The Allure of Handloading the .35 Remington
Why should you consider reloading The .35 Remington? The benefits are numerous and compelling, especially in today’s market. First, and perhaps most significantly, is the potential for significant cost savings. Factory ammunition prices fluctuate, and reloading can provide a consistent and often less expensive supply of rounds. This allows for more practice and experimentation without breaking the bank.
Beyond economics, reloading unlocks a new level of customization. You are no longer bound by the limitations of factory loads. You can tailor the performance of your ammunition to the specific needs of your hunting environment, or target shooting needs. Whether you’re looking for maximum penetration, superior accuracy, or a specific bullet weight, the ability to control every aspect of the cartridge is unparalleled.
Reloading also allows for optimization in accuracy. By meticulously choosing components, carefully weighing powder charges, and fine-tuning the seating depth of your bullets, you can unlock a new level of precision from your .35 Remington rifle. You might find your rifle shoots groups you previously thought impossible with factory ammunition.
Finally, in times of ammunition shortages, the ability to reload gives you independence and security. You’re not reliant on the whims of the market. You can maintain a consistent supply of ammunition, allowing you to continue enjoying your passion for shooting or hunting.
Safety First: The Cornerstone of Responsible Reloading
Before diving into the mechanics of reloading The .35 Remington, let’s reiterate the paramount importance of safety. Reloading, by its nature, involves potentially dangerous processes, and carelessness can have serious consequences. The proper understanding and respect for safety protocols is absolutely crucial.
Eye Protection is Non-Negotiable
Always wear safety glasses. Powder can ignite, primers can detonate, and projectiles can fragment. Protecting your eyes is the single most important safety precaution.
Gloves Provide Additional Protection
Gloves, especially those made of non-flammable material, provide another layer of protection. They guard against burns, chemicals and contamination.
Understand Your Equipment
Never use any equipment you do not fully understand. Read all manuals and be familiar with the proper operation and maintenance of your reloading tools.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
Reloading produces fumes from both powder and primers. Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent the inhalation of harmful chemicals.
Single-Tasking
Avoid distractions while reloading. Never reload while tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Give the task your undivided attention.
Always Consult Reliable Data
Use load data from reputable sources such as the bullet and powder manufacturers’ websites, and reloading manuals from respected publishers. Never guess or deviate from published data. Never exceed the maximum load data.
Inspection and Quality Control
Every loaded round is a new commitment. Inspect your work. Look for inconsistencies. Catch problems before the round is fired.
Proper Powder Storage
Always store reloading powders in their original containers in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames.
Primer Storage
Primers are sensitive explosives. Handle with care. Keep primers in their original packaging until needed.
Be Prepared for Unexpected Events
Know what to do in the event of a malfunction, such as a stuck case or a primer that fails to seat properly. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Double-Check Your Work
Carefully verify every step of the process, from measuring powder to seating the bullet.
Assembling Your Reloading Arsenal
The .35 Remington reloading process requires a specific set of tools and components. Investing in quality equipment will pay dividends in terms of accuracy, safety, and the overall enjoyment of the reloading experience.
Essential Tools
Reloading Press: The heart of the operation. A sturdy press is needed to resize cases, seat primers, and seat bullets. Single-stage presses are excellent for beginners, while progressive presses offer higher volume output.
Reloading Dies: These are critical for case preparation. You’ll need a set of dies for your .35 Remington, usually consisting of a full-length sizing die, an expander die (or combination die), and a bullet seating and crimping die.
Scales: Precise measurement is critical. A digital scale offers speed and accuracy, while a beam scale provides a time-tested, reliable method. A reliable scale is a must-have tool.
Powder Measure: For consistent and accurate powder charges.
Primer Seating Tool: This allows you to seat primers evenly into the primer pockets.
Case Trimmer: Essential for ensuring consistent case lengths.
Case Cleaner: Cleans brass, readying it for reloading.
Calipers: Necessary for measuring overall cartridge length (OAL), case length, and other critical dimensions.
Component Selection: The Building Blocks of .35 Remington Cartridges
The choice of components has a significant impact on accuracy and performance. Understanding your options is vital.
Brass
Choose brass from a reputable manufacturer. Inspect cases carefully before using them for any signs of damage or wear. Cleaning brass before reloading can greatly extend its life.
