How to Test the Gel on a .35 Whelen

The 0.35 Whelen cartridge was developed by Col. Townsend Whelen and James V. Howe in 1922 to shoot all American game and most African thin-skinned game. Its parent cartridge is the ubiquitous 30-06; consequently, the 0.35 Whelen has comparable penetration into 10 percent ballistic gelatin (gel) or a properly prepared wet pack, soaked newspaper. Typically, bullet penetration is measured at 50,100, and 200 yards.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 cubes 30-inch, 10 percent ballistic gelatin
  • Firing range with 50-, 100- and 200-yard distances from rifle firing platform
  • Rifle able to fire 0.35 Whelen rounds
  • 0.35 Whelen rounds
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take one cube of 30-inch, 10 percent ballistic gelatin to the 50-yard post of a firing range where the range officer allows shooters to set up their targets.

    • 2

      Retreat to the firing line, and at the cue load a rifle with a 0.35 Whelen round. Fire the round into the cube of gelatin.

    • 3

      Retrieve the gelatin cube during the next firing break, and take it to the firing line.

    • 4

      Measure the bullet's penetration into the gel with a tape measure. Use the gel's edge and the bullet's leading tip, or conical tip, as measuring points.

    • 5

      Repeat the process with different gelatin cubes at the 100- and 200-yard firing distances.