Recoil from a 35 Rem Vs. the 30-30

[Hank in the South]

Anyone:
My father gave me an Ithaca .22 rifle based on the '93/94(?) Winchester for my 10th birthday. When I final was on my own, I sold the gun and it was one of the worst decisions I ever made. I loved that little .22, but I was sucked into believing all the stuff from the glossy magazines about how I “needed” the best tack driving rifle money could buy. I sold the .22 (and several other guns, stereo equipment, etc.) to pay for a match grade 30-06 bolt action with all the bells and whistles any Special Forces or SWAT Team member could need. What a mistake! I’ve always remembered the safety lessons my father taught me but I forgot his basic life lesson, “keep it simple”.  I hated that 30-06. It kicked like a mule and it put rounds just were it wanted to, not where I wanted them. I could never group my shoots any where close to what the experts said it was capable of. I know the problem was me, not the gun, but I sold it and stopped hunting and shooting. I felt like a failure. This past winter, a good friend invited me to his deer camp. I’ve forgotten how much I loved being in the woods; its smells, the comraderie of friends and the laughter and just the feel of it. My friend’s 20 year old son gave me a chance to shoot his Marlin 30-30 and I was hooked again. The cocking action was smooth and I did not need shoulder pads to absorb the recoil (I’m 6’2” at 160 lbs, tall and skinny). It took me too long to acquire the target (a paper plate) with his 4 X 10 power scope, but after he removed it, I was punching holes in that plate with the open sites, just like with my old .22. True, the target was at 50 or so paces, but what the hey, I’m now 50 years old and I can still see a paper plate without glasses! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My Question: In a 336C, is the recoil from a 35 Rem about the same as it is in the 30-30? My friend’s son stated he wished his Marlin had a little more “umph” to push through some of this southern brush. The tables state the 35 does have more power, it has a flatter trajectory, etc., but I fell for buying a gun on theory once; I don’t want to do it again. Deer season will be over before I can purchase a gun, which is a good thing since I need a lot of practice, but I’m really looking forward to shooting again. I’ve been reading Internet info since I came home, and this is the most non bias, member knowledgeable site I’ve found. Kudo’s to all.

[Keith L]

Welcome  back to the shooting sports, and welcome to the Marlin forum.

Fact is that any brush you hit will deflect your bullet.  The little fast ones deflect more, but unless you have a cannon brush will change your point of impact.  That's why brush is trimmed out of shooting lanes whenever possible.  I pass a shot rather than trying to "punch through".

AS for recoil, I wish I knew.  I have never shot a .35 Remington.  My Marlin is a 30-30.

[Bigeasy]

I did not sit down and do the mathematics to figure exact recoil, just suffice to say the recoil between the 30-30 and 35 Rem is about the same.  If you can shoot one, you can shoot the other without problem.  Either is a fine deer cartridge / rifle combo for deer out to 200 yards or less.  I always liked the extra bullet weight / diameter of the .35, but I don't know there is any real difference on deer size game.  It is usually easier to find 30-30 ammo, cheaper, and in a better selection.

Larry

[Lloyd Smale]

recoil is close but the 35 has a bit more. I dont see where the 35 is flatter shooting though. Both are good deer/bear rounds and i wouldnt expect a major increase in power going with the 35. A 3030 bullet placed in the right spot will kill just as well.

[Savage .250]

Recoil is what it is.....   What`s, no big deal to me might be harsh to you or the other way round.  35 cal vs 30-30?  Same...same to me. 

