[Flat Top]

Had my 336 XLR in 35 Rem out to the range today and finished up the load work for the Speer 180 FN Hot core. My hunting load with this bullet shot a .350 group (three shots from a clean cold barrel) at 50 yards, so, that will put me in the inch at 100 yards. I am really happy with the accuracy. Now, the "performance" question. I have been told that this bullet is very tough, and needs to be driven fast. My velocity average through the chrono was 2306 fps with a 6 fps spread. Is this velocity fast enough to allow this bullet to do a good job? Reason I ask is that I see that some are driving this bullet at 2400 fps. Anyway, your input would be appreciated.

 

[LT]

Ummmm... does Speer not list recommended velocities ???

 

[Flat Top]

...............not that I can find, LT.

 

[wrench man]

The velocity's listed in the SPEER manual for the #2435 180grn bullet in the .35 Rem. range from a low (not reduced load) of 1679 fps to a high of 2224 fps.
They also say that the 180 and 220grn flat point .35 cal. bullets were designed for the .35 Remington.

 

[Flat Top]

Thanks Wrenchman! Some (but not all) bullet manufacturers give a velocity performance range for their bullets. I know that most of the African game bullets manufacturers have been doing this....

Maybe somebody here has used this bullet...that would be a help.

 

[LT]

Halwg has numerous postings for the Speer 180gr... PM him.

 

[Halwg]

I wouldn't run a 180 gr under 2200 fps, currently I am running them at 2340 fps out of a 20" barrel, 2385 out of a 22" barrel and 2405 fps out of a 24" barrel. They are a deer killing machine.

 

[Flat Top]

Thanks Hal...that answers my question!!!

 

[caveman]

HALWG, what powder are you using for your velocities?

tks

 

[Halwg]

Accurate 2520.

 

[caveman]

Thanks HALWG. And would you say that the velocity is increasing at a decreasing rate longer than 20?? Or is that a generalization considering the powder used and the gun that's used???

The reason I ask is that I have an XLR with 24" barrel that I am counting on (haven't tested yet) for more velocity. I am really hesitant to cut the XLR barrel down for a stand gun so I am trying to consider all the factors.

tks again

 

[Halwg]

That's what I got with this particular bullet and powder. With others it has run from 25 fps to 40 fps per inch.

 

[CalvinMD]

They are definantly a tough bullet..but you need not worry over expansion....I only drive mine in the upper 2200 range and have shot big Texas pigs 300lbs plus at 200yds and still got picture perfect mushrooms ..like its already been said..the 180's and 220's are perfect 35Rem bullets in every way

 

[Flat Top]

Thanks CalvinMD! This is my first go round with the 35, and I want to make sure that I get it all right. The accuracy is superb, and, from the way it looks my velocities are good to go. Also the trajectory out to 200 yards is excellent. Truthfully I didnt expect all this from the 35 Remington....now I know why it is so popular....one slick little cartridge!!! ;D Sorry for the delay, I am working out of town and cant get here often. Thanks again everybody!

 

[Halwg]

People will fight me on this because they contend that the 200 gr Core-Lokt is the best 35 Remington bullet, but once you use the 180 gr bullet at around 2300 fps, you forget all about the 200 gr. RN bullets. The 180 gr is best deer bullet I have used in the 35 Remington. Second would be the 220 gr Speer at around 2200 fps. Then all of the 200 gr bullets fall in next. The 180 gr Speer is even better than the 200 gr FTX, at least for the hunting I do.

 

[LT]

People will fight me on this because they contend that the 200 gr Core-Lokt is the best 35 Remington bullet, but once you use the 180 gr bullet at around 2300 fps, you forget all about the 200 gr. RN bullets. The 180 gr is best deer bullet I have used in the 35 Remington. Second would be the 220 gr Speer at around 2200 fps. Then all of the 200 gr bullets fall in next. The 180 gr Speer is even better than the 200 gr FTX, at least for the hunting I do.

The deer won't know the difference ;D

 

[mogwai]

The deer won't know the difference ;D

ayup

I've killed more deer with 20 ga shotgun slugs than any other round, but I'm not recommending that for everyone. ???

Deer are easy to kill.

 

[DWB]

With the 180 gr Speer JFN in the .35 Remington, fired from my 336C, I have tested loads in excess of 2,300 fps. However, my best accuracy was from loads that were generating a fuzz over 2,200 fps. Regardless of which powder I was getting 2,300 fps + with, all the loads tested better at ~2,200 fps in my rifle. All rifles are different, and YMMV.

I still remember 35remington telling me that giving up that additional 100 fps was irrelevant, compared to putting that bullet exactly where I wanted it with confidence. If your most accurate load means sacrificing 100 fps or so, then so be it - - enjoy shooting it, knowing that your load is the most accurate, provides the highest degree of your own confidence, and is still plenty of woo-hoo to do the job - especially on a scrawny critter like a whitetail.

 

[Halwg]

See, the fight has already started! ;D

 

[DWB]

See, the fight has already started! ;D

No fights from me... I like the 180 gr Speer JFN.

It is an accurate, consistent performer for me on deer. My load testing, from my rifle, just suggests that 2,200 fps is more accurate than those loads that were running ~2,300 fps as tested in my rifle. Would have to track down my notes, but IMR-3031, H-335, and AA-2520 all produced good accuracy in my rifle with the 180 gr Speer JFN running at 2,200 fps.

IMR-4064, H-4895, WW-748 produced neither the velocity levels, nor the accuracy that the three previously mentioned powders did. I will also have to say that the 200 gr Rem RNCL, and the 200 gr RCBS FN-GC cast bullet (both running in the 2,150 to 2,180 fps neighborhood with H-335 and AA-2520) killed the deer too. Found some 200 gr H'dy RN a while back and I am anxious to test those bullets out in preparation for this coming fall. From what I read of 35remington's .35 caliber testing (THE BIBLE of .35 BULLETS), I don't have real high expectations for the H'dy bullet though.