Understanding the Allure of Handloading
The .35 Remington: A cartridge steeped in history, beloved by hunters and target shooters alike. Its powerful performance in a variety of lever-action and bolt-action rifles has cemented its place in the hearts of firearms enthusiasts. But for those seeking to maximize the potential of their .35 Remington rifles, and for those looking to personalize their shooting experience, handloading offers an unparalleled opportunity. This comprehensive guide to 35 Remington reload data will walk you through the essential steps, from equipment selection to safety practices, ensuring a rewarding and, most importantly, safe journey into handloading this iconic round.
Understanding the allure of handloading is critical. It’s not just about saving money; although the cost per round can be significantly reduced. Handloading empowers you to tailor ammunition specifically to your rifle’s characteristics, allowing you to achieve peak accuracy. It provides access to components unavailable in factory loads, opening doors to a wider array of bullet weights and powder combinations to meet your specific hunting or target shooting needs. Most importantly, especially in times of component scarcity, handloading offers self-reliance. It allows you to maintain your supply of ammunition, ensuring you can continue enjoying your passion.
However, the pursuit of handloading must be undertaken with utmost respect for safety. This is not a hobby where shortcuts are permissible. Always adhere strictly to published load data, starting with the minimum recommended charge and gradually increasing the powder weight. Always use appropriate equipment and maintain a clean, organized reloading area. Consult reputable handloading manuals, the primary source of safe and effective 35 Remington reload data, before beginning. Reloading is a fascinating pursuit, but it demands responsibility, precision, and unwavering attention to detail.
Necessary Equipment for the Handloader
Embarking on your handloading journey requires a collection of essential tools. These tools are not merely accessories; they are vital for the safe and accurate creation of ammunition.
The heart of your reloading operation is the press. Both single-stage and turret presses are suitable for the .35 Remington, although a progressive press can increase efficiency for those who plan to reload large quantities. Single-stage presses are favored for their simplicity and the precise control they offer, ideal for beginners.
Dies are essential for shaping the brass and seating the bullet. A standard die set for the .35 Remington typically includes a sizing die (to resize the case to its original dimensions), an expander die (to expand the case neck to the correct diameter for the bullet), a seating die (to push the bullet into the case), and a crimping die (to secure the bullet).
A scale is critical for accurately measuring powder charges. Electronic scales offer speed and precision, but a balance scale provides reliability and can be a good starting point. Accuracy in powder measurement is paramount for both safe and effective performance.
A case trimmer is necessary to ensure cases are trimmed to the correct length. This process is crucial for proper headspace and consistent chambering.
Chamfering and deburring tools are used to smooth the case mouth after trimming and remove any burrs that might interfere with bullet seating.
A priming tool seats the primers into the case. This can be done using a separate priming tool or as part of your reloading press setup.
Accurate calipers are vital for measuring the overall length (OAL) of the loaded cartridge and other critical dimensions. Precise measurement is critical for safety and performance.
A powder funnel aids in transferring the measured powder charge into the case. A consistent and spill-free powder charging process is essential.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a handloading manual is an indispensable companion. It provides the 35 Remington reload data specific to the powders and bullets you will use, detailing safe powder charge ranges and other crucial information.
Understanding the Components
Before you can begin assembling your cartridges, you must become familiar with the components. Careful selection and preparation of these components are critical.
The foundation of the cartridge is the brass case. Inspect cases carefully before each use, looking for any cracks, splits, or other signs of damage. The case should also be properly prepared, which includes cleaning, trimming, and chamfering, as described previously.
Primers are the ignition source. Choose the correct primer type based on your handloading manual recommendations. The primer ignites the powder charge, initiating the firing process.
Powder is the propellant that generates the force to propel the bullet. Select a powder that is suitable for the .35 Remington and the bullet weight you intend to use. The correct burn rate is crucial for achieving desired velocities and pressure levels.
Bullets come in various weights and designs. Bullet selection should consider your intended use, whether hunting, target shooting, or plinking. A quality bullet ensures accurate flight and sufficient terminal performance.
Comprehensive Reload Data for the .35 Remington
*Important Note: Before beginning any reloading process, carefully consult at least two, preferably three, reputable handloading manuals for 35 Remington reload data. The data provided below is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for consulting these authoritative sources. Start at the lowest powder charge listed in your chosen manual and work your way up cautiously while observing pressure signs.*
Since powder availability changes rapidly, it’s impossible to list all the powder options. But here is an example:
Powder A Example
- Bullet Weight: 180 grain Jacketed
- Powder Type: (Example Powder Brand) 4064
- Start Load: 38.0 grains
- Maximum Load: 41.0 grains
- Primer: Large Rifle
- Case: New or Properly Prepared .35 Remington Brass
- COL/OAL (Cartridge Overall Length): 2.500 inches (Consult your manual for the exact COL for your bullet.)
