Security First: A Non-Negotiable Precept
Defending Your self
Reloading is a rewarding interest, nevertheless it calls for unwavering respect for security. Earlier than even eager about touching a single reloading element, it’s important to prioritize security. At all times begin by studying and totally understanding all security pointers supplied by your reloading tools producers, powder producers, and bullet producers. By no means deviate from established security protocols.
Correct eye safety is a should. Put on security glasses or taking pictures glasses always throughout reloading. Listening to safety is equally essential. Loud noises, comparable to these produced throughout powder ignition, could cause irreversible listening to harm. Put money into an excellent pair of earplugs or earmuffs and use them religiously.
Safe Storage
Reloading elements, together with primers and powders, must be saved in a cool, dry place away from direct daylight, warmth, and any supply of ignition. Hold these elements locked away from kids and unauthorized people. Commonly examine your reloading tools for put on and tear. Change any broken or questionable components instantly.
Understanding Stress
Understanding the indicators of extreme stress is important. Hold a watch out for flattened primers, cratered primers (primers which have bulges and appear to be they’re pushed out) and/or case head enlargement. These are all indicators that you could be be approaching or exceeding secure stress limits. For those who see any of those indicators, cease reloading instantly and reevaluate your masses.
Widespread Errors
Avoiding frequent reloading errors is one other key factor of security. Double-check all measurements, and all the time be meticulous in your procedures. By no means assume you realize what you are doing; all the time confirm. Cross-contamination of powders can have disastrous penalties, so be further vigilant when working with a number of powders.
The Elements of Reloading: A Detailed Look
The Brass
Reloading the 350 Legend requires a set of particular elements. The standard and number of these elements play a significant position within the closing efficiency of your reloads.
Brass is the muse of a profitable cartridge. You should utilize factory-new brass or brass that you’ve beforehand fired. For those who go for beforehand fired brass, it’s essential to examine it totally. Search for any indicators of harm, comparable to cracks, splits, or extreme put on. You also needs to think about trimming brass to the correct size for optimum efficiency and consistency.
Primers
Primers are the spark plugs of your ammunition. They ignite the gunpowder, initiating the firing course of. You’ll primarily make the most of small rifle primers within the 350 Legend. Choose primers primarily based on the powder you propose to make use of and the bullet weight. Totally different primers have barely completely different sensitivities and burn traits. Seek the advice of your reloading handbook and/or powder producer’s information for beneficial primer decisions.
Powders
Powder is the gasoline that propels the bullet down the barrel. The selection of powder is important to realize the specified velocity, accuracy, and stress ranges. 350 Legend advantages from powders with a reasonable burn charge. Some glorious decisions embrace however are usually not restricted to powders like these produced by Hodgdon, Alliant, and Correct. Analysis which powder finest matches your supposed bullet weight and anticipated efficiency.
Bullets
Bullet choice is a choice that depends upon your supposed use. For searching, you’ll need a bullet designed for managed enlargement and deep penetration. A number of glorious searching bullets can be found for the 350 Legend. For goal taking pictures, you might have considered trying a bullet optimized for accuracy and trajectory. Totally different bullet development strategies affect the ultimate efficiency. Seek the advice of the bullet producer for probably the most up-to-date info concerning bullet efficiency. Take into account the ballistic coefficient (BC) of every bullet kind you’re researching, as that is the worth that expresses how properly the bullet resists air drag throughout flight.
Reloading Tools: The Instruments of the Commerce
Reloading Press
Reloading requires particular tools, fastidiously designed to assist produce a secure, correct cartridge. Investing in high quality tools will guarantee your reloading expertise is profitable.
A reloading press is the centerpiece of your reloading setup. It supplies the mechanical leverage wanted to resize brass, seat bullets, and carry out different important reloading operations. The press must be sturdy and well-built.
Dies
Dies are screwed into the reloading press and have particular duties to carry out. A set of dies sometimes features a resizing die, a seating die, and a crimping die. The resizing die brings fired brass again to its authentic dimensions. The seating die seats the bullet within the case. The crimping die applies a crimp to the case mouth, securing the bullet and bettering consistency.
Powder Measure
A powder measure precisely dispenses a pre-measured quantity of powder into the case. This instrument is important for consistency and security. Guarantee that the powder measure dispenses the identical quantity of powder every time.
Scales
Correct scales, both digital or beam stability, are indispensable for weighing powder expenses. Calibration is important, so observe producer suggestions. Double-check the accuracy of your scale commonly.
Trimming Instruments
Trimming instruments are used to trim the brass to the proper size. This ensures that your loaded ammunition is constant and dependable. Correct brass size ensures correct bullet seating and might forestall extreme pressures.
Different Important Instruments
Different important instruments embrace a case prep instrument, which is used to deburr and chamfer the case mouth, calipers for exact measurements, and a bullet puller within the occasion {that a} bullet must be extracted.
The Loading Course of: Step-by-Step Directions
Case Preparation
Following the correct procedures will enable you to safely and persistently produce high quality reloads.
