Introduction
In the vast world of ballistics and cartridge design, certain combinations of power, versatility, and customization stand out. The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved, a wildcat cartridge with a cult following, embodies these characteristics beautifully. For the serious hunter or handloader seeking a cartridge that delivers exceptional performance, this is one to consider. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved, its history, its capabilities, and its place in the world of modern shooting.
Historical Context: The Origins
The genesis of the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved lies in the evolution of the standard .35 Whelen, a cartridge born from the brilliant mind of James Whelen. Initially designed around the case of the .30-06 Springfield, the .35 Whelen offered shooters a powerful alternative. Its .358-inch bullets, ranging from relatively light to heavy, provided excellent performance on a wide variety of game. However, the cartridge’s true potential was waiting to be unlocked.
Enter P.O. Ackley, a name synonymous with cartridge improvement and optimization. Ackley took the .35 Whelen, the cartridge that has always been loved by hunters who like to use bullets larger than the more common .30 caliber, and began to modify it. He recognized opportunities to improve its efficiency, velocity, and overall ballistic performance. This led to the creation of the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved.
Technical Specifications and Benefits
What makes the Ackley Improved version of the .35 Whelen so compelling? At the heart of the improvement lies the change in the case geometry. The Ackley Improved design features a sharper shoulder angle, and minimal body taper, both contributing to significant enhancements.
The primary benefit of the steeper shoulder angle is to maximize the internal volume of the case. This increase in case capacity allows for a greater amount of powder to be used, ultimately leading to higher velocities. With the same bullet weight and powder, a shooter can expect higher velocities from the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved. Increased velocity translates into flatter trajectories, reduced wind drift, and more energy at the target.
In addition to increased velocity, the sharp shoulder angle and body taper offer other benefits. The near absence of taper, the straighter walls of the case, and the sharp shoulder effectively minimize case stretch during firing. This reduction in case stretch has two main advantages. First, cases last longer, meaning the handloader does not need to trim their cases as often, saving time and money. Secondly, the reduced case stretch and snug fit in the chamber contributes to improved accuracy by providing greater consistency.
Reloading the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved
Now, let’s delve into the art and science of handloading the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved. The process differs significantly from loading factory cartridges. One of the first and most important steps is fireforming cases. This process is critical to transform standard .35 Whelen brass into the Ackley Improved shape.
Fireforming is accomplished by loading standard .35 Whelen brass with a carefully selected powder charge and a bullet or a filler material such as cream of wheat, then firing the round. The pressure from the burning powder pushes the brass against the Ackley Improved chamber, giving it the final shape of the Ackley improved case. The best results usually come from using a bullet.
Brass selection plays a crucial role in successful reloading. For the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved, using high-quality .35 Whelen brass is essential. Federal, Winchester, and Remington are common choices, with consistency and durability being key attributes to look for.
Choosing the correct primers is important as well. While some handloaders use standard large rifle primers, magnum large rifle primers are often recommended to ensure reliable ignition, particularly when using slower-burning powders that need a little extra ‘kick’ to fully ignite.
Selecting the right powder is a vital step. The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved thrives with medium-to-slow burning powders that fill the case efficiently and provide optimal velocity. Powders like IMR 4350, Reloder 19, and H4350 are commonly used, but always cross reference the powder choice with trusted reloading manuals.
Bullet selection opens up a wide array of possibilities, and the choice depends on the intended use. For big game hunting, from deer to elk, bullets ranging from 225 to 250 grains are highly effective, delivering significant stopping power and penetration. Lighter bullets, such as 200-grain options, can be used for varmints and target shooting.
Accurate loading data is absolutely critical for safety. Always begin with starting loads recommended in reliable reloading manuals and never exceed maximum loads. Work up the loads gradually, watching for pressure signs, such as flattened primers, sticky bolt lift, or expanded case heads. These are indicators of excess pressure, and the load must be reduced immediately.
