Why Reload the 350 Legend?
The allure of reloading extends beyond simply saving money, although that’s certainly a perk. Reloading the 350 Legend provides control and customization that factory ammunition simply can’t match. Let’s delve into some key advantages:
Cost Savings: Over time, the cost of reloading components, while initially involving an investment in tools, tends to be considerably lower than continuously purchasing factory ammunition. This difference becomes more significant as you shoot more frequently.
Enhanced Accuracy: Reloading allows you to fine-tune your ammunition to your specific rifle. By carefully selecting components, measuring powder charges precisely, and experimenting with seating depths, you can often achieve tighter groups and improved accuracy.
Customization: Tailoring your loads becomes a core advantage. You can choose bullet weights and powder types suited to your hunting or shooting goals. Whether you’re seeking maximum expansion for hunting or tack-driving precision at the range, reloading opens up a world of possibilities.
Component Availability: Reloading expands your choices. You are no longer limited to what’s available in factory offerings. You can explore specialty bullets and powders that might not be found in standard ammunition, allowing you to fine-tune ballistics.
Hornady Components for 350 Legend Reloading
Hornady is a well-respected name in the reloading world, known for manufacturing high-quality components. When it comes to Hornady Reloading 350 Legend, choosing Hornady products can provide reliable performance and excellent results. Let’s break down the key components:
Brass Cases
A foundation for any successful reload is a reliable brass case. Hornady offers 350 Legend brass cases that are designed for consistent performance. These cases are built with high-quality materials and are manufactured to precise specifications. Before you start your reloading process, ensuring your cases are properly prepared will give you the best results.
Inspect each case to ensure there is no damage such as cracks or dents. Clean the cases to remove dirt, debris, and any residue from the prior firing. Trimming to the correct length ensures consistent neck tension and helps with accuracy. Deburring and chamfering the case mouths smooths the edges, making seating the bullet easier and preventing damage to the bullet itself.
Bullets
The selection of bullets directly influences the performance of your reloads. Hornady provides several excellent bullet choices specifically designed for the 350 Legend. These bullets are known for their accuracy, controlled expansion, and terminal performance.
Hornady FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding): The FTX bullet is a popular choice for hunting applications. Its flexible tip design helps initiate expansion upon impact, delivering reliable performance on game. They are designed for a large range of velocities and ranges.
Hornady V-Max: If you prioritize accuracy and rapid expansion, the V-Max is a great choice. It’s a great option for varmint hunting and target shooting, offering excellent ballistics and fragmentation.
Hornady InterLock: This bullet is a good all-around choice, providing a balance of expansion and penetration. It features a mechanical InterLock ring that prevents core-jacket separation, ensuring maximum weight retention.
The choice of bullet weight depends on your intended use. Lighter bullets will tend to have flatter trajectories, while heavier bullets will retain more energy at longer distances. Selecting the right bullet for your needs is a crucial step.
Dies
A die set is a fundamental tool. Hornady offers die sets that are specifically designed for the 350 Legend. These dies are made to precise tolerances and make the reloading process more efficient. A quality die set is a must-have for successful Hornady Reloading 350 Legend.
A full-length sizing die resizes the entire case. Neck sizing, on the other hand, only resizes the neck of the case. While full-length sizing is generally recommended for all types of reloading and all rifles, especially if you are planning to use your 350 Legend for hunting. Neck sizing is a good option if you only use your brass in one single rifle and are looking for accuracy.
The die set will also include a seater die, for setting your bullet into the case. The die set will allow you to adjust the depth the bullet sits in the case, which in turn will influence the amount of room there is inside for your powder.
Other Components
Consider investing in the Hornady reloading handbook. This valuable resource provides detailed load data and step-by-step instructions for various calibers.
Essential Reloading Tools and Equipment
Before you start your Hornady Reloading 350 Legend journey, you’ll need the proper tools. These are essential for reloading efficiently and safely.
Reloading Press: A sturdy reloading press is the heart of your setup. Single-stage presses are ideal for beginners, as they allow you to perform each step of the reloading process individually. Progressive presses offer greater speed by performing multiple steps at once, suitable for higher-volume reloading.
Case Trimmer: Ensuring that your cases are the correct length is important for accuracy. A case trimmer precisely trims the brass cases to the proper length.
Case Cleaner: Cleaning your brass cases is essential. Clean cases help improve the longevity of your reloading dies and reduce the risk of damage.
Digital Scale and Powder Measure: Accurate powder charges are critical. A digital scale allows you to weigh powder charges precisely. A powder measure ensures you are delivering accurate and consistent powder charges for each reload.
Primer Pocket Cleaner: Cleaning the primer pocket is key to ensuring consistent primer ignition. This small tool removes any residue and ensures a good seat for the primer.
