Understanding the 400 Legend Cartridge
Origin and Design
The 400 Legend has rapidly become a favorite among shooters and hunters. Its impressive ballistic performance and versatility in a variety of firearms platforms make it an appealing choice. This article will serve as your guide to mastering the art of reloading the 400 Legend cartridge, empowering you to create custom loads tailored to your specific needs while always prioritizing safety.
Key Specifications
Key dimensions play a crucial role in any cartridge’s performance. The 400 Legend features a bullet diameter of around point four inches. Its case length, the distance from the base of the cartridge to the mouth, is a critical dimension, impacting everything from chambering to pressure. Carefully adhering to these specifications is paramount when reloading.
Advantages of the 400 Legend
The advantages of the 400 Legend are numerous. Its low recoil impulse, even when firing heavier bullets, makes it a comfortable cartridge to shoot. This is a great benefit, especially for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil. This, combined with its exceptional ballistics, translates to a higher degree of accuracy. Furthermore, the cartridge’s efficiency and ability to function reliably in platforms like the AR-15 have cemented its appeal.
Suitable Firearms and Applications
The cartridge’s versatility extends to the firearms it can be used in. While designed with the AR-15 in mind, the 400 Legend can also be found in a variety of bolt-action rifles. This flexibility makes it suitable for everything from plinking at the range to hunting medium-sized game. Knowing the capabilities of your firearm and matching your loads to the intended purpose is essential.
Reloading Safety: The Foundation of Success
The Importance of Safety Gear
Before delving into any 400 Legend load data, the importance of safety cannot be overstated. Reloading is a process that demands meticulous attention to detail and respect for the potential dangers involved. Always, always, wear safety glasses. This simple precaution can prevent serious eye injuries from flying debris, primer fragments, or propellant particles. Gloves are another essential safety measure. They protect your hands from chemicals and provide a better grip on reloading tools and components.
Workspace and Ventilation
Your reloading area should be well-ventilated. This helps to dissipate fumes from powders and cleaning solvents. Ensure a clean and organized workspace to minimize the risk of accidental spills or cross-contamination of components.
Safe Storage Practices
The storage of powders and primers is another critical aspect of safety. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and the reach of children. Clearly label all containers and never mix powders. Primers should be stored in their original packaging.
Investing in Quality Equipment
Investing in quality reloading equipment is an investment in safety and accuracy. A sturdy reloading press, accurate scales, properly sized dies, and calipers are crucial tools. They allow for precise measurements and consistent results.
Working Up Loads Safely
Always, always, start with reduced loads. When experimenting with new components or load data, err on the side of caution. Working up a load gradually, observing the pressure signs, is the only way to ensure safe and consistent results. Never exceed the maximum load data provided by reputable sources.
Components for Reloading the 400 Legend
Brass Cases
Brass cases form the structure of your reloaded cartridges. Before reloading, cases should be meticulously inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or excessive wear.
Case Preparation
Prepare the brass. Case preparation involves several steps. Cleaning, often done using a vibratory tumbler, removes dirt and debris. Trimming the cases to the correct length, using a case trimmer, ensures consistent performance. Chamfering and deburring the case mouth, after trimming, removes any sharp edges that could affect bullet seating.
Recommended Brass Brands
Recommended brass brands are typically those known for their quality and consistency. Several manufacturers produce excellent 400 Legend brass. It’s wise to stick with reputable brands known for their quality control.
Primers
Primers ignite the propellant and initiate the firing sequence. The correct primer type is essential for safe and reliable ignition. Using the wrong primer can lead to inconsistent performance or, in extreme cases, misfires. Large pistol primers are a typical choice for the 400 Legend. The correct primer seating depth is another crucial factor. Primers should be seated flush with, or slightly below, the case head. Improperly seated primers can cause malfunctions or even be hazardous.
Powders
Powders provide the energy needed to propel the bullet downrange. Selecting the right powder for the 400 Legend is essential. The burn rate and the characteristics of the powder impact velocity, pressure, and accuracy.
Powder Selection
Exploring some examples of suitable powders is essential. Many shooters find success with powders designed for pistol or light rifle cartridges. The characteristics of the powder matter. For instance, certain powders have a slower burn rate, producing higher velocities with heavier bullets, while others offer a wider range of loads. Bullet weight is the other key factor. Different bullet weights require different powders and powder charges to achieve optimal performance and safety. Consult reliable load data to find the right powder and charge weight.
Bullet Types and Brands
Bullet types include everything from full metal jacket (FMJ) to hollow point (HP) and expanding bullets. Matching the bullet type to the intended use is important. Hunters often choose bullets that expand reliably upon impact, while target shooters might opt for more economical options. Recommended bullet brands are numerous. Look for brands known for their accuracy, consistency, and construction quality. Carefully selecting the right bullet for your purpose will drastically change your experience.
Bullet Seating Depth
Bullet seating depth, the distance the bullet is seated into the case, affects the internal volume and pressure of the cartridge. This can affect the velocity and pressure. Consistent seating depth helps to ensure consistent results. Always refer to the specific load data and consider the overall length (OAL) of the cartridge.
