The Thrill of the Big Bore
For hunters who seek a potent mix of power, stopping ability, and a touch of nostalgia, big-bore cartridges hold a special allure. They represent a return to simpler times, where the goal was a decisive one-shot solution, and the emphasis was placed on a bullet’s devastating impact. Among these classic rounds, the .35 caliber offerings, in particular, have earned a dedicated following. Two stand out prominently in this category: the venerable .35 Remington and the more powerful .35 Whelen. Both offer excellent performance in the field, but they are distinctly different cartridges, catering to different needs and hunting styles. This article will delve into a detailed comparison of the .35 Remington and .35 Whelen, allowing you to make an informed decision about which big-bore round is best suited for your hunting aspirations.
Delving into the History of the Thirty-Five Remington
The .35 Remington, born in 1906, enjoys a distinguished legacy. It emerged from the design team at Remington, a company that has always been at the forefront of cartridge innovations. Intended to be a more powerful alternative to the .30-30 Winchester, the .35 Remington quickly found its niche. It was initially chambered in the Remington Model 8, a semi-automatic rifle, but its popularity soared when Remington released it in their iconic Model 14 pump-action rifle and, later, the Model 141.
The .35 Remington’s charm lies in its balance of power and practicality. The round was designed to be effective at ranges typical of woodland hunting, which was a common hunting style during the early 20th century. The cartridge’s modest recoil also enhanced its user-friendliness. This combination of traits has allowed the .35 Remington to endure, becoming a favorite for hunters across North America.
Exploring the Ballistics of the .35 Remington
The .35 Remington is typically loaded with bullets ranging from 150 to 200 grains. A common load features a 200-grain bullet pushed at a muzzle velocity of around 2,000 feet per second. At the muzzle, the 200-grain bullet generates approximately 1,775 foot-pounds of energy. This energy quickly dissipates, as is typical with a round of its power class. Practical effective ranges for a .35 Remington are generally considered to be up to 200 yards. Bullet drop is significant at longer distances, necessitating precise holdover adjustments. However, inside of those ranges, the .35 Remington is a formidable game-getter, delivering substantial impact.
The Advantages of the Thirty-Five Remington
The .35 Remington presents several distinct advantages. Its moderate recoil makes it a comfortable rifle to shoot, a particularly beneficial trait for new hunters or shooters who are recoil-sensitive. The readily available and relatively inexpensive ammunition makes the .35 Remington an appealing choice for those who frequently practice and want to avoid excessive ammunition costs. The cartridge’s compact size and moderate power also make it a great choice for lever-action rifles, known for their quick handling and maneuverability in tight spaces. For those who hunt primarily in brush-covered areas or at ranges within 200 yards, the .35 Remington provides an excellent blend of effectiveness and ease of use. The cartridge is suitable for medium-sized game such as whitetail deer, black bear, and even feral hogs.
The .35 Whelen: A Powerhouse Emerges
The .35 Whelen is a legend in its own right. It was the creation of gun writer and firearms enthusiast Colonel Townsend Whelen in the early 20th century, and it was an attempt to neck down the .30-06 Springfield case to accept a .35-caliber bullet. It was never officially adopted by a major ammunition manufacturer for many years, which created a cult-like following amongst reloaders and custom rifle builders. The .35 Whelen offers a dramatic step up in power from the .35 Remington, due to the larger case capacity of the .30-06 Springfield-based case. It’s designed to be a versatile, hard-hitting round.
Examining the Ballistic Capabilities of the .35 Whelen
The .35 Whelen truly shines in terms of ballistics. The .35 Whelen often pushes bullets from 200 to 250 grains at impressive velocities. A common load with a 250-grain bullet can achieve a muzzle velocity of around 2,400 feet per second, generating more than 3,200 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. Its retained energy at 200 yards remains impressive, allowing for a flatter trajectory. The .35 Whelen’s increased power expands its effective range significantly, making it a viable choice for shots out to 300 yards or even beyond, provided the shooter is proficient and can make accurate range estimations.
The Benefits of the .35 Whelen
The .35 Whelen delivers significant benefits where power is the priority. Its substantial energy levels and flatter trajectory enable it to effectively take down larger game animals, including elk, moose, and larger bears. The flatter trajectory also gives the shooter a greater margin of error regarding range estimation, making it a confidence-inspiring choice for long-range hunting. The .35 Whelen also delivers a devastating impact. This extra power delivers deep penetration and quick, reliable knockdown power. The .35 Whelen is capable of taking on tough game and difficult hunting conditions.
Comparing the Rounds: A Detailed Look
When we consider the .35 Rem vs. .35 Whelen comparison, several factors differentiate the two rounds.
Ballistic Performance Differences
The .35 Whelen clearly outperforms the .35 Remington in terms of both velocity and energy. Consider a typical load of the .35 Remington featuring a 200-grain bullet at 2,000 feet per second. Now, compare it to a .35 Whelen firing a 250-grain bullet at 2,400 feet per second. The .35 Whelen will have a much flatter trajectory over longer distances. This means the .35 Whelen bullet will experience less drop at ranges over 200 yards, which improves the odds of an accurate shot. The .35 Whelen also delivers a higher level of energy at every distance, which leads to deeper penetration and greater shocking power on impact.
Recoil Considerations
The .35 Whelen will produce considerably more recoil than the .35 Remington. This is a direct result of the .35 Whelen’s greater powder capacity and bullet weight. The .35 Remington produces recoil that is manageable for the majority of shooters. The .35 Whelen, on the other hand, can be a handful, particularly for new shooters or those who are recoil-sensitive. A properly fitted rifle and adequate practice can mitigate the effects of recoil, but the .35 Whelen does require a higher degree of commitment.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
The .35 Remington is generally more accessible and less expensive. The .35 Remington is a long-standing cartridge, and it is produced by most major ammunition manufacturers. The .35 Whelen can be a bit harder to find on the shelves of every gun store, and the prices will generally be higher. The .35 Whelen’s popularity has increased, making it more available than in the past. Reloading is a viable option for both cartridges, enabling shooters to customize their loads and potentially reduce costs.
Ideal Target Animals
The .35 Remington is generally a good choice for whitetail deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game at ranges under 200 yards. Its effective performance makes it ideal for common hunting situations. The .35 Whelen is more versatile. It is equally suited for those game animals. Its extra power makes it a better choice for larger game, such as elk, moose, brown bears, and even dangerous game such as African plains animals.
Firearm Choices
The .35 Remington is often found in lever-action rifles, which have become synonymous with the round. These lever-action rifles are easy to handle and are quick to bring up for those critical shots. The .35 Whelen is typically chambered in bolt-action rifles. The bolt-action platform can handle the higher pressures generated by the cartridge. While the bolt-action offers greater accuracy potential, its slower rate of fire may be a disadvantage in certain hunting situations.
Best Hunting Scenarios
The .35 Remington performs best in close-range, brushy, wooded environments where quick shots are important and long-range accuracy is not. It is also a good choice for hunters who appreciate the tradition and handling qualities of lever-action rifles. The .35 Whelen is best suited for longer-range hunting situations and where bigger, tougher game is on the menu. Its greater energy and reach allows for more opportunities and greater success.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the .35 Remington and the .35 Whelen is a personal decision. The best choice will depend upon the specific requirements and hunting conditions of each shooter.
Key Considerations
* **Type of Game:** What kind of game will you be pursuing? This is probably the most important factor. If you regularly hunt elk, moose, or bear, the .35 Whelen offers a definite advantage. If you primarily hunt deer, the .35 Remington is likely more than sufficient.
* **Hunting Environment:** Where do you hunt? If you primarily hunt in dense woods or brush, where shots are typically within 200 yards, the .35 Remington may be the better option due to its compact size and quick handling. If you hunt in more open country where longer shots are common, the .35 Whelen’s flatter trajectory and greater reach give it the edge.
* **Recoil Sensitivity:** Consider your tolerance for recoil. If you are sensitive to recoil, the .35 Remington is undoubtedly the better choice. If you are comfortable with a bit more kick, the .35 Whelen offers increased performance.
* **Ammunition Budget:** Consider the cost of ammunition. The .35 Remington will typically be less expensive to shoot, which can be an important consideration if you plan to practice frequently.
* **Rifle Preference:** Do you prefer lever-action rifles, bolt-action rifles, or other platforms? This can influence your decision, as the .35 Remington is often found in lever-action rifles, while the .35 Whelen is primarily in bolt-actions.
The Bottom Line
Both the .35 Remington and the .35 Whelen are fantastic cartridges that have garnered the respect of hunters all over the world. The .35 Remington provides a good mix of power, accuracy, and accessibility. It is a solid choice for those who are just starting out with big-bore hunting, or for those who appreciate the ease of use and quick handling of the classic lever-action rifle platform. The .35 Whelen delivers significantly more power and range, making it ideal for hunting larger game. To conclude, the best cartridge for you depends on your individual hunting preferences and the type of game you intend to pursue. Consider these points. Research rifles. Then, take your pick and get out into the field. Both rounds will get the job done.
Final Thoughts
The .35 Remington and .35 Whelen are both powerful rounds with significant legacies. Whichever cartridge you select, be sure to prioritize responsible hunting practices and always practice safe firearm handling. Do your research, and choose the round that’s best suited for your needs and the challenges ahead. Good hunting!
