Ruger Forum

trigger creep · July 31st, 2012, 09:48 AM

Me and my dad have been talking about two favorites among hunting gun nuts, the .35 Whelen and .358 Win. We both came to the conclusion that somebody should offer these two cartridges in their affordable bolt action lineup. Why? Let's just say that Ruger would put these two in their American lineup, it would create an instant internet buzz (free advertising) and would most certainly sell rifles to gun nuts abroad, and possibly even revive these two cartridges to at least mild popularity. People have proven that the Marlin X7's can handle both these cartridges, and I'm almost certain the Ruger American can take it, so why not attempt it? What do you guys think?

BTW, I wrote this thread focusing on the .35 Whelen and .358 Win. because I am a big fan of .35 caliber. Maybe the .338-06 or .338 Federal would even be a good choice?

scattershot · July 31st, 2012, 10:14 AM

I have both, and I'm not sure why they aren't more popular. Any rifle that can handle the 30/06 or the .308 Win should be capable of chambering those two. They are not ultra long range cartridges, to be sure, but I am of the opinion that you don't need 400 yard super missles to hunt with. I doubt most foks could even see a deer or elk at that distance, anyway.

trigger creep · July 31st, 2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scattershot

I have both, and I'm not sure why they aren't more popular. Any rifle that can handle the 30/06 or the .308 Win should be capable of chambering those two. They are not ultra long range cartridges, to be sure, but I am of the opinion that you don't need 400 yard super missles to hunt with. I doubt most foks could even see a deer or elk at that distance, anyway.

People seem to view them as an "under 200 yard proposition", even though that is far from the truth. They (especially the .35 Whelen) can kill animals as far out as 90% of hunters can and/or should. I'm thinking about getting one soon (probably .35 Whelen), because I'm getting more into Bear hunting and just got into putting in for Moose in New England recently, and I just would like one in an affordable option, which is apparantly too much to ask for?

TMB · July 31st, 2012, 02:46 PM

I think they should do it I'd buy an American in 35 Whelen. I also think either 338 is a good idea.

Ruger Redhawk · July 31st, 2012, 02:58 PM

I bought a NIB M77 in 35 Whelan with the synthetic boat paddle stock. It's a Blued one I got it about 7-8 years ago off Gunsamerica..

NVcaster · July 31st, 2012, 04:16 PM

I have a Remington CDL in 35 Whelen, love it! Its kind of a niche so alot of guns are not made. The best part is being able to make case out of 30-06 brass. I also have a 358 in Browning I have shot yet, mybe this weekend! Its funny alot of freinds have been going for ultra mags and similar. Ive ben going the other way 30-06, 35 whelen, 308, 358 and happy about it!

trigger creep · August 1st, 2012, 06:04 AM

I went to Ruger's website and sent Mike a comment reccomending this to him, I doubt it will happen but then again......

RJM52 · August 2nd, 2012, 02:44 AM

Love .35s also but "we" are in the minority. Only two of the many hunters I know are .35 fans... 99% of hunters I meet in the woods hunt with something other than .35s...

I think they are perceived as hard kicking and short range even though 75+% of the deer taken are under 100 yards.

Also look at the ammunition situation...try and find a box of .358s...and until recently there was only one...Winchester Silvertips. Now at least Hornady has come out with a 200 grain spire point. .350 Remington Magnums...used to be four bullet weights when introduced...then two, now just one. .35 Whelen is the only bright spot ammo wise but it is still very hard to find in small gun shops or box stores.

To me Remington and Ruger have done their part trying to keep .35s alive....just not enough people recognize their hard hiting value...

Bob

trigger creep · August 2nd, 2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJM52

Love .35s also but "we" are in the minority. Only two of the many hunters I know are .35 fans... 99% of hunters I meet in the woods hut with something other than .35s...

I think they are perceived as hard kicking and short range even though 75+% of the deer taken are under 100 yards.

Also look at the ammunition situation...try and find a box of .358s...and until recently there was only one...Winchester Silvertips. Now at least Hornady has come out with a 200 grain spire point. .350 Remington Magnums...used to be four bullet weights when introduced...then two, now just one. .35 Whelen is the only bright spot ammo wise but it is still very hard to find in small gun shops or box stores.

To me Remington and Ruger have done their part trying to keep .35s alive....just not enough people recognize their hard hiting value...

Bob

If somebody would make them affordable I think that would change. Maybe not, but maybe it would.

thndrchiken · August 23rd, 2012, 06:12 AM

Remington chambers the 35 Whelen in the 700, Ruger had the 35 Whelen in it's lineup when the Hawkeye's first came out a few years back. Mine is a Hawkeye in brushed SS that sports a Zeiss Conquest 1/5x5x32. Just about the perfect match of optics to chambering IMO.

NVcaster · October 16th, 2012, 05:11 PM

The Ruger american is marketed for economy minded people who want a good rifle at a resonable price. They are not likely reloaders. Both calibers are hard to find and expensive as factory ammo.

I have both and reload so its not a big deal. Ruger would be smarter in producing limited runs to satisfy the 35 nuts. They kind of do this periodically.

Doug76 · October 19th, 2012, 07:34 PM

I also have sent Ruger suggestions on follow-up calibers to offer in the RAR. I got a nice reply back, but nothing definitive.
Still, if demand ever slows enough for them to get ahead in production, I do think more calibers will be offered. They are setting some serious production records right now.
But I think you have to admit, they did a really good job selecting the calibers they did introduce the rifle in, two each of the most popular calibers in long and short action.
I'm willing to wait it out, because my RAR .308 is everything I'd hoped it would be, at a really good price. Just wish the mags weren't so expensive.