Why Choose Hornady 35 Remington Brass?
The .35 Remington cartridge holds a special place in the heart of many hunters and shooters. Developed in the early 20th century, it quickly became a favorite for its effective performance on medium-sized game, its moderate recoil, and its suitability for use in lever-action rifles, particularly the iconic Marlin Model 336. The .35 Remington offers a balance of power and manageability, making it a practical choice for a variety of hunting scenarios. While the rifle and cartridge continue to endure in popularity, the quality of the brass is integral to achieving accurate and reliable results.
This article will dive deep into the world of Hornady 35 Remington brass. We’ll explore why this specific brass stands out, providing reloaders with the information they need to craft accurate and dependable ammunition for their .35 Remington rifles. We will cover everything from why high-quality brass matters to how to prepare, load, and care for your Hornady brass.
Understanding the importance of high-quality brass is the first step in successful reloading. Brass is the foundation of every cartridge. It holds the primer, contains the powder, and securely grips the bullet. The performance and longevity of your handloads depend directly on the quality and consistency of the brass you choose. Using inferior brass can lead to inconsistent results, failures to feed, and even potentially dangerous situations.
The reputation of Hornady precedes itself. For decades, Hornady has been a leading manufacturer of reloading components, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and precision. Their brass is held in high regard by reloaders because of its exacting manufacturing standards. This reputation is not built overnight; it stems from a dedication to producing components that consistently meet or exceed expectations. Hornady’s meticulous approach to manufacturing is apparent in every piece of brass they produce.
Hornady 35 Remington brass offers several specific characteristics that make it a standout choice for reloaders of this cartridge. It’s essential to understand the nuances that set this brass apart.
Reputation for Quality
Hornady brass undergoes a meticulous annealing process. This heat treatment softens the brass, making it more pliable and allowing for consistent neck tension. Neck tension is a critical factor for accuracy because it ensures the bullet is held firmly in place during the loading process and maintains a consistent release when fired. Consistent neck tension helps to minimize variations in bullet seating depth and start pressure, contributing to tighter groupings. The annealing process also helps to extend the lifespan of the brass, allowing it to withstand multiple reloading cycles.
Consistent wall thickness is another crucial element. Variations in wall thickness can lead to uneven expansion upon firing, affecting accuracy. Hornady’s manufacturing processes are designed to minimize these variations, resulting in brass with uniform wall thickness. This uniformity contributes to more consistent pressures and ballistic performance.
The headstamp on Hornady brass is clear, distinct, and properly marked with the appropriate information. Brass with incorrect or poorly stamped markings can be problematic. Hornady ensures that the headstamp is clear and accurate. The headstamp also includes the correct dimensions, allowing reloaders to identify and verify the brass easily. This accuracy streamlines the reloading process.
Uniform primer pockets are another benefit. The primer pocket is the recess that holds the primer. A consistent primer pocket ensures the primer seats flush and offers a reliable ignition. The process to create a uniform primer pocket is a testament to precision manufacturing. Proper seating of the primer is crucial for consistent ignition and, consequently, accurate shots.
Compared to other brass options, Hornady offers compelling advantages. While alternative brands may exist, Hornady’s commitment to quality and precision often translates into superior performance and longevity. While prices can fluctuate, Hornady 35 Remington brass is typically readily available. Availability is an advantage, making it easy for reloaders to source the components they need.
Reloading Hornady 35 Remington Brass
Reloading is a rewarding pursuit that allows shooters to tailor ammunition to their specific needs. But it also demands care, precision, and a thorough understanding of the process. Using Hornady 35 Remington brass as your foundation starts with thoughtful preparation.
Preparation Steps
Before embarking on the reloading journey, take a moment to carefully inspect each piece of Hornady 35 Remington brass. This is a critical step that should not be overlooked.
Examine the brass thoroughly for any signs of damage. Look for dents, which might affect bullet seating. Small dents are often harmless, but severe dents or creases can render the brass unsafe. Also, closely inspect the neck and mouth of the brass. Cracks or splits are a clear indication that the brass is not safe for reloading and should be discarded immediately. Checking the case rim for damage, as well as inspecting the flash hole is another practice reloaders should adhere to.
Measure the overall length of the brass. After firing, brass can stretch. Trimming is necessary to ensure that the brass is the correct length and fits properly in your rifle’s chamber. Use a case trimmer and follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the .35 Remington.
Cleaning the brass is another important step. This can be done using various methods, including tumbling or ultrasonic cleaning. Tumbling involves using a rotary tumbler with a cleaning media to remove debris and residue from the brass. Ultrasonic cleaning uses sound waves to dislodge contaminants. Both methods provide significant cleaning advantages. Clean brass seats more smoothly in the dies, provides more consistent neck tension, and helps to prevent buildup in your dies.
