Finding the right bullet for your 350 Legend reloading endeavors is crucial for accuracy, performance, and safety. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the various bullet options available, helping you choose the perfect projectile for your specific needs. We'll cover everything from bullet weight and type to considerations for hunting and target shooting. Understanding bullet characteristics is key to successful 350 Legend reloading.
Understanding 350 Legend Bullet Characteristics
The 350 Legend cartridge, with its relatively large diameter and moderate velocity, offers versatility for various applications. Selecting the correct bullet type and weight depends on your intended use. Key characteristics to consider include:
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Bullet Weight: Weights commonly range from 145 grains to 200 grains. Heavier bullets generally offer more penetration and knock-down power, making them ideal for hunting larger game. Lighter bullets provide flatter trajectories at longer ranges and are better suited for target shooting or smaller game. A popular choice for hunting is the 180-grain bullet, offering a balance of energy and accuracy.
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Bullet Type: Several bullet types are compatible with the 350 Legend, each with distinct advantages:
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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): These bullets are entirely encased in metal, making them ideal for target practice due to their affordability and consistent performance. They are not typically recommended for hunting due to their limited expansion.
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Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): These bullets feature a hollow cavity in the nose, designed to expand upon impact, increasing their stopping power and lethality. JHPs are a popular choice for self-defense and hunting.
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Soft Point (SP): These bullets have a soft lead tip exposed, promoting expansion upon impact. They're a suitable option for hunting, offering a balance between expansion and penetration.
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Controlled Expansion: Some manufacturers produce bullets designed for controlled expansion, offering a predictable performance between full penetration and fragmentation. This ensures reliable energy transfer while reducing the risk of over-penetration.
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Bullet Construction: The construction of a bullet impacts its performance. Consider whether the bullet is a monolithic solid copper design, a bonded bullet, or a lead-core jacketed bullet. Each construction affects expansion, penetration, and overall accuracy.
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Monolithic Copper: These bullets are typically more expensive but offer excellent penetration and consistent expansion. They are also less likely to deform on impact with hard surfaces.
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Bonded Bullets: These bullets have a lead core bonded to the jacket, which helps prevent core-jacket separation during impact. This leads to consistent performance and predictable expansion.
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Lead-Core Jacketed: Traditional bullets, these offer a good balance of cost-effectiveness and performance.
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Bullet Selection for Specific Applications
The best bullet choice for you depends on your intended use:
Hunting:
For hunting deer-sized game, heavier bullets (180-200 grains) with good expansion capabilities, such as JHPs or Controlled Expansion bullets, are recommended. Penetration is important to ensure a clean kill, while expansion maximizes energy transfer to the target. Consider the specific game you are hunting and local regulations when selecting a bullet weight and type.
Target Shooting:
For target practice, FMJs are generally preferred due to their affordability and consistent accuracy. Lighter bullets (145-160 grains) can also contribute to flatter trajectories at longer ranges.
Self-Defense:
For self-defense, a high-quality JHP bullet with excellent expansion and stopping power is essential. Consider the limitations of your environment and choose a bullet weight and type that offers reliable performance within those confines.
Reloading Considerations
When reloading 350 Legend ammunition, it is crucial to:
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Start Low and Work Up: Always start with a minimum safe load data provided by your bullet manufacturer. Gradually increase the powder charge to determine the optimal load for your rifle and bullet combination.
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Accurate Measurement: Precise powder measurement is critical to safety and consistent performance. Utilize a reliable scale to ensure accurate weights.
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Proper Seating Depth: Correct bullet seating depth is crucial for both accuracy and safety. Too shallow or deep seating can cause malfunctions or dangerous pressure increases. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely.
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Consistent Case Preparation: Preparing cases consistently is crucial for reloading success. Ensure uniformity in trimming, resizing, and priming.
Case Study: Comparing Two Popular 350 Legend Bullets
Let's compare two popular choices: a 180-grain Barnes Vor-TX bullet and a 150-grain Hornady FTX bullet.
| Feature | 180-grain Barnes Vor-TX | 150-grain Hornady FTX |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Type | Solid Copper | Jacketed Hollow Point |
| Weight | 180 grains | 150 grains |
| Intended Use | Hunting | Hunting/Target Practice |
| Expansion | Excellent, Consistent | Good Expansion |
| Penetration | High | Moderate |
| Cost | High | Moderate |
As you can see, the choice depends on your needs. The Barnes Vor-TX excels in hunting situations requiring high penetration and reliable performance, while the Hornady FTX offers a good balance of performance and cost for both hunting and target shooting.
Remember always to consult your reloading manual and manufacturer data before beginning any reloading project. Safety should always be your top priority. By understanding these factors and choosing the correct bullet, you can optimize your 350 Legend reloading and achieve superior accuracy and performance.