A Legacy Forged in the Woods: The Story of the .35 Remington
The .35 Remington cartridge has a rich history, a reputation for effectiveness, and a place in the hearts of hunters who appreciate a hard-hitting round. While several bullet weights have graced this iconic cartridge, the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load stands out as a versatile and accessible option. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of this classic load, covering its history, performance, hunting applications, and everything else you need to know to appreciate its capabilities.
To understand the power of the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain, we must first delve into the origins of the cartridge itself. Born in the early years of the twentieth century, specifically in 1906, the .35 Remington was developed by the Remington Arms Company. The primary goal was to provide a more powerful and effective round for lever-action rifles, especially the popular Model 14 pump-action rifle, offering a significant upgrade over the then-common .30-30 Winchester.
Designed to chamber in rifles with a tubular magazine, the .35 Remington boasted a slightly wider bullet diameter than the .30-30, resulting in heavier bullets and more efficient downrange energy transfer. This design choice gave the .35 Remington a decided advantage in brush and thick cover, making it ideal for the timbered environments of the Eastern United States. The cartridge found an immediate and enthusiastic audience among hunters and sportsmen, who valued its performance on game.
The original intention was to create a cartridge capable of taking medium-sized game at reasonable ranges, and in this, the .35 Remington certainly succeeded. It’s reputation for effectiveness, particularly in the classic lever-action rifles, was quickly cemented. Its popularity saw it become a favorite for hunting deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game animals. This popularity is why it continues to be manufactured and used today.
Deconstructing the .35 Remington 150 Grain Round
The 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load represents a sweet spot in the cartridge’s capabilities. Understanding the key components of this load unlocks its potential. The grain weight is a crucial piece of information. In simple terms, “grain” is a unit of measurement used to quantify the weight of a bullet, or the load in a bullet. A single grain equals a tiny fraction of an ounce. A 150-grain bullet is relatively heavy, but not the heaviest option available for this cartridge. This weight offers a balance between trajectory, recoil, and terminal performance, making it a suitable option for a variety of hunting scenarios.
The 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load is commonly available with jacketed soft point (JSP) bullets. A JSP bullet combines a lead core with a copper jacket. The jacket helps control expansion upon impact, while the exposed lead tip allows for rapid deformation upon impact. Other variations, such as hollow points (HP), are sometimes available. HP bullets expand aggressively upon impact, delivering significant energy transfer. The shape and design of the bullet, particularly the ballistic coefficient, affects how well it flies through the air and how quickly it slows down.
The typical muzzle velocity for a 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load hovers around 2200 to 2300 feet per second (fps), depending on the specific manufacturer and powder used. The muzzle energy of this load ranges near 1600 to 1700 foot-pounds. This figure decreases as the bullet travels downrange due to air resistance. Despite this drop, the .35 Remington maintains respectable energy at moderate ranges, ensuring that the bullet hits with significant force and impact.
Compared to heavier bullet weights, the 150-grain offering tends to provide slightly flatter trajectories and reduced recoil. The shooter often finds the recoil manageable, which allows for quicker follow-up shots, if needed. This, combined with good downrange performance, makes the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain a well-balanced choice.
Unlocking the Performance: Ballistics and Field Results
Understanding the ballistics of the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load provides insight into its effectiveness. A trajectory chart shows how far the bullet will drop at various distances. For example, a typical zero for a 150-grain bullet might be set at 100 yards. At 200 yards, expect a drop of several inches. This drop is not significant within the common hunting ranges but still must be considered.
The terminal ballistics, which is the bullet’s behavior upon impact with the target, are also crucial to understand. The jacketed soft point (JSP) design will typically produce excellent expansion, providing significant energy transfer to the target. The bullet will expand, creating a larger wound channel. The wound channel causes damage to vital organs.
For medium-sized game, the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain offers impressive performance. The bullet’s energy and expansion combine to deliver quick and ethical kills. The penetration is more than adequate for most whitetail deer, making this round a well-proven choice.
Hunting Applications: Putting the Load to the Test
The 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load is most commonly used for hunting medium-sized game, such as whitetail deer and black bear. It’s suitable for these animals at ranges up to 150-200 yards, though some hunters may be comfortable extending the range slightly.
When selecting the bullet, consider the type of game and the hunting conditions. For deer, a standard JSP bullet is often sufficient. However, for larger animals, or for those hunting in dense brush, a bullet designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration might be preferred.
Field performance will depend on various factors, including the bullet design, the range, and the angle of the shot. Hunters often report excellent results with this load. Many hunters have successfully taken deer, and other game, with a single well-placed shot. When used with proper shot placement, the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain proves to be a reliable and effective hunting round.
Rifles of Choice: The .35 Remington’s Companions
The .35 Remington cartridge is chambered in some great rifles. The most famous model is the lever-action rifles, such as the Marlin Model 336 and the Remington Model 141. The Marlin 336 has a reputation for accuracy, ruggedness, and reliability. The Remington Model 141, with its pump-action design, is often seen as an efficient rifle.
Finding a .35 Remington rifle is becoming more challenging, especially if one looks for a new production. The best way to purchase one is to search in used-gun markets, gun shows, and online auctions. The availability of the rifle chambered in this cartridge is generally available, especially in lever-action rifles. The 35 Remington cartridge itself continues to see production, so finding ammunition to feed the rifle is often not a problem.
The Ammunition Supply Chain
Various manufacturers produce the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain. These manufacturers include established names such as Remington, Hornady, and Federal. Each company may offer slightly different bullet designs or powder configurations, so it is worth trying different brands to discover which one works best in your rifle.
Availability is generally good, particularly for the popular 150-grain load. Pricing will vary depending on the manufacturer and the retailer. Usually, the prices fall in line with other hunting loads of similar weight. Ammunition can be easily found at most gun stores, outdoor retailers, and online vendors.
Reloading: The Art of Tailoring Your Load
Reloading offers an opportunity to customize the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load to meet specific needs or preferences. Reloading allows the hunter to explore powder selection and bullet options. This also helps to adjust the load for the rifle. Reloading can also be a cost-effective choice, especially for those who do a lot of shooting.
To reload the .35 Remington, the following components are required: brass casings, primers, powder, and bullets. The process begins with properly preparing the brass, trimming it to length, and cleaning it. Powder selection is vital. Several powders work well with 150-grain bullets, so it is best to refer to reloading manuals for recommended loads. These manuals contain safety guidelines and step-by-step instructions, including recommended powder weights and overall cartridge lengths.
Reloading requires careful attention to detail, following safety guidelines, and using appropriate equipment. Several resources exist to assist reloaders, including published reloading manuals, online forums, and local gun clubs. Reloading can be a rewarding hobby and a great way to improve the performance of the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load.
Prioritizing Safety: Responsible Gun Ownership
Safety should always be the top priority when handling firearms, regardless of the ammunition used. Proper gun handling, safe storage of both the firearm and ammunition, and the use of eye and ear protection are crucial.
Before heading to the range or the field, ensure you are familiar with the range rules. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction and treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Always make sure the action is clear, and the firearm is unloaded, before inspecting the rifle.
When reloading the 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain, carefully follow all safety protocols. Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear.
Final Thoughts: A Classic Load for Modern Hunters
The 35 Remington Ammo 150 Grain load is a testament to a classic cartridge that continues to resonate with hunters. It delivers an effective balance of performance, trajectory, and manageable recoil. It is an excellent choice for medium-sized game in various hunting conditions.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or just starting out, the .35 Remington 150-grain load is definitely worth considering. Its versatility and proven track record ensure that it will provide years of reliable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What game is the 150 grain .35 Remington best for? The 150 grain .35 Remington is most effective on medium-sized game such as whitetail deer and black bear.
What is the effective range of the 150 grain .35 Remington? The 150 grain .35 Remington can be accurately and ethically used at ranges up to 150-200 yards, depending on the hunter’s ability.
Where can I find .35 Remington 150 grain ammunition? The ammunition can be purchased at most gun stores, outdoor retailers, and online vendors.
Is the .35 Remington 150 grain a good choice for beginners? Yes, the 150 grain .35 Remington offers manageable recoil, which can be an excellent choice for beginners.
Resources and Further Reading
Remington Official Website: [Insert Remington Website Link]
Hornady Ammunition: [Insert Hornady Website Link]
Ballistics Tables: [Insert Ballistics Website Link]
Online Gun Forums: [Insert Gun Forums Link]
