Anybody here ever hunt elk with a 35 remington in a TC contender?

Yes, i have. Long story, short! Using WW factory 35 Rem, 200 gr RN. Crawled about 85 yards in deep snow to spruce tree cover on the sunny slope of a mountain, where 17 cows and 2 smaller bulls were bedded. Had a cow tag and was within 35 yards of the one is wished to take. aligned the x hairs, squeezed the trigger, CLICCCKKKK! Caught the attention of the cow. Removed cartridge, chambered another, trigger squeeze, CLICCCCKKK! She and the group were now starting to get up and stir. Rechambered another round, aligned x hairs just behind the shoulder, broadside, BANNNNGGG! She jumped and ran 20 yards and dropped to that one shot. Moral of the story, when using factory ammo, the rounds MAY NOT headspace properly. Your best using reloads that have been sized properly to your chamber, avoiding the misfires common in the 35 Rem and for that matter the 35 Whelen in the Encore.

Doc

Very interesting; thanks for the info, Doc.

Right on the $ Doc.

Don't know anyone that has used it in the short gun format, but my wife's GRANDMOTHER used to use a 35 Remington! There are a lot of pictures of her with many deer and elk that she took during her life with that rifle. The rifle is still in the family, and I had the privilege of shooting it. Hard to believe a lady could shoot that thing even into her late 60's. But then again, from the stories I've been told, she was no lady!!

Doc,
I am a newbie with reloading so humor me if you would. What do you mean by properly sized to my chamber? How do I do that? Does firing them once take care of that?

I reload for the 35 rem I plan on using 180 gr spssp frome hornady.I am also right at the max on my load and also limit my shots to 100 yards or less. in my experiance all the elk I have shot have been around 70 to 80 yards. most of the Elk i have shot has also been with my 6mm remington. I learned at a young age it is more about shot placement.

If I am reading this right, Doc is referring to the headspacing isse that the 35 Rem was natorious for. If you are reloading and have your dies set up correctly, you will not have any problems. Once fired brass form to your chamber and as long as you don't bump the shoulder it takes care of itself.

I hope I wrote that correctly... LOL

cougeriii,

TCTex is exactly right. If you lubricate the case and then "gently" smoke the neck of the cases with a candle, adjust your sizing die "high", then incrementally screw the die in till it displaces the carbon at the junction of the shoulder and the neck, you will not be setting the shoulder back. Remember, you should NOT use this brass in another 35 Rem.. Segregate your brass by gun, using only the brass fired and sized in that chamber. Repeat the process for the new gun. Feeewwww! That about covers it.

Doc

Ok. I have little experience with the 35 so this helps as I am starting ot get my reloading things together. I still need a trimmer but that is about it. I looked last night and I have about 100 cases to start with and they have been used in this barrel so should be ok. Thanks guys.

I would suggest a trial run work up with H322 if ya use 180's.

Hi everyone,
It is really very nice and informative forum thanks for sharing ....

x2. Mine loves H322.

What load r you guys running with H322. I have been running IMR 4227 27.5 gr it is the most accurate sofar.

x3 on H322

"What load r you guys running with H322"

first....consult loading manuals(preferably multiple) for a work up in your own barrel. my load is 39.5gr of h322 with a 180gr hornady ssp....but in a rimmed version, using 303 british brass. it shot good during complete work up. I deemed this max or near in my setup. I think some single shot data goes at least slightly higher. lever action rifle data is usually listed at lower pressures.

I haven't done it but you might look up the early articles on the leverevolution ammo. The first animal taken by the .35 was a elk. reflex264

Are you using 180 grain or ????? with the IMR 4227. I have that powder and would love to use it since I have it. What length on the case?

x 4.

Mine likes H4895 with the 220 Speer.

yes i am loading 180 gr hornady singl shot pistol bullets with 27.5 gr of Imr 4227 i got the load out of the hogdon data manual no 26. I am also workin up loads with H4198. I also use 4227 in my 44 mags using 240 gr xtp one is a 12 inch contender barrol the other is a ruger super black hawk 7.5 barrol.

Ok thank you.

I shot a 35 rem for years in my contender and never once had issues like that. I wonder if the encore has to be smartly snapped shut like the directions state with contenders.

I recently bought a XP in .223 and am very impressed with it, now want one in .35 Remington.
Steve