[BluDino]

   My son-in-law recently sold me his 336 in 35 Rem and I already had a 30-30 so I have shot both.  I'm in the process of working up a load for the 'new' gun. The 35 does kick a bit harder with the 200 grain bullets but not like a 30-06. I have spent some time with Hornady's Ballistic Calculator and I would say that the 30-30 shoots somewhat flatter but the 35 undoubtedly hits harder.  Both will handily kill a deer and both are great for close woods hunting.  
   The flex-tip Hornady 200 grainers for the 35 Rem run 2225 fps and I don't think I can match that handloading, at least not without abusing the gun, and the ballistics of that bullet are phenomenal.
   The scope that came with the 35 is a Burris 3-9 and the second shot lightly tagged me on the nose.  It needs a scope with some eye relief or, as I will do with mine, just remove the scope and shoot it as God intended, with open sights.  Neither Marlin is a 500 yard death ray but both are great for what they do.  Untold thousands of deer have been taken with the 30-30 and 35 because deer are not armor plated time travellers.
   The 30-30 is like a hammer, unmatched at doing what it was designed to do.  I have a Rem 700 30-06 with a laminated stock and it carries in the woods like a anvil.  Either Marlin is handy as a pocket on a shirt.  I even have one in 45-70!
    Sorry about the length, hope this helps.

[swordfish]

They both kick about the same. I've got both and never noticed any differance. Banged some hogs this weekend with my .35 Rem, it's a nice rifle to hunt.

[jlchucker]

recoil is close but the 35 has a bit more. I dont see where the 35 is flatter shooting though. Both are good deer/bear rounds and i wouldnt expect a major increase in power going with the 35. A 3030 bullet placed in the right spot will kill just as well.

Lloyd is exactly right.  I've used 30-30's for decades in all kinds of thick woods.  I also own two 35 Remingtons, both bought used, and both surprised me with very tight groups the first time I tried my generic jacketed and cast handloads in them--to a point where I didn't bother trying any other load combinations. The 35 was the favorite caliber of my hunting uncle. I don't see where there'd be any noticeable performance difference between the 30-30 and 35 for the kind of hunting you seem to be doing.  If I were going to use primarily cast bullets though, I'd probably opt for the 35.  I don't really pay much attention to published velocity or trajectory numbers. Know what?  Neither do whitetail deer or black bear!   Get a decent load that groups well for you, aim and shoot at a reasonable distance, and with either caliber you'll walk away smiling as you drag out your buck.

[wreckhog]

I have both. With standard 1x0 and 200 grain Core Lokts and 20" barrels, the difference is obvious. The 35 kicks harder and is louder. No doubt you could find hot 30-30 loads and mild 35 loads where there would be no difference.

[dpastordan]

I had one .35 Remington Marlin.  It is a good cartridge but the challenge is finding cartridges.  Where I lived in NC for a few years, the .35 Remington was very scarce.  In PA and Wisconsin it is more prevalent.  Don't know why.  I have owned several '06 rifles.  Some kick harder than others - depends upon recoil pad, type of action, and stock.  The Browning BAR's and Remington semi-autos were always a delight to shoot as the gas operation takes up some of the recoil. 

As far as the .30-30 goes, I have own them in:  Savage 24V (.30-30 over 20 gauge); Winchester 94; Stevens 325; Savage 99; and in insert barrel from MCA for a break action 20 gauge.  The great advantage of the .30-30 is its light recoil, the distribution of ammunition, and it gets the job done.  With the 170 grain Nosler by Federal, it challenges the .35 Remington in my opinion.  Add the 160 Leverevolution by Hornady and you are closing in on the .300 Savage.

[Swampman]

I shoot both the .30-30 & the .35.  Neither has any recoil but then I don't even notice the .30-06.

[jlchucker]

I shoot both the .30-30 & the .35.  Neither has any recoil but then I don't even notice the .30-06.

Swampman, I like my leverguns, but had a bolt-action 30-06 once, and never paid any attention to the recoil of that either.  On the other hand, my Marlin, which has never seen factory ammo since I bought it, does get your attention, particularly with the 405 grain handloads. I need it in case I see a dinosaur while hunting in the alder thickets and swamps up here. 

[Swampman]

A hot loaded .45-70 or .444 round does have recoil.

