5 mm / 35 SMc Load Data

The 5 mm / 35 SMc is a unique and relatively recent entry into the world of high-performance small-caliber rifle cartridges. Developed collaboratively by Michael McPherson and Reid Coffield in the early 2000s, the 5 mm / 35 SMc (Super Magnum cartridge) is a product of innovation aimed at achieving higher velocities and superior downrange energy in a compact, efficient case design. The SMc family of cartridges is built on the principle of maximizing performance through a double-radius shoulder, which intends to enhance powder burn efficiency and minimize throat erosion. The 5 mm / 35 SMc was introduced as a commercially available option around 2004 through boutique manufacturers, adding a new, exciting dimension for reloaders and enthusiasts seeking to push the boundaries of varmint and small game cartridges.

When it comes to practical applications, the 5 mm / 35 SMc excels as a varmint and small predator cartridge, rivaling other fast 20-caliber and 22-caliber rounds such as the .204 Ruger and .22-250 Remington. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it an ideal choice for shooting at small targets over extended distances, providing reloaders and precision shooters with an edge in accuracy and on-target energy. The cartridge’s efficient case design is particularly attractive to handloaders who appreciate extracting top-tier performance from lightweight bullets. Because of its specialized nature and limited commercial support, the 5 mm / 35 SMc is commonly found in the hands of advanced reloaders and custom-rifle enthusiasts interested in both experimentation and practical hunting efficiency.

Target species for the 5 mm / 35 SMc are typically small game and varmints, such as groundhogs, prairie dogs, and coyotes. The cartridge’s impressive velocity—often exceeding 4,000 feet per second with the right bullets—delivers explosive energy, maximizing lethality on these smaller targets while minimizing pelt damage on animals like foxes. For coyote hunters, the cartridge’s flat trajectory enables accurate shots at varying ranges, while its high-velocity delivery ensures dependable terminal effects. While it is highly efficient for smaller species, it is generally considered too light for consistent use on larger animals, aligning its niche firmly with varmint and predator control activities.

In terms of bullet selection, reloaders working with the 5 mm / 35 SMc will typically utilize projectiles in the 30 to 36 grain range, optimizing the cartridge for rapid expansion and maximum energy transfer. The small caliber, high velocity, and sleek aerodynamic profiles of these bullets produce minimal wind drift and offer outstanding accuracy, advantages that are highly prized for long-range varminting. The case design, based on a modified .223 Remington case with a sharply shouldered profile, also allows for efficient powder use and extended barrel life when loaded appropriately. Pressure levels tend to be high, so careful attention to brass and load development is vital for safety, a factor that reinforces the appeal of this cartridge to knowledgeable reloaders keen on innovation and precision. As a result, the 5 mm / 35 SMc stands out as a specialist’s cartridge, blending cutting-edge design with varmint-hunting practicality for those seeking the leading edge in performance.