A Journey Through Time: The Birth of Two Big-Bore Legends
Hunting with big-bore cartridges represents a certain tradition and respect for the quarry. These rounds, designed to deliver significant energy on target, provide the power needed to ethically harvest larger game. Among these options, the .35 Whelen and the .35 Remington stand out as popular choices, each with a dedicated following and a rich history. Making the right choice between these two cartridges can significantly impact your hunting experience, so understanding their differences is critical. This article will delve into the details, comparing the .35 Whelen and .35 Remington across various aspects, from their origins and ballistic performance to their suitability for different game, and ultimately, help you determine which cartridge best suits your needs.
The .35 Whelen: A Wildcat’s Rise to Prominence
The story of both the .35 Whelen and the .35 Remington is intertwined with the evolution of American hunting and firearm technology. Understanding their origins provides valuable context for their modern-day performance.
The .35 Whelen, born from the innovative mind of James E. Whelen in the early 1920s, was a wildcat cartridge. It emerged from the simple act of necking up the widely available .30-06 Springfield case to accept a .35-caliber bullet. Whelen, a prominent writer and firearms enthusiast, recognized the potential for a powerful, hard-hitting cartridge capable of taking down large game with authority. His creation quickly gained a following among dedicated hunters seeking more power than what existing factory offerings provided. Early adopters hand-loaded the .35 Whelen, experimenting with different bullet weights and powder charges to maximize its potential. The result was a cartridge that, even in those early days, showed promise for taking down elk, moose, and even brown bear. This wildcat status, however, limited its availability, requiring reloaders to make their own ammunition or use specialized sources. The cartridge finally achieved SAAMI standardization in 1988, solidifying its place in the world of factory ammunition.
The .35 Remington: A Lever-Action Icon
The .35 Remington has an equally compelling history. It was Remington’s brainchild, introduced in 1906, long before the .35 Whelen took shape. The .35 Rem was purpose-built for lever-action rifles, a platform quickly gaining popularity with hunters who needed fast-handling and reliable firearms for use in dense brush or close-quarters situations. The cartridge’s initial popularity was partially fueled by its performance in Remington’s Model 14 slide-action rifle. The .35 Remington provided more power than the common cartridges of the era, such as the .30-30, and was an ideal choice for deer and black bear in the eastern and southern United States, where dense cover was common. The .35 Remington was designed to be accurate and hard-hitting at relatively short ranges, making it a practical option for the hunting styles of the time. The Remington continues to be available today, and the cartridge enjoys a certain iconic status among hunting aficionados who appreciate its performance.
Unveiling the Ballistics: Velocity, Trajectory, and Energy
A direct comparison of the ballistic performance of these two cartridges is essential to understanding their capabilities. The .35 Whelen, with its larger case capacity, almost always has the advantage in this area, but other factors can play a role in choosing which cartridge is better.
A significant difference between the .35 Whelen and .35 Remington lies in their physical dimensions. The .35 Whelen is based on the longer .30-06 case, which means it has a longer overall cartridge length. This requires a longer action rifle, typically a bolt-action. The .35 Remington, designed for lever-action rifles, is shorter.
Velocity and Energy at the Muzzle
Let’s examine how these dimensional differences translate to performance. Using a common bullet weight, like a grain bullet, and comparing published ballistic data from reliable sources, one can see the .35 Whelen generally offers a higher muzzle velocity. This higher velocity translates to greater energy on impact. At a range of yards, the Whelen often retains more energy and has a flatter trajectory than the .35 Remington. This is especially noticeable at extended ranges.
Trajectory and Bullet Drop
The increased velocity of the .35 Whelen also contributes to a flatter trajectory. With a common load, a bullet fired from a .35 Whelen might drop a few inches at yards. Meanwhile, the .35 Remington might drop several inches at the same range, requiring a more careful hold to compensate for the drop.
Impact Energy and Recoil Comparison
In terms of energy at the muzzle, the .35 Whelen typically delivers considerably more foot-pounds of energy than the .35 Remington. Even at extended ranges, the .35 Whelen retains a considerable amount of energy, making it capable of delivering a devastating blow on target.
When considering the felt recoil, the .35 Whelen will produce considerably more recoil than the .35 Remington. The increased powder charge and higher bullet weights contribute to this. The .35 Remington, while not a pussycat, is a milder cartridge, often favored by hunters sensitive to recoil. The significance of recoil can’t be understated: excessive recoil can lead to flinching, which can reduce accuracy.
