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400 whelen

Posted: 10 Aug 2019 14:22
by todddoyka
i have a sporterized 98 mauser in 8x57 and next year i'm either going to rebore or rebarrel to the 400 whelen. (read https://web.archive.org/web/20101203...pace_myth.htm# to headspace it). i was going to do the 375 whelen but i already have a 9.3x57(.366"). and i can say that 4-something something!

since 150 lbs whitetails will be its main course, i'll only go 1600-1800fps in 350-400gr fn gc. i hunt in close cover, so 60+ yards is a loooong shot, 25-35 yards is more likely.

1944 98 mauser 8x57mm
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i've been thinking of taking it to JES(i like that peep sight) but i might rebarrel it to 24"(it has a 22" barrel). i doubt that extra 2" is a make or break situation, but i like the 24" over the 22". the 98 mauser NEEDS a timney trigger and i'll go with richard's stock( Richards Microfit Gunstocks ), it will be a wolverine style and either a blue coral or black walnut stock.

i doubt highly that i'll get the chance to hunt elk or moose, but my sons' might and i'll just happen to have a rifle that they can use....it sounds good, don't it!!!

Re: 400 whelen

Posted: 10 Aug 2019 16:49
by mr surveyor
I ain't got a clue about the caliber, but for those velocities I be trying a nice dose of pistol powder and a clean/lubed gas checked cast bullet that fits the grooves.

Just my rookie opinion


jd

Re: 400 whelen

Posted: 11 Aug 2019 05:31
by Ranch Dog
I always say that no justification is needed for a project!

Re: 400 whelen

Posted: 11 Aug 2019 16:09
by RBHarter
I know I didn't mention this elsewhere but Green Mountain has 40 cal barrels with 30 or 32" standard for 40-65 etc , I don't know if they have the gunsmith blanks at the moment but that might be as cost effective as any .

As mentioned over yonder there are a couple of different versions . The AI I guess has the best shoulder .
AI basic brass is available also which I didn't know until this morning so learning every day .

For those that don't know the down fall of the 400 Whelen was head space . There are 3 chambers for it , 2 are ok and work but 1 is really good . 1 of those kept most of the 06 body and has a speed bump for a shoulder . Another has a need for a thick neck and has a little more shoulder . The best actually moved the shoulder forward a little and made a larger shoulder dia with almost no body taper , like .465 and a 60° shoulder down to .410 or so . In any case it ain't much of a shoulder . The other 2 use the .440 06' shoulder .

Re: 400 whelen

Posted: 12 Aug 2019 13:39
by todddoyka