A Glimpse into the Past
A Journey Through Time
The world of firearms can seem vast, filled with cartridges of all shapes and sizes, each promising a unique blend of performance. For hunters and shooting enthusiasts, choosing the right ammunition is paramount, influencing everything from accuracy and range to the ethical harvest of game. Today, we delve into a comparison that often sparks debate: the 35 Remington versus the venerable 45-70. Both cartridges have earned their place in the annals of firearms history, but they offer very different characteristics. This article will provide a comprehensive look at these two rounds, examining their ballistics, practical applications, and the environments where each truly shines. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter considering a new rifle or a curious shooter eager to learn more, this comparison will give you a clear understanding of their strengths, their limitations, and which might be the better choice for your specific needs.
The 45-70 and Its Origins
To truly appreciate the 35 Remington and 45-70, we must first understand their origins and the context in which they were created. Each cartridge represents a specific moment in firearms evolution, reflecting the technological advancements and the hunting needs of its time.
The 45-70, officially known as the 45-70 Government, emerged during an era of intense innovation in military and civilian arms. It was adopted by the United States Army, serving as the primary cartridge for the Springfield Model single-shot rifle. This marked a significant step up from its predecessors, offering improved range and stopping power. The 45-70 quickly became synonymous with the American West, playing a critical role in the hunting of buffalo and other large game. The cartridge gained a reputation for its ability to bring down even the largest animals, making it a favorite among frontiersmen and hunters alike. Its robust design and powerful performance cemented its place in history. This cartridge wasn’t just a tool; it was a symbol of the American spirit of rugged self-reliance.
The 35 Remington and Its Debut
On the other hand, the 35 Remington entered the scene in the early twentieth century, a time of advancement in smokeless powder technology and the increasing popularity of lever-action rifles. It was designed to offer a balance of power and versatility in a lighter, more modern package. It was particularly embraced by hunters seeking a cartridge well-suited for whitetail deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game. It offered improved performance over previous cartridges, while remaining easier to handle for some shooters. The 35 Remington provided a viable alternative for hunters who didn’t need the extreme power of the 45-70. It was meant to offer a smoother recoil experience, and it was very successful in providing that. The 35 Remington, though not enjoying the same level of military adoption, made a lasting impact on the hunting scene, providing a practical and efficient option for sportsmen throughout the United States.
These two cartridges were designed for different purposes and reflect how arms and ammunition needs evolve. The 45-70 represents the legacy of black powder and a long period of military service, while the 35 Remington points to the progress and advances in smokeless powder. Their enduring presence in the shooting community speaks to their continued relevance.
Understanding the Science Behind the Rounds
Dissecting Ballistics
Let’s move beyond the history and delve into the specifics of these two cartridges. The 35 Remington and 45-70 have distinct ballistics, including case dimensions, bullet weights, velocities, and trajectories. These factors are crucial for understanding their performance.
The 45-70’s Ballistic Profile
The 45-70 is known for its substantial case, capable of accommodating large amounts of propellant. The physical dimensions allow for the use of heavy bullets, typically ranging from three hundred to five hundred grains. The traditional muzzle velocities range from around 1,300 feet per second to 1,900 feet per second, depending on the load. These figures, while seemingly slow compared to some modern cartridges, translate to a massive amount of energy at the muzzle. The trajectory of the 45-70 is relatively curved, meaning the bullet drops more significantly over longer distances. This characteristic requires careful consideration when targeting game at extended ranges, necessitating precise elevation adjustments. Many hunters enjoy the availability of black powder loads, although smokeless powder is becoming more prevalent.
The 35 Remington’s Ballistic Profile
The 35 Remington, in contrast, has a smaller case size. Its bullet weights typically fall between 180 and 200 grains. Its muzzle velocity is generally between 2,000 to 2,200 feet per second. The 35 Remington offers a flatter trajectory compared to the 45-70, enabling a more point-and-shoot approach, especially at moderate distances. While not generating the same energy as the 45-70, the 35 Remington still delivers substantial stopping power, especially for medium-sized game. The difference in trajectory between the two cartridges can be significant, with the 35 Remington exhibiting less drop over a given distance, making it a bit easier to use at longer ranges.
Ballistic data provides a foundation for comparing these two cartridges. The 45-70 has more power, thanks to its heavier bullets and the ability to accommodate more propellant. The 35 Remington, on the other hand, typically offers a flatter trajectory and more manageable recoil, making it potentially more user-friendly for many shooters. Bullet selection plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of either cartridge.
Performance in the Field and at the Range
Hunting and Shooting Applications
Beyond raw ballistics, the real test of any cartridge comes in practical application: hunting and target shooting. Let’s consider how these two cartridges perform in different scenarios.
The 45-70’s Field Prowess
The 45-70 produces significant recoil, which can be felt when shooting. This characteristic often dictates that the shooter is able to handle the substantial force. Its effectiveness is especially apparent when hunting large game, such as bear, elk, or even moose. The heavy bullets, coupled with the high energy, deliver a devastating impact, resulting in quick and ethical harvests. The ability of the 45-70 to penetrate thick hides and bone is a major advantage. However, the trajectory of the 45-70 must be carefully managed at longer distances, as bullet drop becomes more pronounced.
