Quick Answer
The .35 Whelen is an effective cartridge for elk hunting in thick cover, offering a good balance of power and control. However, its effectiveness depends on the hunter's skill level and the elk's size and location. With proper shot placement and enough penetration, the .35 Whelen can be a reliable choice for taking down elk in dense vegetation.
Ballistic Performance
The .35 Whelen’s 200-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,450 fps and a kinetic energy of 2,300 ft-lbs. This translates to a trajectory that stays relatively flat up to 200 yards, making it suitable for hunting in thick cover where shots may be shorter. However, the bullet’s kinetic energy starts to drop off significantly beyond 300 yards, making longer shots less reliable.
Shot Placement and Penetration
To ensure a clean kill, it’s essential to aim for the elk’s vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. The .35 Whelen’s bullet has a diameter of 0.358 inches, which is sufficient to expand and create a large wound channel. However, the bullet’s penetration depth is relatively moderate, around 18-20 inches, which may not be enough to reach the elk’s vitals in larger animals. To mitigate this, hunters should aim for the elk’s shoulder or chest area, where the bullet is more likely to expand and create a fatal wound.
Real-World Experience
Many hunters have successfully taken down elk with the .35 Whelen in thick cover, using a combination of skill and luck to place a well-placed shot. For example, a study by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation found that hunters using the .35 Whelen had a success rate of 73% in taking down elk in dense vegetation, compared to 55% for hunters using smaller calibers. However, it’s essential to note that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of the .35 Whelen ultimately depends on the hunter’s ability to place a reliable shot.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.