Safety First!
Before delving into the world of reloading, the paramount consideration must always be safety. Reloading, by its nature, involves the handling of explosive materials and the manipulation of powerful forces. A single oversight or careless act can have severe consequences. Therefore, always approach the process with respect, discipline, and a commitment to following established safety protocols.
Essential safety equipment is non-negotiable. This includes sturdy eye protection to shield your vision from flying debris, such as primer fragments or tiny pieces of brass. Wear gloves to protect your hands from lead exposure and to maintain a secure grip on components. A well-ventilated workspace is crucial to avoid inhaling fumes from the priming compound and powder. Ear protection, in the form of earmuffs or earplugs, will safeguard your hearing from the loud noise generated by the reloading press and during the actual firing of the reloaded rounds.
Beyond equipment, safe reloading practices are equally critical. Always work in a clean and uncluttered environment, free from distractions. This minimizes the risk of errors. Carefully follow the load data provided by reputable sources, such as reloading manuals or reliable online resources. Never exceed the recommended powder charges, and always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. Regularly inspect your equipment for wear and tear and replace any components that show signs of damage. Most importantly, be patient. Reloading is not a race. Take your time, pay attention to detail, and enjoy the process.
Understanding the .35 Remington Cartridge
To successfully reload 35 Remington bullets, it is essential to have a fundamental understanding of the cartridge itself. This iconic round has a rich history and a loyal following. It first graced the market in 1906, initially chambered in the Remington Model 14 slide-action rifle, making a substantial impact in the hunting community. Its popularity stemmed from its impressive performance in close-to-medium range hunting, offering significant knockdown power for whitetail deer, black bear, and other game animals.
The .35 Remington is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge that has a straight-walled design, contributing to its efficiency and the relatively simple reloading process. It fires a bullet typically in the .358-inch diameter range. The cartridge’s popularity has endured for over a century, a testament to its effectiveness and the widespread availability of firearms chambered for it.
Several firearms have been chambered for this cartridge. The most well-known includes the Remington Model 14 and 141 pump-action rifles, which were iconic for their sleek design and smooth operation. The Remington Model 30, a bolt-action rifle, also used the .35 Remington, catering to hunters favoring that action type. However, the Marlin Model 336 lever-action rifle perhaps remains the most well-recognized firearm chambered for this cartridge. This combination, the Marlin 336 and the .35 Remington, is a pairing celebrated for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.
Components Needed for Reloading .35 Remington Bullets
Reloading, in essence, is the process of taking spent cartridge cases and, through a series of meticulous steps, restoring them to their original functionality or, in many instances, improving upon their performance. Each component plays a vital role.
First, consider brass cases, the foundation of your ammunition. Before you even begin, a thorough case inspection is crucial. Examine each case meticulously, checking for any signs of damage, such as dents, bulges, or cracks around the case mouth or neck. Any case that exhibits these defects should be discarded, as they can compromise the safety and accuracy of your reloaded rounds.
Cleaning brass cases is an important step in preparation. There are several methods for doing so. Tumbling, using a rotary tumbler filled with media (typically walnut shells or corn cob), is a common method for removing dirt, grime, and residue from the cases. This also helps to remove carbon and other deposits from the inside and outside surfaces of the brass. Ultrasonic cleaning is another option that provides thorough cleaning by emitting high-frequency sound waves in a cleaning solution.
After cleaning, prepare the cases. Case preparation involves sizing, trimming, and deburring/chamfering. Sizing is where you reshape the fired brass to the correct dimensions for the cartridge. Trimming involves shortening the case to the recommended length, ensuring consistent chambering. Deburring and chamfering smooth the case mouth, which helps when seating the bullets and prevents damaging them.
Next is the selection of bullets. The .35 Remington offers a diverse range of bullet choices, each suited for various applications. You will encounter different weights and types. For instance, flat-nosed bullets are a classic choice for lever-action rifles due to their safety in tubular magazines, while round-nosed bullets provide better ballistic coefficients. The weight is usually found between 150 and 200 grains. The ideal choice depends on your intended use, the game you’re hunting, and the range at which you’ll be shooting. Hunting for deer in dense woods may warrant heavier, flat-nosed bullets for maximum impact, while target shooting could benefit from lighter, more streamlined designs. Popular brands like Hornady, Speer, and Nosler offer a wide array of .35 Remington bullets.
