The 400 Legend cartridge has rapidly become a favored choice for hunters and target shooters alike. Its straight-walled design, combined with impressive ballistic performance, makes it a compelling option for both seasoned marksmen and those new to the world of firearms. This surge in popularity has also sparked a significant interest in reloading, a rewarding pursuit that allows shooters to customize their ammunition and potentially realize cost savings. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of 400 Legend reloading, focusing on safety and effective techniques for a rewarding experience.
Reloading offers more than just financial advantages. It enables shooters to fine-tune their ammunition to their specific firearms, optimizing accuracy and performance. It’s a chance to experiment with different powder charges, bullet weights, and other components to discover the perfect load for specific hunting scenarios or competitive shooting events. Furthermore, reloading fosters a deeper understanding of the intricacies of ammunition and the mechanics of shooting, which is the true joy of the process. This article serves as a valuable resource for those venturing into the world of reloading this unique cartridge, providing vital reloading data and emphasizing responsible practices.
Understanding the 400 Legend Cartridge
The 400 Legend, a cartridge developed by Winchester, is designed to be a straight-walled round. This design makes it legal for hunting in areas that restrict bottleneck cartridges. Furthermore, the cartridge boasts a high ballistic coefficient for its bullet size and a significant amount of energy on target. This results in a relatively flat trajectory and effective terminal ballistics, making it suitable for a variety of game animals. The 400 Legend generally uses a .400-inch bullet, contributing to its name. The cartridge’s dimensions are carefully calculated to provide an ideal balance of power and manageability.
The advantages of the 400 Legend are many, including its flat trajectory, accuracy, and effectiveness. The cartridge can be easily fired in AR-style rifles. The versatility of this round is also a major factor in its appeal. Whether it’s for deer hunting, plinking at the range, or competition shooting, the 400 Legend delivers solid performance.
However, reloading the 400 Legend, like reloading any cartridge, does present some potential challenges. The availability of certain components might fluctuate, and sourcing specialized bullets for this relatively new cartridge could require more effort compared to reloading more common calibers. Moreover, safety during the process must be maintained at all times to guarantee your own well-being and those around you.
Essential Components for Reloading the 400 Legend
Successful reloading hinges on the quality and compatibility of the components used. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and accurate performance of your reloaded ammunition.
Brass Casings
Brass casings, often referred to as cartridge cases, are the backbone of your reloaded ammunition. When reloading your 400 Legend rounds, you have the option of using factory-loaded brass or brass that has already been fired. New, unfired brass offers the advantage of being uniform in dimensions, however, it can be costly. Once-fired brass, which is brass that has been fired in your own or another’s 400 Legend firearm, comes with the benefit of low cost, but it must be meticulously inspected to ensure its suitability for reloading.
- Inspecting for damage, such as cracks, dents, or bulges, is essential. Discard any brass that shows signs of deterioration.
- Cleaning your brass is paramount. You must remove residue left behind from previous firings. There are various methods, including tumbling and ultrasonic cleaning. Always ensure casings are completely dry before proceeding.
Primers
Primers are small but crucial components. They provide the spark that ignites the powder charge, initiating the firing sequence. For the 400 Legend, you will generally use Small Rifle primers. Choosing the right primer is essential for consistent ignition and performance.
- Small Rifle primers are usually the ideal choice.
- Consider primer sensitivity and the brand’s reputation. Always consult reliable reloading manuals.
Powder
The choice of powder significantly affects the performance of your reloaded ammunition. This choice will determine your bullet’s velocity and how it performs at the target. It is important to select powders specifically designed for the 400 Legend cartridge.
- Some commonly recommended powders include Hodgdon CFE BLK, Accurate 1680, and similar propellants designed for efficient burning and optimal performance in straight-walled cartridges.
- Bullet weight and intended use will guide the powder selection process. Consult reloading manuals for recommended powder charges.
Bullets
Selecting the appropriate bullet is pivotal to achieving the desired performance. The 400 Legend typically uses bullets ranging from 150 grains to 225 grains. Different bullet types offer unique characteristics, catering to various shooting applications.
- Consider the intended purpose. Are you hunting, or target shooting?
- Examples include Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets, which are well-suited for range use; Hollow Point (HP) bullets, which expand on impact; and Soft Point (SP) bullets, which are often used for hunting.
Reloading Equipment
Reloading demands a set of specialized equipment for efficiency and safety. This equipment will help you handle the process of reloading ammunition, and give you a higher yield of safe rounds.
- A reloading press: Single-stage presses are the most basic, while turret presses and progressive presses offer greater speed and efficiency.
- Dies: Dies are used to resize the brass, seat the bullet, and crimp the case. You’ll need a full-length resizing die, a seating die, and potentially a crimping die.
