How to Make .35 Remington Brass: A Comprehensive Guide for Reloaders
Making your own .35 Remington brass might seem daunting, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, it's a rewarding process for the dedicated reloader. This guide covers the essential steps, considerations, and potential challenges involved in crafting your own .35 Remington brass. We'll explore both methods: forming from commercially available cases and creating them from scratch (which is far more complex).
I. Forming .35 Remington Brass from Commercially Available Cases:
This is the more practical approach for most reloaders. You'll need cases that are similar in size and head diameter, requiring less extensive modification. Common parent cases include the .30-30 Winchester and .30/30 Winchester.
A. Selecting a Parent Case:
The choice of parent case significantly impacts the difficulty of the forming process. A case with a head diameter close to .35 Remington will require less work. Research and compare dimensions to find the best fit. Accurate measurements are crucial; a caliper is an invaluable tool.
B. Necessary Equipment:
- Case trimmer: To ensure consistent case length.
- Full-length sizing die: To resize the parent case to the correct dimensions. A .35 Remington sizing die is essential.
- Case neck expander: To expand the neck of the sized case to accept a .35 Remington bullet.
- Bullet seating die: To properly seat the bullet.
- Reloading press: A sturdy reloading press is critical for consistent sizing and forming.
- Precision reloading scale: Accurate powder measurement is crucial for safe and effective reloading.
- Primer seating tool: To seat primers correctly.
- Caliper: For accurate measurements throughout the process.
C. The Forming Process:
- Prepare the Parent Case: Carefully inspect the parent cases for any damage or defects. Trim to a consistent length.
- Full Length Sizing: Size the parent case using the .35 Remington sizing die. This reduces the case diameter and sets the correct shoulder position. Lubrication is key here to prevent case damage.
- Neck Expansion: Use a case neck expander to enlarge the neck to accommodate the .35 Remington bullet.
- Primer Seating: Seat primers carefully into the resized cases.
- Bullet Seating: Load the cases with the correct amount of powder (always consult reloading manuals for proper powder charges) and seat the bullets to the specified depth.
II. Creating .35 Remington Brass from Scratch (Advanced):
This method is extremely complex, requiring specialized equipment and significant metallurgical expertise. It is generally not recommended for home reloaders. It involves drawing brass tubing down to the desired diameter and dimensions, requiring specialized dies and equipment typically found only in industrial settings. Furthermore, ensuring the final brass meets the necessary specifications for strength and safety requires extensive testing and knowledge.
III. Safety Considerations:
- Always consult reloading manuals: Never deviate from recommended powder charges and bullet seating depths. Incorrect loading can lead to catastrophic equipment failure and serious injury.
- Wear safety glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Some reloading processes generate fumes.
- Proper case preparation is vital: Damaged or improperly prepared brass will lead to failures.
IV. Conclusion:
Forming your own .35 Remington brass is a challenging but fulfilling endeavor for experienced reloaders. While forming from a suitable parent case is a viable option, creating brass from scratch is far more difficult and generally not practical for home reloading. Always prioritize safety and consult reliable reloading manuals throughout the entire process. Remember, reloading is a precise and potentially dangerous activity; meticulous attention to detail is paramount.