The next step is sizing and priming. Sizing brings the fired brass back to its original dimensions, preparing it for a new bullet. This process is done using a resizing die set. Different die sets are available, including full-length sizing dies and neck-sizing dies. Full-length sizing resizes the entire case, while neck sizing only resizes the neck. For general reloading, full-length sizing is typically recommended. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using resizing dies.
Priming is the process of inserting a new primer into the primer pocket. Use a priming tool to safely and correctly seat the primer. Be meticulous during this process, as a properly seated primer is essential for reliable ignition. Make sure the primer is seated flush or just below the surface of the case head.
Components for Reloading
Selecting the right reloading components for your .35 Remington loads is critical.
Choosing the right bullets for your .35 Remington is important. Several bullet types work well in this cartridge. Common choices include round-nose, flat-nose, and pointed soft-point bullets. The best bullet weight for you will depend on your intended use. Lighter bullets generally have flatter trajectories but may be less effective on larger game. Heavier bullets deliver more energy but may have a more curved trajectory. Consult a reloading manual and experiment with various bullet weights to find what performs best in your rifle.
Selecting the correct propellant is critical to safe and accurate handloads. Powder selection should always be based on information from reputable sources. Powder recommendations are generally found in a good reloading manual, but you can research for specific recommendations from sources like Hornady. Use the powder loads listed by the manufacturer with your specific components. The proper powder selection is essential for achieving the desired velocity and performance.
Primers are the ignition source for your ammunition, and choosing the correct primer is crucial for consistent ignition and accuracy. Standard large rifle primers are often recommended for .35 Remington. However, always refer to your reloading manual for the recommended primer type and avoid mixing primers.
Loading Process
Now that the brass is prepared and the components are selected, it’s time to put everything together. Follow these steps for a safe and effective loading process.
Start by dispensing the correct amount of powder into the brass. Use a powder scale to measure the powder precisely. Avoid the temptation to guess the powder charge. Overcharging can be dangerous, while undercharging can lead to inconsistent velocities.
Next, seat the bullet into the case to the recommended overall length (OAL). The OAL is the total length of the loaded cartridge, from the base of the case to the tip of the bullet. Refer to your reloading manual for the correct OAL for the specific bullet you are using.
After loading the rounds, it is time to check them thoroughly. Check that the OAL is correct and that the rounds feed smoothly into your rifle’s chamber. Look for any signs of deformation or damage. Take time to inspect each loaded cartridge to ensure it is ready for safe and reliable firing.
Tips and Best Practices
Reloading is more than just a series of steps. It is also about developing good habits and adhering to proven practices. This section covers some important tips for keeping things safe and achieving the best results.
Brass Care and Maintenance
Brass care is integral to the longevity of your handloads. Always store loaded ammunition in a cool, dry place. This helps to preserve the powder and primers. Inspect your brass after each firing for signs of damage. If you find any dents, cracks, or other defects, discard the brass immediately. Keep the brass clean to help increase its lifespan.
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety during reloading. Make sure you are following the load data in a reliable reloading manual. Never exceed the maximum recommended loads. Wear safety glasses at all times. Handle all reloading components with care. Reload in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best practices, sometimes problems can arise. Common reloading issues include tight bolt closure, primer malfunctions, and feeding issues. Tight bolt closure might mean the brass has not been properly sized or the OAL is too long. Primer malfunctions can be caused by incorrect primer seating or a faulty primer. Feeding issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with the overall length of the cartridge. Consult your reloading manual or a knowledgeable reloader for advice.
Where to Buy Hornady 35 Remington Brass
Finding Hornady 35 Remington brass is usually not difficult, but it helps to know where to look. Consider checking with online retailers. Online retailers like MidwayUSA and Brownells often carry a wide selection of reloading components. These retailers generally offer a great selection, convenient ordering, and fast shipping.
Gun stores often carry a selection of reloading components, including Hornady brass. It is a great way to support local businesses. You might find excellent customer service and experienced reloaders who can answer your questions.
Availability of Hornady 35 Remington brass may fluctuate. Depending on the demand and supply chain issues, you may need to be patient. Don’t hesitate to contact your preferred retailer to find out about availability.
Conclusion
Using Hornady 35 Remington brass is an excellent choice for reloaders looking to create accurate and dependable ammunition. The quality, consistency, and durability of this brass make it an ideal foundation for crafting reliable and powerful handloads. By following safe reloading practices, taking care of your brass, and using high-quality components, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating your ammunition while improving your shooting performance.
If you want to increase the performance and the lifespan of your rifle, consider starting your reloading journey with Hornady 35 Remington brass today.