- Velocity (Approximate): 2300-2400 fps (Feet Per Second)
- Pressure: (Data should be given based on manufacturer specifications, and users should consult their manuals)
Powder B Example
- Bullet Weight: 200 grain Jacketed Flat Nose
- Powder Type: (Example Powder Brand) Reloader 7
- Start Load: 36.0 grains
- Maximum Load: 38.5 grains
- Primer: Large Rifle
- Case: New or Properly Prepared .35 Remington Brass
- COL/OAL (Cartridge Overall Length): 2.525 inches (Consult your manual for the exact COL for your bullet.)
- Velocity (Approximate): 2200-2300 fps
- Pressure: (Data should be given based on manufacturer specifications, and users should consult their manuals)
Powder C Example
- Bullet Weight: 220 grain Jacketed
- Powder Type: (Example Powder Brand) H335
- Start Load: 35.0 grains
- Maximum Load: 37.5 grains
- Primer: Large Rifle
- Case: New or Properly Prepared .35 Remington Brass
- COL/OAL (Cartridge Overall Length): 2.550 inches (Consult your manual for the exact COL for your bullet.)
- Velocity (Approximate): 2100-2200 fps
- Pressure: (Data should be given based on manufacturer specifications, and users should consult their manuals)
Remember to always start with a reduced load and work your way up, observing pressure signs. These include flattened primers, difficult bolt extraction, and case head expansion. It’s also important to remember that velocities will vary depending on the rifle, barrel length, and other environmental factors. Always pay close attention to the groups on the target to assess the accuracy of the load.
The Reloading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reloading is a methodical process, and each step is critical to the success of the finished cartridge.
Begin by preparing the cases. This includes cleaning the cases to remove any dirt and debris. Then, inspect the cases carefully. Next, size the cases and de-prime the spent primers, followed by trimming to the specified length. Finally, chamfer and deburr the case mouth to ensure smooth bullet seating.
Priming is the next step. Place the primer into the primer pocket using your priming tool. Ensure the primer is seated firmly but not crushed.
Carefully measure and weigh the powder charge, making sure that your scale is properly calibrated. Use a powder funnel to transfer the powder into the case. Avoid spilling any powder, as this can lead to inconsistent performance.
Seat the bullet to the correct overall length (OAL). Use your calipers to verify the OAL. This measurement is crucial for safe chambering and proper bullet performance. Crimping the bullet is the final step, which is essential for securing the bullet in place and achieving consistent performance.
After the cartridge has been completed, inspect the finished cartridge thoroughly. Verify the OAL, check for any imperfections, and ensure that all components are properly seated.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Issues
Even the most experienced handloaders encounter problems. Knowing how to identify and address these issues is important.
Excessive pressure manifests itself in flattened primers, difficult bolt lift, or case head expansion. If you observe these signs, reduce the powder charge immediately.
Poor accuracy can be attributed to various factors, including inconsistent powder charges, incorrect OAL, or a poorly seated bullet. Carefully re-evaluate each step of the reloading process to identify potential sources of error.
Failure to feed or eject can often be resolved by ensuring the cartridge is the correct OAL. Adjust the bullet seating depth as needed.
Case head separation can be caused by over-sized cases, worn dies, or excessive pressure. Inspect the cases regularly and retire any that show signs of weakness.
Safety First: Tips and Best Practices
Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity if safety precautions are not followed.
Always wear eye and ear protection while reloading. This protects you from potential injuries.
Reload in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of toxic fumes.
Never mix powders. Different powders have different burn rates and can lead to dangerous pressure spikes.
Store reloaded ammunition in a safe, dry place, away from extreme heat or cold.
Maintain a clean and organized reloading area.
Never get distracted while reloading.
Conclusion
Handloading the .35 Remington is a rewarding pursuit, offering a deeper understanding of ballistics and the ability to create custom ammunition tailored to your rifle. By following the principles of safety, accuracy, and precision outlined in this guide, you can embark on a fulfilling handloading journey. Remember, diligent research and the adherence to reputable 35 Remington reload data are the keys to success.
Further Resources:
- The ABCs of Reloading (A comprehensive reloading manual).
- Hodgdon’s Reloading Data Center (Online resource for powder and load data).
- Nosler Reloading Guide (A comprehensive guide to reloading)
- (Various Gun forums for .35 Remington Reloading discussions)
By following these recommendations, you’ll be on your way to safe and accurate 35 Remington reload data loading. Happy reloading, and enjoy the journey!