[Badnews Bob]

I have owned and shot both I really like the .35 but it dose recoil more than the .30-30. Not abusively however but noticeable, I don't have the .35 anymore but I am rechambering a  handy rifle to .35 rem.

[yukondog]

Welcome to the forum Hank,either one will do fine, recoil the 35 is a littel more but not noticeable, pick up both and sholder them and see wich one fells good to you and get that one the deer or bear will never know what hit them.My wife shoots the 35 with 200 gr.rem core lock and shed kill me if I ever got rid of it.

[dpe.ahoy]

I have both and like the 35 a little better.  If the recoil bothers ya, just get a Limbsaver recoil pad.  They make a world of difference.   DP

[Hank in the South]

Mr. Keith L., thanks for letting me post…
To all, thanks for the replies. As I stated on my original post, this site is the best… ya’ll are great!
I’ve decided to go with the 30-30 instead of the 35 Rem. Locally, the 30-30 ammo seems to have a larger variety in stock loads. I don’t hand load (yet ) so the 30-30 makes sense for me at this time. I’ll get a few boxes of different grains to see which cycle thru the best for my gun. Shooting a few hundred rounds should help me decide which round will bring the meat to the table. Not only will it improve my skills, I can honestly tell my wife that I have to “sight” in my new rifle. That should work; right married guys?
I can not emphasize enough how much I appreciate this site and the responses I’ve gotten.   
May God bless you all and keep your families safe and healthy.
I’ll update what generic rounds work the for me.

[kawie]

i just bought a new 336 35 rem this last year an love shooting it.my 11yr would rather shoot my 35rem than his 30-30 handi rifle.the 150 30-30 bullets have about the same trajectory as a 200 35rem bullet.
Kawie

[Sweetwater]

Hank - welcome aboard!
As stated, you may or may not tell the difference between the 30-30 and the 35Rem. The game you persue will not. You will need to practice enough to put the bullet where it needs to go and learn your limitations. That's something you can explain to your spouse and she should appreciate the humane efforts on your part. Goes way beyond sighting in and many hours of shooting to get there. Suggest you get a buddy who does handload until you get to where you want to handload. Then, you can afford to shoot that much without eating into the grocery budget. 

I don't have a 30-30. I do have it's cousin, the 32WSpl. I much prefer my 356W, fraternal twin to the 358W and big brother to the 35Rem. I don't think it kicks at all, and I don't like a lot of recoil in any caliber. I'm not a magnum kind of guy.

Either way, you'll have a fun ride!

Regards,
Sweetwater

[wreckhog]

I don't mind recoil so much but with my scope setup and loads it takes just a bit longer to reacquire the target after pulling the trigger on the 35. Which I'm sure could be taken care of by shooting it more often.

[Hank in the South]

Sweetwater said it all..."You will need to practice enough to put the bullet where it needs to go and learn your limitations." I could not agree more. I've found a dealer that's willing to let me shoot the 30-30 and 35 Rem before I make a decision. That’s customer service. My perception is he's pushing me towards the 35... I'll find out this weekend. I’ll let you know my thoughts. Thanks to all…

[Dee]

If one takes any stock in such publications, Thornly's "stopping power charts" lists a 357 caliber 200 grain at 2000fps as rating a 97 on stopping power.
A 150 grain 308 caliber at 2400fps as a 74 point, and a 170 grain 308 caliber at 2200fps, as an 84 point.
For any of the this to possess any validity, one must believe in them. I do not.
BigEasy's point of locating ammo for the 3030, being much easier, is a valid one to say the least, and I expect cheaper also.
In my 52 years of shooting the same Winchester Model 94 3030, I long ago settled on the 150 grain Remington bulk bullets and have never looked back.
I was invited on an elk hunt about 15 years ago, and bought a box of Speer 170 grain flat points for the occasion. Given the range elk are shot at in that area, according to my friend, the 150s would however, have been just fine. It never happened, and about 2 weeks ago, while doing an inventory I ran across the box of bullets that had never been opened. I may load a few up, and see if they'll kill a hog.

