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Old 09-19-2010 | 11:12 AM
  #19  
homers brother
Nontypical Buck
 
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Given that clarification, consider that the .35 Remington (and for that matter, the .30-30) have been around for an awfully long time. They may have been state-of-the art back then, but today are probably not seen so positively in terms of capability. Some of that gap has been compensated for lately in the development of Hornady's FTX bullets.

By Hornady's data, a 200 grain, .35 Remington FTX drops just over 17 inches at 300 yards. In comparison, most "standard" calibers (.30-06, .308, .270, etc.) are dropping that amount 100 yards farther downrange. At 400 yards, the .35 has essentially become a mortar.

But, unless you're absolutely certain your shots on moose are going to be 300 yards or greater, there's little for you to gain in replacing your .35. And, if you can't hit a target at 300 yards with 17-some inches of drop with your .35, you're probably not going to do it at 400 or beyond with any of the standards.

Additionally, your .35 OR your .30-30 are adequate for black bears (I know many people who've killed them with .243s and 7mm-08s).

Now, mind you I'm not a fan of the .35 at all. It's probably one of the last calibers I'd consider adding to my collection. But, let's be objective here, unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, I don't think you necessarily NEED a different caliber. What's a "longer shot" to you? - REALISTICALLY. If you can honestly say "over 300 yards", then you might want something different. And in that case, between the .308 or the .30-06, I'd take the .30-06.
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