The .35 Remington, a classic cartridge known for its power and versatility, remains a favorite among hunters and target shooters. Reloading your own .35 Remington ammunition offers significant advantages, including cost savings, the ability to customize loads for specific needs, and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of reloading .35 Remington bullets, covering everything from choosing components to ensuring safety.
Choosing Your Components: The Foundation of a Successful Reload
Selecting the right components is crucial for safe and effective reloading. Cutting corners here can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
1. Bullets: Finding the Right Projectile
The bullet's weight, type, and design significantly impact ballistics. Popular choices for .35 Remington include:
- Round Nose: A classic design offering good accuracy and penetration. Ideal for hunting medium-sized game.
- Flat Nose: Similar to round nose, but with a flatter tip, often slightly better for controlled expansion.
- Soft Point: Designed for controlled expansion upon impact, making them suitable for hunting applications.
- Hollow Point: Expands rapidly on impact, generating significant energy transfer. Primarily used for hunting.
Consider the intended use of your ammunition when selecting a bullet weight. Heavier bullets generally offer more energy and penetration, while lighter bullets tend to have a flatter trajectory. Common weights range from 150 grains to 220 grains.
2. Cases: The Heart of Your Cartridge
Proper case preparation is vital. Inspect cases for damage or defects before use. Trimming to uniform length ensures reliable feeding and consistent chambering. Commonly available cases are readily sourced from various ammunition manufacturers.
3. Powder: The Driving Force
Selecting the right powder is critical for both safety and performance. Consult reloading manuals specific to the .35 Remington cartridge for recommended powder types and charges. Never guess or estimate powder charges; always follow published data. Variations in powder type and charge significantly influence pressure and velocity. Accurate powder measurement is essential using a scale.
4. Primers: Igniting the Charge
Small rifle primers are standard for the .35 Remington cartridge. Choose high-quality primers from reputable manufacturers to ensure consistent ignition. Always handle primers with care, avoiding contamination or damage.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Disclaimer: Reloading ammunition involves inherent risks. Improper techniques can lead to serious injury or death. Always consult detailed reloading manuals specific to your equipment and components before starting. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
-
Case Preparation: Clean, inspect, and resize cases. Trim to the correct length if necessary. Deburr and chamfer case mouths for smooth bullet seating.
-
Powder Charging: Accurately measure the recommended powder charge using a scale. Double-check the measurement to avoid overcharging or undercharging.
-
Primer Seating: Carefully seat primers using a priming tool. Avoid damaging primers during seating.
-
Bullet Seating: Seat bullets to the specified crimp groove. Ensure consistent bullet seating depth for accurate and reliable performance.
-
Crimping: Crimp the case mouth to secure the bullet. Proper crimping prevents bullet setback during handling and firing.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
- Consult Reloading Manuals: Always refer to detailed reloading manuals specific to the .35 Remington cartridge and your chosen components.
- Use a Scale: Accurately weigh powder charges using a reliable reloading scale. Avoid eyeballing or estimating powder amounts.
- Cleanliness: Maintain a clean workspace free from debris and contaminants.
- Proper Equipment: Invest in high-quality reloading equipment to ensure safe and accurate reloading.
- Safety Glasses and Hearing Protection: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection while reloading.
Reloading .35 Remington ammunition can be a rewarding and cost-effective endeavor. However, safety must always remain the top priority. By meticulously following safety protocols and adhering to published reloading data, you can enjoy the benefits of crafting your own precise and reliable ammunition. Remember, responsible reloading practices ensure a safe and successful experience.
