.444 vs 35 Whelen

[WyoStillhunter]

Years ago I bought a M700 Classic 35 Whelen (1988 mfg) to be my dedicated elk rifle. I have taken deer, antelope, elk, and mountain lion with this gun and a Weaver K2.5X scope using a variety of ammo. It is a dependable game getter.

About 18 months ago I scratched the Marlin big bore itch by getting a .444S (1972 mfg) and put a Weaver K2.5X on it. Last year I took a 5x5 mule deer and cow elk with it.

Today I took both to the range to begin the tuning process for the coming season. I had about decided this would be the year of the Whelen. (I know, I know that is heresy! :roll: ).

I sighted in both rifles by firing at 25, 50 and 100 yds. with reloads I already had on hand. My goal for the day was to get POI = POA at 100 yds. for both rifles Later I would work on refining a field zero most appropriate to each cartridge.

The Whelen's 2.5X scope has duplex reticle and the .444's 2.5X scope has vintage post and crosshair reticle. I expected the bolt action rifle and scope would display a little greater precision based on sight picture alone.

Two groups is a small sample and differences are surely not statistically significat. But I was a little surprized that the .444 Marlin edged out the .35 Whelen. Keep in mind this was using sandbags and a concrete bench on an established range.

For 3 shots at 100 yds. the Whelen printed 2.01" and the Marlin printed 1.84"!

.35 Whelen: 250 gr. Hdy. RN, 51.0 gr. IMR 4895 (not weighted)
.444 Marlin: 265 gr. Hdy. FP, 46.0 gr. H4198 (weighed)

Interesting!!! The good news is either one will do just fine when elk season rolls around.

[T3hK1w1]

Yeah, I just recently got a 444S that is also a '72 with a 1.75-5x scope and my first 3 shots fired out of it were all touching at 50 yds. I have been very impressed with such accuracy from a big bore.

[swany]

Pretty much an equal capacity case. I would guess if you made a .444/06 you couldn't tell the difference. Or if you necked down the .444 to .358 it would be the same scenario. Trick is to use both to the extent they don't get jealous and turn on you. :lol:

[Starrbow]

I feel your pain, for years it was either my 350Remington Mag Remington 700 Classic or the Old Marlin 444 for rifle elk hunting................Marko

[VerySavage]

I used to have the same problem deciding between my .444 & my .338 Win Mag, I solved it by selling my .338 Win Mag. The .444 provides all the stoping power I need out to 200 yards & my eyes are geting too weak to shoot further than that anyway.
--Ken

[Dawei]

I used to have the same problem deciding between my .444 & my .338 Win Mag, I solved it by selling my .338 Win Mag. The .444 provides all the stoping power I need out to 200 yards & my eyes are geting too weak to shoot further than that anyway.
--Ken

My sentiments exactly; for the same reasons. The 444 will cover all the distance I'm comfortable shooting!

[Ranch Dog]

Come on guys you really know this isn't a choice. The only time you have to choose is when you have to decide WHICH ONE OF YOUR 444s you are going to hunt with! :shock:

[NFG]

:lol: True, true Swany...but what about all the other rifles. A guy could get into deep dodo if he isn't careful and treat ALL his mistresses equally. :shock: :!: :!: