Introduction
Background
The 350 Legend, a cartridge gaining significant traction in the shooting community, offers a compelling blend of power and efficiency. Designed to be a straight-walled cartridge, it quickly garnered popularity for its suitability in states with restrictions on bottleneck cartridges for hunting. Beyond its role in the hunting field, the 350 Legend’s manageable recoil and effective performance make it a solid choice for recreational shooting and target practice. The cartridge’s versatility, paired with the growing availability of components, has made it a favorite among shooters looking to optimize their shooting experience.
Benefits of Reloading
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a firearm is the ability to tailor its performance to your specific needs and preferences. This is where reloading comes into play. Reloading, the process of creating your own ammunition, allows for unmatched control over every aspect of your cartridges. This level of control translates into enhanced accuracy, customized ballistics, and often, significant cost savings over purchasing factory ammunition. Furthermore, reloading allows you to fine-tune your ammunition to match the specific characteristics of your firearm, leading to improved performance and, ultimately, a more satisfying shooting experience.
Article Overview
This article delves into the world of reloading the 350 Legend, focusing specifically on load data using H110 powder. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide, exploring the essential aspects of reloading, from component selection to safe loading practices. By understanding the dynamics of the 350 Legend and the properties of H110 powder, you can unlock the full potential of your rifle and create ammunition optimized for your needs. It is extremely important to stress here, that all reloading information is meant for informational purposes only. Always verify any load data with trusted sources, exercise extreme caution, and adhere to all safety protocols when reloading. Remember, reloading is a complex process; prioritize safety.
Understanding the 350 Legend
Cartridge Design
The 350 Legend boasts a design that emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness. Understanding its fundamental characteristics is crucial to reloading successfully.
The cartridge is built around a straight-walled design, a critical factor that makes it legal for hunting in many areas. It fires a .357-inch diameter bullet, offering a significant energy delivery on impact. This cartridge’s efficiency and relatively flat trajectory contribute to its popularity, particularly for deer hunting and other medium-sized game. It also provides a moderate level of recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all experience levels.
Primer Selection
Choosing the correct primer is also important. For the 350 Legend, small rifle primers are typically recommended. These primers are designed to ignite the propellant in the cartridge reliably and consistently. Proper priming is critical to maintaining consistent velocities and pressures. Using the wrong primer can lead to inconsistent ignition, reduced accuracy, and potential safety issues.
Bullet Selection
Bullet selection is a critical aspect of 350 Legend reloading. A wide range of bullet weights and styles are available, allowing you to tailor your ammunition to specific applications. Popular weights include the 124-grain, 145-grain, and 160-grain bullets. The choice of bullet weight will significantly impact trajectory, velocity, and terminal performance. Heavier bullets typically offer greater energy on impact, while lighter bullets may provide a flatter trajectory. Hollow points are often favored for hunting, while full metal jackets are suitable for target practice.
Powder Selection
Powder selection plays a pivotal role in influencing the performance of the loaded cartridge. The type of powder used affects the velocity of the bullet, the pressure generated within the cartridge, and the overall accuracy. Factors such as burn rate, the amount of powder used, and the weight of the bullet all work together to determine the characteristics of the load. When loading the 350 Legend, you’ll want to consider powders with a burn rate that delivers suitable velocities and pressures. Choosing the right powder for the cartridge is essential for safety and achieving the desired ballistic characteristics.
H110 Powder and Its Traits
Powder Introduction
H110, a spherical powder manufactured by Hodgdon, is a popular choice for reloading various cartridges, particularly those with a need for high performance. Understanding its key traits is vital for safe and effective reloading.
H110 is known for its relatively slow burn rate compared to other powders. This burn rate makes it especially suitable for cartridges that operate at high pressures, such as the 350 Legend when you want to get the most speed and performance.
Recommended Uses
The powder is often recommended for cartridges where performance and velocity are important. It excels at delivering high velocities with good accuracy potential. However, it is essential to understand the limitations and best applications.
Advantages
The use of H110 in the 350 Legend offers several advantages. It is possible to achieve excellent velocities, providing a flatter trajectory and increased range. H110 can also contribute to good accuracy if the loading process is meticulously followed.
Disadvantages and Safety
However, H110 isn’t without its drawbacks. It can be sensitive to slight variations in charge weights, and extreme caution should be exercised to avoid exceeding the maximum load data. It is important to use it within the recommended bullet weight ranges to achieve the best and safest performance.
The safety of reloading with H110 hinges on adhering to the load data, using the correct components, and observing all safety precautions. Overloading, incorrect components, or improperly assembled cartridges can result in excessive pressures. The best practice is to always start with the minimum recommended charge weight and work up slowly, observing for pressure signs. Reloaders should always wear safety glasses, inspect their cases before loading, and ensure proper seating of the bullet.
Loading Data with H110 for the 350 Legend
*Important Note: The load data provided in this section is for informational purposes only. Always consult the most current and reputable reloading manuals from powder and bullet manufacturers before loading ammunition. This data is a general guideline, and actual results may vary. Do not exceed the maximum loads listed, and always work up your loads gradually.*
Bullet Weight 124 Grain Load Data with H110
Bullet type: Typically, a .357-inch diameter bullet. Consider a jacketed hollow point or a full metal jacket for target shooting.
Starting load: Start with 20.0 grains of H110.
Maximum load: Do not exceed 22.5 grains of H110.
Primer recommendation: Small Rifle Primers.
Case trim length: 1.710 inches.
Estimated velocity range: 2200 to 2400 feet per second (fps), depending on barrel length.
Cautionary notes: Watch carefully for signs of overpressure such as flattened primers or sticky extraction. Start with the minimum charge and increase gradually.