After firing, cases must be trimmed to a consistent length. Case trimming removes the excess brass from the neck, ensuring proper bullet seating and helps maintain consistent neck tension.
After case preparation, the case is ready for bullet seating and eventually for firing. A steady, reliable reloading press and carefully calibrated dies will ensure that the cartridge is properly prepared.
Ballistics and Performance
The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved isn’t just about higher velocities and improved case life; it’s also about how it performs. By taking a close look at ballistics and energy delivery, the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved shows its impressive capabilities.
Ballistic charts are essential for comparing the performance of different loads. These charts display bullet drop, wind drift, and retained energy at various distances. Comparing these charts to the standard .35 Whelen shows the advantages of the Ackley Improved version, especially at longer ranges.
Compared to other cartridges, the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved can deliver similar performance to some of the larger calibers while using a case of slightly less overall size. This makes it a versatile cartridge.
The power behind the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved is what makes it great for big-game hunting. Its energy delivery at impact ensures quick, humane kills. The bullet’s ability to retain its weight upon impact is also critical.
Choosing a Rifle and Building
The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved is a specialized cartridge, and proper rifle selection is vital for safety and efficiency. The first step is choosing a suitable action. The Remington 700, known for its robustness and accuracy, is a popular choice. Alternatively, custom actions designed for wildcat cartridges offer exceptional precision and flexibility.
Next, the barrel must be selected. Barrel length, rifling twist rate, and manufacturer are critical factors. Barrel length significantly impacts velocity, with longer barrels generally producing higher velocities. The twist rate, typically 1:12 or 1:14 inches for the .35 caliber, stabilizes the bullets in flight.
Having the rifle chambered is an important step. A gunsmith will be needed to ensure the chamber is properly cut for the Ackley Improved specifications. The gunsmith will have the reamer, which cuts the perfect chamber for the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved.
Other features also come into play. A good scope, quality bedding, and other modifications can also help the rifle perform its best.
Field Applications
For many hunters, the true appeal of the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved lies in its effectiveness in the field. It shines in the hunting of big game animals.
The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved is a superb choice for taking deer, elk, and black bear. The combination of bullet weight and velocity provides the necessary power and penetration to effectively take down these animals. The cartridge’s trajectory is flat enough to allow accurate shots at moderate ranges, but it is at its best when used inside of three hundred yards.
Comparing it directly with the standard .35 Whelen, the Ackley Improved provides some benefits. The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved has higher velocities, a flatter trajectory, and, with carefully constructed loads, potentially better accuracy.
Pros and Cons
It’s crucial to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of this cartridge. The .35 Whelen Ackley Improved offers several advantages, primarily velocity gains, extended case life, and outstanding stopping power.
However, there are also disadvantages to take into consideration. The need to fireform brass requires extra steps. The reloading process itself is more complex than for standard cartridges. Finally, the lack of readily available factory ammunition and the cost of custom chambering are also important considerations.
Safety Considerations
Reloading ammunition requires a deep understanding of ballistics, gun safety, and best practices. The handloader has to adhere to a range of safety considerations.
Always wear safety glasses and gloves when reloading. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent exposure to fumes and always double-check all measurements and data.
Overpressure is always a hazard. The shooter must watch the brass to see if it shows pressure signs, like flattened primers and sticky bolt lift. Never exceed maximum load data provided in reloading manuals. Start low and work up gradually.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved is a testament to the power of cartridge design and optimization. It is a cartridge that offers hunters and handloaders a unique blend of performance and customization. This is a wildcat cartridge that takes advantage of the shooter’s skills and dedication.
This cartridge is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a potent, versatile, and accurate cartridge. The commitment required for reloading makes it even more rewarding. If you’re seeking a cartridge that can unleash true power and elevate your shooting experience, the .35 Whelen Ackley Improved is a worthy consideration.
Resources
For further exploration, consult reloading manuals and websites. Seek out specialized gunsmiths and consider visiting related forums.
