Understanding the 350 Legend and the Versatility of 180 Grain Bullets
The 350 Legend has rapidly become a favorite in the world of straight-walled cartridges, and for good reason. Its inherent accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective range make it a versatile option for hunters and target shooters alike. Beyond its appeal, the ability to reload for this cartridge further enhances its value. Reloading offers a path to cost savings, precision tailoring of loads to your rifle, and the sheer satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. And when it comes to 350 Legend reloading, the 180-grain bullet weight is a sweet spot, delivering a great balance of performance characteristics. This guide delves into the world of 350 Legend reloading, focusing specifically on the best 180 grain bullets and offering insights to help you achieve exceptional results.
The 350 Legend, designed for legal use in many straight-wall cartridge hunting zones, has impressive performance capabilities. Its design allows for a high ballistic coefficient, leading to a flatter trajectory when compared to many other straight-walled cartridges. It also excels at delivering ample energy at moderate ranges, making it suitable for taking down whitetail deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game. The cartridge’s inherent accuracy, combined with its ease of reloading, ensures its popularity.
The 180-grain bullet weight hits a crucial mark in the 350 Legend ecosystem. This weight range strikes a remarkable balance between a number of important factors. It contributes to a trajectory that remains relatively flat at common hunting distances. The 180 grain bullets, when coupled with appropriate powder charges, provide sufficient energy for ethical kills on various game. Perhaps just as important, the recoil generated by this weight class is generally very manageable, allowing for comfortable and accurate follow-up shots.
When selecting bullets for reloading, multiple considerations come into play. First, bullet construction matters. The design of the bullet, including its jacket and core materials, determines how it will perform upon impact. The expansion profile, the ability of the bullet to deform and increase in diameter, is crucial for effective terminal performance. Ballistic coefficient (BC) – a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance – significantly influences trajectory and range. Sectional Density (SD), which considers a bullet’s weight relative to its diameter, also plays a role in how well it penetrates. It’s all a careful balancing act to achieve the desired result.
Exploring Top Bullet Choices for 350 Legend 180 Grain Reloading
Reloading offers the opportunity to fine-tune your ammunition to suit your specific needs, be it for hunting, target shooting, or some other application. One of the keys to success is the proper selection of the bullet. Here’s a look at several excellent options for the 350 Legend, focusing on the 180-grain weight class.
Premium Options
This segment focuses on premium options offering a higher level of quality and performance.
Great All-Around Performers
This section covers bullets that offer a balance of good performance and more reasonable costs.
Target and Practice Loads
For recreational shooting and range practice, a more economical bullet option can be desired.
Remember, the perfect bullet choice hinges on your specific needs and the way you intend to use your 350 Legend ammunition. Considering the game you intend to hunt, the distances you will be shooting at, and your budget, allows you to focus in on the perfect bullet.
An Example: A Hunt-Ready Bullet
Let’s delve into a fictional example to illustrate how a premium hunting bullet would perform. Imagine a specialized bullet designed with hunting as the primary goal. It would feature a bonded construction, where the lead core is chemically bonded to the copper jacket. This process ensures maximum weight retention and promotes deep penetration even through bone and tough hide. The bullet’s profile would be designed to expand rapidly upon impact, creating a wide wound channel for quick and humane kills. A boat tail design would help to improve ballistic coefficient and to mitigate drag, further increasing the effective range.
These bullets are often pricier than other options, and this is usually a direct result of the quality of the construction and the advanced materials used. If you’re dedicated to maximizing stopping power on game and minimizing any chances of a lost shot, then these bullets represent a great choice.
An Example: Versatile Choice
Here, imagine a classic cup-and-core bullet design. These bullets typically consist of a lead core encased in a copper jacket. The jacket’s construction and profile greatly influence the bullet’s expansion characteristics. For instance, if we’re considering a good all-around bullet, its jacket may have a tapered design, with a thinner portion at the tip to allow for controlled expansion. The core might be designed for a combination of expansion and penetration, perfect for versatile use. These types of bullets can be great for both hunting and target shooting, making them a superb option for reloaders seeking versatility.
An Example: The Practice-Ready Bullet
If you’re seeking to maximize your practice time and stay within budget, a bullet specifically designed for target shooting would be ideal. These typically have a full metal jacket (FMJ) design, meaning that the lead core is fully encased in a copper jacket. This jacket design allows for greater penetration and helps to preserve the bullet’s integrity as it travels downrange. These bullets are frequently designed with a boat tail base, to help with flight stability and to help reduce drag. These bullets typically have lower ballistic coefficients. The primary focus is on accuracy and consistency. This makes them perfectly suitable for getting the most practice for your budget.
