Introduction
The allure of the lever-action rifle, a symbol of American heritage and rugged reliability, continues to captivate hunters and shooting enthusiasts worldwide. This iconic firearm platform, known for its rapid cycling and user-friendliness, offers a unique blend of nostalgia and practical performance. Within the realm of lever-action cartridges, a diverse range of options exists, each designed to excel in specific hunting scenarios. Today, we delve into a head-to-head comparison of two popular choices, each with its own passionate following: the 360 Buckhammer and the venerable 35 Remington.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison, equipping you with the knowledge to choose the cartridge best suited for your hunting needs. We will examine ballistics, field performance, versatility, ammunition availability, and other critical factors. Our goal is not simply to declare a “winner,” but to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of both cartridges, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific hunting style, game preferences, and geographic location. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter seeking to refine your choice or a newcomer exploring the world of lever-action rifles, this comparison will offer valuable insights. The 360 Buckhammer, the new kid on the block, and the 35 Remington, a seasoned veteran, are both excellent choices, but understanding their nuances is paramount to making the right decision. Let’s explore the fascinating world of these cartridges, and learn which one is the best fit for your next hunting adventure.
Historical Context and Development
The 35 Remington boasts a rich history, dating back to the early twentieth century. Introduced in 1906 by Remington Arms, it quickly gained popularity for its power and effectiveness in the timbered forests and brushy landscapes prevalent in many parts of North America. It was specifically designed for the company’s Model 14 pump-action rifle but quickly found a home in lever-action rifles, most notably the Marlin Model 336. The 35 Remington offered a step up in power compared to many other cartridges available at the time, allowing hunters to confidently pursue whitetail deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game. Its relatively large bullet diameter and moderate velocity provided a combination of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it a favorite among hunters of the era. The cartridge’s legacy continues today, solidifying its position as a classic lever-action cartridge that has filled countless freezers with venison.
The 360 Buckhammer, on the other hand, represents a more modern approach to lever-action hunting. Developed by Remington and introduced in 2020, the 360 Buckhammer was designed to be a straight-walled cartridge with enhanced performance for hunters in states that mandate such designs. It was specifically engineered for use in lever-action rifles, offering excellent ballistics and improved downrange performance compared to some older straight-walled cartridges. The intent behind the Buckhammer was to provide hunters with a high-performance option for states with restrictions while also delivering impressive range and accuracy capabilities. Its arrival signals a modern resurgence in lever-action technology, with a focus on optimization for specific hunting regulations.
Ballistics Comparison
When comparing these cartridges, a deep dive into their ballistic characteristics is essential. This will reveal the differences in how they perform in flight, and ultimately, their effectiveness in the field.
Bullet Diameter and Weight
The bullet diameter is the first element of the comparison. The 35 Remington uses bullets that are .358 inches in diameter, a size that is well-established in the hunting community for its ability to create a substantial wound channel. The 360 Buckhammer uses bullets with a .358-inch diameter as well, which is the same as the 35 Remington. This similarity ensures that both cartridges use bullets that are widely available and offer a similar potential for effective expansion and penetration.
Now, let’s compare the common bullet weights. The 35 Remington typically uses bullets ranging from 180 to 200 grains. These heavier bullets contribute to its stopping power, while also providing good performance in brushy environments. The 360 Buckhammer, being a more modern cartridge, is often loaded with bullets ranging from 180 to 200 grains as well, offering hunters a similar range of choices in bullet weights. This allows hunters to choose the right bullet for their target game.
Velocity and Energy
Let’s examine velocity and energy. The 35 Remington’s muzzle velocities will usually be a little lower due to its design. Depending on the load and bullet weight, you can expect muzzle velocities between 2000 and 2200 feet per second. The 360 Buckhammer, due to its more modern design and optimized powder capacity, has a higher muzzle velocity. These loads often achieve speeds of around 2400 feet per second. The difference in velocity translates directly into a flatter trajectory and greater downrange energy, which can increase the effective range of the Buckhammer.
The energy the bullets possess is one of the most important factors to evaluate, as it significantly impacts the stopping power of the cartridge. The 35 Remington, with its lower velocity, delivers muzzle energies that are typically in the 1800 to 2000 foot-pounds range, depending on the bullet weight. At longer distances, this energy drops off more quickly, making it ideal for shots within moderate ranges. The 360 Buckhammer, thanks to its higher velocity, offers higher muzzle energy, often exceeding 2300 foot-pounds. This higher initial energy translates to more retained energy at longer ranges, leading to a longer effective range. This could be the difference you’re looking for.
Trajectory
To further understand their capabilities, let’s compare trajectories. The flatter the trajectory, the less you need to compensate for bullet drop at extended ranges. The 35 Remington, with its slower velocity, exhibits a more pronounced arc over distance. While perfectly capable at moderate ranges, it requires greater holdover at longer distances. The 360 Buckhammer’s flatter trajectory makes it easier to shoot at extended distances, reducing the need for precise holdover adjustments. A shooter who knows how to account for these factors can still utilize the 35 Remington with great success, but the advantage in trajectory goes to the Buckhammer.
Performance on the Target and in the Field
The numbers tell an important story, but the true test of a cartridge lies in its performance. Let’s examine how these two cartridges perform in the real world, both at the range and in hunting situations.
