I have been having fits with my 35 Whelen till this month. I have had bad hangfires with AA2520, lesser hangfires with Varget. No hangfires with IMR 3031, but I am out of that.
I find it hard to believe but this cartridge likes fast powders. IMR 3031 is a good first choice.
This month’s testing I had no hangfires with IMR 4064. My best test data is below. I got a 1 3/8” five shot 100 yard group with the best load. Other groups were basketball sized.
My greatest problem with this cartridge is shooting this lightweight rifle without flinching. It kicks and is uncomfortable to shoot.
M1903 1:10 twist 24" Douglas barrel
225 Sierra SPBT 52.5 grs IMR 4064 wtd Lot 2449 CCI 200 OAL 3.30
necked up R-P 30-06
16 Oct 2009 T = 65 °F
Ave Vel = 2260
Std Dev = 34
ES = 113
High = 2331
Low = 2218
N = 10
nice rounded primers, smoked case necks, most accurate load
no hangfires!
225 Sierra SPBT 53.0 grs IMR 4064 wtd Lot 2449 CCI 200 OAL 3.30
necked up R-P 30-06
16 Oct 2009 T = 65 °F
Ave Vel = 2270
Std Dev = 24
ES = 56
High = 2290
Low = 2234
N = 6
nice rounded primers, smoked case necks, no hangfires