Any experience with H&R in 35Whelen

[riflefan]

Have been wanting a medium bore rifle for a while. Don't really have a specific need in mind just want something a little different.
I have been considering rebarreling a Savage 30-06 to 35 Whelen but have found I can purchase the H&R for about $70 bucks more and keep my 30-06. I would like to hear about any experience with the H&R.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Maverick223]

While I love the .35Whelen (it's a great cartridge to fill the gap between the '06 and .375H&H), I don't have much love for the H&Rs. Count this as a vote for re-barreling the Savage (you'll stumble across another '06) or buying a better quality .35Whelen.

BTW, you can load the Whelen with trailboss and 9mm/.357cal. pistol bullets for a cheap plinker.

 

[303tom]

All I can say is I love my H&R`s & keep your Savage, While I don`t have one in a .35 Whelen, I do have one in just about everything else...............

 

[riflefan]

Thanks for the info guys. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a different Savage to rebarrel while I save for the H&R and see which happens first. I decided I don't want to mess up my model 116 06, but if I come across a different Savage at a good price then we'll see.

 

[Maverick223]

Another option is simply to have one rifle that is chambered for both. The Savage is very easy to switch the barrels on (almost no skill and only a couple of inexpensive tools required). If you buy a new bbl and a set of Go/No-Go gauges for both the .35Whelen and .30-06Spd. you could swap it back as needed. If you decide to go this route make sure to order a new bbl nut as the factory installed one is sometimes extremely tight and may be marred or damaged upon removal.