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The 360 Buckhammer Is Reviving the Dead 35 Remington

The 35 Remington, a cartridge with roots stretching back to 1908, once ruled the deer woods of North America. Known for its hard-hitting performance and reliability, it was a staple for generations of hunters. But time hasn’t been kind to this cartridge. With fewer rifles chambered for it and limited modern ammunition availability, the 35 Remington began fading into obsolescence. Yet, as the saying goes, what’s old can be made new again. Enter the 360 Buckhammer – a cartridge designed to carry the torch for the 35 Remington while bringing a modern twist to a classic performance.

A Historical Powerhouse

A Historical Powerhouse
Image Credit: Remington

The 35 Remington earned its reputation in the mid-20th century as a formidable competitor to the ever-popular .30-30 Winchester. With its larger .35-caliber bullet, often weighing 200 grains, it carved out a niche for hunters seeking greater knockdown power at modest ranges. Lever-action rifles like the Marlin 336 chambered in 35 Remington became synonymous with rugged, close-range deer hunting. Its rimless design worked flawlessly in pump-action and autoloading rifles, making it versatile and reliable. But as hunting styles evolved and newer cartridges emerged, the 35 Remington began to fade into the background.

Why the 360 Buckhammer?

Why the 360 Buckhammer
Image Credit: Remington

The 360 Buckhammer doesn’t just revive the 35 Remington; it reimagines it. Designed specifically for lever-action rifles, the 360 Buckhammer features a rimmed case, making it ideal for the cycling mechanisms of classic lever guns. Chambered in new rifles, this cartridge is set to appeal to hunters who crave the nostalgia of traditional woods cartridges but want modern reliability and availability. With nearly identical ballistics to the 35 Remington, the Buckhammer is poised to fill the void left by its predecessor.

Ballistic Performance: A Close Match

Ballistic Performance A Close Match
Image Credit: Remington

On paper, the 360 Buckhammer and the 35 Remington are strikingly similar. Both cartridges fire .35-caliber bullets, and their energy and velocity at typical hunting ranges are nearly identical. Factory loads for the Buckhammer push 200-grain bullets at speeds of around 2,200 feet per second, slightly faster than the 2,000 feet per second typical for the 35 Remington. This increase in velocity gives the Buckhammer a modest edge in energy and trajectory, making it a touch more effective at longer ranges while maintaining the classic knockdown power hunters expect.

Modern Engineering, Classic Feel

Modern Engineering, Classic Feel
Image Credit: Remington1816

The 360 Buckhammer’s rimmed design gives it a slight advantage in lever-action rifles, offering smooth, reliable feeding compared to the rimless 35 Remington. The decision to base the Buckhammer on the .30-30 Winchester case was a deliberate nod to hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge hunting laws. These regulations restrict the use of bottleneck cartridges for safety reasons, and the Buckhammer fits the bill perfectly. It’s a cartridge designed to respect tradition while meeting modern demands.

More Rifle Options, Greater Appeal

More Rifle Options, Greater Appeal
Image Credit: Remington1816

One of the Buckhammer’s greatest advantages is its availability in newly manufactured rifles. Henry Repeating Arms, known for its high-quality lever-action firearms, already offers the Buckhammer in its Side Gate and single-shot models. Traditions Performance Firearms has also introduced the cartridge in its break-action Outfitter G3. This availability ensures hunters can access modern firearms chambered for the Buckhammer, making it far more accessible than the dwindling 35 Remington options.

The 35 Remington’s Nostalgic Grip

The 35 Remington’s Nostalgic Grip
Image Credit: Remington1816

For many hunters, the 35 Remington isn’t just a cartridge; it’s a connection to the past. Family heirlooms, like old Marlin 336s, often chambered in 35 Remington, carry sentimental value. These rifles tell stories of hunts gone by and lessons passed down through generations. While the 360 Buckhammer offers modern advantages, it’s not likely to erase the 35 Remington from the hearts of those who grew up with it.

Why Not Stick with the 35 Remington?

Why Not Stick with the 35 Remington
Image Credit: Remington1816

Some argue that the 35 Remington could be revitalized with modern manufacturing. Handloaders have long proven that the 35 Remington can be pushed to higher velocities in strong rifles, matching or even exceeding the Buckhammer’s performance. Additionally, a wider variety of factory ammunition exists for the 35 Remington than for the Buckhammer—at least for now. However, with so few new rifles chambered for the 35 Remington, its future remains uncertain.

Straight-Wall Cartridges: The Driving Force

Straight Wall Cartridges The Driving Force
Image Credit: Remington1816

The rise of the 360 Buckhammer is closely tied to the growing popularity of straight-wall cartridges. In states that require these cartridges for hunting, calibers like the .450 Bushmaster and .350 Legend have gained traction. The Buckhammer enters this niche as a powerful yet manageable option, designed for the close-range, thick-cover environments where straight-wall cartridges excel. Its performance perfectly suits deer hunting at ranges of 150 to 200 yards, aligning with the traditions of woods hunting.

Practical Performance in the Field

Practical Performance in the Field
Image Credit: Remington1816

When tested in the field, the 360 Buckhammer lives up to its promise. With mild recoil and manageable weight in lever-action rifles, it’s a joy to shoot. The energy it delivers at typical hunting distances ensures clean, ethical kills on game like deer and black bear. Paired with the classic design of Henry rifles, the Buckhammer offers hunters an experience that feels timeless while delivering modern efficiency.

A Growing Future

A Growing Future
Image Credit: Remington1816

As more manufacturers adopt the 360 Buckhammer, its future looks bright. While currently limited to Remington and Federal ammunition, the cartridge is poised to attract attention from other major brands like Hornady. Increased adoption by hunters and handloaders will likely lead to more load options, further solidifying its place in the hunting world.

Will the 35 Remington Survive?

Will the 35 Remington Survive
Image Credit: Remington1816

Despite its decline, the 35 Remington isn’t entirely gone. A loyal following of handloaders and enthusiasts keeps it alive, ensuring its legacy endures. However, the widespread availability of the 360 Buckhammer in new rifles may gradually push the 35 Remington further into obscurity. Whether the Buckhammer replaces or complements its predecessor, it’s clear that the spirit of the 35 Remington will live on.

Old Traditions, New Beginnings

Old Traditions, New Beginnings
Image Credit: Remington1816

The 360 Buckhammer is more than a new cartridge – it’s a bridge between the past and the future. For hunters who grew up with lever actions and the timeless allure of woods hunting, it offers a way to reconnect with those traditions while embracing modern advancements. Whether you’re a fan of the 35 Remington or excited about the Buckhammer, one thing is certain: these calibers are proof that classic designs never truly go out of style.