Caliber Description
Introduced in 1965 by Remington Arms Company, the .350 Remington Magnum was designed to provide magnum-level ballistics in a compact, short-action cartridge. It was originally chambered in the innovative Remington Model 600 carbine, a lightweight and handy platform for hunters seeking power and portability. Despite its promising performance, the round was ahead of its time, as short magnums were not yet fully accepted by the hunting community. The .350 Rem. Mag. maintained a loyal following among aficionados, especially those in the know about its efficient ballistics and versatility. Its rebirth in later years, as well as the release of stronger actions like the Model 700, cemented its legacy as a cult favorite for reloaders and hunters looking for an edge in powerful mid-bore cartridges.
The .350 Remington Magnum shines in a variety of big-game hunting scenarios, thanks to its blend of powerful ballistics and manageable rifle size. Ideally suited for dense timber and mountainous terrain, the cartridge is a reliable choice for hunters who require both punch and portability. Its short-action design allows for faster cycling, making it a practical choice for situations with quick follow-up shots, such as when pursuing dangerous or large game. While other magnums may offer more raw power, few achieve such a favorable balance between recoil, trajectory, and rifle weight, making the .350 an outstanding performer for reloaders seeking effective hunting loads in a compact package.
This caliber was created with North American big game in mind, and its stopping power is more than sufficient for elk, black bear, moose, and even larger species like brown bear within reasonable distances. The .350 Rem. Mag. also serves well for hunters traveling to regions with heavy cover or unpredictable encounters, where swift, powerful shots are essential. Some reloaders have explored its potential for African plains game, where its energy and penetration make it a practical choice for antelope, zebra, or even smaller species of buffalo, depending on bullet selection and shot placement. Its clean terminal performance and versatility across varied terrain appeal to reloaders who appreciate a well-rounded cartridge for a broad range of targets.
Bullet selection for the .350 Rem. Mag. typically ranges from 180 to 250 grains, with the 200- to 225-grain weights being most common and effective for general big-game use. Popular bullet styles include soft points, bonded-core, and modern controlled-expansion designs, all of which can be fine-tuned by reloaders to maximize performance. Its velocity typically runs from about 2,600 to 2,900 feet per second depending on bullet weight and load. The cartridge operates at a maximum SAAMI pressure of 53,000 psi, giving reloaders a good window for safe and effective handloading. While recoil is notable, it’s manageable in a properly weighted rifle, especially with modern recoil pads and muzzle brakes. Brass can be formed from .350 cases or, with adjustments, from other belted magnum brass, making it feasible for seasoned reloaders to keep the cartridge in regular use, despite periodic scarcity of factory ammo. The .350 Remington Magnum stands out as a reloader’s caliber, offering both power and adaptability for those who appreciate classic American magnum performance in a compact, efficient package.
Popular Load Recipes
- 200 gr Sierra SP, 61.0 gr IMR 4350, CCI 250, Remington brass, COL 2.800", Approx. 2720 fps
- 180 gr Nosler Partition, 64.0 gr RL-19, Federal 215, Remington brass, COL 2.800", Approx. 2880 fps
- 225 gr Hornady SP, 62.0 gr IMR 4350, CCI 250, Remington brass, COL 2.780", Approx. 2590 fps
- 250 gr Hornady SP, 58.0 gr IMR 4350, CCI 250, Remington brass, COL 2.775", Approx. 2440 fps
- 200 gr Barnes TSX, 67.0 gr H4350, Federal 215, Remington brass, COL 2.800", Approx. 2825 fps
- 225 gr Nosler AccuBond, 60.0 gr RL-15, CCI 250, Remington brass, COL 2.780", Approx. 2650 fps
- 225 gr Speer SP, 60.5 gr IMR 4320, CCI 250, Remington brass, COL 2.770", Approx. 2640 fps
- 250 gr Swift A-Frame, 57.0 gr IMR 4350, Federal 215, Remington brass, COL 2.775", Approx. 2400 fps
Always use published load data from reputable sources, start 10% below max, and work up carefully in your rifle.
Cost per Reloaded Round
Factory ammunition for .350 Remington Magnum is relatively rare and expensive. As of 2024, typical prices for factory ammo are around $90–$120 per box of 20. We'll use $105 per box, or $5.25 per round.
Reloading components estimated (per round, mid-2024 prices):
– Brass: $1.00 (if new, but reused several times; we'll amortize this at $0.20 per firing)
– Primer: $0.10
– Powder: .350 Rem. Mag. commonly uses about 60 grains of powder; 1 pound = 7,000 grains, so 1 pound loads ~116 rounds. A 1-pound canister of powder costs about $45, so $45 / 116 ≈ $0.39 per round
– Bullet: ~$0.60 each for quality softpoint/hunting bullets
Reloaded cost per round (excluding tool/equipment costs, assuming used brass):
Brass: $0.20
Primer: $0.10
Powder: $0.39
Bullet: $0.60
Total: $1.29 per round
Money saved per round:
Factory: $5.25
Reloaded: $1.29
Savings: $5.25 - $1.29 = $3.96 per round
Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
C.I.P. / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
103 - 191 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
72 Grains of Water / 54.3 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
3022 fps / 2869 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
2.17'' / 2.8''