The 350 Legend cartridge, designed for short-barreled rifles and offering impressive stopping power, has rapidly gained popularity among hunters and sport shooters. Reloading your own 350 Legend ammunition provides significant advantages, including cost savings, the ability to tailor loads to your specific firearm, and the satisfaction of crafting your own precision rounds. This guide will walk you through the process of Hornady reloading 350 Legend, covering everything from selecting components to safely loading your cartridges.
Choosing Your Hornady Components
The first step in reloading 350 Legend ammunition is selecting high-quality components from Hornady or other reputable manufacturers. Compromising on quality can lead to inconsistent performance, safety issues, and damage to your firearm.
1. Hornady 350 Legend Bullets:
Hornady offers a diverse range of 350 Legend bullets designed for various applications. Consider the bullet's weight, design (e.g., FTX, Spire Point, round nose), and intended use (e.g., hunting, target shooting). Popular choices include:
- Hornady 180gr FTX: A versatile option offering excellent accuracy and reliable expansion for hunting.
- Hornady 150gr Spire Point: A lighter bullet ideal for target practice and situations where less recoil is desired.
2. Hornady 350 Legend Brass:
Using new, high-quality brass cases is crucial for consistent performance and optimal case life. Hornady provides reliable 350 Legend brass, ensuring proper headspace and preventing potential issues. Proper case preparation, including cleaning and sizing, is essential before loading.
3. Hornady 350 Legend Powders:
Powder selection is critical in 350 Legend reloading. Hornady recommends specific powders that perform well within the cartridge's pressure limits. Consult Hornady's loading data for recommended powder types and charges. Always use a powder scale to precisely measure your powder charges. Even slight variations can impact accuracy and pressure. Never guesstimate powder charges.
4. Hornady Primers:
Hornady offers a range of small rifle primers suitable for 350 Legend. Use primers specifically designed for rifle cartridges. Properly seated primers are essential to prevent misfires or damage to your firearm.
Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you've gathered your components, follow these steps to safely and accurately reload your 350 Legend ammunition:
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Case Preparation: Clean, resize, and deprime your brass cases. This ensures they are ready for reloading. Hornady's sizing dies are designed to provide consistent results.
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Powder Measure: Using a precise powder measure and scale, carefully measure the recommended powder charge for your chosen bullet and powder. Double-check your powder charge before proceeding.
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Primer Seating: Use a priming tool to carefully seat the primers in the prepared cases.
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Bullet Seating: Use a bullet seating die to seat the bullets to the correct depth. This ensures proper cartridge overall length (OAL).
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Crimp: Crimp the cases to secure the bullet. This prevents the bullet from shifting during handling or firing.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Reloading ammunition requires meticulous attention to safety. Always follow these precautions:
- Consult Hornady's loading data: This is crucial to ensure you are using the correct powder charge and OAL for your chosen components.
- Wear safety glasses: Protect your eyes from potential hazards.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Some powders produce fumes that can be harmful.
- Use a powder scale: Always weigh your powder charges.
- Never mix components: Ensure you have the correct powder, primers, and bullets for your caliber.
- Store ammunition properly: Keep your loaded ammunition in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Conclusion
Reloading your own 350 Legend ammunition with Hornady components offers significant benefits. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the cost savings, customization options, and satisfaction of crafting your own precision rounds. Remember to always consult Hornady's reloading manual for the most up-to-date and accurate loading data. Safe and happy reloading!
