The question of whether the .35 Remington is a straight-walled cartridge is a common one among firearms enthusiasts, particularly those interested in hunting and lever-action rifles. The answer, while seemingly straightforward, requires a nuanced understanding of cartridge design and terminology.
Understanding Straight-Walled Cartridges
Before we delve into the specifics of the .35 Remington, let's define what constitutes a "straight-walled" cartridge. Simply put, a straight-walled cartridge features a case that runs straight from the base to the shoulder, with minimal or no taper. This design contrasts with bottlenecked cartridges, which have a distinct narrowing (the neck) towards the mouth where the bullet is seated.
Straight-walled cartridges offer several advantages:
- Reliable Feeding: The straight design promotes smoother feeding in tubular magazines, a common feature in lever-action rifles. This is crucial for consistent operation under pressure.
- Increased Capacity: Straight-walled cases often allow for a greater powder capacity within a given overall cartridge length.
- Simpler Manufacturing: Straight-walled cases are generally easier and less expensive to manufacture compared to bottlenecked designs.
The .35 Remington: A Closer Look
The .35 Remington, introduced in 1907, is a relatively short, powerful cartridge designed primarily for hunting medium-sized game. It's often associated with lever-action rifles like the Marlin 336 and Winchester 94.
So, is it straight-walled? The answer is yes, but with a slight caveat. While the .35 Remington case is predominantly straight, it does exhibit a very slight taper toward the shoulder. This taper is minimal and is often considered negligible by many, especially compared to the more pronounced taper found in bottlenecked cartridges.
This minimal taper doesn't significantly impact the cartridge's feeding reliability in tubular magazines. In practice, it functions virtually identically to a truly straight-walled cartridge in most applications.
Comparing .35 Remington to Other Cartridges
Let's compare the .35 Remington to some other popular cartridges to illustrate the difference:
- Straight-Walled Examples: Cartridges like the .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .45-70 Government are clear examples of straight-walled cartridges. These show a far more pronounced straight wall compared to the .35 Remington.
- Bottlenecked Examples: The .30-06 Springfield and .308 Winchester are prime examples of bottlenecked cartridges, showcasing a dramatic taper from the shoulder to the case mouth.
The .35 Remington falls somewhere in between these extremes, leaning more towards the straight-walled side, making it ideal for lever action rifles.
Practical Implications and Legal Considerations
The classification of the .35 Remington as essentially straight-walled has significant implications, especially for hunting regulations in certain regions. Many states have laws regulating the use of straight-walled cartridges in specific hunting seasons or for particular game animals. Always check your local hunting regulations to ensure you are compliant before heading out to hunt.
In conclusion, while technically featuring a very slight taper, the .35 Remington is practically considered a straight-walled cartridge and functions as such. Its design characteristics make it a reliable and effective round for hunting medium-sized game, especially when used in lever-action rifles. Understanding this nuance is crucial for both safe and legal firearm use.
