The 350 Legend cartridge, with its potent performance and manageable recoil, has quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters. Reloading your own 350 Legend ammunition offers significant cost savings and allows for precise customization to your specific needs. However, choosing the right bullets is crucial for optimal accuracy and ballistic performance. This guide dives deep into the world of 350 Legend reloading bullets, helping you make informed decisions.
Understanding 350 Legend Bullet Options
Selecting the right bullet depends heavily on your intended use – hunting deer, varmint control, or target practice. Different bullet designs cater to these various applications:
1. Hunting Bullets:
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Expanding Bullets: These are designed to expand upon impact, maximizing energy transfer and lethality on game. Look for bullets with a good reputation for expansion at 350 Legend velocities. Consider bullet weights ranging from 150 grains to 200 grains, with heavier bullets offering better penetration for larger game. Brands like Barnes, Hornady, and Nosler frequently produce high-quality hunting bullets in this caliber.
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Controlled Expansion Bullets: These bullets offer a balance between expansion and retention of weight, ensuring deep penetration while still delivering sufficient energy transfer. This is a solid choice for a wide variety of hunting situations.
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Bonded Bullets: These are constructed with a bonding agent that joins the core and jacket, preventing core separation during expansion. This results in consistent performance and reliable expansion even at higher velocities.
2. Target Bullets:
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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullets: These bullets are all-metal and don't expand upon impact. They are ideal for target practice due to their consistent performance and lower cost. Look for bullets designed for accuracy at various ranges.
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Lead Bullets: While generally not recommended for hunting due to their potential for fouling, lead bullets offer a cost-effective option for practice. However, proper cleaning of your firearm after shooting lead is crucial.
3. Varmint Bullets:
- Hollow Point Bullets: These bullets have a cavity in the tip which promotes rapid expansion at impact. This makes them suitable for varmint hunting, delivering fast, humane kills. However, ensure adequate backstop safety when using these bullets.
Bullet Weight Considerations
Bullet weight significantly influences your 350 Legend's trajectory, velocity, and energy. Heavier bullets generally offer flatter trajectories and better penetration, but at the expense of higher recoil and potentially lower velocity. Lighter bullets have less recoil, but may have a more pronounced trajectory arc and less penetration. Experimentation to determine your preferred weight for your specific application is recommended.
Choosing a Bullet Manufacturer
Several reputable bullet manufacturers produce high-quality 350 Legend bullets. Researching different brands, reading reviews, and considering your budget will help you make an informed decision. Always select bullets from a known and trusted manufacturer to ensure consistent quality and performance.
Conclusion
Reloading 350 Legend ammunition provides a rewarding experience and significant cost advantages. Selecting the appropriate bullet for your intended purpose is key to maximizing performance and accuracy. Remember to always prioritize safety, follow proper reloading procedures, and consult reloading manuals for detailed instructions and load data specific to your chosen bullet and powder combination. By carefully considering bullet type, weight, and manufacturer, you can achieve optimal results with your 350 Legend reloading endeavors.
