cal30_sniper
Member
Hey all,
I've been looking for something to extend my caliber range upwards a little. Currently, the largest thing in my safe is a .30-06, and I'd like to move up a bore diameter or two. It'll probably be a long while before I can finagle a hunting trip up North, so the rifle will be used for the lower 48, at least for the time being. Whitetail hunting and smaller fry are already nailed down real good with a battery of 6.5x55s and 7x57s, and I've got a .270 and a 7x57AI for long range work. I'm really looking for something with a bit more brutish power, that can be mounted with a peep sight or low powered scope for general woods use.
I've got a shot at two rifles right now in the same price range. One is a .35 Whelen built off of a Gew 98 Mauser action with very nice vintage sporterization. The other is a very nice Husqvarna 640 in 8x57. The .35 Whelen is about $50 more, but is already D&T for a scope. The Husky is not D&T for a scope, and neither rifle is D&T for peeps. I know the Husky is a quality action, and likely to be very accurate. By the looks of the work done on the .35 Whelen, it's also going to be a real shooter.
So, for a medium bore all-around North American rifle, which would you choose? Where would you put the upper limits of practical use for each cartridge? Ammunition cost is not a factor, as I'd be reloading for either one. Recoil might be a consideration, but I don't know, as I've never shot a .35 Whelen before. I've never been bothered by the recoil of an '06 or the 8x57 before though. Also, my 3rd option would be to hold off for a 9.3x57 or 9.3x62, both of which I have wanted for a long time. Opinions?
Also, anybody have any experience with the Gew 98 actions? How is the quality on them? Most of my experience is with small rings and pre-WWI South American Mausers, which I love. I also love the action on my .270 Husky 640. Will the German 98 be in the same class?
I've been looking for something to extend my caliber range upwards a little. Currently, the largest thing in my safe is a .30-06, and I'd like to move up a bore diameter or two. It'll probably be a long while before I can finagle a hunting trip up North, so the rifle will be used for the lower 48, at least for the time being. Whitetail hunting and smaller fry are already nailed down real good with a battery of 6.5x55s and 7x57s, and I've got a .270 and a 7x57AI for long range work. I'm really looking for something with a bit more brutish power, that can be mounted with a peep sight or low powered scope for general woods use.
I've got a shot at two rifles right now in the same price range. One is a .35 Whelen built off of a Gew 98 Mauser action with very nice vintage sporterization. The other is a very nice Husqvarna 640 in 8x57. The .35 Whelen is about $50 more, but is already D&T for a scope. The Husky is not D&T for a scope, and neither rifle is D&T for peeps. I know the Husky is a quality action, and likely to be very accurate. By the looks of the work done on the .35 Whelen, it's also going to be a real shooter.
So, for a medium bore all-around North American rifle, which would you choose? Where would you put the upper limits of practical use for each cartridge? Ammunition cost is not a factor, as I'd be reloading for either one. Recoil might be a consideration, but I don't know, as I've never shot a .35 Whelen before. I've never been bothered by the recoil of an '06 or the 8x57 before though. Also, my 3rd option would be to hold off for a 9.3x57 or 9.3x62, both of which I have wanted for a long time. Opinions?
Also, anybody have any experience with the Gew 98 actions? How is the quality on them? Most of my experience is with small rings and pre-WWI South American Mausers, which I love. I also love the action on my .270 Husky 640. Will the German 98 be in the same class?