If you are a big game hunter, then you know the importance of having the right ammunition for your rifle. One of the best cartridges available for big game hunting is the .35 Whelen, and when it comes to .35 Whelen ammunition, Hornady’s Superformance line is hard to beat. In this article, we will take a look at the ballistics of Hornady’s Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition and why it’s such a great choice for big game hunting.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of the .35 Whelen
- Hornady Superformance Technology
- Advantages of Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
- Superformance .35 Whelen Ballistics
- Terminal Ballistics of Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
- Accuracy of Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
- Bullet Selection for Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
- Hunting with Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
- Conclusion
- FAQs
1. Introduction
Hornady has been making high-quality ammunition since the 1940s, and their Superformance line is no exception. Superformance ammunition uses advanced propellants and bullet designs to deliver increased velocity and accuracy without sacrificing terminal performance. The .35 Whelen is a versatile and hard-hitting cartridge that has been used by hunters and shooters for over 90 years. In combination with Superformance technology, it becomes an even more effective cartridge for big game hunting.
2. History of the .35 Whelen
The .35 Whelen was developed in the early 1920s by Colonel Townsend Whelen, a renowned firearms expert and writer. Whelen was looking for a cartridge that would offer better performance than the .30-06 for use in Africa, where larger game required heavier bullets and more power. He took the .30-06 case and necked it up to accept a .35 caliber bullet, creating the .35 Whelen. Today, the .35 Whelen is a popular choice for hunters and shooters who need a cartridge with greater power and penetration than the .30-06.
3. Hornady Superformance Technology
Superformance ammunition uses proprietary propellants that are specifically designed to deliver higher velocities while maintaining safe pressure levels. This allows for flatter trajectories and greater downrange energy, making it ideal for long-range shooting and hunting. Superformance ammunition also uses advanced bullet designs that are optimized for the higher velocities, ensuring reliable expansion and penetration.
4. Advantages of Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition offers several advantages over standard .35 Whelen ammunition. First, it delivers higher velocities, which means flatter trajectories and greater downrange energy. This makes it easier to shoot accurately at longer ranges and ensures that the bullet will deliver enough energy to take down big game. Second, Superformance ammunition uses advanced bullet designs that are optimized for the higher velocities, ensuring reliable expansion and penetration. Finally, Superformance ammunition is loaded to strict tolerances, ensuring consistent performance from shot to shot.
5. Superformance .35 Whelen Ballistics
The ballistics of Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition are impressive. Hornady offers two different loads for the .35 Whelen: a 200-grain GMX bullet and a 225-grain SST bullet. The 200-grain GMX load has a muzzle velocity of 3,025 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 3,964 foot-pounds.
The 225-grain SST load has a muzzle velocity of 2,825 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 4,329 foot-pounds. At 200 yards, the velocity is still 2,440 feet per second and the energy is 3,223 foot-pounds.
Both of these loads offer impressive ballistics for the .35 Whelen. They deliver high velocities and energy levels, making them effective at longer ranges. The flatter trajectories also make it easier to place shots accurately, which is important when hunting big game.
6. Terminal Ballistics of Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
Terminal ballistics refer to how the bullet performs when it hits the target. For big game hunting, it’s important that the bullet delivers enough energy to penetrate deeply and expand to create a large wound channel. Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition uses advanced bullet designs that are optimized for these requirements.
The 200-grain GMX bullet is a monolithic copper alloy bullet that is designed for deep penetration and high weight retention. It expands reliably, creating a large wound channel, while also retaining a high percentage of its weight for maximum penetration. The 225-grain SST bullet is a polymer-tipped bullet that offers rapid expansion and controlled penetration. The tip initiates expansion upon impact, while the InterLock ring keeps the core and jacket together for maximum weight retention and deep penetration.
7. Accuracy of Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
Accuracy is crucial when hunting big game, and Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition delivers. The higher velocities and flatter trajectories make it easier to place shots accurately, especially at longer ranges. Superformance ammunition is also loaded to strict tolerances, ensuring consistent performance from shot to shot. When paired with a high-quality rifle and scope, Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition can deliver sub-MOA accuracy.
8. Bullet Selection for Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
Hornady offers two different bullet options for the .35 Whelen in the Superformance line: the 200-grain GMX and the 225-grain SST. Both bullets are designed for big game hunting and offer impressive performance. The choice between them will depend on the specific requirements of the hunt. The GMX bullet is better suited for deep penetration and weight retention, while the SST bullet offers rapid expansion and controlled penetration.
9. Hunting with Superformance .35 Whelen Ammunition
Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition is an excellent choice for big game hunting. The high velocities and flatter trajectories make it easier to place shots accurately at longer ranges, while the advanced bullet designs ensure reliable expansion and penetration. When hunting with Superformance ammunition, it’s important to choose the right bullet for the specific requirements of the hunt. The 200-grain GMX bullet is ideal for deep penetration and weight retention, while the 225-grain SST bullet offers rapid expansion and controlled penetration.
10. Conclusion
Hornady’s Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition offers impressive ballistics and terminal performance, making it an excellent choice for big game hunting. The advanced propellants and bullet designs deliver high velocities and energy levels, while also ensuring reliable expansion and penetration. Whether you’re hunting elk, moose, or bear, Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition can deliver the performance you need.
11. FAQs
- What is the .35 Whelen cartridge?
The .35 Whelen is a cartridge that was developed by Colonel Townsend Whelen in the early 1920s. It is based on the .30-06 case, necked up to accept a .35 caliber bullet.
2. What is the difference between the 200-grain GMX bullet and the 225-grain SST bullet?
The 200-grain GMX bullet is a monolithic copper alloy bullet that is designed for deep penetration and high weight retention, while the 225-grain SST bullet is a polymer-tipped bullet that offers rapid expansion and controlled penetration.
3. Can Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition deliver sub-MOA accuracy?
Yes, Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition can deliver sub-MOA accuracy when paired with a high-quality rifle and scope.
4. What type of game is Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition best suited for?
Superformance .35 Whelen ammunition is best suited for big game hunting, including elk, moose, and bear.