[Sweetwater]

Sweetwater said it all..."You will need to practice enough to put the bullet where it needs to go and learn your limitations." I could not agree more. I've found a dealer that's willing to let me shoot the 30-30 and 35 Rem before I make a decision. That’s customer service. My perception is he's pushing me towards the 35... I'll find out this weekend. I’ll let you know my thoughts. Thanks to all…

You might see if he'd sweeten the deal with about 5 boxes of ammo for the 35Rem - as you might guess, it would get my vote even if more than the 30-30, but I simply like 35's. The arguements for the 30-30 are certainly just as valid. IF he's pushing you towards the 35Rem, he must believe it to be a slow mover whereas the 30-30 he can sell anytime. You are on a fence, so he may believe the 30-30 would sell easier to "someone who really wanted one" as opposed to "someone who is undecided". Maybe you can get that to work in your favor for "the deal of the year" type of thing. Just a thought. Good luck, either way you are the winner!

Regards,
Sweetwater

[Dee]

Sweetwater, I suspect our right. The 3030, everybody knows, the 35, would take some thinkin.

[Sluice]

I shoot a .35R in a 336 jsut because I have always wanted one. M perception is that the felt recoil from a .35R shooting Rem 200 grn factory ammo is a little less than factory .30-30 170 grn.

I like both cartridges and the.30-30 has a better selectin of factory ammo and is less expensive

Richard

[Sharps-Nut]

I am a recoil wuss.  I shoot both.  I can feel the recoil from the 35 more than the 30-30.  My shoulder gave out on me after several years of blcack powder silhouette.  Never felt any pain with recoil, then one day pain become an issue. I bought a wussie pad, helped but swelling started setting in after shoots.  Went to the 40-65 better but the doc finally told me the damage to joint was done and there was no undoing it.  Now I seek low recoiling rounds that work.  I bought a 35 remington for a hog hunt.  Great gun but for sight in off a bench a few shots is about all I can take before my gimped shoulder starts to complain.   When sighting in a 30-30 I can get in a few more rounds, seems like the punch is less intense.  Shoulders are not all created equal, it took 5-6 thousand rounds of bpcr silhouette to make shooting go from something I love to the pain is not worth the pleasure.  From a killig stand point on whitetail, both work well so its really no issue, my hog gun bagged its first buck this year it did a great job, but a 30-30 would have done a great job as well.  Buy one of each.  Life is short buy the gun.  SN

[S.B.]

I own and shoot both calibers and can't tell the difference between them in recoil? Either would be a great caliber for whitetail deer. Probably more north American deer killed by 30/30s than any other caliber and I might add the Marlin 336 platform is a classic rifle.
Steve

[yellowtail3]

Sweetwaterhad some good buying /bargaining advice.

I’ve decided to go with the 30-30 instead of the 35 Rem. Locally, the 30-30 ammo seems to have a larger variety in stock loads. I don’t hand load (yet ) so the 30-30 makes sense for me at this time. I’ll get a few boxes of different grains to see which cycle thru the best for my gun....
I’ll update what generic rounds work the for me.

Good reasoning. On recoil: the .35 I've shot did have more than my 30-30, and at the time I was shooting 150s in the 30-30. The diff between a 200gr .35 and a 150gr 30-30 is definitely noticeable. The 30-30, esp. w/150gr bullets, is just... a delight to shoot. Easy on the ears, shoulder, and wallet.

Ammo: I shot/hunted/killed deer with Federal PowerShoks, Remington CoreLokts, and Winchester PowerPoints, in 150 and 170 weights. I've settled on 150 Federals - though in fact, any of them will do for killing the deer. The Federals are cheapest where I live, around $12/box.

[Joe S.]

I don't notice the difference in my 35 and my 30/30

[glazer1972]

Been a long time since I shot a .35 but I remember it being about the same as the .30-30.