For hunters and long-range shooters, the 350 remington magnum is a powerful and versatile cartridge capable of taking down large game while offering impressive ballistics. Like many magnum cartridges, factory ammunition can be expensive, and shooters looking to optimize performance, reduce costs, and customize loads for their rifle often turn to handloading. Proper reloading can unlock the full potential of your 350 Remington Magnum rifle, but it requires careful attention to detail, precision, and a strong understanding of safe reloading practices.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started reloading for the 350 Remington Magnum. From understanding the cartridge’s specifications and ballistics to selecting primers, powders, and bullets, we’ll provide practical tips and best practices to ensure safe and effective reloading. Whether you’re a beginner interested in improving accuracy or an experienced handloader looking to fine-tune your loads, this guide will give you a solid foundation for working with this powerful magnum round.
Understanding the 350 Remington Magnum
Before diving into reloading, it’s important to understand the characteristics of the 350 Remington Magnum. Introduced in 1965, this cartridge was designed for North American big-game hunting and is capable of delivering excellent terminal performance on elk, moose, and bear. Based on the .375 H&H Magnum case necked down to accept a .358-inch bullet, the 350 Remington Magnum offers a balance of high velocity and substantial energy while remaining manageable in recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges.
Typical factory loads for the 350 Remington Magnum range from 225-grain bullets traveling around 2,700 fps to 250-grain bullets at slightly lower velocities. This makes it a potent cartridge for hunting at medium to long ranges while providing deep penetration and reliable expansion on large game. Understanding these ballistics is crucial when handloading, as it allows you to safely and accurately replicate or improve upon factory performance.
Essential Reloading Equipment
Reloading the 350 Remington Magnum requires some basic equipment, and investing in quality tools will improve safety, accuracy, and consistency. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Reloading Press
A strong, reliable reloading press is critical for working with magnum cartridges. For the 350 Remington Magnum, a single-stage press is ideal for beginners due to its simplicity and precision. Progressive presses are an option for experienced reloaders looking to produce ammunition more efficiently, but they require careful setup and attention to detail.
2. Dies
Reloading dies are essential for resizing, expanding, and seating bullets. For the 350 Remington Magnum, you’ll need:
Full-length resizing die: Resizes the fired brass back to proper dimensions for chambering.
Expanding die (if using separate die for neck expansion): Prepares the case mouth for bullet seating.
Seating die: Precisely seats the bullet to the correct depth.
Crimping die: Optional but useful for ensuring consistent bullet retention.
Brands like RCBS, Hornady, and Redding offer high-quality dies compatible with the 350 Remington Magnum.
3. Brass
Reloading starts with quality brass. Factory brass is available, but many handloaders prefer using once-fired cases that have been carefully inspected and sorted. Ensure the cases are free from cracks, splits, or other defects. Uniformity in case length and weight is key for accuracy and safe pressure levels.
4. Primers
The 350 Remington Magnum is typically loaded with large rifle primers. Match-grade primers provide more consistent ignition and are recommended for precision hunting or target loads. Popular options include CCI, Federal, and Winchester primers. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and avoid mixing primer types in the same batch.
5. Powder
Choosing the right powder is one of the most critical steps in reloading. The 350 Remington Magnum responds well to slow-burning powders, which provide consistent pressures and velocities with heavy bullets. Some commonly recommended powders for this cartridge include:
Hodgdon H-4831
IMR 4831
Alliant Reloder 19
Winchester 760
Always consult reloading manuals for safe starting and maximum loads, and avoid exceeding recommended velocities. Magnum cartridges like the 350 Remington Magnum are sensitive to overpressure, and even minor mistakes can be dangerous.
6. Scale and Measuring Tools
Accurate measurement of powder is essential for safety and consistency. A high-precision digital scale or balance beam scale will help ensure each cartridge receives the correct charge. Measuring tools for case length and overall cartridge length are also critical to maintain consistent chambering and feeding.
Reloading Process for the 350 Remington Magnum
Reloading a magnum cartridge like the 350 remington magnum requires patience and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
1. Inspect and Prepare Brass
Before reloading, inspect each case for cracks, splits, or excessive wear. Trim cases to uniform length using a case trimmer if necessary, and deburr the case mouth to prevent rough edges from affecting bullet seating. Cleaning brass in a tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner helps remove powder residue and ensures smooth resizing.
