What caliber to build?

[oldgeek]

I am preparing to build (have built) what is probably my last custom rifle. I have an exceptionally fine 1909 Argentine Mauser action as a starter. I plan to put a European/British style light weight stock on it. I also plan to put double set triggers, etc. (you probably get the general picture by now).

Here is my problem/issue. I want this to be a reasonably heavy caliber rifle, capable of taking most any game on the North American continent. However, due to health concerns I am somewhat restricted to the recoil level that I can absorb. Under the stern scrutiny of my beloved wife, I have had to find other homes for my 458 Win Mag and 375 H&H Mag.

So, I am considering the following calibers for this rifle:

358 Winchester
350 Rem Mag
35 Whelen

Additional info:

I reload, but only very reluctantly. I only reload when I can't get ammo for a particular rifle any other way. My hobbies are building rifles, hunting, and shooting, not reloading.

If any of you have experience with the above calibers (or other suggestions), please comment.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

First of all, the 7.65 Argentine has almost exactly the same head size as "standard" or non-magnum cartridges. This means you can build your rifle to handle the .358 or .35 Whelen without opening up the bolt face.

Next, the magazine should feed these two standard cartridges (you may need to block it a bit for the .358), but you will probably have to "adjust" the lips for the .350 Mag. More rifles have been ruined by buggering up the lips than any other way I can think of.

The logical choice is between the .358 and the .35 Whelen. This is the same as the choice between the .308 and .30-06. Do you want max performance or a shorter action?

If you were buying a NEW rifle, you could make the case that the .358 would allow you to use a shorter action. However, the action you have is sized for the longer cartridges. The nod goes to the .35 Whelen. You gain nothing from the shorter cartridge, and can get a bit more performance from the longer one.

 

[dakotasin]

i see vern beat me to it... i concur w/ him, and have nothing further to add. 35 whelen it is, 'twere it me. good luck!

 

[Stickjockey]

No direct experience, but everyone (not many) I've talked to that uses it has nothing but good things to say about the .35 Whelen.

 

[oldgeek]

Thanks for the unanimous recommendation. Ammo availability and my somewhat curmudgeonly views about reloading had me considering the 350 Rem. However, as you have pointed out, the 350 would require more extensive action/bolt work with increased risk of non-optimal outcome.

 

[critter]

Hay, the guys all hit it dead on the head-the .35 Whelen! I have built two on '98 Mauser actions and with no bolt head or rail changes needed, it is an easy task. Also, the .35 WILL do any job you want done EXCEPT maybe for the toothiest of the African big 5 or an all-day prarie dog shoot.

In a way, it is like the .45 Colt. You can load it to the pussycat levels or the stomper levels. It is a VERY versatile and VERY effective round! Also, commercial ammo is available if you don't wish to reload for it.

Good luck! The Argie action is the top of the heap when it comes to the .98's too. A 1909 Argentine in .35 Whelen is an 'instant classic' type of deal.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Let me point out that .35 Whelen ammo will be available long after .350 Mag cases are no longer produced. The .35 Whelen is simply the .30-06 necked up to .358 caliber, and there will never be a shortage of .30-06 cases (not in our lifetimes, anyway.)

My own elk rifle is Bigfoot Wallace, a custom '03 Springfield in .35 Brown-Whelen. This cartridge is fire-formed for greater capacity and I drive a 225 grain Nosler Partition Jacket at 2800 fps. That's stepping right on the heels of the .338 Win Mag.

 

[mete]

The problem with the 35Whelan is that it isn't a magnum which was the hot thing after WWII.In addition it had to compete with the 338Win. But for those who aren't the magnum type it's a fine cartridge. It's interesting that the Whelans ballistic twin [9.3x62] was developed for African hunting almost 100 years ago.It also became popular ,and still is, for boar and red deer in Europe. It too was fading do to the magnums but is now seeing a healthy comeback.

 

[oldgeek]

Okay, it's going to be the 35 whelen. Based on critter's comments about versatility wrt loading, I suppose I better get my compressor out and blow the dust off my reloading gear. The spiders will be greatly upset.

Once I get this rifle assembled, the first hunt will probably be for hog of the decidely unfriendly type. If interested, I'll post some pics of the various stages of assembly.

 

[steve4102]

9.3x62

 

[mtnbkr]

The 35whelen is what I'd build. If I ever build a rifle bigger than my 6.5x55, it'll probably be a 35whelen.

Chris

 

[db_tanker]

I guess I will be the only voice in the night...but isn't the Argy 7.65 a little short in the mag well for using a "full length" like the Whelen?

The 358 Winchester would be a better fit, IMHO...its just a tenth shorter than the Argy round, case head dims are same, and you can think of the 358 as a short action 35 Whelen.

Plus Winchester and Browning chamber for this round so Winchester still manufactures it.

Both rounds keep around the same pressure levels, under 55,000 psi so the rest is academic...I would think that less modification would point brightly towards the 358....

MTCW and YMMV