A Look Back at Their Origins
The story of the .35 Remington starts in the early 20th century, a time of innovation in firearms design. Introduced in 1906 by the Remington Arms Company, this cartridge was specifically designed for their new Model 14 pump-action rifle and later found a home in the Model 8 semi-automatic rifle. The goal was to provide hunters with a cartridge that delivered significant stopping power in a compact package, ideal for the woods and close-range encounters with deer and black bear. The .35 Remington quickly gained popularity in the northeastern United States, solidifying its position as a favorite for whitetail hunting. Its legacy lies in its simplicity, effectiveness, and the widespread availability of rifles chambered for it.
The .35 Whelen’s creation is a tale of customization and ingenuity. Born in the 1920s, it wasn’t a factory offering initially but rather the brainchild of gun writer James E. Whelen, who envisioned a more powerful cartridge that could handle a wider array of game. Based on a .30-06 Springfield case, necked up to accept a .35 caliber bullet, the .35 Whelen was designed to deliver exceptional performance at moderate ranges. Though its popularity surged after World War II, it would take decades before the .35 Whelen became a standardized factory cartridge, eventually finding favor with hunters and handloaders who wanted to reach farther or deal with larger game. The .35 Whelen’s story is a testament to the enduring appeal of custom gunsmithing and the pursuit of optimal performance.
Dissecting the Specifications
Understanding the physical characteristics of a cartridge is crucial to grasping its capabilities. Let’s compare the fundamental specifications:
The .35 Remington boasts a case length that is shorter and less capacity than its Whelen counterpart, contributing directly to its performance limits. Its straight-walled case design makes it well-suited for lever-action rifles. Typical bullet weights range from 150 to 200 grains, giving it a wide array of bullet choices for varying hunting scenarios.
The .35 Whelen, however, is built around a significantly longer case derived from the .30-06 Springfield. This larger case gives the .35 Whelen considerably more powder capacity. Typical bullet weights often fall within the 200 to 250-grain range, and even heavier bullets can be used in some handloading scenarios.
The .35 Remington is primarily designed for lever-action rifles, it’s important to note that the rimless design found in the .35 Whelen cartridge is more commonly employed in bolt-action rifles.
Ballistic Battles: Trajectory and Energy
The trajectory of a bullet – its path through the air – is paramount for accuracy at varying ranges. The .35 Remington, with its lower muzzle velocities, experiences more bullet drop over distance. A 200-grain bullet, zeroed at 100 yards, might drop several inches at 200 yards, making precise holdover calculations necessary at longer ranges.
The .35 Whelen offers a flatter trajectory. A 250-grain bullet, zeroed at 200 yards, will generally drop less than the Remington’s bullet at a similar distance. This flatter trajectory makes it easier to compensate for bullet drop, especially at longer ranges.
When considering energy retention, the .35 Whelen generally triumphs. The higher velocity and heavier bullets translate to significantly more energy at any given range. This increased energy offers a greater margin of effectiveness on larger game, contributing to more reliable knockdown power. The .35 Remington, while adequate for its intended targets, loses energy more rapidly.
Rifle Worlds: Platforms and Preferences
The platform on which a cartridge is chambered profoundly influences the shooting experience, accuracy, and overall suitability for hunting.
The .35 Remington is intimately connected to the classic lever-action rifle. The Marlin 336 in .35 Remington is a quintessential example, offering quick handling and a familiar feel to many hunters. Its lever-action design is excellent for fast follow-up shots in brushy environments. However, the magazine capacity can be limited, and the cartridge, while suitable for moderate ranges, isn’t ideal for extended distances.
The .35 Whelen is at home in the bolt-action rifle. The longer case and higher pressures require the robust construction of a bolt-action. These rifles, such as those from Remington, offer greater magazine capacity, often better accuracy, and are typically suited for long-range shooting. The versatility of bolt-action platforms also makes them easier to equip with scopes, enhancing aiming capabilities.
Hunting Grounds: Where They Shine
The ultimate test of any hunting cartridge is its effectiveness in the field.
The .35 Remington is a superb choice for deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game found in wooded environments. Its moderate recoil and rapid follow-up shot capability, thanks to its lever-action rifle platform, make it ideal for close-quarters hunting. Hunters can confidently use the .35 Remington in forests and brushy areas where shots are typically taken at short to moderate distances.
The .35 Whelen elevates the hunting experience. It’s a powerhouse for larger game, including elk, moose, and larger bear species. While still effective on deer, its increased range and flatter trajectory make it an excellent option for more open terrains where shots can be taken at longer distances. The .35 Whelen’s added power provides a larger margin of error, helping ensure quick and ethical harvests of these larger game animals.
Feel of the Fire: Recoil and the Shooting Experience
The recoil of a firearm significantly influences the shooting experience. The .35 Remington, with its moderate powder charge, produces a manageable level of recoil, making it comfortable for most shooters. This is an advantage, especially for those new to hunting or sensitive to recoil.
The .35 Whelen’s greater powder capacity and heavier bullets translate to more substantial recoil. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as many experienced hunters are comfortable with the additional kick. However, shooters should be prepared for a more forceful experience, particularly with lighter rifles or heavier bullet loads. Proper shooting technique and practice are crucial to maintain accuracy and follow-up shots.
Ammunition Market: Availability and Value
Ammunition availability and cost are practical considerations. The .35 Remington, due to its long-standing popularity, is generally easier to find in most stores and online retailers. The ammunition is typically reasonably priced.
The .35 Whelen, though not as widely offered as the .35 Remington, can be located at most well-stocked sporting goods stores and online ammunition retailers. Ammunition prices are generally higher due to the higher cost of components. Handloaders gain a distinct advantage with the .35 Whelen, as the cartridge can be loaded to precise specifications, achieving customized performance.
Considering Advantages and Disadvantages
The .35 Remington’s key strengths lie in its easy-handling and manageable recoil in a lever-action platform. It provides great performance for deer and similar-sized game. The .35 Remington’s disadvantages involve its ballistic limitations for longer-range shooting.
The .35 Whelen’s strengths include its exceptional power for larger game and good long-range performance, and its versatility for various hunting situations. The disadvantages involve increased recoil, limited rifle options, and less widespread ammunition availability.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right .35
Choosing between the .35 Remington and the .35 Whelen depends on your specific hunting needs and preferences. If you hunt deer, black bear, or smaller game at moderate ranges, the .35 Remington in a lever-action rifle is an excellent choice. It offers a combination of ease of use, stopping power, and classic appeal.
If you seek to hunt larger game like elk or moose, or require increased range, the .35 Whelen in a bolt-action rifle is the better option. Its superior ballistics, coupled with a robust rifle platform, will provide greater confidence when facing these animals.
Ultimately, the decision rests on understanding your hunting environment, the game you pursue, and your own shooting comfort level. Both cartridges offer exciting opportunities for hunting, with the ability to harvest some of North America’s most desirable game animals. Before purchasing, consider the type of hunting you’ll be doing, the game you’ll be pursuing, and also try to handle and even shoot both types of rifles if you can to see which one feels the best in your hands. Happy hunting!