2. Resize and Deprime
Use your full-length resizing die to return fired cases to factory dimensions. This step also removes spent primers. Proper lubrication of cases is important when resizing to prevent stuck cases and maintain consistency.
3. Prime the Cases
Insert a fresh large rifle primer into each case, making sure it is seated flush with the base. A consistent primer depth ensures uniform ignition and contributes to consistent velocities and pressures.
4. Charge with Powder
Measure the correct powder charge for your bullet weight and load. Start with the recommended starting load from a reputable reloading manual and gradually work up, watching for pressure signs and tracking velocity. Pour powder carefully, and double-check charges to avoid accidental overloading.
5. Seat the Bullet
Use the seating die to carefully seat the bullet to the recommended overall cartridge length (OAL). Consistent seating depth is critical for accuracy and safe chambering. Lightly crimp the bullet if desired to ensure proper retention, particularly for hunting loads.
6. Final Inspection
After reloading, inspect each cartridge for overall length, primer seating, and uniformity. A final check ensures that all rounds meet specifications and reduces the risk of malfunctions or pressure issues during firing.
Tips and Tricks for Consistent Reloading
Reloading the 350 Remington Magnum can be a rewarding process, and following these best practices will help you produce accurate and safe ammunition:
Keep a reloading log: Track powder types, charges, bullet weights, and resulting performance. This makes it easier to replicate successful loads and avoid mistakes.
Use consistent brass: Sorting cases by brand, weight, and length helps maintain uniform pressure and accuracy.
Work incrementally: When developing a new load, start with a lower charge and gradually increase while monitoring for pressure signs.
Maintain a clean workspace: Keep your reloading area organized, clean, and free from distractions to prevent accidents.
Invest in quality tools: High-quality dies, scales, and calipers pay off in safety, consistency, and accuracy.
Pay attention to bullet seating depth: Even small variations can significantly affect accuracy in magnum cartridges.
Observe safe handling practices: Always follow safe reloading protocols, wear eye protection, and never exceed published load data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When reloading a high-powered cartridge like the 350 Remington Magnum, beginners should be aware of common pitfalls:
Overcharging powder: Exceeding recommended powder limits can create dangerously high pressures.
Using worn or damaged brass: Cracked or split cases can fail catastrophically.
Inconsistent bullet seating: Variations in seating depth lead to inconsistent pressures and poor accuracy.
Mixing powders or primers: Using different types within the same batch can cause unpredictable results.
Neglecting to clean and lubricate dies: This can lead to stuck cases or inconsistent resizing.
By being mindful of these mistakes, handloaders can enjoy the benefits of customized, accurate, and cost-effective ammunition without compromising safety.
Advantages of Reloading Your 350 Remington Magnum
Reloading your own 350 Remington Magnum rounds offers several advantages:
Cost savings: Factory magnum ammunition can be expensive, and reloading reduces cost per round.
Custom performance: Tailor loads to your rifle, hunting style, or target shooting needs.
Improved accuracy: Consistency in powder charges, seating depth, and bullet selection can improve grouping.
Flexibility: Experiment with different bullet weights and powders to find the ideal combination for your rifle.
Self-sufficiency: Being able to reload gives you independence from supply shortages or limited availability.
Conclusion
Reloading for your 350 Remington Magnum is a rewarding and practical way to optimize performance, improve accuracy, and reduce ammunition costs. By understanding the cartridge’s characteristics, investing in quality tools, following safe reloading practices, and carefully developing your loads, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful magnum cartridge. From inspecting brass to carefully measuring powder and seating bullets, attention to detail is key to achieving safe, consistent, and accurate results.
For those looking to purchase rifles, brass, bullets, or reloading supplies, online platforms like GunsAmerica provide access to a wide variety of firearms and accessories suitable for the 350 Remington Magnum. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start reloading or an experienced shooter seeking precision hunting performance, mastering the art of handloading your 350 Remington Magnum rounds is an investment in both skill and shooting enjoyment.
