.35 Rem. Question??

[parson48]

Indiana DNR is considering expanding their current legal deer rifle definitions to include cartridges 357 or greater, with max case length of 1.8". I would like to get some input on how you think a .35 Rem handi would perform if the cases were trimmed to this length?

[PawPaw]

1.  The .35 Remington would perform excellently on deer.  My first deer rifle was a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington and the deer I shot with it were DRT  (Dead Right There).  My son carries it now, and it'll still deliver a 200 grain bullet at 2000 fps.

2.  The SAAMI spec case length on the .35 Remington is 1.920.  If I know Game Wardens, they'll have a list in their pocket that catalogs the various "acceptable" cartridges for deer.  I'd bet a dime against a donut that the .35 Remington won't be on that list.  You might be able to ake a legal argument that you trimmed the case to 1.8", but you'd have to argue that in Court.

3.  The .357 Remington Maximum might be a better choice.  With a SAAMI spec case length of 1.605, you should be able to throw a 180 grain hard-cast bullet to 1600 fps or better.

4.  Then again, a rifled slug barrel might be the best choice.

[PawPaw]

Then again, 44 Magnum and .45 Colt fit within those specs.  At the velocity we're talking about, mass has a quality all it's own.  The .44 Magnum will push a 240 grain bullet plenty fast and plenty hard.  As will the .45 Colt.

[parson48]

PawPaw,

Appreciate the input. Indiana's law is written to allow for modified, or wildcat cartridges. They simply have to be more than .357 diameter, and fall within minimum and maximum lengths.

I don't know if cutting the .35 down to 1.8" will be likely adversely affect accuracy.

I have a .357 that I've reamed to max, so I'll likely use it this year, but would like other opinions on possibly using the .35 Rem in a shortened case.

[jedman]

    The 357 Herrett would be ideal if you can go to 1.8".       Jedman

[trotterlg]

I have a 35 remington and the 357 Herrett reamers, the Herrett is simple, just use a 30-30 ejector and you are set.  Larry

[PawPaw]

PawPaw,

Appreciate the input. Indiana's law is written to allow for modified, or wildcat cartridges. They simply have to be more than .357 diameter, and fall within minimum and maximum lengths.

I don't know if cutting the .35 down to 1.8" will be likely adversely affect accuracy.

I have a .357 that I've reamed to max, so I'll likely use it this year, but would like other opinions on possibly using the .35 Rem in a shortened case.

Shortening the case shouldn't affect accuracy, as long as you have enough neck to hold the cartridge.  We generally consider that a neck is long enough if it's one caliber long.    Additionally, you can seat the bullet out, if you have enough bullet and enough neck.

For example.  When we're out of .357 Magnum brass, we can load .38 Special brass to .357 lengths with no loss of power or accuracy.

Trim your brass to the length required by law, then load the cartridge to the standard OAL.  The rifle won't know that the brass has been trimmed and the bullet will start its trip at the same place in the throat.    If my figures are correct, the case is 1.920 long and the neck is 0.336, which isn't optimum, but seems to work fine for the caliber.

Trim the case to 1.800, the seat a couple of bullets and see if they're stable in the case. 

One consideration is which rifle you're going to use.  If for the Handi, no problem, but if they're for a lever gun, I'd apply a nice crimp.

[ihookem]

It's nice to see them lighten up some on brass guns. I don't know how many make the list but it's not many, but at least some. The 44 mag. should be ideal in this case. Also, there is a 44/357 that might be good. In Wisconsin, rifles of any sort .22 center fire or larger is legal. The south east corner is shotgun / handgun / muzzy only but every year new areas open up to rifles too. There is a very close watch on injuries in every area of the state. We have been finding out there just is no difference in injuries during the regular gun seasons when areas open up to rifles. None at all. Indiana doesn't have to follow us, I'm just saying here is some ammo for your argument. Interesting new law though.

[parson48]

Thanks for all comments. We're not sure that this will become law, but, typically, if it makes it to this point, then the recommendations are adopted. If it happens, it will be applicable beginning with the 2011 season.

[eskimo36]

I have a Trotter 357 Herrett in a 16.5" handi.  There is a lot of performance in that package.