Ironing a 5.56mm case totally straight is not easy

But I did it for a mock-up cartridge. I could not get the 1.71" case length of the .350 L, but pretty close (1.65"). I have been pondering converting an AR to the caliber for fun. My vision is to make use of the RCBS 200 gr. FNGC bullet at some 2000 fps in that handy platform. Sort of a semi-auto .35 Remington re-born.

Everyone compares it to the .357 Maximum which is fair. But it is actually a 9mm at .355". It is maybe 1/10" longer than the max. and 0.400" longer than the .351 WSL. The latter ran a 180 gr. .352" bullet at 1900 fps from a "blow-back" action 20" rifle. The "NEW" .350 Legend is said to be able to push a 180 gr. at 2100 fps from a "locked breach" system. My efforts in pistol, using the same bullet from a 8-1/2" Contender in a .357 Maximum, was 1650 fps using mild 4227 and 1680 powder. I figure I could push that up 100 fps. So they are all real close in performance.

The big push for the Legend was to have a straight walled case legal in many states with special hunting cartridge restrictions. The fact it was easily adaptable to the most favored rifle in the world (AR platform) with only a barrel and mag change was a bonus. That's what has me in a lather, plus I'm a fan of the .351. But you cannot make ammo from .223 cases effectively. They are a bit too narrow at the web (0.377 vs 0.390) and neck expanding them to fire form would be a, tempting, nightmare. Making .351 WSL is a snap since it's shorter and no real neck expanding to speak of.

I have yet to read in ANY article where the .351 WSL is mentioned with the .350 Legend in the same print. Gary and Solomon were correct. Two generations and all is lost, they have to learn it all over again. When you see an article with the .350 and they mention the .351 let me know. The author deserves a prize.