A Tale of Two Cartridges: Origins and Purposes
Origins and Purposes
Let’s begin by examining the history and intended purposes of these two rounds. Understanding their origins will provide context for their current applications and the design choices behind them.
The 350 Legend, a relative newcomer to the scene, burst onto the market with a modern design philosophy. Conceived with the goal of providing a straight-walled cartridge for states that mandate such designs for hunting, it quickly garnered attention for its impressive performance within the restrictions imposed. Winchester developed the 350 Legend to optimize the performance of AR-15 platforms. This focus aimed to provide hunters with a cartridge that was both effective on game and compatible with commonly used and readily available firearms. The design leverages modern manufacturing techniques, allowing for high velocities and flatter trajectories than many older straight-walled cartridges. Its popularity has soared, particularly in areas with straight-walled cartridge regulations, due to its effectiveness at reasonable ranges and ease of use.
The 35 Remington, on the other hand, boasts a significantly longer history. Introduced over a century ago, it’s a true classic, a stalwart of the hunting world. This cartridge was initially designed by Remington for use in their Model 14 slide-action rifle, and it quickly found favor among deer hunters and other big game hunters. The 35 Remington is a rimmed, bottleneck cartridge, a design that reflects the manufacturing capabilities of its time. It offered a powerful round in a relatively compact package, which was ideal for lever-action rifles. The 35 Remington found its niche among hunters who appreciated its versatility and effective terminal performance, particularly in wooded environments. It has a proven track record and remains a favorite of many hunters who appreciate a cartridge that gets the job done.
A Closer Look: Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge Specifications
To better understand the key differences between these cartridges, let’s examine their specifications. While both fire bullets of approximately the same diameter, the overall design and performance characteristics differ significantly.
The 350 Legend employs a straight-walled case with a bullet diameter of .357 inches (9mm). This design is inherently different from the 35 Remington. It offers a more efficient powder burn and allows for higher velocities with lighter bullets. The cartridge is designed to be effective at medium ranges.
The 35 Remington, with the same bullet diameter, uses a more traditional bottleneck case design. The 35 Remington’s case has a slightly larger diameter at the base than the 350 Legend.
These differences have a considerable impact on the cartridge’s overall ballistic performance, which we will explore in detail later. For now, it is crucial to recognize that the 350 Legend reflects modern cartridge design principles, whereas the 35 Remington is a product of its era.
Delving into Ballistic Performance
Velocity and Energy
Ballistic performance, the science of how a projectile travels through the air, is paramount when choosing a hunting cartridge. The two most important elements are velocity and energy, as these determine how far the bullet will travel, and the amount of force delivered on impact.
Regarding velocity and energy, the 350 Legend generally holds an advantage. The 350 Legend is capable of achieving higher velocities than the 35 Remington with similar bullet weights, typically reaching speeds exceeding 2200 feet per second. This higher velocity translates to a flatter trajectory.
Trajectory
The 35 Remington, with its heavier bullets and lower velocities, exhibits a more arcing trajectory. The bullet drops more significantly over longer distances. While the 35 Remington can still be effective at medium ranges, the 350 Legend’s flatter trajectory makes it easier to compensate for bullet drop at extended distances.
Bullet Selection and Performance
Choosing the right bullet type is equally important. The 350 Legend often uses bullets ranging from 145 to 180 grains, while the 35 Remington offers a slightly wider range from 150 to 200 grain bullets. The faster velocity of the 350 Legend means that bullet expansion may be more dramatic than the 35 Remington, which delivers energy more slowly. This difference in impact energy must be considered when choosing which round is right for a specific purpose and animal.
Rifle Availability and the Practical Considerations of Cost
350 Legend: Rifle Availability
The availability of rifles chambered for each cartridge, along with the overall cost of ammunition, is an important factor.
