UPDATE*** 35 Whelen is "LEAVING" the house

[jim36]

Took her to the range this AM. Pulled the trigger on the first round and was tickled that she fired. Tickle didn't last long. Next round FTF.(factory ammo)
It has 40 to 50% FTF. Totally unacceptable. 1% is not acceptable. I tried my reloads, some did, some didn't. Tried neck sized only, some did, some didn't.
Talked to CS a few minutes ago and I am sending this piece of *&^%@ back again. To say that I am upset would be a mild reaction. This will be the 4th time to return it. CS was very polite and concerned I am determined to get this thing to shoot. I have been reloading for 50 years and it's gonna shoot my reloads or I won't own it. Waiting for the return shipping label and she's off again.
                                  Jim   <")))><

[Spanky]

The Whelen is a lost cause... get something else.



Spanky

[jim36]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, that after a FTF, I tried it again and it fired. Problem now is that she will not open.
                                                        <")))><

[Elkoholic]

Took me a second to figure out "FTF" - in the classifieds it's "Face To Face".

Sorry, your Whelen is Failing To Fire.  Great cartridge.

Do you examine the primer to see how much of an impact the firing pin is making?
What kind of spacing do you have during lock up??  Talk to a gunsmith to get
their thoughts... 

Keep us posted. Good luck!

Mike

[quickdtoo]

Sorry to hear that Jim, makes me wonder what's causing the problems. Did ya drop the hammer again a few times to see if it would open? Larry's mentioned that as a possible fix before. I'm very temped to order one from Bud's just to see what's wrong with the new ones, is the pin strike off center very much? Swapping frames solved the problem on my 260, mounted on a different frame moved the pin strike close to center. On my 35 Whelen Imp, switching to Rem 9½ primers solved the issue, but that's what Rem uses in factory ammo, unless there's some bad factory ammo out there which has been alluded to on several other forums on different 35 Whelen firearms.  

Best of luck on trip number 4, ya sure can't say you haven't given them a chance to get it fixed right.  

Tim

[jim36]

Well finally got the thing to open. Kept dropping the hammer and tapped it lightly with a rubber mallet aroung the chamber area. I think that after trying to fire it two three times, possible the firing pin stuck in the primer. Maybe?
The firing pin strikes are almost in the center. Seems to be in the correct place.
When the thing did fire, it would shoot a fine group. Quarter size at 100. Not to shabby. It has become a challenge to see if Rem. can get this thing to 100%.
It's a real Handy thing to have a few more Handies that WILL shot.
                                        Jim   <")))><

[randy_68]

I am having the same problem with my new .357.  I thought I had it fixed by changing out the spring with a Wolfe Xtra power. Didn't help, almost seems worse. It started with the CCI's and now even the Rem won't fire 1/2 the time. They look dented enough to me that they should go off. I bought another brand but haven't loaded any yet.

[Spanky]

The new CVA comes in 35 Whelen.



Spanky

[Mac11700]

Hope you get it worked out..

When or if you get #4 from them..find and use the Federal ammo(or brass)..or anyones except Remington's..they have always had some problems with their factory offerings for this cartridge.Nosler has brass for it,and is usually very good with the shoulder being perfect on them.The others are harder to find and may cost more..but well worth the effort it takes to find them.When you do..act fast..they usually aren't in stock long,same for most of the others loaded ammunition,and is pretty seasonal anymore.

Mac

[Ten Ring]

I agree with Mac, I have two of the Whelen's and neither like Remmington shells. The old one will shoot the Federal's every time and the new one will shoot the Hornady light magnum or Federal's. The old one is a tack driver the new one won't group good at all.
Jim