Remington Core-Lokt 35 Whelen 250 gr Pointed Soft Point Ammunition: Unrivaled Power for North American Big Game

For serious hunters pursuing medium to large North American game, the choice of ammunition is paramount. When performance, reliability, and devastating terminal ballistics are non-negotiable, the Remington Core-Lokt 35 Whelen 250 gr Pointed Soft Point (PSP) ammunition stands out as a definitive solution. This isn't just a bullet; it's a legacy of hunting excellence packed into a potent cartridge, designed to deliver ethical, one-shot takedowns.

Understanding the .35 Whelen: A Heritage of Power and Versatility

What makes the .35 Whelen such a revered cartridge among seasoned hunters? Developed in the early 20th century as a wildcat cartridge before its standardization by Remington in 1987, the .35 Whelen fills a unique niche. It effectively bridges the gap between classic deer cartridges and heavy magnums, offering significantly more power than a .30-06 Springfield without the punishing recoil often associated with cartridges like the .375 H&H Magnum.

Why Hunters Choose the .35 Whelen:

• Non-Magnum Powerhouse: The .35 Whelen delivers magnum-level energy and knockdown power without the need for a magnum-length action or belt, making it highly adaptable to standard bolt-action rifles.
• Superior Bullet Mass: With a .358-inch diameter, the .35 Whelen launches heavier bullets than typical .30-caliber cartridges. This increased bullet mass translates to greater momentum and deeper penetration, crucial for cleanly harvesting large, tough-skinned animals.
• Reduced Recoil Profile: Compared to other cartridges offering similar energy levels, the .35 Whelen is surprisingly manageable. Its efficient powder burn and bullet weight distribution contribute to a more comfortable shooting experience, enabling quicker follow-up shots if necessary and reducing shooter fatigue during extended hunts.
• Versatility Across Game and Terrain: From dense Eastern forests to open Western plains, the .35 Whelen excels. It’s a superb choice for a wide array of game species, adapting well to various hunting distances.

Common Questions About the .35 Whelen:

• Is the .35 Whelen a good elk cartridge? Absolutely. Its potent energy, substantial bullet weight, and deep-penetrating capabilities make it an outstanding choice for elk, often delivering one-shot kills with proper shot placement.
• What is the effective range of a .35 Whelen? While primarily known for its effectiveness in timber and at moderate ranges, the .35 Whelen with a 250-grain bullet can be effective out to 250-300 yards for large game, provided the shooter knows their rifle's ballistics. Its energy retention is impressive at these distances.
• How does the .35 Whelen compare to .30-06 Springfield? While both are excellent cartridges, the .35 Whelen generally offers a significant step up in kinetic energy and bullet frontal area, particularly with heavier bullets. This translates to more profound tissue damage and greater hydrostatic shock, leading to quicker incapacitation of larger animals. For deer-sized game, both are excellent, but for moose, large bears, or elk, the .35 Whelen often provides an added margin of confidence.
• What firearms are typically chambered in .35 Whelen? Many reputable rifle manufacturers, including Remington, Ruger, and Winchester (though less common now), have produced rifles chambered in .35 Whelen, primarily in bolt-action configurations. Its adaptability to a standard .30-06 length action makes it a popular re-chambering option as well.

The Legendary Remington Core-Lokt: "The Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods"

At the heart of this formidable cartridge is the Remington Core-Lokt bullet, a design that has earned its iconic status over 80 years of proven performance. Often dubbed "The Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods," the Core-Lokt's success lies in its simple yet profoundly effective engineering.

What is Core-Lokt Technology?

The Core-Lokt bullet features a jacketed soft point design with a unique lead core that is "locked" to the jacket. During manufacturing, the jacket is mechanically crimped or otherwise designed to retain a significant portion of the lead core upon impact. This innovative construction ensures:

• Controlled Expansion: Unlike bullets that fragment excessively or fail to expand, the Core-Lokt expands reliably and uniformly into a classic mushroom shape. This maximizes energy transfer and creates a wide wound channel, vital for humane kills.
• Deep Penetration: The locked core retains its mass, allowing the bullet to drive deep through hide, muscle, and bone, reaching vital organs even on the largest game. This is critical for animals with thick hides or heavy bone structures.
• High Weight Retention: By minimizing lead loss, the Core-Lokt retains a high percentage of its original weight, contributing directly to its ability to penetrate deeply and deliver its full kinetic energy within the target.

The 250-grain Pointed Soft Point (PSP) variant specifically enhances the Core-Lokt's capabilities. The pointed nose improves the bullet's ballistic coefficient, allowing it to retain velocity and energy more effectively downrange compared to traditional round nose or flat nose soft points. This makes it a more versatile choice for varied hunting scenarios, including those requiring slightly longer shots.

Key Features and Benefits of Remington Core-Lokt 35 Whelen 250 gr PSP Ammunition

This specific Remington load (Product # 21499) is engineered for hunters who demand the very best in terms of reliability, power, and terminal performance.