Calipers: A caliper will allow you to measure the case length and other critical dimensions of your reloads, ensuring that everything is within the correct specifications.
Safety Equipment: Always prioritize safety. Eye protection and gloves are essential when reloading.
Step-by-Step Reloading Process for 350 Legend
Here’s a detailed look at how to reload the 350 Legend, using Hornady Reloading 350 Legend components.
Case Preparation
Start with cases that are properly prepared. Cleaning, inspection, trimming, deburring, and chamfering are all important steps.
Cleaning: Using a case tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner removes dirt, carbon, and other contaminants from the brass.
Inspection: Carefully inspect each case for any cracks, splits, or other signs of damage. Discard any damaged cases.
Trimming: Trim the cases to the correct length. Use a case trimmer designed for the 350 Legend. The Hornady Reloading Handbook will specify the ideal trim-to length.
Deburring and Chamfering: Deburr and chamfer the case mouths. This removes any sharp edges and makes seating the bullet easier.
Priming
Priming is an important step in the reloading process.
Choosing Primers: Choose the correct primer type. Consult your reloading manual for the correct primer.
Priming Tools and Techniques: Use a priming tool to seat the primer firmly in the primer pocket. Make sure the primer is fully seated below the case head.
Powder Charging
The next step is to charge the case with powder. This is where the powder measure and digital scale come into play.
Powder Selection: Select the appropriate powder type based on your reloading manual.
Using a Powder Measure: Use a powder measure to dispense the powder into the case. This method will improve the efficiency of your reloading process.
Weighing Powder Charges: Weigh each powder charge on the digital scale. This is crucial to ensuring accuracy and safety.
Seating the Bullet
The final step in the reloading process is to seat the bullet.
Adjusting the Seating Die: Adjust the seating die to achieve the desired bullet seating depth.
Seating Bullets Evenly: Seat the bullets evenly to ensure consistent results.
Crimping (Optional)
Crimping is a process that secures the bullet in the case. Some reloaders crimp their bullets, while others do not.
Powder Selection and Load Data
The selection of the right powder and load data is a vital part of successful Hornady Reloading 350 Legend. This is where the Hornady Reloading Handbook or other reliable resources become invaluable.
Always start with the lowest powder charge listed in your reloading manual and gradually increase the charge.
Never exceed the maximum load data.
Always double-check your measurements and cross-reference information.
Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount. Reloading can be dangerous if not done properly. Always observe these safety precautions when you are reloading.
Wear Safety Glasses and Gloves: Eye protection and gloves will protect you from powder, primer residue, and other hazards.
Proper Storage: Store your powder and primers in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Never mix powders or use them in a way they are not intended.
Double-Check Measurements: Measure twice and charge once. Verify your powder charges and other measurements to prevent errors.
Recognize Signs of Overpressure: Pay attention to signs of overpressure, such as flattened primers, case bulging, or difficult extraction.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Issues
Even experienced reloaders encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Case Sticking in the Die: If a case sticks in the sizing die, it could be due to insufficient lubrication. Lubricate your cases properly.
Inconsistent Powder Charges: Inconsistent powder charges can lead to poor accuracy. Double-check your powder measure and scale.
Failure to Feed or Extract: Issues with feeding or extraction can be caused by a variety of factors. Inspect your dies, and try to ensure your cases are trimmed properly.
Poor Accuracy: Reloading is an iterative process. If you are not getting satisfactory accuracy, adjust your powder charges, seating depth, or experiment with different bullets.
Tips for Improving Accuracy with Hornady Reloading
Achieving maximum accuracy is the goal for most reloaders.
Consistent Case Preparation: Properly prepared cases are a must. Ensure consistent neck tension and bullet seating.
Precise Powder Charges: Weigh each powder charge carefully. Small variations can affect accuracy.
Optimizing Seating Depth: Experiment with bullet seating depth.
Proper Bullet Selection: Choose bullets that are well-suited for the 350 Legend and your intended use.
Developing a Load: Develop a load that is tailored to your rifle.
Importance of Range Testing: Regularly test your reloads at the range to fine-tune them.
Conclusion
Reloading the 350 Legend with Hornady Reloading 350 Legend components provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your shooting experience, cut down on costs, and fine-tune your loads. Always prioritize safety, follow all instructions carefully, and enjoy the rewarding process of creating your own high-quality ammunition.
Resources
Visit the Hornady website and refer to the Hornady Reloading Handbook for detailed information and load data. You can also consult online reloading forums.
Reloading can be an extremely rewarding hobby. With the proper tools, information, and safe practices, you can create high-quality ammunition. Enjoy the process!