The 35 Remington’s Field Prowess
The 35 Remington’s recoil is considerably less, making it more pleasant to shoot, especially for extended periods or for shooters who are sensitive to recoil. It excels in situations where quick follow-up shots may be needed. The 35 Remington is a superb choice for whitetail deer, black bear, and similar-sized game. Its flatter trajectory, combined with good bullet expansion, makes it a versatile option for woods hunting. The cartridge’s performance is particularly impressive at moderate ranges, where it delivers a good balance of power and accuracy.
Selecting the right bullet type is crucial for both cartridges. For the 45-70, hunters often choose bullets designed for deep penetration and expansion, such as those with bonded cores or controlled-expansion designs. For the 35 Remington, a well-constructed expanding bullet is best to promote good stopping power and energy transfer.
The choice between these two cartridges ultimately depends on the quarry and the hunting environment. The 45-70 shines when facing tough, large animals, while the 35 Remington often finds a more practical balance between power, range, and shootability for medium-sized game.
The Rifles that House the Rounds
Firearm Platforms
The firearms platforms that chamber the 35 Remington and 45-70 are another aspect to consider. The rifles used will affect the handling, feel, and overall shooting experience.
Rifles Chambering 45-70
The 45-70 has been chambered in many firearms designs, including classic lever-action rifles. These are often associated with the historical use of the cartridge. The lever-action platform is especially popular because it offers a fast and reliable action for quick follow-up shots, which is important when pursuing dangerous game. The 45-70 is also found in single-shot rifles. These rifles can accommodate the powerful cartridge with a solid and robust construction, making them ideal for hunters and shooters.
Rifles Chambering 35 Remington
The 35 Remington is frequently found in lever-action rifles, specifically those manufactured by Marlin and Remington. The lever-action platform offers fast cycling for quick follow-up shots. The 35 Remington has also been chambered in pump-action rifles, adding another platform to consider. The availability of different rifle platforms gives shooters many choices.
The availability of rifles for both the 35 Remington and 45-70 is good, with a wide selection of models. Depending on personal preferences and hunting needs, buyers can choose from different rifle designs.
Ammo Availability and Price Considerations
Economic Factors
For any cartridge, the availability of ammunition is essential. Let’s compare the options and costs associated with the 35 Remington and 45-70.
45-70 Ammunition
The 45-70 is a well-established cartridge, and ammunition is generally available. A range of factory loads from different manufacturers is common. The cost of 45-70 ammunition can vary depending on the bullet type, brand, and availability. This is a popular cartridge, so finding different loads can be fairly easy.
35 Remington Ammunition
The 35 Remington is also a popular cartridge for hunting and has its fair share of ammunition. There is a good selection of loads from reputable manufacturers. The cost of 35 Remington ammunition is typically comparable to that of other popular hunting cartridges.
The choice of which is the better cartridge depends not just on the cartridge, but also the rifle. Buying the cartridges can affect the cost of shooting, so price considerations are part of any buying decision. Reloading provides greater control over ammunition costs and performance. For those who handload, the cost of components, such as bullets, powder, and primers, can be optimized.
The Strengths and Weaknesses in a Simple View
Quick Takeaways
To recap, let’s summarize the pros and cons of the 35 Remington and 45-70:
The 45-70 is known for its raw power and proven ability to take down the largest game animals. The cartridge is associated with great tradition. However, the 45-70 produces more recoil, and its trajectory can require more adjustments when shooting at distances.
The 35 Remington offers less recoil, better accuracy, and a more manageable trajectory. The cartridge also has sufficient power for whitetail deer. On the other hand, the 35 Remington does not offer as much range.
Which Cartridge is Right for You?
Making a Choice
Choosing the right cartridge depends on your individual needs and hunting goals. If you’re primarily hunting large and dangerous game at shorter to moderate ranges, such as bears or elk, the 45-70 may be the better choice. Its power and penetration will be valuable in those situations. However, if you’re planning to target medium-sized game like deer or smaller black bear, and you prefer a flatter trajectory and less recoil, the 35 Remington may be a better fit. The 35 Remington’s performance is very effective at moderate ranges, and it provides enjoyable shooting. Consider the environment you’ll be hunting in and the average distance of your shots.
The choice is not always clear-cut. Both cartridges excel in specific roles. Carefully evaluate your hunting needs and preferences.
In Closing
Final Thoughts
The 35 Remington and the 45-70 represent two different philosophies in cartridge design. The 45-70 provides raw power for large game. The 35 Remington provides a more manageable experience. Both cartridges have found success in hunting and shooting. Understanding their differences enables you to make an informed decision.
This comparison has hopefully helped you to understand these two rounds. Whether you are choosing a cartridge for the first time or are just curious, it’s important to assess your needs and expectations.
Please share your experiences with either the 35 Remington or the 45-70 in the comments below. Let us know what you find.
