The .350 Legend, a relatively new cartridge designed for modern sporting rifles, offers a compelling blend of power and versatility. Its popularity is rapidly growing, and with that growth comes a surge in interest in reloading this potent round. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of reloading the .350 Legend, focusing on achieving consistent accuracy and optimal performance.
Understanding the .350 Legend Cartridge
Before diving into the reloading process, it's crucial to understand the .350 Legend's characteristics. Designed by Winchester, this straight-walled cartridge is specifically tailored for use in states with restrictions on bottleneck cartridges for hunting. Its straight wall design contributes to reliable feeding and function in semi-automatic rifles. It delivers substantial energy for hunting medium-sized game, making it a popular choice for deer hunting and similar applications.
Key Considerations for Reloading:
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Case Preparation: Proper case preparation is paramount. This includes sizing, trimming, deburring, and cleaning. Consistent case dimensions are critical for reliable feeding and accurate reloading.
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Powder Selection: Choosing the right powder is vital for achieving optimal performance and safety. Many popular powders work well with the .350 Legend, but researching and carefully following the data provided by reputable powder manufacturers is essential. Pay close attention to the maximum load data and never exceed it.
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Bullet Selection: Bullet weight and type dramatically affect the ballistics of the .350 Legend. Consider the intended use of the ammunition; heavier bullets are better suited for hunting, while lighter bullets might be preferable for target practice.
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Primer Selection: While many standard rifle primers work well, choosing a consistent type and ensuring proper seating depth is crucial for reliable ignition.
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Equipment: Reloading the .350 Legend requires standard reloading equipment: a press (single-stage or progressive), dies, case trimmer, powder measure, scale, and other essential tools.
Step-by-Step Reloading Process
This section details the reloading procedure. Always consult your specific reloading manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.
1. Case Preparation:
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Sizing: Resize cases to ensure uniform dimensions.
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Trimming: Trim cases to the proper length for consistent overall cartridge length.
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Deburring: Remove any burrs or imperfections from the case mouths and flash holes.
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Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the cases to remove any residue from previous firings.
2. Primer Seating:
- Prime cases: Use a priming tool to seat primers firmly and consistently. Ensure primers are seated correctly and flush.
3. Powder Charging:
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Measure powder: Use a powder measure or scale to accurately dispense the correct powder charge for your chosen load.
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Double-check powder: Always double-check the powder charge before seating the bullet.
4. Bullet Seating:
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Seat bullets: Carefully seat the bullets to the desired depth, ensuring consistent bullet seating depth for accuracy.
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Crimp: Apply a crimp to the case mouth to securely hold the bullet in place.
5. Final Inspection:
- Inspect ammunition: After completion, carefully inspect each round for any defects or inconsistencies. Discard any rounds that do not meet your standards.
Safety Precautions:
Reloading ammunition can be dangerous if not performed carefully. Always follow these essential safety precautions:
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Read manuals: Always consult your reloading manual and powder manufacturer's data before starting.
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Wear safety glasses: Protect your eyes from potential hazards.
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Work in a clean and organized space: Keep your work area free from distractions.
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Never exceed maximum load data: This is crucial for safety.
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Store ammunition safely: Store reloaded ammunition securely and away from children.
Conclusion:
Reloading the .350 Legend provides shooters with the opportunity to craft custom ammunition tailored to their specific needs and preferences. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can create accurate and reliable ammunition for hunting, target practice, or any other intended purpose. Remember consistent practices are key to successful reloading. Always prioritize safety, and enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting your own ammunition.
