Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain Review

What Makes Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain Stand Out?

The Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain is ammunition designed specifically for lever-action rifles chambered in the classic .35 Remington cartridge. It promises improved ballistics and downrange performance compared to traditional flat-nosed bullets commonly used in lever guns. Hornady achieves this through their patented Flex Tip (FTX) bullet design and modern propellant technology.

My need for this ammunition arose from a desire to breathe new life into my trusty Marlin 336 chambered in .35 Remington. I wanted to extend the effective range and improve the terminal performance for deer hunting in the thick Pennsylvania woods where shots beyond 150 yards were becoming more frequent. I was tired of the rainbow trajectory and limited range of standard .35 Remington ammunition.

Upon receiving the Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain, the first thing I noticed was the distinctive red polymer tip. This immediately signaled a departure from traditional flat-nosed .35 Remington ammunition. The rounds felt well-made, and the brass casings appeared clean and consistent.

I considered a few other options before settling on the LEVERevolution. Federal Fusion and Remington Core-Lokt were contenders. Ultimately, I chose Hornady due to their reputation for innovation and the promise of a flatter trajectory with the FTX bullet.

My first impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. The technology seemed promising, but I was eager to see how it translated to real-world performance in my rifle. Would it live up to the hype and extend the effective range of my .35 Remington lever gun?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain was my local shooting range. I set up targets at 50, 100, 150, and 200 yards to evaluate the trajectory and accuracy. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal shooting conditions.

The ammunition performed admirably in these conditions. The recoil was manageable, and the muzzle velocity seemed consistent. There was a noticeable difference in trajectory compared to standard .35 Remington loads.

I didn’t encounter any immediate issues, but the true test would come during hunting season. There, I’d assess its terminal performance on game.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, primarily during deer hunting season in varying weather conditions (from cold rain to dry, freezing temperatures), the Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain has proven reliable. I experienced no malfunctions or failures to feed in my Marlin 336. The ammunition consistently ignited and delivered predictable performance.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the ammunition itself, besides the expected residue after firing. Cleaning my rifle after using this ammunition is no different from cleaning after using other brands; standard bore solvent and brushes suffice.

The LEVERevolution significantly outperforms my previous experiences with traditional .35 Remington ammunition in terms of trajectory and effective range. The FTX bullet’s design allows for a much flatter shooting experience, making longer shots more achievable.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain

Specifications

The Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:

• Caliber: .35 Remington. This is a classic cartridge known for its moderate recoil and effectiveness on medium-sized game.
• Bullet Weight: 200 grains. This weight provides a good balance of velocity and kinetic energy.
• Bullet Type: FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding). The Flex Tip design allows for safe use in tubular magazines while providing expansion upon impact.
• Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2225 fps. This is a significant improvement over traditional .35 Remington loads, resulting in a flatter trajectory.
• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): .280. A higher BC helps the bullet retain velocity and resist wind drift.
• Uses modern propellants. The design ensures efficient burning and consistent performance.

These specifications matter because they combine to create a cartridge that is accurate, powerful, and safe for use in lever-action rifles. The Hornady LEVERevolution seeks to extend the effective range of the .35 Remington cartridge.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain performs its job exceptionally well, delivering improved accuracy and downrange energy compared to traditional loads. The most significant strength is its flatter trajectory, which makes longer shots more manageable.

A potential weakness, although minor, is that some older rifles may require slight sight adjustments to fully realize the improved trajectory. Otherwise, the ammunition meets and, in many ways, exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward: a brass casing, a lead core bullet, and the distinctive red polymer Flex Tip. The ammunition is easy to handle and load into the rifle’s magazine.

There is virtually no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It functions just like any other .35 Remington cartridge.

Durability & Maintenance

The ammunition itself is durable. Proper storage (cool and dry) is essential to maintain its performance.

The ammunition requires no maintenance. Cleaning your rifle after use is standard procedure.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come directly with the ammunition itself. However, pairing the Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain with a quality optic (such as a low-power variable scope or a red dot sight) can maximize its potential.

This ammunition is compatible with any .35 Remington lever-action rifle in good working order. It does not require any special modifications to the rifle itself.

Pros and Cons of Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain

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Who Should Buy Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain?

This ammunition is perfect for hunters who use lever-action rifles chambered in .35 Remington and desire increased effective range and improved terminal performance. It is also a good choice for those who hunt in areas where longer shots are occasionally necessary.

Those who primarily hunt at very close ranges (under 50 yards) may not see a significant benefit from the LEVERevolution and could opt for cheaper, traditional ammunition. Anyone who owns a .35 Remington rifle should try this ammo at least once.

A must-have accessory to pair with this ammunition is a reliable rangefinder to accurately determine distances in the field. Knowing the exact range is critical to taking advantage of the flatter trajectory.

Conclusion on Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain

The Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain is a worthwhile upgrade for any hunter who relies on the .35 Remington cartridge. The improved trajectory, increased downrange energy, and reliable expansion make it a significant step up from traditional flat-nosed ammunition.

The price is justified by the increased performance and extended effective range. For hunters seeking to maximize the potential of their .35 Remington lever-action rifles, the Hornady LEVERevolution is an excellent investment.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Remington 200 grain to fellow .35 Remington enthusiasts. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself. Upgrade your hunting experience today!