- Scales and Measurement Tools: Ensure precise measurements.
- Case Trimmer and Case Prep Tools: These are also used to trim your cases, along with the use of tools to deburr the case mouths.
Safety First: Reloading Best Practices
Safety is the foremost concern during reloading. Following these best practices is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a positive experience. Never take shortcuts or deviate from recommended procedures.
- Always wear safety glasses.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to lead and powder fumes.
- Always consult reputable reloading manuals.
- Never exceed maximum powder charges.
- Carefully inspect all components.
- Prepare the brass properly.
- Keep meticulous records. Note down every part of the process.
- Always take a methodical approach.
- Properly store loaded ammunition.
400 Legend Reloading Data
Below is 400 Legend reloading data. It’s a compilation of data from reloading manuals and reputable sources. *Always* double-check this information with multiple sources and use this data *only* as a starting point. The exact results can change due to factors such as climate and equipment used. *Never* load ammunition without referring to a reliable reloading manual.
[**Important Note:** The following data is for informational purposes only. Always start with the lowest recommended powder charge and work your way up gradually, observing pressure signs. This is a safety measure that helps you identify pressure issues before they become dangerous. Any reloading must be done with extreme care, keeping in mind the need for safety.]
[**Disclaimer:** The author assumes no liability for any damages, injuries, or adverse effects resulting from the use of this reloading data.]
*Remember to consult multiple sources and always start with the minimum charge and work your way up. This data is for informational purposes only.*
150-Grain Bullets
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Powder Type | Starting Charge (Grains) | Max Charge (Grains) | Primer | Case Trim Length | OAL (Inches) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | Hodgdon CFE BLK | 22.0 | 24.0 | Small Rifle | 1.690 | 2.260 | Lyman Reloading Manual |
| 150 | Accurate 1680 | 21.5 | 23.5 | Small Rifle | 1.690 | 2.260 | Barnes Reloading Manual |
180-Grain Bullets
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Powder Type | Starting Charge (Grains) | Max Charge (Grains) | Primer | Case Trim Length | OAL (Inches) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | Hodgdon CFE BLK | 20.0 | 22.0 | Small Rifle | 1.690 | 2.260 | Lyman Reloading Manual |
| 180 | Accurate 1680 | 20.5 | 22.0 | Small Rifle | 1.690 | 2.260 | Barnes Reloading Manual |
*Further data from a variety of sources including reloading manuals will give you options based on bullet weight and powder selection.*
Working Up a Load and Pressure Signs
Working up a load involves a gradual increase in powder charge to find the optimal performance for your specific firearm. Begin with the minimum recommended powder charge and increase it incrementally, such as by .3 grains at a time. Fire each load and carefully observe your spent casings and the performance of your firearm.
Pressure signs indicate that your ammunition may be experiencing excess pressure, which can be dangerous. Cease loading your ammunition immediately if you detect any. Here are some common pressure signs:
- Flattened primers.
- Cratered primers.
- Difficult bolt opening.
- Swollen case heads.
- Ejector marks.
- Ruptured cases.
Common Reloading Challenges and Troubleshooting
Reloading isn’t always a smooth process. It is crucial to be able to identify and resolve problems that arise. This can involve troubleshooting and using various methods to make sure all goes well.
- Inconsistent Velocity. This is often caused by inconsistent powder charges or improper seating depth. Make sure to calibrate your scale often.
- Failure to Feed. This is usually caused by magazine problems or a feed ramp issue. Examine your equipment for problems.
- Failure to Extract. Check your extractor, and make sure it is properly aligned.
- Stuck Cases. This can happen if you don’t lube cases correctly. Use a case extractor tool.
- Crimping Problems. Ensure proper crimping. A poor crimp can affect accuracy.
Conclusion
Reloading the 400 Legend can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor ammunition to your exact specifications. Remember to follow these safety guidelines, research the components, and start with the minimum charge and gradually increase to identify optimal performance. The goal is to discover the optimal performance load. Start reloading today to discover how to get the most out of your 400 Legend!
Reloading is a process, but it allows you to take control over your shooting experience. Take the time to gain knowledge, utilize the right equipment, and follow safety practices.
Remember, thorough research and adhering to safe practices are paramount. Make sure you review all manuals from various reloading resources, or even other articles on the same subject.
Disclaimer and Important Notes
The reloading data provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on available reloading manuals and sources. Always verify this information with your reloading manuals. The author and publisher are not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use of this data.
Always adhere to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding ammunition reloading and ownership.
Reloading can be dangerous if not performed with proper knowledge, care, and attention to detail.
Always inspect components before use. Never use damaged components.
If you are new to reloading, seek guidance from an experienced reloader.
Be aware of all the variables to ensure safety.
