Sizing and weight for first try at 35 Rem

[brewer12345]

So I cast my first batch of boolits for 35 Rem with the RCBS RNFP mold using 9 pounds COWWs and a pound of 50/50 tin solder (something like Lyman #2). I ended up with about 100 slugs and I kicked out 11 for imperfections when I looked through them. This is a far higher reject rate than I usually get with pistol boolits, partially because I am being pickier for rifle rounds. Gas checked these things run about 212 grains, which makes a mockery of the advertised 200 grains for this mold. I assume as long as I go easy on the powder charge and work up loads, this should not present any safety issues, right?

The next challenge is sizing. I measured 5 or 8 boolits and got diameters of .3595 to .360. I don't own a sizing die for .359 or .360 and my rifle has never shot a cast 35 rem round ever. Am I safe to shoot these unsized with the biggest boolits being .360? If I shoot them and get good accuracy I plan to buy a sizing die (using lee) for .360 just to get some uniformity. Otherwise I can buy a .359 die. Any other way to crack this nut without buying multiple sizing dies?

[largom]

I shoot that same boolit in my 35 Rem. as cast at .360 but I do lube them in an oversized die. How do you plan to lube your boolits I will add that this boolit is extremely accurate in my rifle. The alloy I use is 50/50 ww & lead.

Larry

[brewer12345]

I will be tumble lubing with BLL.

[MyFlatline]

Welcome to the 35 world. As for sizing, all mine love the .360, Lee make a push thru but it is a special order and I think runs about 35 bucks. NOE has a neat set up, you buy a main die , then change out the sizers ($10) for each size. I have and use both. If I was to just get started, I would go NOE.

As for weight, most times it has to do with your alloy. My favorite 200 grn. mold drops at about 215 with my alloy..I am happy with the accuracy..

I do not load hot,,,I use IMR 4198 and 24 to 24.5 grans. get excellent results..Be mindful this works for me, so take care if you choose to try it..

206755

[Djones]

Go load and shoot 40 grains of leverevolution crimped in the crimp groove and you will never shoot any other bullet out of your 35 Rem. You will also be grinning from ear to ear.

You will need to get a gas check on there. Buy a sizing die at .360 if you rifle is a marlin.

[brewer12345]

Yep, the rifle is a marlin. I put 89 gas checks by hand. Definitely need a sizing die for next time.

[Andy]

I'm fairly new to the game but from my reading most people end up using .360 in a marlin microgroove barrel. You really ought to slug your barrel though and then you don't have to worry about buying unnecessary sizing dies, just add .002" to the slug max diameter and you are probably good to go. For what it is worth I use the rcbs 35-200 and my mold drops about .359 with my alloy/temp. My bore slugs .357 and I already had a .359 die so this has worked out perfect for me and I quickly got up to where I'm shooting 2-3" 5 shot groups at 100 yards using white label 50/50, coww+2% tin and a gas check, and a nearly max load of 3031 powder, 4x scope. I believe it chronoed at about 2100 fps.

[myg30]

I cast the 35-200 with a 50/50 mix of WW/SO lead. 10-12 bnh?. Size .360 and mid range powder charge load. Nothing max.
My Marlin likes the .360 but I would not hesitate to load .361 as soft lead compresses easier than j- bullets.
Keep up the good work and congrats on your first .35 loading.

Mike

[35remington]

Were they these gas checks by Hornady or the old Lyman style slip on? If they are Hornady they must be crimped or risk falling off the bullet in the case.

[brewer12345]

These were vintage Lyman/Ideal. I have not had time to even lube these, lead alone load them. Hunting and real life and all that...