So here we go...
I would like to put together a 350 Legend cast load in a single shot rifle for shooting a 200 grain WFNGC cast bullet at 1800-2000 fps. I'm nick-naming this one the
35-350 Legend load to salute the 35 Remington. Why that combo? Because...
- ...I like the history of the 35 Remington; especially with a cast 200 grain 35 caliber load traveling 1800-2000 fps.
- ...I like the 200 grain WFNGC bullet and want to build a host rifle around it.
- ...I cannot readily find a 35 Remington single-shot or bolt-action to host the 200 grain WFNGC bullet, but plenty of 350 Legend. Normally, 35 Remington is found in lever-actions, but my safari's are on a paper or steel target (not a hunter). Since I reload, normally don't prefer the firearms that sling empty cartridges on the shooting range floor. Revolvers, single-shots, and bolt-actions are just dandy. Prefer my lever-actions and semi-auto's at the range to be 22lr. (yea, it's crazy, but humor me)
Anyway, there are bits and pieces of info for this type of 200 grain cast load already floating around the forums for 350 Legend, but I haven't seen somebody actually pull off reporting what the final results were. Did they get to the velocities similar to a 35 Remington? Did they run out of case capacity? Top out with too much pressure with the 350 Legend before getting that 200 grainer to something 35 Remmy-like?
Planned on picking up a Henry or CVA single shot in 350 Legend as a 35 caliber host. Currently, have 5744 and RL-7 powders to start development with, and may have to go to a slightly faster burn rate if case capacity is an issue. Was then going to chrony the test results at the range.
Before plunging in and finding I'm at a dead-end too quickly, does anyone have some feedback on what they have found with this heavier 200 grain in 350 Legend? Realistic to attempt this with good results?
I've read up on the trials-n-tribulations of reloading the 350 Legend (SAAMI chamber dimensions, throat clearance issues, etc...). Was planning on sizing the 200 gr bullets to .356" when applying the gas-checks. Maybe would size to .357" if I didn't feel it would be bumping up against the tolerances. Seems even a tumble coating of Alox on the bullets, or a little spring-back from attempting a .357" resizing, might cause chambering issues if I'm already tight up against the maximum .357 specification for 350 Legend. Without an actual rifle in hand yet, most of this just speculation/worry/concern on my part.
Mostly just reading these forums over the years to learn and apply to my reloading/casting. Look forward to friendly discussion and knowledge sharing.
Steve