Case Preparation: This is step one. This includes cleansing and inspecting the brass. Clear brass ensures a smoother course of and reduces put on in your dies. Examine the brass for any indicators of harm, comparable to cracks or splits. In case you are reusing brass, resizing it’s important to convey the fired brass again to its authentic dimensions. Then, trim it to the correct size to make sure constant efficiency. Lastly, deburr and chamfer the case mouth to organize it for bullet seating.
Priming
After the case is ready, set up a primer. Make sure the primer is seated appropriately and firmly within the primer pocket.
Powder Charging
Rigorously measure the correct quantity of powder with the powder measure. Double-check the powder cost by weighing it in your scale.
Bullet Seating
Use the seating die to seat the bullet to the proper general cartridge size (OAL). OAL is important for secure pressures and correct chambering. Seek the advice of reloading information for the particular OAL of your bullet and powder mixture.
Crimping
A light-weight crimp can assist enhance accuracy and consistency. The crimp is designed to assist safe the bullet within the case.
Closing Inspection
Earlier than placing your loaded rounds in a cartridge field, examine them to make sure they meet your high quality requirements.
350 Legend Load Knowledge: A Beginning Level
The next load information is for informational functions solely. ALWAYS begin with the bottom beneficial load and work your means up step by step, observing stress indicators. Reloading information varies relying on a number of elements. These elements embrace, however are usually not restricted to, the reloading tools you utilize, climate circumstances, bullet kind, and different elements. At all times seek the advice of respected loading manuals or powder producer’s information for probably the most up-to-date info. This information is a place to begin for you.
Disclaimer: *This information is a reference level and shouldn’t be taken as a assure of efficiency or security. At all times seek the advice of dependable loading manuals and sources for probably the most correct and up-to-date information in your particular elements and tools. Reloading is inherently harmful; proceed with excessive warning and at your personal threat. Improper reloading could cause severe damage or dying. By no means exceed the utmost load information laid out in respected sources.*
Please word: Because of the dynamic nature of this info and potential variances, load information is finest sourced from trusted reloading manuals. The next instance is for illustrative functions solely:
Instance Load Knowledge (Illustrative – At all times Seek the advice of Manuals)
| Bullet Weight (gr) | Bullet Sort | Powder | Beginning Load (gr) | Max Load (gr) | Primer | C.O.A.L. (inches) | Approx. Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | FMJ (Full Steel Jacket) | Hodgdon CFE Black | 28.0 | 30.0 | Small Rifle | 2.250 | 2100 – 2250 |
| 170 | SP (Comfortable Level) | Alliant RL-7 | 25.0 | 27.0 | Small Rifle | 2.250 | 1900 – 2050 |
| 180 | FTX (Flex Tip) | Correct 1680 | 27.0 | 29.0 | Small Rifle | 2.260 | 1950 – 2100 |
Essential Notes concerning the Knowledge above:
- This information relies on a particular set of elements and will differ.
- At all times begin with the beginning load and enhance step by step.
- Watch intently for stress indicators (flattened primers, and so forth.).
- By no means exceed the utmost load.
- Modify OAL primarily based in your rifle’s chamber and bullet kind.
Addressing Potential Points: Troubleshooting Your Masses
Stress Indicators
Issues throughout reloading can happen. Troubleshooting expertise are necessary for any reloader.
Coping with Stress Indicators: Flattened primers, cratering, and case head enlargement are all indicators of extreme stress. For those who observe any of those indicators, instantly cut back the powder cost.
Accuracy Points
Troubleshooting Accuracy Points: In case your masses are usually not correct, test your seating depth, crimp, and general cartridge size. Guarantee your reloading tools is functioning appropriately.
Velocity Variations
Understanding Velocity Variations: Slight velocity variations are frequent. If variations are important, test your powder measure, the accuracy of your scale, and your method.
Feeding Issues
Fixing Feeding Issues: Be certain that the cartridge general size (OAL) is right. If the bullet is seated too lengthy or quick, you might have bother with the firearm.
Suggestions and Methods to Refine Your Craft
Consistency is essential. Preserve constant reloading strategies, and be very meticulous.
Work up a load safely. Begin with the beginning load and enhance step by step.
Chronograph your masses to measure and consider their velocity. Maintaining detailed information will enable you to observe your progress.
Discovering the “candy spot” for accuracy. Experiment with completely different powders, bullet weights, and seating depths to seek out the hundreds that carry out finest in your rifle.
Closing Phrases: Reloading with Accountability
Reloading the 350 Legend, when approached with diligence, security, and a spotlight to element, is a rewarding endeavor. It’s a means to customise your ammunition, cut back prices, and discover the nuances of ballistics. The 350 Legend cartridge supplies a wonderful platform for growing correct and efficient masses.
Bear in mind, the duty for reloading rests solely with you. Embrace secure practices, seek the advice of dependable sources, and all the time prioritize security. Reloading ought to all the time be an satisfying interest, and this may be completed by sticking to the rules mentioned on this information.
Important Sources
- Powder Producers: Hodgdon, Alliant, Correct Arms
- Bullet Producers: Hornady, Barnes, Nosler
- Reloading Manuals: Lyman Reloading Handbook, Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
- On-line Sources: Reloading boards, producer’s web sites, and academic web sites.
