As a relatively new caliber, .350 Legend is a versatile cartridge introduced by Winchester in 2019. It was designed to offer a compelling alternative to popular cartridges, such as .223 Remington and .30-30 Winchester. One of it's biggest advantages is that it is a straight wall cartridge, so it can be used for deer hunting in many states that restrict certain types of rifle ammo from being used. Altogether, .350 Legend ammo is known for its power, low recoil, and compatibility with modern sporting rifles, making it an attractive choice for various shooting applications, including hunting and target shooting.![]()
What Is a 350 Legend Good For?
Versatility: .350 Legend ammunition is used for hunting, particularly for medium-sized game like deer and hogs. Due to its reliable performance, it can also be used for target shooting and home defense.
Straight-Walled Design: One of the standout features of the .350 Legend cartridge is its straight-walled case design. This design makes it legal for hunting in many states where bottleneck cartridges are not permitted, making it a popular choice for hunting in regions with such regulations.
Mild Recoil: The .350 Legend is known for its low recoil, which appeals to a broad spectrum of shooters, including those sensitive to heavy recoil. The mild recoil also allows quicker follow-up shots, which can be crucial in hunting scenarios.
Effective Range: .350 Legend offers good accuracy and effectiveness at medium-range distances, typically about 200 yards. This makes it well-suited for hunting in wooded areas and fields where shots are often taken at relatively short to moderate distances.
Ammunition Options: .350 Legend ammunition is available in various loads, including soft-point and hollow-point designs, which cater to different hunting needs and preferences. It's essential to choose the right load for your specific hunting application.
Magazine Compatibility: One advantage of the .350 Legend is that it can often be used with standard AR-15 magazines. This adds to its versatility, allowing shooters to utilize their existing firearms with just a barrel and bolt change in some cases.
Reliability and Functionality: Winchester developed .350 Legend, focusing on reliability. It's known for its consistent performance and ability to function well in different firearms, which is essential for a versatile ammunition type.
Availability: As the .350 Legend gains popularity, it's becoming more widely available from various ammunition manufacturers, allowing shooters to find multiple options to suit their needs.
While .350 Legend has gained popularity for specific use cases, it's essential to consider your intended purpose and local regulations when selecting ammunition. It's always advisable to consult local hunting laws and regulations and your firearm manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that .350 Legend suits your shooting needs. Whether you're a hunter, sports shooter, or someone interested in home defense, the .350 Legend is a versatile cartridge with a unique combination of benefits for various applications.
| Ammo Type | .350 Legend | .223 Remington | .30-30 Winchester |
|
Cartridge Type |
Straight-walled | Bottlenecked | Rimmed, Tapered, Bottlenecked |
| Bullet Diameter | .357 in | .224 in | .308 in |
| Bullet Weight (gr) | 150 gr | 55 gr | 150 gr |
| Kinetic Energy (ft-lbs) | 1800 ft/lbs | 1250 ft/lbs | 2046 ft/lbs |
| Bullet Drop (in) at 100 yds | 3.5 in | 2.5 in | 2.5 in |
| Bullet Drop (in) at 200 yds | 14 in | 7.5 in | 11.3 in |
| Bullet Drop (in) at 300 yds | 32.5 in | 18 in | 26.5 in |
Is a 350 Legend Good for Deer Hunting?
Yes, .350 Legend ammo is suitable for deer hunting. One of the primary intended uses of the .350 Legend cartridge is hunting medium-sized game, including deer. Copper bullets are preferred for hunting white-tailed deer because they expand reliably upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the likelihood of a clean kill. This is crucial for humane hunting practices.
Here are some reasons why 350 Legend ammo is a good choice for deer hunting:
- Power and Effectiveness: .350 Legend ammunition delivers sufficient power and energy for ethical and humane deer hunting. It offers good terminal ballistics, so it can effectively take down deer with appropriate shot placement.
- Low Recoil: The mild recoil of .350 Legend is advantageous for hunters. It allows for quicker follow-up shots and helps reduce flinching, promoting accurate shooting. This is particularly useful for hunters who may be sensitive to heavy recoil.
- Straight-Walled Design: .350 Legend's straight-walled case design is legal for hunting in many states, with regulations restricting bottleneck cartridges. This prevents it from flying extreme distances, which can be especially dangerous depending on the surrounding area.
- Accuracy: .350 Legend is known for its accuracy at medium-range distances, typically about 200 yards, which makes it well-suited for deer hunting scenarios.
- Versatility: The .350 Legend can be used in various firearms, including modern sporting rifles (like the AR-15), which allows hunters to select a firearm with flexibility.
When using .350 Legend for deer hunting, it's crucial to select appropriate ammunition loads, such as soft-point or hollow-point bullets, that are designed for hunting. As with any hunting endeavor, shot placement and ethical hunting practices remain paramount. Additionally, always check and adhere to your local hunting regulations, as laws regarding acceptable calibers and bullet types for deer hunting can vary from one region to another.
.350 Legend vs. .223 Remington and .30-30 Winchester: Exploring the Alternatives
When it comes to rifle ammo, 350 Legend and .223 Remington are two distinct cartridges designed for different purposes, and they have several differences in ballistics, power, and applications. Here's a comparison of 350 Legend, .223 Remington, and .30-30 Winchester ammunition.
First, 350 Legend has a lower muzzle velocity and kinetic energy than the .223 Remington and .30-30 Winchester. However, bullet in a .350 Legend cartridge is heavier resulting in less drop. 350 Legend is a good choice for hunters looking for an effective cartridge at close to medium ranges. On the other hand, .223 Remington is a good choice for shooters looking for a cartridge that is effective at longer ranges. At the same time, 30-30 Winchester falls somewhere in between, offering moderate power and range, making it suitable for medium-sized game hunting within moderate distances.
Shop 350 Legend Ammo Today!
In conclusion, 350 Legend excels in close- to medium-range hunting scenarios because of its heavier bullets and lower recoil. It's a reliable choice for those who appreciate versatility, especially in regions with straight-walled cartridge requirements. Thankfully, if you're searching for any kind of ammo, our team at OpticsPlanet has you covered. We have everything you need for your next hunt, from top-quality rifle scopes and hunting blinds to game calls and more.