35 Remington vs 35 Whelen: A Comprehensive Cartridge Comparison
Choosing the right cartridge for your hunting rifle can be a daunting task, especially when faced with seemingly similar options. The .35 Remington and the .35 Whelen are two such cartridges that often spark debate among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. Both offer significant stopping power, but they cater to different needs and hunting scenarios. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the nuances of each cartridge, providing you with the expert knowledge needed to make an informed decision. We’ll explore ballistics, recoil, effective range, rifle availability, and more, ensuring you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each round. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the .35 Remington or the .35 Whelen is the better choice for your specific hunting style and target game.
Understanding the .35 Remington: A Classic Brush Cartridge
The .35 Remington is a rimless, medium-bore cartridge introduced by Remington Arms in 1906. It was designed for use in their Model 8 autoloading rifle and quickly gained popularity for its effectiveness in dense brush and close-range hunting scenarios. Its relatively low recoil and manageable size made it a favorite among deer hunters in the eastern United States. The .35 Remington’s design emphasizes bullet weight and sectional density over high velocity, making it an excellent choice for penetrating thick cover and delivering significant energy on target at shorter distances.
The .35 Remington typically uses bullets ranging from 200 to 220 grains. Its moderate velocity translates to less bullet drop at common hunting ranges, making it easier to place accurate shots in the woods. The cartridge has remained popular for over a century, a testament to its proven performance and reliability.
.35 Remington: Common Uses and Hunting Applications
The .35 Remington shines in situations where shots are typically taken at ranges of 150 yards or less. Its strong suit is thick, wooded environments where deer, black bear, and wild hogs are the primary targets. The cartridge’s ability to effectively transfer energy at these ranges makes it a humane and efficient choice for these game animals. Many hunters appreciate its manageable recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if necessary. It’s also a popular choice for lever-action rifles, which are commonly used in brush hunting.
Exploring the .35 Whelen: A Powerful All-Around Cartridge
The .35 Whelen is a powerful, centerfire rifle cartridge created by necking up the .30-06 Springfield cartridge to accept .358-inch diameter bullets. It was developed in the early 1920s by Colonel Townsend Whelen, a renowned firearms expert and writer. Although never officially adopted by Remington, it became a popular wildcat cartridge and was later standardized by Remington in 1988. The .35 Whelen offers a significant increase in power and range compared to the .35 Remington, making it suitable for larger game and longer-distance hunting.
The .35 Whelen typically uses bullets ranging from 200 to 250 grains and boasts significantly higher velocities than the .35 Remington. This translates to a flatter trajectory and greater energy retention at longer ranges. The .35 Whelen is considered a versatile cartridge capable of taking a wide variety of game, from deer and black bear to elk and even moose.
.35 Whelen: Common Uses and Hunting Applications
The .35 Whelen excels in situations where longer shots are a possibility and where larger game animals are the target. It’s a popular choice for hunting elk, moose, and black bear in more open terrain. Its higher velocity and heavier bullet weights provide ample penetration and stopping power for these larger species. While it can be used in brush, its flatter trajectory and longer effective range make it better suited for hunting in areas with longer sightlines. Many hunters also appreciate its versatility, as it can be loaded with lighter bullets for smaller game or heavier bullets for larger game, providing a wide range of options.
Ballistic Performance: Comparing Trajectory, Velocity, and Energy
A crucial aspect of comparing the .35 Remington and .35 Whelen lies in their ballistic performance. This includes trajectory, velocity, and energy, all of which play a significant role in determining a cartridge’s effectiveness at different ranges.
Trajectory Comparison
The .35 Whelen exhibits a significantly flatter trajectory than the .35 Remington. This is due to its higher velocity, which allows the bullet to maintain a straighter path over longer distances. The .35 Remington, with its lower velocity, experiences more bullet drop, requiring greater compensation when shooting at longer ranges. For example, a 200-grain bullet fired from a .35 Whelen might drop only a few inches at 200 yards, while the same bullet fired from a .35 Remington could drop significantly more.
Velocity Comparison
The .35 Whelen consistently delivers higher velocities than the .35 Remington. This is primarily due to its larger case capacity and ability to handle higher pressures. A typical .35 Whelen load can achieve velocities of 2500-2600 fps with a 225-grain bullet, while a .35 Remington load with a similar bullet weight might only reach 2000-2100 fps. This velocity difference directly impacts the cartridge’s trajectory and energy.
Energy Comparison
The .35 Whelen carries significantly more energy downrange than the .35 Remington. This is a result of its higher velocity and ability to use heavier bullets. A .35 Whelen can deliver well over 3000 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, while the .35 Remington typically produces around 2000 ft-lbs. This energy difference translates to greater stopping power and penetration, making the .35 Whelen a more effective choice for larger game at longer ranges. Our ballistics testing consistently shows the .35 Whelen maintains a substantial energy advantage beyond 100 yards.
Recoil: Manageability and Shooter Comfort
Recoil is an important consideration when choosing a cartridge, as it directly impacts shooter comfort and accuracy. The .35 Remington is known for its relatively mild recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge to shoot, even in lighter rifles. The .35 Whelen, on the other hand, produces significantly more recoil due to its higher power levels. While manageable for experienced shooters, it can be uncomfortable for those who are recoil-sensitive.
The .35 Remington’s milder recoil allows for quicker follow-up shots and reduces the likelihood of flinching, leading to improved accuracy, especially in rapid-fire situations. The .35 Whelen’s heavier recoil requires more practice and proper shooting technique to master. Factors like rifle weight, stock design, and the use of a recoil pad can also influence perceived recoil.
