.35 Win. Load Data

The .35 Winchester, often referred to as the .35 Win., is a classic North American rifle cartridge introduced in 1903 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Developed specifically for the Winchester Model 1895 lever-action rifle, this cartridge was part of Winchester’s line of high-powered, smokeless-powder rounds that were designed to compete with and sometimes outperform the popular rounds from European manufacturers. Its introduction marked a significant step in the evolution of medium- to large-bore cartridges in the early 20th century, particularly for lever-action rifles, and aimed to fill the gap between the .30-40 Krag and the much larger .405 Winchester. Despite its robust performance, the .35 Win. was eventually overshadowed by the rise of bolt-action rifles and magnum cartridges, but it remains notable for its historical impact and innovation.

In terms of applications, the .35 Winchester is widely regarded as a versatile hunting cartridge for medium to large game at moderate ranges. Its design allows for powerful terminal performance, making it well-suited to North American game such as deer, black bear, elk, and even moose under the right conditions. While it has been largely outpaced by more modern cartridges in terms of availability and rifle selection, the .35 Win. remains a favorite among aficionados of classic rifles and those who appreciate the unique characteristics of lever-action guns. Its combination of moderate recoil and substantial energy delivery makes it both effective and enjoyable to shoot, especially in its intended hunting scenarios.

Regarding target species, the .35 Winchester was conceived and is still seen as an excellent choice for hunters who pursue larger-bodied game where deep penetration and reliable expansion are critical. It is particularly effective on tough, heavy-boned animals such as black bear and elk, provided the hunter limits shots to practical ranges typically within 200 yards. Its performance on medium-sized game like deer is ample, but it shines when a bit more power is desired without stepping up to the heavyweights like the .405 Win. or various magnum cartridges. For reloaders, the .35 Win. offers flexibility in tailoring loads for specific game, shifting focus between lighter bullets for deer and heavier, tougher bullets for bear and moose.

The typical bullet weights for the .35 Winchester range from 180 to 250 grains, with 200 and 250-grain projectiles being most common. The cartridge’s rimmed, bottleneck case is optimized for reliable feeding in lever-action rifles, and the moderate case capacity allows for consistent velocities and manageable pressures. Ballistic performance generally places the .35 Win. comfortably above the .30-30 Winchester in terms of energy, especially with heavier bullets, making it suitable for brush hunting and other scenarios where immediate stopping power is desired. For ammunition reloaders, the .35 Win. offers the appeal of a less common, harder-hitting round, enabling the crafting of loads that balance accuracy, terminal effect, and manageable recoil—all hallmarks of classic lever-action hunting cartridges.