The 350 Legend, because of its modern design, is frequently found in AR-15 platform rifles and bolt-action rifles. This is partly because the round was designed specifically for compatibility with the AR-15 platform, which is extremely popular. This variety and widespread availability mean that hunters will have several options when choosing a rifle. Furthermore, the popularity of the AR-15 platform also can lead to a lower price tag.
35 Remington: Rifle Availability
The 35 Remington, due to its age and history, is most commonly chambered in lever-action rifles. The venerable Marlin 336, for instance, is a classic chambering for the 35 Remington. Although lever-action rifles are still widely available, options are more limited compared to the 350 Legend. Finding a new rifle chambered in 35 Remington may take more research.
Ammunition Costs and Availability
Considering ammunition costs, the 350 Legend, being a more recent cartridge, has seen wider production in recent years, which has kept ammunition prices relatively competitive. The availability of ammunition for the 350 Legend is generally good. The 35 Remington, while still produced by major ammunition manufacturers, can be more expensive and may not be as readily found in all stores. The price and availability of both cartridges will be a major factor when considering which round is best.
Recoil and Handling: Considerations for Comfort and Control
Recoil
Recoil, the kick felt when firing a gun, is a significant factor affecting comfort and accuracy. Lower recoil means that a hunter can more easily keep his target in sight and make more accurate shots.
The 350 Legend, thanks to its typically lighter bullets and efficient design, usually exhibits less felt recoil than the 35 Remington. The straight-walled cartridge, with its often lighter bullet weights, contributes to a softer shooting experience. This can be particularly advantageous for new hunters or those sensitive to recoil.
The 35 Remington, with its heavier bullets and more powerful performance, will likely produce more recoil. This should be carefully considered.
Hunting Applications: Matching Cartridge to Quarry
Hunting Medium Sized Game
The primary application of both cartridges is hunting. The type of game intended, combined with the terrain to be hunted, must be considered when making a choice.
Both the 350 Legend and 35 Remington are well-suited for hunting medium-sized game, such as whitetail deer, black bear, and feral hogs. For deer and similar-sized game, the 350 Legend’s flatter trajectory and higher velocity can provide an advantage, particularly in open areas. The 35 Remington, with its reputation for effective terminal performance, is a strong contender, especially in wooded environments.
Terminal Performance
The 35 Remington’s heavier bullets have proven very effective on game. While the 350 Legend is capable, hunters will want to consider whether they will want a round designed for larger game.
Regulations and Terrain
Hunter regulations often place limitations on what types of cartridges are legal. Where straight-walled cartridges are mandated, the 350 Legend offers an obvious advantage.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of 350 Legend
To further facilitate the choice, it’s useful to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge.
The 350 Legend’s advantages include its flatter trajectory, lower recoil, and wide availability of modern rifles and ammunition.
Disadvantages of 350 Legend
The disadvantages of the 350 Legend include a possible limitation in bullet selection compared to other cartridges and the performance with heavier big game animals.
Advantages of 35 Remington
The 35 Remington has a proven track record of effectiveness on medium to large game.
Disadvantages of 35 Remington
The disadvantages of the 35 Remington include a shorter effective range and more pronounced bullet drop at longer distances.
Conclusion: Which Cartridge is Right for You?
Both the 350 Legend and the 35 Remington are worthy contenders in the hunting arena. The best choice depends on your specific priorities and hunting needs.
If you prioritize flatter trajectories, lower recoil, and compatibility with modern rifle platforms, the 350 Legend could be the better choice. Its straight-walled design also makes it ideal for areas that have specific cartridge regulations.
If you prefer a proven classic with a strong reputation for terminal performance and hunt in wooded areas at relatively close ranges, then the 35 Remington might be the better option. It is worth carefully considering your local hunting regulations and the typical terrain you will be hunting.
Ultimately, research these factors. Consider the game you will be hunting and the distances at which you typically take shots.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough assessment of your individual preferences and hunting style. Understanding the capabilities of each cartridge will help you make an informed choice and ensure that you have a reliable and effective round for your hunting endeavors. Happy hunting!
