35 Whelen.
Thanks for your comments
24"What length barrel?
When i test its with a wide range of powders. 3031 shoots great in a number of cartridges ive tested over the decades. The 9.3 is an accurate round imeSeems odd/strange that these powders would give good performance, since they are quite a bit different in burn rate
Interesting ..... Thanks for your post.I finally got to send my first rounds down the 35 whelen a couple days ago. I got some interesting results. These powered chares are large jumps. I was wanting to put a couple down the barrel to break it in as well as try to get a feel for powder charge (max charge) and velocity. Most of these were one shot test "group", I know it needs more, this was just to set a baseline. I will do more rounds at the same charge when I start the real load workup.
Note - Your Results WILL Very. Your mileages might not be the same!
Bullet - 200gr SP Hornady.
Magneto Speed Chronograph
Savage Action with 24" Shilen barrel - 1/12 twist - 0.358 in MDT Oryx Chassis
shot prone with bipod and rear bag
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H4895
55.0 gr 2770fps
55.5 gr 2804
56.0 gr 2875
56.5 gr 2883 Hornady max 2650fps
57.0 gr 2880 Hodgdon max 2689fps
57.5 gr 2896 (no pressure signs yet)
Data sources
Hodgdon on line source 54gr/2544 to 57gr/2689
Hornady book - 42.8/2300 to 56.4/2650
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H335 (because I had some and thought I would try it
53 gr 2700
54 gr 2782
55 gr 2785 Hodgdon max 2684
56 gr 2841
57 gr 2866 Nosler Max 2798
58 gr 2866 (pressure started here - primer getting flat)
59 gr 2931 (same pressure signs here)
Data sources
Nosler Book - 52.5/2617 to 56.5/2798
Hodgdon Online - 52.0/2588 to 55.0/2684
Lyman book - 57.0/2674 to 65.3/2937 <-- why is this so much higher then the other sources
I found it very interesting that the Lyman values where way above the other resources. Their minimum charge starts above the other book's max charges.
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All in all I was pleasantly surprised to find my have a very fast barrel... I think. All of the loads were 100 to 180 fps faster then the book says they will be. With each round we were checking for sticky bolt, primer creator and flatness and ejector marks/swipes. We didn't have any of that until we got into the 2900 and above ranges. I think I want to load this in the 2800fps range so pressure won't be an issue.
Groups were okay. I was warming up to the rifle (recoil) and the barrel was breaking in. Last 3 shots were less then an inch with differing powder charges.
Any one have any thoughts on this? Do you think I am Way over pressure? Since I have a higher velocity range what would be a good velocity to trend towards? (we'll have to see what the rifle likes of course)
I have no idea what the Remington factory 250 grain load's velocity is, .... but I do know it is darn effective.how much is enough? 250's @ 2600 fps is a hammer.