Been shopping Model 8 and 81 Remingtons. Model 8 has some firing pin issues, but I like them just the same, especially in .35 Rem. Model 81 in .300 Savage caught my eye. Any opinions on which cartridge has best punch at close ranges?

As much of a Savage Buff as I am at ranges out to 100 yards, i would have to go with the 35 Rem, past 100 yards, I would go with the 300 Savage. Les

That question used to be apples and oranges, then Hornady brought out the Leverlutions and Buffalo Bore hot loads. Now the 35 does not give up that much trajectory. Check out the ballistic charts on Hornady's web sight and you'll see what I mean.The Leverlution 30/30 is nipping at the heels of todays 300 savage loads I am not absoultely sure that the hornady's are recomended for the 8 or 81, but I dought it would hurt the gun.the buffalo Bore probably pushing it too far. If you don't handload, stay away from the 300,It is still produced,but a lot of gun stores don't have them on hand and they are usually a bit higher in price that the super popular calibers such as, the 35 remington, 30/30 etc.If you do handload for the 300 and can't get brass, 308 brass resized and trimmed will work. A lot of 30 cal projectils work fine at 300 savage velocity. Having said that, I own both and tend to favor 35. I like a bigger bore(seems to hit harder with the right bullet.)357 handgun bullets work great for reduced loads.

35

I've got both calibers; a Savage Model 99 in 300 Savage and four 35 Rems (2 Marlins, a Rem 8, and Savage 170B). Unfortunately, I don't have both calibers in the same firearms so my comparison is skewed by the firearm. No doubt about it, in the Rem 8, either of these cartridges would be the best choice of those offered.

Given that disclaimer, my choice is in favor of the 35 Rem. They both can be finicky at the bench IMHO... most of that generated by the very short neck of the cartridge. Components are easier to find for the 35 Rem.

Both kill critters pretty quick.