A Wildcat 35-284 Cartridge for Moose | Gun Talk Radio

Published on October 2, 2023
Duration: 6:10

This segment from Gun Talk Radio features a discussion about a custom 35-284 wildcat cartridge used for moose hunting in Alaska. A caller shares his experience taking a bull moose at close range with this handloaded round, which is a necked-up 284 Winchester. The conversation also touches on the practicalities of processing large game, including the weight of moose hides and the importance of field care for meat quality.

Quick Summary

The 35-284 is a custom wildcat cartridge, handloaded by necking up a 284 Winchester case to accept a 35 caliber bullet. It's considered effective for moose hunting, with a caller sharing success using a 220-grain bullet at close range. Processing moose involves significant effort, including handling heavy hides.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction to Gun Talk Radio Segment
  2. 00:32Caller Paul from Alaska Shares Moose Hunt
  3. 00:54Discussing the 35-284 Wildcat Cartridge
  4. 01:21Comparison to Winchester 71 in 348
  5. 02:08Origin of the 35-284 Cartridge
  6. 02:23Bullet Selection for the 35-284
  7. 02:46Hunting Distance and Location
  8. 02:56The Party Starts: Game Processing
  9. 03:37Volume of Game Meat and Processing Time
  10. 04:00Importance of Field Care and Meat Quality
  11. 04:22Moose Hide Handling and Weight
  12. 05:12Weight of Green Moose Hides
  13. 05:33Methods for Packing Out Hides
  14. 05:4835-284 as a 358 Winchester Alternative

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 35-284 cartridge and how is it made?

The 35-284 is a wildcat cartridge, meaning it's not commercially produced. It's created by handloaders who take a 284 Winchester case and neck it up to accept a 35 caliber bullet. This custom approach allows for tailored performance for specific hunting needs.

Is the 35-284 cartridge suitable for hunting large game like moose?

Yes, the 35-284 is considered effective for moose hunting, especially at closer ranges. The discussion highlights its ability to put down large animals, with a caller sharing success using a 220-grain bullet at approximately 12 yards.

What are the practical challenges of hunting moose in Alaska?

Hunting moose in Alaska presents significant logistical challenges, particularly concerning game processing. A single green moose hide can weigh over 150-200 pounds, making it difficult to pack out. The sheer volume of meat also requires substantial effort and time to process.

What are some effective bullet choices for the 35-284 cartridge when hunting moose?

For the 35-284 cartridge, heavier bullets are generally preferred for big game. The caller mentioned using a Nosler bullet around 220 grains and expressed a preference for Barnes mono-bullets, which are known for their terminal performance on large animals.

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