Load Data Considerations for Reloading
Load Data Chart 1: 170 Grain Bullet
To safely reload the 400 Legend, you must consult reliable load data sources and take every precaution to keep yourself safe. The following examples will give you some insight to load data, but always cross-reference with a reloading manual.
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder | Primer Type | Case Brand | Starting Load (Grains) | Velocity (FPS) | OAL | Maximum Load (Grains) | Velocity (FPS) | OAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170 gr | FMJ | Hodgdon H110 | Large Pistol | Brand A | 18.0 | 1800 | 2.250″ | 20.0 | 2000 | 2.250″ |
| 170 gr | Hollow Point | Accurate #9 | Large Pistol | Brand B | 17.5 | 1750 | 2.245″ | 19.0 | 1950 | 2.245″ |
Always begin with the minimum load and incrementally increase, while carefully observing all the signs of pressure.
Load Data Chart 2: 200 Grain Bullet
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Powder | Primer Type | Case Brand | Starting Load (Grains) | Velocity (FPS) | OAL | Maximum Load (Grains) | Velocity (FPS) | OAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 gr | FMJ | IMR 4227 | Large Pistol | Brand C | 16.0 | 1600 | 2.260″ | 17.5 | 1750 | 2.260″ |
| 200 gr | Hollow Point | Hodgdon H110 | Large Pistol | Brand D | 16.5 | 1550 | 2.255″ | 17.0 | 1700 | 2.255″ |
Always consult a reloading manual before using any load data and begin with reduced loads.
Disclaimer: The load data provided is for informational purposes only. Always consult with reputable reloading manuals and sources before reloading. Individual firearms and components can vary. Always use caution and work up loads gradually.
Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Case Preparation
The reloading process involves a series of steps, each crucial for producing safe and accurate ammunition. Case preparation begins with cleaning, trimming and chamfering the cases. Cleaning, often done using a vibratory tumbler, removes dirt and debris that could affect performance. Trimming, to a consistent length, is essential for proper chambering and consistent pressures. Chamfering and deburring the case mouth remove any sharp edges that could damage the bullet during seating.
Priming
Priming the case involves inserting a new primer into the primer pocket. Use a primer seating tool that ensures the primer is seated firmly and evenly.
Powder Charging
Powder charging requires a powder measure. Carefully measure the correct amount of powder for each cartridge, and double-check your measurements to eliminate errors.
Bullet Seating
Bullet seating is the next step. The bullet is seated into the case to the desired overall length (OAL). Make sure to seat bullets evenly to ensure accuracy.
Crimping
Crimping, the process of securing the bullet in the case mouth, may be necessary, depending on the bullet type and the reloading procedures. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications.
Quality Control
Quality control, the final step, is essential. Inspect the loaded cartridges for any defects, such as insufficient powder or improperly seated bullets.
Testing and Evaluating Your Loads
Safe Range Practices
After reloading, it is time to test and evaluate your loads. Doing this process properly is key. Shooting at a safe range and in a safe manner is always the first step. Make sure you understand and comply with the range’s safety rules.
Using a Chronograph
Chronograph use helps measure the velocity of your reloads. A chronograph can help you gauge the performance of your loads, and can help with trouble shooting.
Recognizing Pressure Signs
Signs of overpressure, such as flattened primers, are a warning sign that your loads are too hot. Stop shooting immediately if you notice signs of overpressure.
Accuracy Testing
Accuracy testing and grouping is another critical test. Assess the accuracy of your reloads by shooting at a target and measuring the size of your shot groups.
Load Adjustments
Making adjustments to your loads based on the results is a process of fine-tuning and experimentation. Adjust the load to improve the results, while always being cautious.
Troubleshooting Reloading Issues
Common Problems
Problems can occasionally arise when reloading. Understanding common issues and their potential causes can save you time and help you create better loads. Common reloading problems include failure to fire, stuck cases, and inconsistent velocities. Addressing these issues can often be solved with a bit of investigation.
Identifying Causes
Potential causes of these problems can range from improper primer seating to incorrect powder charges. Inspecting each component and following the proper reloading procedure can help you identify the problem.
Seeking Expert Advice
Consulting with a reloading expert is appropriate when problems are persistent or the issues are difficult to diagnose. If you’re unsure, it’s better to ask for help than to risk an unsafe situation.
Important Resources and References
Reloading Manuals
A wealth of information and resources are available to help you learn more about reloading the 400 Legend. Recommended reloading manuals, such as those published by Hodgdon and other powder manufacturers, provide a wealth of load data, safety guidelines, and reloading techniques.
Online Resources
Reputable online resources, forums, and the websites of ammunition and component manufacturers are also great sources of information.
Safety Organizations
Safety organizations, like SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute), set industry standards for ammunition and provide valuable information about safe practices.
Conclusion
Reloading the 400 Legend can be a rewarding experience, providing you with the opportunity to tailor ammunition to your specific needs. Mastering the fundamentals of reloading requires a commitment to safety. This guide should provide the basis for your success.
Always remember to approach reloading with a cautious and informed mindset. Do not be afraid to experiment and develop loads to your specific needs and your firearm.
Enjoy the process, always prioritize safety, and happy reloading!
