Introduction
Background
The .35 Remington cartridge, a classic in the world of lever-action rifles, holds a special place in the hearts of hunters and shooting enthusiasts. Renowned for its stopping power and suitability for close to medium-range hunting, particularly in wooded areas, the .35 Remington has accounted for countless successful hunts. This article delves into the art and science of reloading the .35 Remington, equipping you with the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve safe and accurate results.
Purpose and Benefits
Reloading ammunition isn’t just a cost-saving measure; it’s a gateway to precision and customization. By understanding the components, the processes, and the nuances involved, you can tailor your ammunition to perfectly match your rifle and your specific hunting or shooting goals. This level of control leads to improved accuracy, optimized performance, and a deeper appreciation for the craft of shooting.
The primary goal of this article is to provide reliable load data and guidance for reloading the .35 Remington. We’ll explore everything from component selection to the intricacies of working up a safe and effective load. We aim to demystify the process, empowering you to confidently reload your own .35 Remington ammunition.
Safety Warning
Please read this entire article carefully before attempting to reload any ammunition. Always prioritize safety and adhere to established reloading practices. The author and publisher are not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from the use of this information. Reloading ammunition can be inherently dangerous, and requires a strong commitment to safety and careful adherence to established guidelines.
Understanding the .35 Remington Cartridge
Cartridge Basics
The .35 Remington, introduced in the early twentieth century, is a straight-walled centerfire rifle cartridge. Its design is ideally suited for lever-action rifles, but it has also found its way into pump-action and semi-automatic firearms. The cartridge has a relatively short case, a bullet diameter of .358 inches (the same as the .357 Magnum, though the two are not interchangeable!), and typically accommodates bullets weighing from around one hundred eighty grains to over two hundred twenty grains.
Firearm Compatibility
The .35 Remington is perhaps most famously associated with the Marlin 336 lever-action rifle. This combination has become a quintessential woods hunting setup, particularly for whitetail deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game. It has also been chambered in various other firearms like the Remington Model 14 and 141 pump-action rifles, and others.
Hunting Applications
The effectiveness of the .35 Remington lies in its ability to deliver significant energy at relatively moderate velocities. This combination results in a hard-hitting projectile that is well-suited for taking down game in thick cover or at ranges typically found in forested environments. Common hunting applications include short-range deer hunting, where its relatively flat trajectory and stopping power offer an advantage. Its range is typically considered to be between one hundred and fifty to two hundred yards, depending on the specific load and bullet used.
Factors Affecting Performance
The overall performance of your reloaded .35 Remington ammunition is influenced by a variety of factors. Bullet selection plays a critical role in determining the trajectory, expansion characteristics, and terminal performance of your loads. The choice of powder has a direct impact on velocity, pressure, and accuracy. Barrel length also affects the performance, with longer barrels usually producing slightly higher velocities.
Essential Safety Practices: Your Cornerstone of Reloading
Workspace and Equipment
Reloading ammunition demands meticulous attention to detail and a unwavering commitment to safety. It’s not a process to be taken lightly. Before embarking on any reloading project, ensure that your workspace is clean, well-lit, and free from distractions. Proper safety equipment is essential, including safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and ear protection to shield your hearing from the noise of the process.
Handling Components and Equipment
Proper handling of reloading equipment and components is paramount. Ensure all equipment is in good working order. Double-check your measurements and procedures. Carefully follow instructions in your reloading manual to ensure you are using the correct components and loads for your .35 Remington. Avoid cross-contamination of powders and other materials.
Recognizing Pressure Signs
Understanding pressure signs is a critical aspect of safe reloading. Pay close attention to the condition of your fired brass cases, the primers, and the overall performance of the rifle. Signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, cratering around the firing pin, and difficult extraction, are indicators that you are exceeding safe load limits. Stop immediately if you observe any such signs.
Avoiding Mistakes
Avoid common reloading mistakes. These may include using the wrong components, inadvertently double-charging a case with powder, or mixing up powders. Always verify every step of the process, using a reliable reloading manual as your primary reference. Never deviate from published load data without a thorough understanding of the potential consequences.
Using Reliable Manuals
A reliable reloading manual is your bible. It’s the source of verified load data, component recommendations, and safety precautions. Consult at least one, preferably several, reputable reloading manuals (like those from Hornady, Speer, or Sierra) throughout the reloading process. Compare the data presented, and always err on the side of caution.