• Caliber: .35 Whelen – A robust, non-magnum cartridge renowned for its significant stopping power on large game.
• Bullet Type: 250-grain Pointed Soft Point (PSP) Core-Lokt. This legendary bullet design ensures rapid, controlled expansion and deep, reliable penetration. Its aerodynamic profile contributes to better downrange ballistics.
• Optimized Bullet Weight: The 250-grain projectile is a prime choice for the .35 Whelen, balancing excellent energy delivery with manageable recoil. This weight is ideal for transferring maximum energy to the target while ensuring reliable cycling in your rifle.
• Exceptional Muzzle Velocity and Energy:
  • Muzzle Velocity (Approx.): Approximately 2,400 feet per second (fps). This high velocity ensures a relatively flat trajectory out to typical hunting ranges and delivers formidable initial impact.
  • Muzzle Energy (Approx.): Roughly 3,200 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This massive energy transfer upon impact is what makes the .35 Whelen so devastatingly effective on even the largest North American game.
• Consistent Manufacturing Standards: Remington ammunition is produced under rigorous quality controls, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency in velocity, pressure, and accuracy. This reliability is crucial for dependable performance in the field.
• Reliable Priming and Propellant: Each cartridge is loaded with premium propellants and reliable primers, ensuring consistent ignition and optimal burn characteristics across a range of temperatures and conditions, crucial for cold-weather hunting.
• Brass Casing: Manufactured with high-quality brass, these casings are durable and can be reloaded by handloaders, adding value for those who enjoy custom ammunition.

Real-World Use Cases and Scenarios: Where the 35 Whelen Shines

When considering what ammunition to load for your next adventure, understanding the specific advantages of the Remington Core-Lokt 35 Whelen 250 gr PSP can guide your decision.

• Elk Hunting in the Rockies: For pursuing bull elk through timbered canyons or across mountain slopes, the .35 Whelen with a 250-grain Core-Lokt offers the perfect blend of power and penetration needed to anchor these tough animals, even through heavy muscle or bone.
• Black Bear and Brown Bear Hunting: In areas where encounters with large bears are possible, the significant energy and deep penetration of the 250-grain PSP provide an essential margin of safety and effectiveness, ensuring a quick, humane harvest.
• Moose Hunting in Northern Forests: Moose are enormous, densely muscled animals that require substantial knockdown power. The .35 Whelen is widely regarded as an excellent moose cartridge, and the Core-Lokt's ability to drive deep and expand reliably makes it an ideal choice for this formidable game.
• Whitetail and Mule Deer in Heavy Cover: While perhaps considered "overkill" by some for deer, if you prefer a heavier, hard-hitting bullet that smashes through brush without deflection and anchors deer immediately, this load is superb. Its deep penetration ensures pass-throughs, leaving clear blood trails.
• As a "Do-It-All" Big Game Rifle: For hunters who own one primary rifle and pursue diverse game across various terrains, the .35 Whelen chambered with 250-grain Core-Lokt offers remarkable versatility, capable of handling everything from deer to grizzly bears (where legal and ethical).

What is the best ammunition for a .35 Whelen rifle?

While "best" can be subjective and depend on specific hunting conditions, for general-purpose big game hunting across North America, the Remington Core-Lokt 250 gr PSP is consistently rated among the top choices. Its proven track record, balanced performance, and the Core-Lokt's legendary terminal ballistics make it a reliable and highly effective option that many experienced hunters trust implicitly.

Why Choose Remington Core-Lokt for Your Next Hunt?

Choosing Remington Core-Lokt is more than just selecting a bullet; it's an investment in nearly a century of ammunition innovation and countless successful hunts. This ammunition is designed for the discerning hunter who values:

• Proven Performance: Generations of hunters have relied on Core-Lokt for its consistent ability to expand reliably and penetrate deeply, ensuring clean, humane kills.
• Unwavering Reliability: From the priming to the powder charge to the bullet construction, Remington's manufacturing excellence provides peace of mind that your ammunition will perform when it matters most.
• Optimal Energy Transfer: The 250-grain Core-Lokt in .35 Whelen delivers a massive blow upon impact, transferring an immense amount of energy to the target, leading to rapid incapacitation.
• Value and Accessibility: Remington Core-Lokt ammunition offers premium performance without the premium price tag often associated with specialized hunting loads, making it an excellent value.

For those ready to equip their .35 Whelen rifle with ammunition that matches its inherent power and versatility, the Remington Core-Lokt 250 gr PSP is an exceptional choice. It represents a commitment to ethical hunting and superior results in the field. This high-performance ammunition is readily available to hunters at DEGuns.com, your trusted source for quality firearms and shooting supplies. Secure your boxes today and experience the legendary performance of Remington Core-Lokt.

Product Details Summary

Feature	Specification
Manufacturer	Remington Ammunition
Product Line	Core-Lokt High Performance
Caliber	.35 Whelen
Bullet Type	Pointed Soft Point (PSP) Core-Lokt
Bullet Weight	250 Grains
Cartridges Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Muzzle Velocity	Approx. 2,400 fps
Muzzle Energy	Approx. 3,200 ft-lbs
Remington Model No.	21499
UPC	047700072004