Accuracy
Accuracy is an important aspect of hunting. The 35 Remington is known for its inherent accuracy, especially when used with a quality lever-action rifle. The accuracy potential often depends on the rifle and the shooter. Consistent groupings are achievable at ranges typically used for hunting, making the 35 Remington a reliable choice for close to medium-range hunting. The 360 Buckhammer, with its more modern design and often tighter tolerances in rifle manufacturing, has the potential to be even more accurate, especially at longer distances. However, shooter skill and the quality of the rifle and optics remain the dominant factors affecting accuracy.
Terminal Ballistics
Terminal ballistics are the key to a quick and ethical harvest. The .358-inch bullets used by both cartridges are known for their ability to expand effectively upon impact. The 35 Remington, when loaded with properly constructed bullets, will generally provide excellent penetration and expansion on medium-sized game, creating a significant wound channel. The 360 Buckhammer, with its higher velocity and access to modern bullet designs, can offer even better terminal performance, potentially resulting in quicker knock-down power and more dramatic wound channels, depending on bullet selection.
Recoil
Recoil is an important consideration. The 35 Remington, while not known for excessive recoil, does produce a noticeable push. The level of recoil can be managed, even for less experienced shooters. The 360 Buckhammer has a similar recoil profile, though depending on bullet weight and rifle weight, it could be slightly more noticeable due to the higher velocity.
Effective Range
The effective range of a hunting cartridge is a combination of accuracy, trajectory, and terminal performance. The 35 Remington shines at ranges of 150 to 200 yards, depending on the hunting conditions and the shooter’s skill. Within this range, it delivers reliable accuracy and terminal performance. The 360 Buckhammer’s flatter trajectory and higher retained energy extend its effective range, allowing for accurate and ethical shots at distances beyond 250 yards in optimal conditions.
Versatility and Application
Beyond the technical aspects of ballistics, the real-world versatility of each cartridge is worth examining.
Game Animals and Hunting Situations
Both the 35 Remington and the 360 Buckhammer are well-suited for whitetail deer, a primary target for many hunters. The 35 Remington’s proven effectiveness in the deer woods has made it a favorite for generations. The 360 Buckhammer’s flatter trajectory and higher energy levels make it an excellent choice for deer in areas where longer shots are more common. Both cartridges are adequate for black bear, especially at closer ranges.
The intended hunting situation also plays a critical role. The 35 Remington excels in brushy areas and timbered environments where shots are typically taken at shorter distances. Its heavier bullets hold up well when encountering obstacles, and its moderate recoil makes for quick follow-up shots in tight cover. The 360 Buckhammer’s flatter trajectory is best utilized in more open areas, like fields and clearings, where shots at extended ranges are more common.
Rifle Availability
The availability of rifles chambered in each cartridge is an important factor to consider. The 35 Remington has been around for a long time, leading to numerous rifles chambered in this round. The Marlin 336 has been the most common rifle chambered for this round. The 360 Buckhammer is a new cartridge, which means fewer rifles currently support this cartridge. However, the cartridge is being embraced by many manufacturers.
Ammunition and Reloading
The availability of ammunition and the potential for reloading are significant considerations for any shooter.
Ammunition Availability
The 35 Remington enjoys widespread availability of factory ammunition. Numerous manufacturers offer a range of bullet weights and types, allowing hunters to tailor their loads to their specific needs. While ammo supply fluctuates, the availability of ammunition for the 35 Remington is generally easy. The 360 Buckhammer is still in its early stages, but ammunition availability is increasing rapidly. The choice of available bullet weights and types might not be as diverse as that of the 35 Remington, but more options are coming out regularly.
Reloading Potential
The ability to reload can be a major advantage for any hunter or shooter. Both cartridges are relatively straightforward to reload, making it easy to customize loads. Reloading can provide hunters with custom loads for optimal accuracy and terminal performance.
Pros and Cons
A clear look at the pros and cons of each cartridge can help make the best choice.
360 Buckhammer Advantages and Disadvantages
The 360 Buckhammer offers the following advantages: a flatter trajectory, increasing effective range; higher muzzle velocity, providing more energy at longer distances; and modern cartridge design, potentially leading to higher accuracy and bullet performance. Some of the drawbacks might include less factory ammunition availability, depending on your location.
35 Remington Advantages and Disadvantages
The 35 Remington’s advantages include its established history and proven track record, making it an excellent choice. The cartridge is available almost everywhere. Disadvantages might be a more arched trajectory, and lower velocities which may lead to less retained energy and effective range.
Which Cartridge is Right For You?
Choosing between these two cartridges comes down to your individual preferences and hunting style. The 35 Remington remains a good option for hunters who primarily hunt in close cover, where shots are typically under 200 yards. Hunters who favor the classic lever-action experience and appreciate a proven performer will find much to admire. It’s a true workhorse of the hunting world.
For hunters who anticipate taking longer shots, or who hunt in more open terrain, the 360 Buckhammer is a strong contender. Its flatter trajectory and higher energy levels provide a significant advantage at extended ranges. The 360 Buckhammer is a more modern design with improved ballistic performance.
Conclusion
The 360 Buckhammer and the 35 Remington are both compelling choices for lever-action hunters. The 35 Remington is a timeless cartridge with a history of success and ease of use. The 360 Buckhammer represents a newer generation with improved ballistic performance. The best choice ultimately depends on your specific hunting needs and preferences. By considering the factors we have discussed, you can make an informed decision and choose the cartridge that best suits your hunting style.
Ultimately, whether you choose the 35 Remington or the 360 Buckhammer, you will be armed with a versatile and reliable tool that offers excellent performance in the hunting field.
Remember to choose the cartridge that aligns with your individual hunting style, the game you pursue, and the environment in which you hunt. Happy hunting.