Selecting the Right Components for Your .35 Remington
Brass Selection
The quality of your reloaded ammunition begins with the selection of high-quality components. Choosing wisely from the start is essential to produce accurate and reliable loads.
Brass selection is a critical first step. Examine the brass cases meticulously before and after each reloading cycle. Check for any cracks, dents, or other signs of wear that could compromise the safety of your reloaded ammunition. Inspect the case mouths and the case heads, where failures are most likely to occur. Reputable brass manufacturers for .35 Remington include Remington, Hornady, and Winchester. Different brands may have slightly different case capacities, so it’s essential to start with loads appropriate for the brass you’ve chosen.
Primer Selection
Primer selection is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in initiating the combustion of the powder. The type of primer you use can affect the accuracy and reliability of your reloads. The correct primer size is always a large rifle primer. Consider the powder you are using and the temperature conditions during which you will be shooting. Match the primer type to the powder and intended use; consult your reloading manual for specific recommendations.
Bullet Selection
Bullet selection is a significant factor in determining the performance of your reloaded ammunition. The .35 Remington cartridge offers a wide variety of bullet options. Popular bullet weights range from one hundred eighty grains to two hundred twenty grains. For hunting, bullets with controlled expansion and good penetration are typically preferred. Consider bullet construction, such as jacketed soft points, hollow points, or solid bullets, depending on your hunting needs.
There are several reputable bullet manufacturers to choose from. Hornady offers a range of excellent hunting bullets, including their InterLock and FTX lines. Sierra Bullets is known for their accuracy and produces high-quality hunting and target bullets. Speer Bullets provides a wide selection of bullets suitable for hunting. Barnes Bullets offers premium bullets with superior expansion and penetration. Nosler is another well-regarded manufacturer of hunting bullets known for their exceptional performance. The ideal bullet will provide the desired terminal performance on game.
Powder Selection
Powder selection is a crucial element in crafting effective .35 Remington loads. The choice of powder will directly affect the velocity, accuracy, and pressure of your ammunition. Powders with burn rates suitable for the .35 Remington are essential.
Some popular powders for the .35 Remington are IMR 3031, Hodgdon LeverEvolution, Reloder 7, and Varget. These powders are widely available and have proven to be effective in the .35 Remington.
The burn rate of a powder refers to how quickly it burns. A slower-burning powder tends to generate higher velocities, but also requires a higher charge weight. A faster-burning powder produces less velocity but may provide greater accuracy in some rifles. Consult your reloading manual and experiment with different powders to find the best combination for your rifle. Load density is another key consideration; you want to choose a powder that produces a proper fill in the case.
To determine the best powder for your rifle, conduct some research, consult experienced reloaders, and read reviews. Start with the powder recommendations listed in your reloading manual. Be sure to start with a reduced load and work up carefully, observing the pressure signs.
.35 Remington Load Data Examples: A Starting Point
The following load data tables provide a starting point for reloading the .35 Remington. However, this data should be considered a general guideline. Always consult a current and reliable reloading manual, like those from Hornady, Speer, Sierra, or a powder manufacturer, before proceeding with any reloading project. *Always begin with the starting loads, and work up gradually.*
**Important Note:** *Always start below the maximum load and carefully observe for pressure signs. Chronograph your loads to verify your velocities.*
One Hundred Eighty Grain Bullet
Powder: IMR 3031
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains (Note: Values need to be populated from a reliable reloading manual)
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range (e.g., 2100-2400 fps)
Primer: Large Rifle (e.g., CCI Large Rifle)
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm] (always consult a reliable reloading manual for this specific length)
Notes: *This is a common powder choice for this bullet weight. Start at the low end of the charge weight and carefully observe for pressure signs.*
Powder: LeverEvolution
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *LeverEvolution is a newer powder that can generate higher velocities. Use caution and watch for signs of pressure.*
Powder: Reloder 7
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *A good powder choice for slightly lighter loads.*
Two Hundred Grain Bullet
Powder: IMR 3031
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *This is a common powder choice for this bullet weight. Start at the low end of the charge weight and carefully observe for pressure signs.*
Powder: LeverEvolution
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *Use caution. LeverEvolution often generates higher velocities than other powders. Watch for pressure signs.*
Powder: Reloder 7
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *Reloder 7 is often a good choice for good accuracy.*
Two Hundred Twenty Grain Bullet
Powder: IMR 3031
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *This is a good powder choice. Start at the low end of the charge weight and carefully observe for pressure signs.*
Powder: Reloder 7
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *This will require a slower velocity with this weight.*
Powder: [Powder Name]
Charge Weight: Start – [Starting Load] grains, Max – [Maximum Load] grains
Velocity: Estimated Velocity Range
Primer: Large Rifle
COAL: [Cartridge Overall Length – mm]
Notes: *Remember to always verify the COAL for your rifle and the powder manufacturers guidelines. You will also need to use a reliable reloading manual for the exact data, including the powder name.*
*Note: Remember to always consult a current and reliable reloading manual for the exact data, including the powder name. Values need to be populated from a reliable reloading manual*
*Please note: These tables are intended as examples. Always consult a reloading manual before beginning to reload.*
Working Towards a Safe and Accurate Load
Starting Load and Incremental Increases
After carefully selecting the components, the next step is working up a load that delivers consistent performance and optimal accuracy. This is a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety.
