Retained energy--7mag vs.35 Whelen

[chopper69]

Hoping to go on a moose hunt this fall and thought I'd escape from the weather by looking at what rifle to bring. Got on Federal's website to compare the 7 mag with the 35 Whelen. At 2-300 yds the 7mag 175 grain bear claw and the Whelen's 225 grain bear claw are pretty close in energy. The 7 mag 160 grain partition seems to have even more energy. Would the heavier bullet be a better choice and how is it the 160 grain has more energy at 3-400 yds than the 175 grain.

[oldelkhunter]

In a situation like this I would go with the bigger bore. My only complaint with TBBC's is grouping ability or lack of

[skeeter 7MM]

how is it the 160 grain has more energy at 3-400 yds than the 175 grain.

Lighter projectile is moving faster giving it more energy and less loss over distant traveled.

If your going to be shooting longer than 200 yards the 7mm rem mag would provide an edge, closer the bigger lead of the .35 certainly wouldn't hurt. That said as long as you pick a solid constructed bullet like you mentioned I personally think it is wash, either will topple a moose. I haven't met a moose yet that did to well after placing 160gr .284mm bullet into his vitals. If your going to be at risk of coming face to face with a Griz then the whelen would be a better choice, other than that buy or use whatever floats your boat and go hunt!

[drfatguy]

Where are you going moose hunting? Why do you need to shoot 3-400 yards? Most moose, even in the western US are shot close, 200 yards or less. I think either would work. Which do you shoot better? I like the Whelen myself. Just couldn't do the 7mm because everyone else did. Sneak close, blow the heart and lungs out and you'll have moose meat.
Dr Fatguy

[Josh Sorensen]

The whelen is much better with 225gr bullet over the 160-175gr 7mm for practical moose hunting shots. Most of the moose we shoot are 100 yards or less. Often in heavier brush while moose calling. Rarely we can get some long range shots.