Choosing the right cartridge for hunting or target shooting can be a daunting task. Three popular choices, often compared side-by-side, are the .35 Remington, the .30-30 Winchester, and the .311 diameter bullets sometimes used in older rifles. This in-depth comparison will explore the ballistics, applications, and historical context of each, helping you make an informed decision.
Ballistic Performance: Comparing the Cartridges
The key difference between these cartridges lies in their ballistic performance. This encompasses factors such as bullet weight, velocity, energy, and trajectory.
.35 Remington: Powerhouse Performance
The .35 Remington, introduced in 1905, is known for its powerful punch. It boasts a larger diameter bullet (.358") compared to the .30-30, delivering significantly more energy at closer ranges.
- Bullet Diameter: .358 inch
- Typical Bullet Weights: 200-250 grains
- Velocity: Ranges from 2000-2300 fps depending on the load and barrel length.
- Energy: High energy at close range, making it effective for deer hunting within its effective range.
Example: A 200-grain bullet from a .35 Remington rifle might leave the barrel at 2100 fps with approximately 1900 ft-lbs of energy.
.30-30 Winchester: A Classic Lever-Action Round
The .30-30 Winchester (.30-30, also written as .30/30 or .30.30) is a classic lever-action cartridge known for its versatility and historical significance. While less powerful than the .35 Remington, it’s accurate and easy to shoot.
- Bullet Diameter: .308 inch
- Typical Bullet Weights: 150-170 grains
- Velocity: Ranges from 2200-2400 fps depending on the load and barrel length.
- Energy: Generally less energy than .35 Remington, but adequate for deer-sized game at reasonable ranges.
Example: A 150-grain bullet from a .30-30 Winchester might leave the barrel at 2300 fps with approximately 1700 ft-lbs of energy.
.311 Diameter Bullets: A Look at Older Rifles
The term ".311" refers to the bullet diameter, not a specific cartridge. Many older rifles, particularly black powder era firearms, used bullets with a .311" diameter. These rifles often require cast lead bullets and have lower velocities compared to modern cartridges like the .35 Remington and .30-30 Winchester.
- Bullet Diameter: .311 inch
- Typical Bullet Weights: Highly variable, depending on the rifle and the bullet mold.
- Velocity: Substantially lower than both .35 Remington and .30-30.
- Energy: Significantly less energy at any given range.
Note: Loading for .311 rifles requires careful attention to safety and should only be undertaken by experienced reloaders with a thorough understanding of black powder firearms.
Effective Range and Applications
The effective range of a cartridge is the distance at which it can reliably deliver a humane and ethical kill on game. This is influenced by the cartridge's ballistic performance and the shooter's skill.
.35 Remington's Effective Range:
The .35 Remington's higher energy and heavier bullet provide a flatter trajectory, making it effective for shots out to approximately 200 yards on deer-sized game. Beyond this, accuracy can become problematic for most hunters.
.30-30 Winchester's Effective Range:
The .30-30 Winchester, with its lower energy, has a shorter effective range, typically considered to be around 150-200 yards for deer. Factors like bullet construction, and the hunter's skill will also affect this range.
.311 Diameter Bullets' Effective Range:
The effective range of .311 diameter bullets is significantly shorter than both the .35 Remington and .30-30 Winchester. Accurate shots should be limited to very close ranges, appropriate for smaller game.
Rifle Choices and Availability
The choice of rifle will directly impact the shooting experience. .35 Remington and .30-30 are available in various lever-action and bolt-action rifles from multiple manufacturers. .311 rifles are usually older, often requiring specialized reloading practices and potentially more maintenance.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The best cartridge—.35 Remington, .30-30 Winchester, or a .311—depends entirely on your intended use.
- For close-range hunting of larger game, the .35 Remington offers superior stopping power.
- For a versatile and historically significant lever-action cartridge, the .30-30 remains a popular and effective choice.
- For older rifles and experienced reloaders working with black powder era firearms, .311 diameter bullets can still be utilized for hunting smaller game at close ranges.
Careful consideration of these factors will help you select the perfect cartridge to meet your needs. Remember always to prioritize safety and practice responsible firearm handling.