Case Preparation: Clean the brass, then size, trim, deburr and chamfer the case mouth.
Primers
Use Large Rifle primers. Different primer brands have varying characteristics. Consult load data for recommendations.
Bullets
Choosing the right bullet is critical for .35 Remington. Popular choices include:
Round Nose: These bullets feed reliably in lever-action rifles.
Flat Nose: Another good option for lever-action rifles.
Hollow Point: Commonly used for expansion in big-game hunting.
Bullet Weight: Consider the intended use. Lighter bullets (e.g., 150-grain or 158-grain) are well-suited for varmint hunting. Heavier bullets (e.g., 200-grain or heavier) are more effective on larger game.
Powder
The correct powder is critical for accuracy, good function, and safety. Research the best powders to use in the .35 Remington and get a suitable powder to get you started. Look for powders with burn rates appropriate for the .35 Remington, IMR 3031, LeverEvolution, and Reloader 7 are popular choices, but there are others.
The Step-by-Step Reloading Process for the .35 Remington
With your equipment and components in place, you’re ready to begin reloading. Following the process carefully and methodically is essential.
Case Preparation
Inspect each case. Clean the brass thoroughly. Full-length size and deprime the cases using your sizing die. Trim the cases to the specified length. Deburr and chamfer the case mouths. Clean the primer pockets.
Priming the Case
Seat a new primer into the primer pocket using a primer seating tool. Make sure the primer is seated flush with the case head or slightly below.
Powder Charging
Carefully measure the powder charge using your powder measure, or a scale. Always check the powder charge with a scale. Ensure that the powder charge falls within the recommended load data.
Bullet Seating
Place the bullet on top of the case mouth. Use the seating die to seat the bullet to the recommended overall cartridge length (OAL). The OAL is crucial for proper chambering and accuracy.
Crimping (Generally Recommended)
Apply a crimp to the case mouth to ensure the bullet stays firmly in place. This is especially important for lever-action rifles. The crimp also helps the cartridge burn consistently and deliver its best potential.
Inspection
Inspect each loaded round to ensure it meets your standards of quality. Check the OAL. Make sure the bullet is seated straight. Check the crimp.
Load Development: Tailoring Loads for Peak Performance
Load development is the key to unlocking the full potential of your .35 Remington rifle. This process involves finding the optimal combination of components to achieve the best accuracy and performance.
Start with Recommended Loads
Never start above the maximum load data.
Work up in Small Increments
Start with a powder charge a bit lower than the recommended starting load. Increase the powder charge in small increments (e.g., 0.5-grain increments) and watch for signs of excessive pressure.
Record Everything
Document your reloading data meticulously. Record the date, ambient conditions, bullet weight and type, powder type and charge, primer type, case type, OAL, velocity (using a chronograph if you have one), and group size.
Shooting and Evaluation
Shoot groups at a consistent range, using a bench rest or solid support. Evaluate the group size and consistency.
Watch for Pressure Signs
Monitor your cases and primers for signs of excessive pressure, such as hard bolt lift, flattened primers, cratering of the primer, or case head expansion.
Tips and Tricks for .35 Remington Reloading
Case Life is Important: Inspect cases regularly and discard any that show signs of wear, such as case head separation. Consider neck-sizing only if you are only shooting one rifle.
Firearm Maintenance is Vital: Keep your rifle clean and well-maintained.
Optimize for Accuracy: Experiment with different bullet seating depths to fine-tune your loads.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Regularly clean your reloading equipment.
Stay Informed: Read reloading forums, and articles for the latest information on Reloading The .35 Remington.
Conclusion: Unleashing the Power of .35 Remington Reloading
Reloading The .35 Remington is a rewarding experience. It’s more than a process; it’s a craft, a skill that empowers you to customize your ammunition and extract the full potential of your classic cartridge. Reloading gives you control over the performance of your loads, allowing you to tailor them precisely to your needs. By following these steps, practicing safety, and continuously learning, you can enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own accurate and effective .35 Remington ammunition. Reloading can become a great part of your shooting and hunting experience.
*Disclaimer: Always consult reliable sources for load data. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Reloading can be dangerous; proceed with caution and always prioritize safety.*
