35 Whelen vs 7mm Mag

[Greybeard]

Ok, I sold my 7 mag to a buddy because I just didn't need that much gun for whitetails and hogs. The ammo was expensive and I was just kinda itchin for a new rifle. Now, I may have an opportunity to do an elk hunt out in west Texas. My buddy has kindly offered to loan me the 7 mag back for the hunt, but he also has a .35 Whelen that I could borrow. I personally limit my shots on game to inside 300 yards and the fella offering the hunt says that is very doable on this property. For you experienced elk guys, let's pick nits. Which one would you take on this hunt? I'll be using factory ammo only.

 

[Steiny77]

Was the 7 mag your only centerfire rifle?
Have another caliber centerfire in your possession you could use without borrowing? Doesn't really take anything special to kill an elk, just good shot placement.

 

[Sheltowee]

35 Whelen, as it is the much more obscure, esoteric, cool cartridge.

 

[Ben Lamb]

The 35. It's .074 better.

 

[elkduds]

High fence "hunt?" I applaud your effort to get a clean kill.

 

[Greybeard]

Was the 7 mag your only centerfire rifle?
Have another caliber centerfire in your possession you could use without borrowing? Doesn't really take anything special to kill an elk, just good shot placement.

I now have a 6.5 CM and 2 Hawken muzzleloaders, a .50 and a.54. Any of those could do the job but this might be the last time I will ever hunt elk. I want to do this one right.

 

[Greybeard]

High fence "hunt?" I applaud your effort to get a clean kill.

Not high fence. Free range. They are running around everywhere just north of Big Bend.

 

[44hunter45]

FWIW - I had my 7mmRM rebarreled to a .358 caliber.
Having said that, I have killed elk with a 7mm. Lost one too. Not the rifle's fault. I personally think a bigger hole means a better chance at a recovered animal.
Non-premium cup & core bullets? 35 Cal over 7mm every time.

 

[Sheltowee]

FWIW - I had my 7mmRM rebarreled to a .358 caliber.
Having said that, I have killed elk with a 7mm. Lost one too. Not the rifle's fault. I personally think a bigger hole means a better chance at a recovered animal.
Non-premium cup & core bullets? 35 Cal over 7mm every time.

.358 Norma?

 

[44hunter45]

.358 Norma?

Yes. Have a 35 Whelen build in progress also. On a Mauser 98

 

[Elktrack]

I’d take the Whelen. It’d be awesome at the ranges you’re talking about. Whatever you shoot accurately is the best bet out of those two cartridges IMO

 

[Alpine01]

Ok, I sold my 7 mag to a buddy because I just didn't need that much gun for whitetails and hogs. The ammo was expensive and I was just kinda itchin for a new rifle. Now, I may have an opportunity to do an elk hunt out in west Texas. My buddy has kindly offered to loan me the 7 mag back for the hunt, but he also has a .35 Whelen that I could borrow. I personally limit my shots on game to inside 300 yards and the fella offering the hunt says that is very doable on this property. For you experienced elk guys, let's pick nits. Which one would you take on this hunt? I'll be using factory ammo only.

Counter to others. I would take the 7mm. Lots more options on factory ammo to choose from.

 

[WildWill]

Not high fence. Free range. They are running around everywhere just north of Big Bend.

Saw a dandy bull on elephant mountain wma couple year's ago during my javelina hunt.


If you're truly gonna stick to under 300 yards then shouldn't matter. I would take whatever gun I shot best. If no noticeable difference then yeah the Whelen is cooler.

 

[Jnasa]

Either would work. Having said that if the 7mm mag was yours and you are familiar with it that is worth a lot.

You can ask to shoot both of them and see which you like better. Or if one is more comfortable to carry if you will be covering ground.

 

[Sheltowee]

Yes. Have a 35 Whelen build in progress also. On a Mauser 98

Very nice. I already have a .338-06 that I love but I've seriously considered building a .358 Norma if I ever chase big bears in Alaska.

 

[TrapperJ]

I sure do like the 7mm but as you said in a previous reply this might be you're last hunt so I would switch it up and go with the old nostalgic 35 Whelen and it's even better if it's a old old 35 whelen

 

[noharleyyet]

What optics are they wearing?

 

[Greybeard]

What optics are they wearing?

My old 7 mag has a 4-12 x 42 Nikon. The rifle is a Browning A-bolt Stainless Stalker. The Whelen, I think is an old 3-9 x 40 Redfield. It's mounted to an older Remington 700.

 

[Deleted member 16864]

My old 7 mag has a 4-12 x 42 Nikon. The rifle is a Browning A-bolt Stainless Stalker. The Whelen, I think is an old 3-9 x 40 Redfield. It's mounted to an older Remington 700.

I love those old Redfield scopes.

 

[noharleyyet]

My old 7 mag has a 4-12 x 42 Nikon. The rifle is a Browning A-bolt Stainless Stalker. The Whelen, I think is an old 3-9 x 40 Redfield. It's mounted to an older Remington 700.

7 mag would be my choice, plus you're familiar with it.