35 Whelen which bullet ?

EDKON

I'm preparing for a Colorado elk hunt and will be using my Rem 7600 pump in 35 Whelen, I do not hand load and use the 200gr Rem. corelokt ammo for whitetails. I'm looking for advice on ammo selection for elk when asked the outfitter said that most elk are taken under 125yds. It appears that I can choose from the 200gr or 250gr Rem. corelokt ammo and Federals 225gr bearclaw, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

bugmantraap

I have owned several Whelens and your bullet choice is ok for elk or moose or grizzly for that matter.Personally, I would opt for the 225 federals merely because they are a better constructed bullet and hit a little harder but if you are comfotable with the Remington 200 then go with confidence that it will do the job

heliman

For my special hunt with my Ruger #1 in 35 Whelen, I used Nosler custom ammo. The round I used is a 225 gr. Nosler Accubond. The muzzle velocity is 2725 fps. Sighted in for 2" high at 100 yds., it is dead on at 200 yds. This is from a 22" barrel. Good luck in your choice of ammo and good luck on your hunt![:)]

elkoholic

Warning...elk hunting may be habit forming!!![:D]

A successful elk hunt has much more to do with your willingness to hunt hard than the specifics of a bullet. However, I consider the 35 Whelen to be a fantastic elk cartridge as long as you accept the obvious range limitations compared to today's modern magnums. I do agree with your guide that most elk are taken inside 125 yards. Of the dozens of elk to come out of our camp over the years only a handful were taken over 200 yards. Elk harvested in the timber are of course very close but elk that feel comfortable enough to be out in a meadow are often very easy to sneak up on.

With that said I think the 250 gr. Corelock would be my choice. With lots of practice out to 200 yards. You might also consider a laser range finder. This is deceptively big county out here and elk are deceptivly big critters. It is VERY easy to significantly underestimate the range. For the modern magnums not such a big deal, for the 35 Whelen...very big deal.

A very good argument could be made for sticking with your 200 gr. corelock also. Knowing the load and the rifle and having confidence in putting that bullet where it needs to go is very important. You put either one in the wheel house and the elk won't go very far.

Take lots of pictures then come back and share them with us.

Good hunting.

DENWA

1+ for the Accubond.

ACCURACY should be your first consideration. 100% failure on the shots you miss.

I like heavier bullets in my 300WM. (180-200gr)

It shoots 150gr bullets in dime size groups.

I hunt with 150 gr accubonds, the standard Ballistic tips are not strong enough for me at that velocity.

Mobuck

I would go with the Federals. The Bearclaw is a terrific bullet and won't let you down. I was satisfied with Remington coreloct 180's in my 300 Win mag until I took a quartering frontal shoulder shot and the bullet failed requiring a tricky follow up shot.