Reloading the Versatile 35 Remington: Data, Tips, and Techniques

Prioritizing Safety: The Cornerstone of Responsible Reloading

Safety isn’t merely an accessory to reloading; it’s the very foundation upon which every successful and enjoyable reloading session is built. Before you even consider loading your first round of *35 Remington ammunition*, a rigid adherence to safety protocols is absolutely crucial.

Always wear safety glasses. This may seem like a basic precaution, but it’s easily overlooked, and protecting your eyes should be your top priority. Small particles can be expelled with significant force during the reloading process, causing severe injury.

Reload in a well-ventilated area. The powders and primers used in reloading can produce fumes, and inhaling these fumes over time can be detrimental to your health. Ensure adequate airflow, whether it’s through an open window, a dedicated ventilation system, or a respirator.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for every piece of reloading equipment and every component. Ignorance can lead to disaster. Read, understand, and heed the advice provided by manufacturers. These instructions are designed to keep you safe and your equipment functioning properly.

Utilize reliable reloading manuals and resources. Reloading manuals offer precise data for various cartridges, powders, and bullet weights. Cross-reference data between multiple sources to confirm load information, and never deviate significantly from recommended load parameters. Reputable sources include manuals from manufacturers like Hornady, Lyman, and Speer.

Inspect brass, primers, and powder carefully. Before commencing any reloading activity, thoroughly examine all components for defects. Discard any brass showing signs of wear, cracks, or bulges. Inspect primers for dents or damage, and make sure your powder is consistent in texture and appearance.

Securely store all components. Primers and powders should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets. Separate powders from primers to prevent any potential chemical reactions in the event of a storage accident.

Essential Equipment and Components for Reloading

Reloading is an investment, not just in money, but in time and learning. The journey into reloading .35 Remington demands specific tools and materials. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

A reloading press is the heart of your reloading operation. It provides the leverage necessary to resize cases, seat bullets, and perform other critical steps. Choose a press that offers adequate strength and versatility, considering whether you’ll be full-length resizing or neck sizing your brass.

Dies are essential for shaping your cases and seating bullets. You’ll need a set of .35 Remington dies, consisting of a sizing die, a seating die, and often a crimping die. Consider whether you want to use full-length sizing dies or neck sizing dies. Full-length dies resize the entire case, while neck sizing dies only resize the neck of the case. Neck sizing is generally preferred for precision shooting with brass dedicated to a single rifle.

A case trimmer is indispensable for maintaining consistent case lengths. During firing, brass cases stretch, and trimming them to the correct length ensures proper headspace and chamber fit. Make sure you have the proper case holder or adapter for .35 Remington.

Calipers are the precision instruments needed to measure case lengths, overall cartridge length (OAL), and other critical dimensions. Digital calipers provide the most accurate readings and are highly recommended.

A scale is fundamental for accurate powder measurement. A digital scale is the preferred choice for its speed and precision.

A powder measure ensures you can reliably dispense a consistent amount of powder into each case. Choose a powder measure with a wide range of adjustability and consistent performance.

A priming tool, whether press-mounted or hand-held, is essential for seating primers into the case. Ensure that the priming tool properly seats the primer to the correct depth.

Brass is the foundation upon which you’ll build your rounds. Purchasing new brass can be the easiest way to get started, allowing a reloader to have a good start. Alternatively, once-fired brass is suitable, provided it is in good condition. Popular brands of .35 Remington brass include Remington, Hornady, and Winchester. Each brand has its nuances. Remington brass is often considered a good all-around choice, while other brands may offer slightly different performance characteristics.

Primers ignite the powder and initiate the firing sequence. The choice of primer can impact accuracy and velocity. Consult your reloading manual for the recommended primer types for the .35 Remington. Common choices include standard large rifle primers.

Powder is the propellant that generates the pressure to propel the bullet down the barrel. Selecting the correct powder is one of the most crucial aspects of reloading. The burn rate of the powder is a critical factor, as is the amount of powder that the case is able to contain. The .35 Remington benefits from powders with a medium to slow burn rate. Some examples include IMR 4198, Reloader 7, and LeverEvolution. LeverEvolution is often favored for its ability to provide high velocities, but other powders offer their own specific performance characteristics. Experimentation within safe parameters is key. Always start with the minimum recommended load and gradually increase the charge while closely monitoring for pressure signs.

