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.
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.
