I could really use some advice by experienced reloaders on this question. I am working on buying a Ruger Hawkeye chambered in 35 Whelen, but there is a potential problem with handloading for it. The range of bullets that I would be using to work up loads for hunting are severely limited, because in my state (California), we are restricted to using non-lead bullets for hunting. The choices of non-lead bullets in .358 caliber are apparently very, very few. Barnes offers copper bullets in that caliber, but there is not much in that caliber beyond what Barnes has. I don't have the rifle yet, but I am trying to plan ahead a bit. Here is my question, which I hope you might be able to help with. It is actually a pretty general question. If it turns out that the rifle does not like the very few non-lead bullets that are available in that caliber, and does not shoot them accurately, is it realistic for me to think that I could make up for that by finding just the right powder and charge?
Making up for a bullet my gun doesn't like by finding the right charge?
- Thread starter paxamericana
- Start date
First things first. Are you totally committed to the Whelen? You may want to look at other suitable big game cartridges, the so called "legacy" cartridges like the 30 06, etc. for which there may be more offerings for bullets legal in your state. Incidentally, the 30 06 is very capable of taking almost all big game in North America.
Secondly, you don't need target competition accuracy for a hunting rifle / load. Depending on the game you will be hunting (size of vital area) and ranges you anticipate shooting, 2 moa may be adequate. Also, be realistic about the distance that you are capable to place a shot in the vital area under field conditions. This is easy to test. Just take a target representative of the vital area and places at different distance and shoot in a field position.
Given the above, I think it plausible that you can find an adequate load for the bullet you are forced to select. However, for a given weight, I believe the non-lead bullets tend to be longer so the twist of the rifle may be the important issue here to consider. In other words, a faster twist may be needed to obtain the full accuracy potential of a non-lead equivalent weight bullet. But again, you don't need target competition grade accuracy for a hunting load. Terminal performance is far more important.
Secondly, you don't need target competition accuracy for a hunting rifle / load. Depending on the game you will be hunting (size of vital area) and ranges you anticipate shooting, 2 moa may be adequate. Also, be realistic about the distance that you are capable to place a shot in the vital area under field conditions. This is easy to test. Just take a target representative of the vital area and places at different distance and shoot in a field position.
Given the above, I think it plausible that you can find an adequate load for the bullet you are forced to select. However, for a given weight, I believe the non-lead bullets tend to be longer so the twist of the rifle may be the important issue here to consider. In other words, a faster twist may be needed to obtain the full accuracy potential of a non-lead equivalent weight bullet. But again, you don't need target competition grade accuracy for a hunting load. Terminal performance is far more important.
I see Hammer has been mentioned. Dont forget Cutting Edge & Lehigh too.
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/928
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/928
As K22 said, for hunting, you really don't need the kind of precision that target shooters obsess over, unless you're trying to get you game from long range. You should be able to find a powder and charge that'll work well enough for hunting at the typically distances hunters take game from.
Thanks for your replies, guys. Extremely helpful information and suggestions.
Very easy to load for. I've tested with them extensively and if you cant get a hammer to shoot well then you just need to find another hobby. I reload them in 22,24,25,33, and 36 cal and ALL shoot .5-.7 at worst. Not sensitive to jump at all. I have one rifle than jumps .2 and shoots .5"
Orr89rocz
Silver $$ Contributor
Not sure i understand the question. The right powder charge is essential for any bullet to work. I dont think its the bullet, atleast for me i think there are usually good powder combinations in both burn rate and charge weight that works. You gotta find that
But having said that, i think the barnes stuff will work great! The ttsx has shot great in everything i tried it in
But having said that, i think the barnes stuff will work great! The ttsx has shot great in everything i tried it in
10XSHOOTER
Gold $$ Contributor
How about a .338-06. Lots of good bullets for a .338 and not that much different than the Whelan.
I hunt with a barnes 180 ttsx and I’m not sure you need anything else. I don’t reload for it, but their factory load shoots sub moa in my rifle at 2900 fps. I’m sure in a bolt gun it will do at least that. Shoot behind the shoulder because damage is extensive. This cartridge kills….
If I were to reload for it, barnes has some excellent data online which I’m sure you’ll find something that’ll shoot….
If I were to reload for it, barnes has some excellent data online which I’m sure you’ll find something that’ll shoot….
Bear in mind, monos are long for weight.
Cutting Edge makes 5 bullets for .358.
Get on whomevers website and make sure your barrel twist rate is fast enough.
Cutting Edge and Hammer are good about listing the twist rate for their bullets.
Barnes, not so much.
It also depends on if you want the bullet to stay together, or fragment.
Barnes will typically hold together and act like a bonded bullet.
Hammer and Cutting Edge are made that 4-6 petals will break off and radiate outwards, while the jagged edged base keeps going.
They do a lot more internal damage.
Cutting Edge makes 5 bullets for .358.
Get on whomevers website and make sure your barrel twist rate is fast enough.
Cutting Edge and Hammer are good about listing the twist rate for their bullets.
Barnes, not so much.
It also depends on if you want the bullet to stay together, or fragment.
Barnes will typically hold together and act like a bonded bullet.
Hammer and Cutting Edge are made that 4-6 petals will break off and radiate outwards, while the jagged edged base keeps going.
They do a lot more internal damage.
I get excellent accuracy with Barnes TSX in all my rifles also
Thank you all for your good information and suggestions.
Yes, realistically testing powders/charge weights with Barnes bullets should give adequate accuracy for big game hunting. Barnes bullets are generally good bullets, a good barrel with correct twist rate for the bullet is all you need.
Half that or less
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