Choosing the appropriate powder is another critical component. Powders used for the .35 Remington vary in burn rate, each influencing the performance. Start with the load data in your manual. The burn rate should be suitable for the .35 Remington. Look at the characteristics of the powder and its pressure in relation to the bullet. Find the one that will create the right velocity for the bullet weight. It’s also key to follow recommendations for load data, ensuring it is based on the bullet you selected. Always start with the minimum recommended charge and gradually increase, paying attention to pressure signs.
Primers, the small but mighty ignition source, are the next component. Primers come in different sizes, so it’s crucial to select the correct primer for your cartridge. For the .35 Remington, you’ll typically use large rifle primers. Brands such as Federal, CCI, and Winchester offer reliable primers, and it is best to use the recommended primer for the load data.
Finally, the reloading equipment, which includes a press, dies, a scale, a powder measure, a trimmer, and a caliper. The reloading press is the heart of your operation, enabling you to resize, prime, and seat bullets. Dies are the tools that shape the brass and seat the bullets. A powder scale is critical for measuring precise powder charges. A powder measure facilitates delivering powder to your cases. A case trimmer ensures that your cases are at the correct length. A caliper helps with measuring important dimensions of the reloaded rounds. Consider a starter kit that bundles essential tools. As you become more experienced, you can add more specialized equipment to your setup.
Reloading Process: A Detailed Walkthrough
The core of the reloading process involves a sequence of deliberate steps, each carefully executed.
Begin by preparing the brass. After you clean and inspect it, proceed with the sizing and decapping operation to return the fired cases to their original dimensions and remove the spent primer. Trim the cases to the recommended length to ensure consistent performance. Then, deburr and chamfer the case mouth.
Next, comes powder charging. Always consult your reloading manual or reliable load data source to determine the correct powder charge for your chosen bullet weight and powder type. Set your powder measure to the starting charge recommended in the load data. Use your powder scale to weigh each powder charge and verify its accuracy. This step is critical for safety.
Seating the bullet is a process requiring precision. Place a prepared case into the shell holder, and guide the bullet into the case mouth, and adjust the seating die. The bullet should be seated to the proper overall length (OAL) specified in your reloading manual. This affects accuracy and safe performance.
The crimping, if the bullet design warrants it, seals the bullet in the case, improving bullet retention and helping with consistent ignition.
Finally, before storing your reloaded cartridges, perform a final inspection and quality control. Carefully inspect each round for any defects, inconsistencies, or other issues. Measure the OAL of each round to verify that it is within the specified range.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Issues
Even with meticulous attention to detail, problems can arise.
Powder charge issues are common. Too little powder, and you’ll experience poor performance. Too much powder, and you could face dangerous overpressure. Make certain to check your scale and powder measure frequently.
Bullet seating problems, like bullet-seated too deep or too shallow, will affect the accuracy and potentially the safety of your loads. Carefully adjust the seating die and check the OAL of each round.
Case extraction issues can arise from improper sizing or a dirty chamber. Make sure your cases are properly sized, and the chamber of your firearm is clean.
Primer issues are usually associated with primer seating depth. If the primer isn’t seated flush with the case head, it can cause misfires or other problems.
Tips and Tricks for Reloading .35 Remington
Maintain a detailed reloading log. Record all the information about each load you create. Log includes your brass preparation, bullet weight, powder type, powder charge, primer type, and any other relevant details. This is invaluable for finding the best loads.
Accuracy and performance improvements are achievable through experimentation. Vary powder charges within safe limits, test different bullet seating depths, and refine your crimping technique to discover what works best with your firearm.
Where can you find load data resources? There are many reloading manuals. Reputable reloading manuals, such as those from Hornady, Lyman, and Sierra, provide safe and reliable load data for 35 Remington bullets, as well as many other calibers.
Conclusion
Reloading 35 Remington bullets is a rewarding experience that combines the thrill of precision craftsmanship with the practical benefits of cost savings and enhanced control over your ammunition. By adhering to safety protocols, understanding the components, mastering the reloading process, and continually refining your techniques, you can create high-quality ammunition tailored to your specific needs. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the satisfaction of producing your own accurate and effective rounds. Remember, though, that safety is paramount. Reloading can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, but it must be approached with respect, caution, and a commitment to responsible practices.
