350 Legend

350-Legend-Star-v-Fed-v-Win.jpg


Adding in Hornady (just cut one open):

350-Legend-Cases-Hornady-FED-Star-WIN.jpg
 
Thanks Mehavey, but I would warn you that the Winchester component brass has not proven to hold onto primers well, in my rifle.
 
I dont really know what to think of the brass. In my experience with other Cartridges, I would say Hornaday would be the best brass of the four, Federal the worst, Starline and Winchester landing in the middle.
I cut my teeth on the belted magnums. I am still of the school of thought that if I can load a case 5 times, I got my money worth. 6 or 7 times is just a bonus.
 
See https://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6765165&postcount=138
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6765240&postcount=142
(Note the Speer 180s have been sized down to .356/.357)

https://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6772223&postcount=57 for cast

UNQUESTIONABLY Norma's 200 powder came out way on top for just about everything. RL-10X close 2nd.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...egend-advice&p=4816659&viewfull=1#post4816659
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...Cast-Boolits&p=4795641&viewfull=1#post4795641

TAKE GREAT CARE IN YOUR OWN LOAD WORK UP.
DO NOT USE ANYTHING ABOVE AS STARTING POINT.
350 Legend Chambers/Chamfering tend to be . . . "custom" ?

postscript: It was Starline's thin head thickness (relative to other manufacturers) that caused me to move to Winchester.
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6766587&postcount=183
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6772685&postcount=257
 
Last edited:
I started reloading for the Legend. My first observations is if you use Lee dies, ditch the non locking rings on the expander and the seating die. Get them set, lock them down and forget it. The case needs almost no neck expansion. The case must be crimped to the point it almost crushes case wall. I crushed three setting mine up.
 
... case must be crimped to the point it almost crushes case wall.
Click to expand...
Huh? Like any straightwall case, you don't crimp at all . . . just de-flare the case.

Best thing I've found to do that is just run it back partially into the sizing die to hit SAAMI mouth specs.
350-Legend-Sizer-as-Crimp.jpg
 
mehavey said:
Huh? Like any straightwall case, you don't crimp at all . . . just de-flare the case.

Best thing I've found to do that is just run it back partially into the sizing die to hit SAAMI mouth specs.
350-Legend-Sizer-as-Crimp.jpg
Click to expand...
You crimp them. The Lee seating die is a roll crimp die. Lee even has the factory crimp die for the 350 legend. I use the factory crimp die on 450 Bushmaster. Dont crimp a straightwall and run it in a tube magazine or a semi auto and you will have problems.
 
NO! You do not Crimp the Legend any more than you "crimp" 45ACP.
Like any rimless straightwall cartridge, it headspaces on the mouth, which must remain straight, and at SAAMI diameter.

I strongly recommend not using the FCD/compressing the sides, and just sizing it back to SAAMI.



postscript: I have -- and have tried -- both FCD and "normal' seating die (RCBS) "crimp".
Don't to it. Use the sizer.
 
Last edited:
mehavey said:
NO! You do not Crimp the Legend any more than you "crimp" 45ACP.
Like any rimless straightwall cartridge, it headspaces on the mouth, which must remain straight, and at SAAMI diameter.

I strongly recommend not using the FCD/compressing the sides, and just sizing it back to SAAMI.



postscript: I have -- and have tried -- both FCD and "normal' seating die (RCBS) "crimp".
Don't to it. Use the sizer.
Click to expand...
You crimp it. Measure factory 444 Marlin, 350 legend or 450 Bushmaster ammo. Its crimped.
This is what Lee says about 3 die 350 legend set.

"Lee Steel Die Sets have features identical to the Lee Carbide 3-Die Set except the case MUST be lubricated for sizing. Sizer Die, Powder Through Expander Die, Bullet Seater Die, Shellholder, Powder Measure, load chart and storage case included. Bullet seater die features and adjustable taper to roll crimp."

And then there is this:
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690445/350-legend-collet-style-factory-crimp-die
 
Last edited:
I'm advising from [school of hard knocks] experience over about 700 rounds, jacketed and cast,
Do as you see fit.
 
Last edited:
mehavey said:
I'm advising from [school of hard knocks] experience over about 700 rounds, jacketed and cast,
Do as you see fit.
Click to expand...
I have only loaded a little over a thousand 444 Marlin and about 800 450 Bushmaster.
I quit loading cast many years ago. I have forgotten about all I ever knew about cast reloading.
 
I believe the 350 Legend is the most fun Rifle I have. Shooting 200 yards is a trip. Seems like it takes the bullets all day to get there.
 
I might build one just to add to the stable. But I already have a 450 Bushy that has similar trajectory, with more thump when it gets there.
 
Seems like it takes the bullets all day to get there.
Click to expand...
That's because on the way to the target they stop at Starbucks for a latte and catch up on the local gossip.:D Still one of the most ridiculous cartridge designs I've ever seen.:rolleyes: I could see it ending it's career in a pistol though.
 
My 450 AR shoots into one hole, recoils like a 20ga, and is a thumper with 250FTX. I don't know why Winchester keeps going the Marketing route, i.e. the Short Mags. If you want something different, get a 300 HAM'R. Mine shoots 1/2" with 135FTX at 2400.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top