Reloading Process Considerations for 350 Legend and 180 Grain Bullets
The act of reloading is more than just assembling components; it’s about creating a safe, accurate, and effective round. Success begins with attention to detail.
First, the choice of the primer is important. In the context of the 350 Legend, standard small rifle primers are the most common selection. Always stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations in your chosen reloading manual.
Powder selection is also an important area of focus. Many powders work well in the 350 Legend with 180-grain bullets. For instance, powders like Hodgdon CFE Black can produce great results due to its clean burning nature and consistent velocities. Another good option can be Accurate 1680, a powder well-known for its performance in straight-walled cartridges. The best powder is based on several factors, including the type of shooting and your desired level of accuracy. *Always* consult a reputable reloading manual for specific powder charge weights and to avoid any hazardous situations. Following recommended load data is always essential!
Case preparation is a vital step in the reloading process. Begin by inspecting each case for any damage or defects. Once confirmed, thoroughly clean the brass cases. Next, the cases will need to be resized to bring them back to factory specifications. After resizing, trimming is crucial. Trimming the case to the correct length ensures consistent performance and prevents issues during firing. Then, chamfer the case mouth to remove any sharp edges and deburr the inside to facilitate smooth bullet seating.
The loading process involves several careful steps. Seat your primer in the primed case and then carefully begin the powder-filling process. Accurately measure the correct amount of powder (following load data!) and pour it into each case. Then, the bullet needs to be properly seated into the case mouth at the appropriate depth. Consult the bullet manufacturer’s specifications for this. Depending on the bullet and the specific reloading process, it may be appropriate to apply a light crimp at the case mouth. This action secures the bullet in place and enhances performance.
Safety Precautions
Safety must always be the topmost priority during the reloading process. Always wear eye protection, and make sure you are working in a well-ventilated space. Never mix powders, and always double-check your measurements before charging cases. Start with the minimum recommended powder charge and work your way up, paying close attention to signs of excessive pressure. Never overload cases. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Consult reloading manuals and other resources for reliable data.
Testing and Performance Evaluation
Loading is only the beginning. Testing your loads is critical to assess their performance.
The use of a chronograph is essential to measure the muzzle velocity of your handloads. This reading allows you to verify that you are getting the anticipated performance, to confirm the consistency of your loads, and to make adjustments if needed.
Next, head to the range and take a look at your handloads’ accuracy. Shooting groups at different distances will help you establish the accuracy of the load. Be sure to note the point of impact and the group size.
If you aren’t achieving the desired results, don’t worry. Adjust your load based on the performance. This could involve minor adjustments to the powder charge, switching to a different primer, or even choosing a different bullet.
Where to Find 350 Legend 180 Grain Bullets
Finding bullets for your 350 Legend reloading project is quite easy. Online retailers provide a wide selection, and local gun stores usually carry at least some options, making it easier to get what you need.
Many online retailers specialize in reloading supplies. These provide a convenient way to browse a huge selection of bullets, primers, powders, and tools. Websites such as MidwayUSA, Brownells, and others usually have a large inventory of popular bullets. Be sure to check for sales and discounts to make sure you get the best possible price.
Local gun stores and reloading suppliers are also excellent resources. These establishments often offer expert advice and have the advantage of allowing you to physically examine the bullets before you buy. Shopping at a local store also helps support your community.
When shopping, compare prices from multiple vendors to get the best deal. Consider the shipping costs, the availability of bulk quantities, and the reputation of the retailer. Check for any special offers or promotions.
Conclusion
Reloading for the 350 Legend with 180-grain bullets unlocks new levels of control and precision. Whether you’re pursuing game in the field or seeking tighter groups at the range, tailoring your loads to your specific needs is possible. The versatility of the 180-grain bullet weight combined with the wealth of available components creates a rewarding experience for the reloader.
Remember to always prioritize safety, meticulously follow reloading procedures, and always consult reliable sources.
For Further Knowledge
For a deeper understanding of reloading, consult reputable reloading manuals. The Lyman Reloading Handbook and the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center are excellent resources. Online reloading forums and communities can be a source of helpful insights, shared experiences, and practical advice. But be sure to corroborate all information with reputable sources.
Enjoy the journey of handloading, and remember that patience, practice, and a focus on safety are the keys to a successful reloading endeavor! Be sure to always work within safe parameters when reloading, and Happy Reloading!