The first step is to begin with the minimum recommended load as specified in your chosen reloading manual. Never exceed the maximum load indicated. Start with a small quantity of ammunition, then carefully load a few rounds at the starting charge weight.
Incrementally increase the powder charge. After testing the minimum loads, gradually increase the powder charge in small increments (e.g., 0.5 grains). This allows you to observe the performance of the ammunition at each step without exceeding safe pressure limits.
Pressure Sign Monitoring
Monitoring for pressure signs is absolutely critical. Observe the fired brass cases closely for any signs of overpressure. Flattened primers, cratering around the firing pin, and hard extraction are all warning signs. Cease immediately if these or other pressure signs are noted.
Data Logging and Accuracy Evaluation
Recording data and observing accuracy at each step is essential. Keep a detailed reloading log that includes information about the components, the powder charge, the velocity, and the observed accuracy. This will help you identify the optimal load for your rifle. Group size, measured at a set distance, is the primary indicator of accuracy.
Using a Chronograph
Consider chronographing your loads. A chronograph provides a precise measurement of the velocity of your ammunition, which can significantly aid in load development. Velocity is a crucial aspect of ballistic performance.
Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) Adjustment
Adjusting COAL can be a valuable tool in optimizing accuracy. Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) refers to the overall length of the loaded cartridge. Experimenting with COAL can sometimes improve accuracy. Be certain that the chosen COAL is compatible with your rifle. Make small adjustments, and note how they affect group size.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Issues
Feeding and Extraction Problems
Reloading can sometimes present challenges, and it’s important to know how to troubleshoot common issues.
Failure to feed or extract can often be traced to the cartridge overall length or the bullet seating depth. Ensure that the ammunition is the correct size for your rifle. The rifle may also experience feeding issues if the brass is not sized correctly.
Accuracy Problems
Accuracy problems are frequently related to bullet selection, powder charge, and seating depth. Try different bullet weights or types to find the best combination. Adjust the powder charge in small increments. Ensure that the bullet is seated to the correct depth.
Excessive Recoil
Excessive recoil can result from using a powder that is too fast-burning or exceeding the maximum load for your rifle. Reduce the powder charge. Consider using a powder with a slower burn rate.
Addressing Overpressure
Recognizing and addressing signs of overpressure is critical for safety. Stop immediately if you detect any signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers or hard extraction. Never try to force a bolt or attempt to fire ammunition that appears to be over-pressured.
Conclusion
Reloading the .35 Remington is a rewarding endeavor. It allows you to tailor your ammunition to your specific hunting or shooting needs, potentially resulting in improved accuracy and performance. By understanding the components, the reloading process, and the safety guidelines, you can develop handloads that meet your requirements.
Remember, safe reloading is paramount. Always prioritize safety. Consult a reliable reloading manual. Develop and practice safe reloading habits. The combination of care and attention will create ammunition that will perform consistently and reliably.
We strongly encourage readers to continue learning. Explore other articles about .35 Remington reloading, browse forums, and interact with experienced reloaders.
Disclaimer
Reloading ammunition can be inherently dangerous. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a qualified professional. Always exercise caution and consult reliable sources. The author and publisher are not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from the use of this information. The user is solely responsible for their reloading practices.
