Can You Use .35 Whelen For Both Elk And Bear?

Choosing the Right Ammunition

When hunting elk and bear with a .35 Whelen, it’s essential to choose the right ammunition. For elk, a 200-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2,300 feet per second is a good starting point. This bullet weight and velocity will provide enough kinetic energy to penetrate the elk’s hide and reach vital organs. For bear, a heavier 250-grain bullet with a similar velocity may be more effective due to the bear’s larger size and thicker hide.

Considerations for Hunting Elk

When hunting elk with a .35 Whelen, consider the terrain and the elk’s behavior. In dense forest, a slower, flatter trajectory may be more desirable, but in open terrain, a faster, more aerodynamic bullet may be more effective. Elk hunting often involves longer shots, so consider the rifle’s accuracy and the hunter’s skill level when choosing the .35 Whelen. A good scope with a magnification power of 3-9x can help compensate for the rifle’s recoil and provide accurate shots.

Best Practices for Bear Hunting

Bear hunting with a .35 Whelen requires a different approach than elk hunting. Due to the bear’s larger size and thicker hide, a heavier bullet and slower velocity may be more effective. When hunting bear, consider using a slower, more controlled shot, aiming for the bear’s vital organs. The .35 Whelen’s recoil can be manageable with a good shooting stance and a rifle designed for bear hunting, but it’s essential to practice shooting the rifle before hunting to develop a comfortable shooting form.