Understanding Your 350 Legend Bullet Fundamentals
Bullet Diameter
Probably the most essential facet is the bullet diameter. The 350 Legend makes use of a .357-inch diameter bullet. This comparatively massive diameter contributes to the cartridge’s efficient stopping energy, a characteristic extremely valued by hunters and people prioritizing terminal efficiency.
Bullet Weight
Bullet weight is one other crucial issue. The load, measured in grains, considerably impacts a bullet’s trajectory, velocity, and power switch. The 350 Legend accommodates a broad vary of bullet weights, providing versatility for numerous functions. Widespread weight ranges embody 125 grains, 145 grains, 150 grains, 160 grains, 180 grains, and 185 grains.
Lighter bullets are inclined to have greater velocities, leading to flatter trajectories, however may also be extra vulnerable to wind drift. Heavier bullets, conversely, have decrease velocities however usually preserve extra power downrange, providing superior penetration and doubtlessly higher efficiency in difficult circumstances. The best bullet weight relies on your supposed goal. As an illustration, a lighter bullet is likely to be appropriate for plinking and goal apply at shorter distances, whereas a heavier bullet is commonly most well-liked for looking bigger recreation.
Bullet Sort
The form and building of a bullet, extra particularly, its kind, additionally vastly impacts efficiency. A number of varieties can be found for the 350 Legend, every designed for particular functions.
Bullet Sort Breakdown for the 350 Legend
A number of totally different bullet designs can be found, every designed for various functions. Understanding the professionals and cons of those bullets is essential.
Full Metallic Jacket (FMJ) Bullets
FMJ bullets are absolutely encased in a metallic jacket, usually made from copper or a copper alloy. They’re recognized for his or her reliability and affordability. As a result of the jacket prevents growth upon impression, FMJs are most fitted to goal taking pictures and plinking, or for navy functions. These bullets usually are not usually really helpful for looking, as they usually cross via the goal with out increasing, leading to minimal power switch and decreased stopping energy.
Hole Level (HP) Bullets
HP bullets characteristic a cavity within the nostril. Upon impression, the bullet mushrooms or expands, rising its diameter and transferring extra power to the goal. This growth creates a bigger wound channel, bettering stopping energy and inflicting extra speedy incapacitation. HP bullets are generally used for looking, as they provide glorious growth and managed penetration. They’re additionally a stable alternative for self-defense.
Delicate Level (SP) Bullets
SP bullets are much like HP bullets however have a lead core with a portion uncovered on the tip. On impression, the uncovered lead begins to broaden the bullet, much like an HP. The uncovered lead causes the bullet to broaden. SPs supply a great steadiness between growth and penetration, making them appropriate for looking and self-defense.
Spherical Nostril (RN) Bullets
RN bullets have a rounded tip, which typically promotes dependable feeding. Nonetheless, they will have a much less aerodynamic profile in comparison with different bullet varieties, resulting in a barely decreased trajectory at longer ranges. These are a great choice for plinking.
Specialty Bullets
A number of specialty bullets are designed for particular functions. For instance, bonded bullets use a chemical or mechanical course of to bond the core and jacket collectively. These supply glorious weight retention and deep penetration, making them preferrred for looking robust recreation.
Main Producers of 350 Legend Bullets
The market is flooded with choices. Listed below are among the main bullet producers to think about for reloading your 350 Legend ammunition.
Hornady
Hornady is a well-respected producer recognized for its high quality and efficiency. Hornady bullets are favored by many shooters, and supply a variety of bullets designed for particular functions. Some in style choices embody the XTP, and FTX. The XTP (Excessive Terminal Efficiency) is a hole level bullet designed for managed growth and deep penetration, making it well-suited for looking numerous recreation species. The FTX (Flex Tip Increasing) is a novel design with a versatile polymer tip that initiates growth upon impression.
Sierra
Sierra bullets are famend for his or her accuracy. Sierra’s MatchKing bullets are a best choice amongst precision goal shooters, and its Professional-Hunter are additionally efficient in looking.
