Are There Specialty Bullets Designed For .35 Whelen Bear Hunting?

Choosing the Right Bullets

For bear hunting with the .35 Whelen, you’ll want bullets with a diameter of at least 0.358 inches and a weight of 200-300 grains. This is because bears are larger and more robust than deer, requiring more substantial penetration and expansion. Some popular options include the Hornady 225-grain DGX and the Nosler 225-grain AccuBond.

Expansion and Penetration

When hunting bears with the .35 Whelen, it’s essential to choose a bullet that expands reliably and provides sufficient penetration. Look for bullets with a high BC (ballistic coefficient) to ensure accurate and consistent expansion, and consider bullets with a copper jacket and lead core for added strength and penetration. A minimum expansion ratio of 1.5 to 1.8:1 is recommended for bear hunting, with some bullets expanding to as much as 2:1 or more.

Real-World Examples

In real-world hunting scenarios, bullets like the Hornady 225-grain DGX and the Nosler 225-grain AccuBond have proven effective in taking down larger bears. These bullets feature a large diameter and heavy weight, ensuring they penetrate deeply and expand reliably, even at longer ranges. For example, a test conducted by a reputable hunting organization found that a 225-grain DGX bullet expanded to 0.95 inches in diameter after penetrating 18 inches of bear tissue at a range of 100 yards.