New find - 7400 in 35 Whelen

[orchemo]

Was snooping around a local used gun shop the other day and found a like new 7400 in 35 Whelen. Has one small scratch on receiver and one on the fore arm. The magazine barely shows any use. Someone had put a muzzle-break on the end, but otherwise looks new.

Well - it found it way to my safe next to my M700 CDL in 35 Whelen.

Looking at ammo for black bear. How about using Double tap ammo. There 250 gr rounds seem like one bad bear medicine
http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_46&products_id=167

While I would not give it a steady diet of little hotter rounds, any problems?

Would also like to put a lower magnification scope on the rifle. 1.75 - 6 or 2-7 Leupold? Have read post about the recoil in the semi auto being detrimental to scopes. Comments.

Thanks
Eric

[targshooter]

I have shot a .30-06 7400 Carbine wearing a Burris scope with full load 220 grain bullets through 500 or so shots. I have had no problem with the scope remaining in adjustment. It is in a Weaver rail and ring set-up.
As for the 250 grain Whelen load, I would recommend it based on several people I used to hunt with using such a load very successfully in upstate NY for both black bear and deer. That particular weight bullet in .35 caliber has a decent sectional density and thus penetrates well.

[Kurt L]

I had a pump and load for a pump and we had some Hot ones for a pump,that would break the action loose.
these would be very hard on a auto. you need to shoot close to factory to cycle the action correctly.
we never had any luck with the 250 bullets,they would always go straight through and not expand.
the bullet of choice we found to use and works very well is the 225 sierra boat tail these were 54.5
imr 4064.they have great expansion and make a big exit hole on deer.

[orchemo]

I have some Remington 200 & 250 gr Core-locks. Also have some 200 gr Barnes TSX from Double Tap ammo. Am a little weary of the Barnes in the semi-auto as it seems Barnes bullets have to be loaded longer. For the Oregon black bear I chase, I think I am going to stay with the 250 gr Remington and call it good.

But then Double Tap loads a little hotter 250 gr SP using a Speer bullet geting more velocity (power), but not sure I need that. Also Nosler custom loads their partions.

Eric