Welcome to the world of reloading, where precision and attention to detail are paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the fascinating process of reloading the 350 Legend cartridge, offering valuable insights and step-by-step instructions to enhance your reloading journey.

The 350 Legend, a versatile and powerful cartridge, has gained popularity among shooters for its impressive performance and affordability. Reloading this cartridge allows you to customize your ammunition, achieving the perfect balance of accuracy and power for your specific needs. Whether you're a hunting enthusiast, target shooter, or simply looking to save costs, mastering the art of reloading the 350 Legend can be a rewarding endeavor.

Understanding the 350 Legend Cartridge

Before diving into the reloading process, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the 350 Legend cartridge. This cartridge, introduced by Winchester in 2017, is designed for use in bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic firearms. It boasts a straight-walled case, making it ideal for reloading and providing excellent accuracy at various ranges.

The 350 Legend cartridge offers impressive ballistic performance, delivering a flat trajectory and exceptional terminal energy. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of hunting applications, from small game to medium-sized deer. With the right reloading techniques, you can fine-tune your ammunition to match your specific hunting or shooting requirements.

Gathering the Essential Tools and Components

To embark on your 350 Legend reloading journey, you'll need a well-equipped reloading bench and a set of essential tools and components. Here's a comprehensive list to get you started:

• Reloading Press: Choose a quality reloading press that suits your needs. Single-stage presses are ideal for beginners, offering precision and control. For higher-volume reloading, consider a progressive press.
• Die Set: Invest in a good-quality die set specifically designed for the 350 Legend cartridge. This set typically includes a sizing die, seating die, and crimping die, ensuring accurate and consistent reloading.
• Shell Holder: A shell holder is essential to secure the cartridge case during the reloading process. Select the appropriate shell holder for the 350 Legend cartridge.
• Primer Pocket Reamer: If you're using once-fired brass, a primer pocket reamer can help remove any debris or corrosion, ensuring reliable primer seating.
• Case Trimmer: A case trimmer is crucial for maintaining proper case length and ensuring consistent performance. Choose a case trimmer that accommodates the 350 Legend cartridge.
• Caliper: A precision caliper is indispensable for measuring case length, bullet seating depth, and overall cartridge dimensions.
• Powder Measure: Select a powder measure that provides accurate and consistent powder charges. Look for one with a clear view of the powder level for easy adjustments.
• Powder Funnel: A powder funnel helps transfer powder from the powder measure to the cartridge case, minimizing spills and ensuring an even charge.
• Bullet Puller: A bullet puller is handy for extracting bullets from loaded cartridges, allowing you to reuse cases or adjust bullet seating depth.
• Case Lube: Apply case lube to the cartridge cases before resizing to facilitate smooth movement through the die and prevent case stretching.
• Cleaning Brushes and Solvents: Keep your reloading equipment clean and well-maintained with appropriate brushes and solvents.
• 350 Legend Brass: Source high-quality once-fired or new brass specifically designed for the 350 Legend cartridge. Ensure the brass is clean and free from damage.
• Primers: Choose the appropriate primer size (large or small) for the 350 Legend cartridge. Select primers that offer reliable ignition and consistent performance.
• Powder: Select a reloading powder suitable for the 350 Legend cartridge and your desired application. Consider factors like bullet weight, velocity, and accuracy when choosing a powder.
• Bullets: Explore a variety of bullet options, including lead, copper-jacketed, and polymer-tipped bullets, to find the best match for your shooting needs.

Step-by-Step Reloading Process

Now that you have your tools and components ready, let's guide you through the step-by-step process of reloading the 350 Legend cartridge.

1. Prepare the Brass

   Start by inspecting and cleaning your brass. Remove any dirt, corrosion, or primer residue using a brass cleaning solution and a brush. Use a primer pocket reamer to ensure the primer pockets are clean and free from obstructions.

2. Resize and Deburr

   Mount your resizing die in the reloading press and apply case lube to the brass. Place a case in the shell holder and run it through the resizing die to resize and deburr the case mouth. This step ensures the cases are properly prepared for reloading.

3. Measure Powder Charges

   Using your powder measure, set the appropriate charge weight for the 350 Legend cartridge. Ensure the powder measure is calibrated accurately and check the charge weight regularly to maintain consistency.

4. Charge the Cases

   Place a primed case in the shell holder and position it under the powder measure. Dispense the measured powder charge into the case, ensuring an even distribution. Use a powder funnel to minimize spills.

5. Seat the Bullets

   Select the appropriate bullet for your intended application and ensure it is seated to the desired depth. Mount the seating die in the reloading press and carefully seat the bullet into the case.