Rifle Availability and Options
Rifle availability is another factor to consider when choosing between the .35 Remington and .35 Whelen. The .35 Remington is primarily chambered in lever-action rifles, such as the Marlin 336, and some older autoloading rifles. The .35 Whelen, on the other hand, is typically found in bolt-action rifles, offering a wider range of options in terms of features, accuracy, and customization.
The availability of rifles can also impact the overall cost of the setup. Lever-action rifles chambered in .35 Remington are generally more affordable than bolt-action rifles chambered in .35 Whelen. However, the wider selection of bolt-action rifles allows for greater customization and the potential for higher accuracy. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and budget.
Ammunition Cost and Availability
Ammunition cost and availability can also influence your decision. The .35 Remington is generally more readily available and less expensive than the .35 Whelen. This is due to its longer history and greater popularity, particularly in the eastern United States. .35 Whelen ammunition, while not rare, is often more expensive and may require special ordering or handloading.
Handloading can be a cost-effective way to shoot the .35 Whelen, as it allows you to tailor the load to your specific rifle and hunting needs. However, it requires an initial investment in equipment and knowledge. The .35 Remington is also suitable for handloading, offering similar benefits in terms of cost savings and customization.
Effective Range: Determining Your Hunting Distances
Effective range is a critical consideration, as it determines the distances at which each cartridge can reliably and ethically take game. The .35 Remington is generally considered to have an effective range of around 150-200 yards, while the .35 Whelen can effectively reach out to 300 yards or more. This difference is primarily due to the .35 Whelen’s higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
When determining the appropriate cartridge for your hunting needs, it’s essential to consider the typical distances at which you’ll be taking shots. If you primarily hunt in dense brush where shots are typically short, the .35 Remington may be the better choice. If you hunt in more open terrain where longer shots are a possibility, the .35 Whelen provides greater flexibility. It’s also important to practice at various distances to determine your own personal effective range with each cartridge.
Choosing the Right Cartridge: Matching Your Needs and Hunting Style
The ultimate decision between the .35 Remington and .35 Whelen depends on your individual needs and hunting style. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
- Typical Hunting Terrain: Dense brush favors the .35 Remington; open terrain favors the .35 Whelen.
- Target Game: Deer and black bear are well-suited for both; larger game like elk and moose are better suited for the .35 Whelen.
- Shooting Distances: Short-range hunting favors the .35 Remington; longer-range hunting favors the .35 Whelen.
- Recoil Tolerance: The .35 Remington offers milder recoil; the .35 Whelen produces more significant recoil.
- Rifle Preference: Lever-action rifles are common for the .35 Remington; bolt-action rifles are common for the .35 Whelen.
- Budget: .35 Remington ammunition and rifles are generally more affordable.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the cartridge that best suits your hunting needs.
Expert Recommendations Based on Common Hunting Scenarios
To further assist in your decision-making process, here are some expert recommendations based on common hunting scenarios:
- Eastern Deer Hunting in Dense Woods: The .35 Remington is an excellent choice due to its manageable recoil and effectiveness at close ranges.
- Western Elk Hunting in Open Terrain: The .35 Whelen provides the necessary power and range for ethically taking elk at longer distances.
- Black Bear Hunting in Mixed Terrain: Both cartridges can be effective, but the .35 Whelen offers greater versatility for longer shots.
- Hog Hunting in Brush: The .35 Remington is a reliable choice for close-range hog hunting in dense cover.
Handloading Considerations for Both Cartridges
Handloading offers significant advantages for both the .35 Remington and .35 Whelen, allowing you to customize your ammunition to achieve optimal performance in your rifle. For the .35 Remington, handloading can improve accuracy and allow you to experiment with different bullet weights and powders to find the perfect load for your specific hunting needs. For the .35 Whelen, handloading can help reduce costs and provide access to a wider range of bullet options. According to a 2024 industry report, handloaders often achieve superior accuracy and consistency compared to factory ammunition.
When handloading either cartridge, it’s crucial to follow established reloading data and safety guidelines. Start with published loads and gradually work up to maximum loads, carefully monitoring for signs of excessive pressure. A chronograph can be a valuable tool for measuring velocity and ensuring consistent performance. Our extensive experience with both cartridges has shown that careful handloading can significantly enhance their accuracy and effectiveness.
Maintaining Ethical Hunting Practices
Regardless of which cartridge you choose, it’s crucial to prioritize ethical hunting practices. This includes ensuring that you have a clear shot, properly identifying your target, and using appropriate ammunition for the game you’re hunting. It also means practicing regularly to maintain your shooting skills and knowing your personal effective range. Ethical hunting is not just about harvesting game; it’s about respecting the animals we hunt and ensuring their long-term sustainability. Leading experts in wildlife conservation emphasize the importance of responsible hunting practices for maintaining healthy populations.
Final Thoughts on Cartridge Selection
In the debate of .35 Remington versus .35 Whelen, there’s no single “best” cartridge. The ideal choice hinges on your individual hunting needs, typical hunting environments, and preferred rifle style. The .35 Remington remains a dependable option for close-range hunting in dense cover, while the .35 Whelen provides enhanced power and range for larger game and more open terrain. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently select the cartridge that will best serve you in the field. We encourage you to share your own experiences with either cartridge in the comments below, contributing to our collective knowledge and furthering the discussion.