Bullets come in various weights and designs, each suited for different applications. For the .35 Remington, bullet weights commonly range from 150 grains to 220 grains. Flat-nosed bullets are the most common, reflecting the design of the classic lever-action rifles. Round-nosed bullets are also available. Bullet design influences external ballistics and terminal performance. Consider the intended use of your ammunition. For hunting deer and other medium-sized game, heavier bullets (180 to 200 grains) can provide excellent penetration and energy transfer. For target shooting, lighter bullets (150 to 170 grains) may be preferred.

The Step-by-Step Process of Reloading

The process of reloading .35 Remington ammunition can be broken down into several key steps:

Preparing the Brass

Brass preparation is crucial for consistent and safe ammunition. Begin by cleaning the cases. Tumbling your cases removes dirt, grime, and carbon, which will affect the load.

Resizing is typically the next step. If you are full-length resizing, you’ll run your cases through the sizing die. This process returns the case to its original dimensions, ensuring a good fit in the chamber. If you choose to neck size only, then this step is omitted.

Deprime the cases next. This removes the spent primer from the case.

Cleaning primer pockets ensures consistent primer seating. Remove any debris or carbon build-up in the primer pocket.

Trim the cases to length to ensure proper headspace. Cases should be trimmed to the length specified in your reloading manual.

Chamfer and deburr the case mouths to remove any sharp edges or burrs that could affect bullet seating.

Priming the Cases

Priming is essential. Use your priming tool to seat a new primer in each case. Be sure to seat the primer to the correct depth.

Charging with Powder

Carefully measure and pour the correct powder charge into each case. Start with the minimum load specified in your reloading manual and work your way up in increments.

Weigh and verify each powder charge. This is a crucial step to ensure the consistency and accuracy of each round.

Seating the Bullets

Choose the bullet and seating depth based on your requirements and the reloading manual.

Seat the bullet to the correct overall length (OAL), considering the magazine length of your rifle and the distance to the rifling.

Performing a Final Inspection

Before you even think of firing the rounds you have reloaded, inspect each of them to ensure that everything is in good order. Check for any irregularities or defects.

Reloading Data: A Practical Guide

*Important Notice:* The following reloading data is provided as a guide only. Always consult reputable reloading manuals from sources like Hornady, Speer, or Lyman, and never exceed the maximum recommended load. All data should be cross-referenced and verified.

Powder Charge Data Table for the .35 Remington

*Note:* Data may vary based on the specific components used (brass, primers, bullets, etc.) and your rifle’s characteristics. Always start with the lowest recommended loads and work up carefully. The data is for illustrative purposes only and must be independently verified with reliable sources. Always adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Important Considerations and Guidance

Finding the right load takes time. Working up a load involves testing different powder charges in small increments (0.5 grains or less) to identify the combination that delivers the best accuracy and velocity.

Understand the effects of pressure. Exceeding the maximum recommended load in your reloading manual can result in excessive pressure, which can cause damage to your firearm and risk serious injury. The effects of pressure manifest in several ways.

Detecting pressure signs is crucial. Learn to identify potential pressure signs such as flattened primers, hard bolt lift, and brass flow. These can be indicators of excessive pressure.

Choosing the right bullet plays a crucial role. Select a bullet weight and design based on your intended use.

Managing case capacity involves consistent preparation and how that influences load.

Chronographing your loads is essential.

Troubleshooting can be a journey. Become familiar with common reloading problems, such as inconsistent powder charges, bullet seating issues, and misfires, and learn how to resolve them.

Conclusion: Embracing the Reloading Journey

Reloading the .35 Remington offers a rewarding experience. Reloading not only saves money in the long run but provides a deeper understanding of your firearm and ammunition. While the initial investment in equipment can be substantial, the ability to customize your loads and create ammunition perfectly tailored to your needs is invaluable.

By adhering to safety protocols, carefully following the reloading process, and continually learning, you can successfully reload your own .35 Remington ammunition. Remember to prioritize safety, and always approach each reloading session with diligence and respect. The journey of reloading is a continuous learning experience. Embrace it, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Resources

Hornady Reloading Handbook

Lyman Reloading Handbook

Speer Reloading Manual

Reloading Forums (e.g., The High Road, Castboolits)

Manufacturer’s Websites (e.g., Hodgdon, Alliant)

Enjoy the process, and happy reloading!