Speer
Speer has a robust repute for producing dependable and constant bullets, with the Gold Dot line being well-regarded.
Nosler
Nosler is a pioneer in bullet design, with a give attention to premium looking bullets. Standard choices embody the Ballistic Tip, recognized for its accuracy and speedy growth, and the AccuBond, which gives glorious weight retention and deep penetration.
Barnes
Barnes focuses on all-copper bullets, providing distinctive penetration and weight retention. Their TSX and TTSX bullets are in style selections amongst hunters in search of deep penetration and minimal environmental impression.
Berry’s
Berry’s gives plated bullets, a extra inexpensive choice for goal taking pictures and plinking.
Making Your Selection: Elements to Take into account
Deciding on the proper bullet to your 350 Legend reloading mission includes a cautious consideration of a number of components:
Supposed Use
That is the first driver of your bullet choice. In the event you’re looking, contemplate the scale and toughness of the sport. A heavier bullet with managed growth, similar to a bonded or partitioned design, is likely to be optimum for bigger animals. For goal taking pictures, accuracy is paramount, so select a bullet recognized for its constant efficiency and ballistic profile.
Rifle Twist Price
The twist fee of your rifle’s barrel (e.g., 1:16 inches) dictates the soundness of the bullet. A quicker twist fee (e.g., 1:14 inches) stabilizes longer, heavier bullets higher than a slower twist fee. Seek the advice of your rifle’s handbook or analysis to search out your particular twist fee.
Powder Choice
Powder choice instantly impacts bullet velocity, trajectory, and recoil. (Powder choice, nevertheless, will be lined in its personal article.)
Brass Choice
Dependable brass is crucial for constant efficiency.
Reloading Course of Overview and Security First
Whereas the reloading course of can appear advanced initially, it may be damaged down into a number of key steps:
Case Preparation
This contains cleansing the fired brass, resizing it to the right dimensions, and trimming the case to the right size.
Priming
Inserting a brand new primer into the case.
Powder Charging
Fastidiously measuring and meting out the correct quantity of powder into the case.
Bullet Seating
Seating the bullet into the case to the right total size (OAL).
Crimping
(Non-compulsory) Making use of a crimp to the case mouth to make sure the bullet stays securely in place.
Last Inspection
Fastidiously inspecting the finished spherical for any defects or inconsistencies.
Security must be paramount all through the reloading course of. All the time observe these pointers:
Seek the advice of dependable reloading manuals and cling to the really helpful load information.
Use a calibrated scale to weigh powder expenses precisely.
Double-check bullet seating depth and OAL.
All the time put on security glasses and gloves.
Work in a well-ventilated space, and by no means combine or interchange powders.
Retailer parts safely, away from warmth and moisture.
Reload just one kind of cartridge at a time to keep away from mixing up parts.
Bullet Suggestions by Software
Selecting the best bullet is crucial. Listed below are some particular suggestions, primarily based on utility:
Looking Bullets
Medium Sport (e.g., Whitetail Deer, Coyotes): Take into account Hornady XTP, Nosler Ballistic Tip, or Sierra Professional-Hunter.
Massive Sport (e.g., Elk, Bear): Take into account Barnes TSX or TTSX, or Nosler AccuBond.
Goal Taking pictures Bullets
Sierra MatchKing is a best choice for precision goal taking pictures.
Plinking Bullets
Berry’s plated bullets present an economical choice for leisure taking pictures.
Further Sources for Your Reloading Journey
Reloading Manuals: Important for load information and security info.
On-line Reloading Boards: A helpful useful resource for sharing info.
Bullet Producer Web sites: For detailed specs and cargo information.
Conclusion
Reloading your 350 Legend ammunition permits you to optimize efficiency, lower your expenses, and benefit from the satisfaction of making your personal ammunition. Deciding on the proper bullet is a crucial step on this course of. Fastidiously contemplate your supposed use, bullet traits, and the sources out there to you. The mixture of the proper bullet, correct reloading methods, and a dedication to security will make sure you’re capable of take pleasure in the advantages of this versatile cartridge.
