Quick Answer
For hunting bears with a .35 Whelen, commonly recommended bullets include the 225-grain Barnes TSX, 225-grain Nosler Partition, and the 220-grain Speer Gold Dot. These bullets offer a good balance of expansion and penetration. They are effective against bears due to their large size and heavy weight.
Choosing the Right Bullet for Bear
When selecting a bullet for bear hunting with a .35 Whelen, it’s essential to consider bullet weight, expansion, and penetration. The 225-grain Barnes TSX is a popular choice due to its reliable expansion and deep penetration. The TSX features a copper jacket and a polymer tip that helps to initiate expansion quickly.
Penetration Requirements for Bear Hunting
Bears are large and powerful animals, and it’s crucial to choose a bullet that can deliver sufficient penetration to reach vital organs. A minimum of 18-20 inches of penetration is recommended, and the .35 Whelen can easily deliver this with the right bullet. When choosing a bullet, consider the velocity and energy required to achieve the necessary penetration.
Considerations for Hunting Elk with a .35 Whelen
The .35 Whelen is a versatile cartridge that can be effective for hunting elk, as well as bears. When hunting elk, consider the same bullet options mentioned earlier, but also consider the 200-grain Nosler AccuBond. This bullet features a copper jacket and a lead core that expands reliably and provides deep penetration. The AccuBond also has a ballistic coefficient that helps to maintain accuracy and trajectory stability.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.