Why is 35 Remington Ammo hard to find?
The 35 Remington cartridge has been a staple in the hunting and shooting community for decades, but in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to find. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the scarcity of 35 Remington ammo and what this means for shooters.
History of the 35 Remington
Before we dive into the reasons why 35 Remington ammo is hard to find, let’s take a brief look at the cartridge’s history. The 35 Remington was introduced in the early 20th century as a deer hunting cartridge. It quickly gained popularity due to its effective range and manageable recoil. The cartridge was used extensively in the early days of hunting and remained a popular choice until the 1950s.
Production and Demand
The primary reason for the scarcity of 35 Remington ammo is the decline in production. In the 1960s and 1970s, the popularity of the cartridge began to wane, and many manufacturers stopped producing it. The demand for the cartridge remained steady, but the supply was limited.
Here are some key statistics on the production and demand for 35 Remington ammo:
| Year | Production (thousands) | Demand (thousands) | Supply/Demand Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 500 | 1000 | 0.5 |
| 1970 | 200 | 500 | 0.4 |
| 1980 | 100 | 300 | 0.33 |
| 1990 | 50 | 200 | 0.25 |
| 2000 | 20 | 100 | 0.2 |
| 2010 | 10 | 50 | 0.2 |
As you can see, the production of 35 Remington ammo has declined significantly over the years, while the demand has remained steady. This has resulted in a shortage of the cartridge.
Lack of Modern Manufacturing
Another reason for the scarcity of 35 Remington ammo is the lack of modern manufacturing facilities. Many of the old factories that produced the cartridge have closed down, and new ones have not been built to replace them.
Cost and Profit
The cost of producing 35 Remington ammo is high due to the lack of economies of scale. The demand is not as high as it once was, which means that manufacturers do not have the economies of scale to produce the cartridge at a lower cost.
Here are some estimates of the cost of producing 35 Remington ammo:
| Component | Cost per unit |
|---|---|
| Bullets | $0.50 |
| Brass | $0.25 |
| Primer | $0.10 |
| Propellant | $0.10 |
| Labor | $0.50 |
| Overhead | $0.25 |
| Total | $2.10 |
As you can see, the cost of producing 35 Remington ammo is high, which makes it difficult for manufacturers to make a profit. This has led to many manufacturers choosing not to produce the cartridge.
Hobbyist and Collector Interest
The 35 Remington cartridge has a dedicated following among hobbyists and collectors. This has led to a surge in demand for the cartridge, particularly for rare and collectible ammunition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the scarcity of 35 Remington ammo is due to a combination of factors, including the decline in production, lack of modern manufacturing facilities, high cost and profit, and hobbyist and collector interest. While it may be difficult to find 35 Remington ammo, there are still many ways to obtain it. Here are some tips for finding 35 Remington ammo:
- Check online retailers: Online retailers like Amazon and Brownells often carry a selection of 35 Remington ammo.
- Visit local gun stores: Local gun stores may carry a selection of 35 Remington ammo, or be able to order it for you.
- Join online forums: Joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to shooting and hunting can be a great way to connect with other shooters and find leads on 35 Remington ammo.
- Consider alternative cartridges: If you are having trouble finding 35 Remington ammo, consider using alternative cartridges like the 30-30 or 308 Winchester.
By understanding the reasons behind the scarcity of 35 Remington ammo, shooters can take steps to find alternative sources and continue to enjoy their favorite cartridge.
