Thoughts on 350 legend ammunition?

[peaches]

350 Legend is a very easy reload.

I have to disagree with this statement. I load about a dozen different cartridges and the 350L is the quirkiest. First it headspaces on the mouth so over crimping will cause case separations. Second, published load data is HOT. I load 1.5 grains under start and am at near book max for velocity in 3 different rifles. 3rd, case length is very critical (headspace again). 4th, most ammo has a crimped primer so deburring the flash hole is required. 5th, the bullet diameter was consistent I'm data; my Lee die set specs shows use of .357 bullets which could send pressure through the roof.

It's not rocket surgery to load 350L but isn't a beginner round. It's best to have some experience and always work up loads with a chrony; don't rely on "pressure signs" or reading primers.

 

[Rich M]

I have to disagree with this statement. I load about a dozen different cartridges and the 350L is the quirkiest. First it headspaces on the mouth so over crimping will cause case separations. Second, published load data is HOT. I load 1.5 grains under start and am at near book max for velocity in 3 different rifles. 3rd, case length is very critical (headspace again). 4th, most ammo has a crimped primer so deburring the flash hole is required. 5th, the bullet diameter was consistent I'm data; my Lee die set specs shows use of .357 bullets which could send pressure through the roof.

It's not rocket surgery to load 350L but isn't a beginner round. It's best to have some experience and always work up loads with a chrony; don't rely on "pressure signs" or reading primers.

Thanks for posting.

That’s contrary to what ive seen. Am using RAR bolt gun. Do use old style chrono.

.357 mag bullets wont chamber in the RAR. Hence the sizing die reference. .356 does load.

The recommended Winchester brass works fine without any additional attention. It is how i get my brass these days. Shoot it & reload. small pistol primers work well in winchester brass. Hornady brass prefers small rifle primers.

You mentioned crimping and i do crimp. Most of the stuff i had read regarding loading 350L did not mention crimping. It helped me get more consistent velocities. Seems like it can load both ways. Not crimping may help it headspace in the gun.

Just diff experiences?

 

[peaches]

Thanks for posting.

That’s contrary to what ive seen. Am using RAR bolt gun. Do use old style chrono.

.357 mag bullets wont chamber in the RAR. Hence the sizing die reference. .356 does load.

The recommended Winchester brass works fine without any additional attention. It is how i get my brass these days. Shoot it & reload. small pistol primers work well in winchester brass. Hornady brass prefers small rifle primers.

You mentioned crimping and i do crimp. Most of the stuff i had read regarding loading 350L did not mention crimping. It helped me get more consistent velocities. Seems like it can load both ways. Not crimping may help it headspace in the gun.

Just diff experiences?

Thanks for posting also. It’s nice the have a civil disagreement.

I jumped on the Legend bandwagon early using original Hornady and Lee die data and protocols. Yes, Lee literally listed .357 in their data, even Ohio was confused and had to change their regs from .357 to .355. I learned early about the hot data as I usually start mid range with powder. 147 xtp at 2600+ got my attention with h110 and lil gun. Then I had some cases separate when crimping as instructed. So, NO crimp in my book.

I primarily use Starline brass but picked up buckets of Hornady and Win range brass since no one else loaded it for years. Some Hornady and all factory Winchester loads need swaging with a chamfering tool.

Magnum primers really help with consistency, cci 450.

Really, your info was basically correct but there is a lot of nuances. A chrony is absolutely necessary with this round since the data is so hot. A newbie could get into trouble crimping and following listed data.

I’ve loaded about every bullet imaginable for the Legend and have some good subsonic loads too with old Unique and tite group powders since Trail Boss was unattainable. I use the 150 Rex at -2300 for deer and it ruins their day. Happy to help anyone out with questions or load advice…I’ve made most of the mistakes already.