Bullet Weight 145 Grain Load Data with H110
Bullet type: A .357-inch diameter bullet. Consider a jacketed soft point for hunting or a full metal jacket for target practice.
Starting load: Begin with 18.0 grains of H110.
Maximum load: The maximum load should not exceed 20.5 grains of H110.
Primer recommendation: Small Rifle Primers.
Case trim length: 1.710 inches.
Estimated velocity range: 2000 to 2200 fps, depending on barrel length.
Cautionary notes: Inspect cases for signs of excessive pressure, such as head expansion or primer cratering. Always consult a reliable source.
Bullet Weight 160 Grain Load Data with H110
Bullet type: Select a .357-inch diameter bullet. For hunting, choose a bullet specifically designed for controlled expansion.
Starting load: Start with 17.0 grains of H110.
Maximum load: Never exceed 19.5 grains of H110.
Primer recommendation: Small Rifle Primers.
Case trim length: 1.710 inches.
Estimated velocity range: 1800 to 2000 fps, depending on barrel length.
Cautionary notes: Carefully monitor for any signs of overpressure. Heavier bullets generally create higher pressure; therefore, load incrementally.
*Always remember these figures are approximate and should always be verified with the source materials provided by reliable manufacturers*
Reloading Tips and Techniques
Case Preparation
Precision reloading is a blend of art and science, built on mastering several key techniques. This section details some essential methods to ensure the consistent performance of your 350 Legend loads.
Preparing the case is the first step. This includes cleaning the brass to remove residue and contaminants, trimming the cases to the correct length, and then chamfering and deburring the case mouths. Using the proper tools for these steps is critical. Precise case preparation leads to uniform bullet seating and consistent chamber pressure, which is essential for achieving uniform velocities.
Powder Measurement
Accurate powder measurement is crucial. It’s vital to use a high-quality powder scale, verifying its calibration. The goal is to dispense the correct amount of H110 for each load. A powder trickler can help achieve extremely precise measurements. Using a consistent charge weight ensures that each cartridge performs identically, leading to improved accuracy.
Seating Depth
Seating depth influences a variety of factors. The seating depth impacts the overall cartridge length and the internal case volume. The relationship between the bullet and the rifling in the barrel is critical. Consistent seating depth helps maintain pressure and velocity consistency, resulting in improved grouping on the target.
Crimping
Crimping is a technique used to secure the bullet to the case, particularly important for cartridges used in semi-automatic rifles. A proper crimp ensures the bullet does not move forward during recoil. This process, applied correctly, enhances consistency and prevents variations in velocity and pressure.
Load Development
Load development is an iterative process. This involves the experimentation needed to achieve optimal accuracy. Begin with the starting load and gradually increase it, testing the accuracy and velocity at each increment. Pay attention to all signs of pressure, such as flattened primers or difficult extraction.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Testing and troubleshooting is an ongoing activity. Analyzing the performance of your reloads is essential. This means carefully observing shot groups, measuring velocities with a chronograph, and carefully documenting your results. If you encounter issues, like inconsistent groupings or signs of overpressure, it’s important to evaluate your reloading process, adjusting as necessary to correct the issue.
Safety Precautions
Data Source
Safety is the most critical element of reloading. It’s an area where no compromises can be made. It’s important to understand and adhere to safety guidelines.
Always use the most accurate load data available. Reputable sources, such as powder and bullet manufacturers and reloading manuals, offer reliable data. Do not rely on guesswork or information from unreliable sources. Verify your load data before starting a new load.
Pressure Signs
Recognizing pressure signs is essential for preventing overpressure situations. The symptoms of high pressure include flattened primers, cratering (when the primer metal flows into the firing pin hole), or difficult extraction. If you observe any of these signs, cease loading and reduce your powder charge immediately.
Storage
Safe storage of ammunition and components is extremely important. Primers and powders should be stored in a cool, dry place away from any source of ignition. Loaded ammunition should be stored in a secure location, out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals.
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear safety glasses when reloading. This will protect your eyes from any potential hazards. Protect yourself from anything that could cause an injury.
Incremental Loading
Always start with the minimum load data and gradually work your way up. Loading in small increments provides the opportunity to assess the performance of the load.
Conclusion
Recap
Reloading the 350 Legend, particularly with H110 powder, opens the door to optimizing the performance of your rifle. You can tailor your ammunition to suit your individual needs. This article provided a comprehensive overview of the process, including key considerations such as load data, powder characteristics, and important safety practices.
Benefits Reviewed
Reloading allows shooters to experience increased accuracy, customized ballistics, and cost savings. The ability to refine your loads provides enhanced performance and a more fulfilling shooting experience. By following the guidelines outlined, reloaders can safely and effectively create ammunition tailored to their needs.
Encouragement
Reloading requires a commitment to safety, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. By embracing these principles, you can unlock the full potential of your 350 Legend and enjoy the satisfaction of handcrafting your ammunition. Experiment with different bullet weights, powder charges, and other variables to achieve the best results. The journey of reloading is a continuous process of learning and refinement.
Final Reminder
Remember, always prioritize safety, verify all load data, and consult reputable resources. Reload responsibly, and enjoy the process of crafting your own ammunition!
Call to Action
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss specific aspects of 350 Legend reloading or H110 powder, feel free to ask. Your feedback and questions help improve the quality of these resources and ensure that all reloaders have the knowledge they need to succeed.
Sources and References
Hodgdon Reloading Data Center (hodgdonreloading.com)
Lyman Reloading Handbook
Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual
(Include specific edition numbers or dates where possible)
Bullet Manufacturer Websites (Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, etc.)