Matching the Cartridge to the Hunt: Game and Conditions
Choosing the right cartridge goes beyond ballistics; it involves matching its strengths to the target game and hunting conditions.
Game Selection: Whelen vs. Remington
The .35 Whelen has earned its reputation as a versatile cartridge. Its power and range make it an excellent choice for larger game. Elk, moose, and even black bear can be taken down cleanly and efficiently with a well-placed shot from a .35 Whelen. In certain situations, it can even be considered for brown bear hunting, although it is generally recommended to step up to a larger caliber for that.
The .35 Remington shines in environments where shots are typically close and visibility is limited. Its shorter effective range is not a disadvantage when hunting white-tailed deer or black bear in dense brush, where a shot might be measured in yards. The .35 Remington is favored by hunters who hunt in the timber or areas of thick cover. It is also a more suitable choice for hunters who are conscious of recoil and want to make quick follow-up shots.
Arms and Ammunition: The Tools of the Trade
The availability of rifles and ammunition is an important practical consideration.
Rifle Platforms: Bolt-Action vs. Lever-Action
The .35 Whelen is most frequently found in bolt-action rifles. These rifles, known for their accuracy and ability to handle high-pressure cartridges, are a natural fit for the .35 Whelen. They are generally available from a range of manufacturers.
The .35 Remington is historically linked to lever-action rifles. The Remington Model 7600, or the Marlin 336, are popular options, with their fast handling capabilities and their easy ability to chamber the .35 Remington cartridge. Lever-action rifles have a traditional appeal and are a great choice for fast follow-up shots, an important factor in certain hunting scenarios.
Factory Ammunition: Availability and Price
The availability of ammunition plays a significant role. The .35 Whelen is available as factory ammunition, but it is not as widely produced as some of the more common cartridges. The .35 Remington is also available in factory loads, but the availability might be more limited than other calibers.
The Art of Reloading: Crafting Your Own Ammunition
Reloading, the process of making your own ammunition, provides a level of customization and control over your hunting experience.
Advantages of Handloading
Reloading for either the .35 Whelen or the .35 Remington can offer significant advantages, allowing you to fine-tune your loads for optimal performance.
Component Availability
For the .35 Whelen, components such as bullets, brass cases, and reloading dies are generally available, although they might not be as common as those for more popular cartridges. There are often a large variety of bullet weights and styles available, allowing for hunters to experiment to maximize their rifle’s potential.
Reloading the .35 Remington
For the .35 Remington, reloading components are readily available. Reloading provides the opportunity to choose bullets specifically tailored to the game being hunted and to achieve the desired performance at a specific range.
Regardless of which cartridge you choose, always consult reputable reloading manuals for safe and accurate data.
Weighing the Options: A Comparative Analysis
Now, let’s summarize the pros and cons of each cartridge to provide a comprehensive overview for hunters trying to decide between these two big-bore choices.
Advantages of the .35 Whelen
The .35 Whelen offers several advantages. It boasts higher velocity and energy, resulting in a flatter trajectory and greater reach. It provides a more versatile cartridge for larger game. However, the .35 Whelen comes with the cost of greater recoil and a potentially higher cost of factory ammunition.
Advantages of the .35 Remington
The .35 Remington has its own set of strengths. Its lower recoil makes it easier to shoot accurately, especially for those sensitive to the effect of recoil. Its performance is well-suited to the tight spaces of brush country, and the availability of lever-action rifles provides for faster follow-up shots. On the other hand, the .35 Remington offers a shorter effective range than the Whelen, and it usually has a lower velocity and less energy.
The Choice is Yours: Matching the Cartridge to Your Needs
Ultimately, the decision between the .35 Whelen and the .35 Remington comes down to individual hunting preferences, the types of game hunted, and the typical shooting conditions encountered.
Consider the .35 Whelen if you regularly hunt larger game animals such as elk or moose, or if you anticipate shots at longer ranges. The .35 Whelen offers the power and reach necessary for those situations.
Choose the .35 Remington if you typically hunt white-tailed deer or black bear in brushy environments and prefer the traditional feel and fast handling of a lever-action rifle. The .35 Remington is a good choice for these circumstances.
No matter which cartridge you select, prioritize ethical shot placement and responsible hunting practices. The key is to select the tool that gives you the confidence to make a clean, humane kill. Both the .35 Whelen and .35 Remington, with their respective strengths, can provide a rewarding big-bore hunting experience.
