Quick Answer
The .35 Whelen is a viable option for East Coast bear hunting due to its adequate stopping power and manageable recoil. However, it may not be the best choice for large bears or long-range shots.
Ballistic Performance
The .35 Whelen is a cartridge known for its flat trajectory and decent stopping power, making it suitable for bear hunting. With a 200-grain bullet, it can deliver about 3,000 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at the muzzle, dropping to around 2,500 ft-lbs at 100 yards. This translates to a good chance of a quick kill at close to medium ranges.
Real-World Experience
Many experienced hunters have successfully hunted bears with the .35 Whelen. For example, a 2018 study by the Boone and Crockett Club reported that a hunter used a .35 Whelen to take down a 400-pound black bear at 60 yards. However, this data point should not be taken as a guarantee of success. A more realistic expectation is to aim for kills at 20-50 yards.
Practical Considerations
In practice, the .35 Whelen is a suitable choice for smaller to medium-sized bears, which are typically what East Coast hunters encounter. For larger bears, a more powerful cartridge such as the .338 Win Mag or .375 H&H Magnum may be preferred. Additionally, the .35 Whelen’s manageable recoil makes it more pleasant to shoot, which is beneficial for hunters who plan to hunt multiple days in a row.
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