6. Crimp (Optional)

   If your reloading recipe calls for crimping, mount the crimping die in the press and apply the necessary crimp to secure the bullet in place. Crimping helps improve accuracy and prevent bullet setback during recoil.

7. Check for Overall Length

   Use a caliper to measure the overall length of the loaded cartridge. Ensure it falls within the recommended specifications for the 350 Legend cartridge. Trim the case if necessary to achieve the desired length.

8. Visual Inspection

   Inspect each loaded cartridge for any signs of imperfections, such as bulges, cracks, or uneven powder distribution. Discard any cartridges that do not meet your quality standards.

9. Function Test

   Before using your freshly loaded ammunition, conduct a function test in a safe and controlled environment. Fire a few rounds to ensure proper ignition, accuracy, and overall performance.

Safety Considerations

Reloading ammunition is a precise and potentially hazardous process. Always prioritize safety by following these essential guidelines:

• Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection, to minimize the risk of injury.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes.
• Keep a safe distance from the reloading bench when priming cases to avoid accidental ignition.
• Handle primers and powder with care, following the manufacturer's instructions for safe handling and storage.
• Always double-check your reloading data and never exceed the recommended powder charges.
• Store your loaded ammunition in a secure and dry location, away from children and unauthorized access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Reloading, like any precision craft, comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common issues you may encounter and practical solutions to overcome them:

• Case Stretching

  Issue: Over-resizing cases can lead to case stretching, resulting in inaccurate reloading and potential safety hazards.

  Solution: Ensure you apply the appropriate amount of case lube before resizing. Check your die settings and adjust as needed to prevent excessive resizing.

• Powder Spill

  Issue: Accidental powder spills can lead to inconsistent powder charges and potential ignition issues.

  Solution: Work slowly and carefully when charging cases with powder. Use a powder funnel to minimize spills. Regularly clean your reloading area to prevent the accumulation of spilled powder.

• Primer Seating Issues

  Issue: Inconsistent primer seating can result in unreliable ignition or even misfires.

  Solution: Ensure your primer pocket reamer is clean and free from debris. Use a primer seating die with a proper spring tension to achieve consistent primer seating.

• Bullet Seating Depth

  Issue: Incorrect bullet seating depth can affect accuracy and overall performance.

  Solution: Refer to your reloading manual or consult reliable sources for recommended bullet seating depths. Use a bullet seating die with a depth gauge to achieve precise and consistent seating.

Exploring Different Bullet Types

The 350 Legend cartridge offers versatility when it comes to bullet selection. Here's a glimpse at some popular bullet types and their applications:

• Lead Bullets

  Lead bullets are cost-effective and suitable for target shooting and plinking. They offer good accuracy and are commonly used for practice sessions.

• Copper-Jacketed Bullets

  Copper-jacketed bullets provide excellent accuracy and penetration. They are ideal for hunting small to medium-sized game, delivering consistent performance and controlled expansion.

• Polymer-Tipped Bullets

  Polymer-tipped bullets offer increased velocity and improved long-range accuracy. They are perfect for hunting in open country or when extended ranges are required.

Reloading Recipes and Load Data

To ensure safe and accurate reloading, it's crucial to follow established reloading recipes and load data. Here are some reputable sources to find reliable reloading data for the 350 Legend cartridge:

• Loading Manuals: Consult reputable loading manuals published by major ammunition manufacturers. These manuals provide detailed reloading data, including powder charges, bullet weights, and recommended components.
• Online Resources: Explore trusted online forums and reloading communities where experienced reloaders share their load data and offer valuable insights. Always cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Manufacturer Websites: Visit the websites of reputable ammunition manufacturers for official reloading data and recommendations specific to the 350 Legend cartridge.

Storage and Maintenance

Proper storage and maintenance of your reloading equipment and ammunition are essential for long-term reliability and safety.

• Storage

  Store your loaded ammunition in a cool, dry, and secure location. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, as they can affect the performance and stability of the ammunition.

• Equipment Maintenance

  Regularly clean and maintain your reloading equipment to ensure optimal performance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and lubrication. Keep your dies and tools clean and free from debris to prevent inaccuracies and potential safety hazards.

Conclusion

Reloading the 350 Legend cartridge offers a rewarding and cost-effective way to customize your ammunition for various shooting and hunting applications. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your reloading journey with confidence and precision. Remember to prioritize safety, adhere to established reloading data, and explore the diverse range of bullet options to achieve the perfect load for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions