350 Legend Ammo

350 Legend: In Depth

The .350 Legend caliber is a relatively new addition to the world of rifle ammunition, introduced by Winchester in 2019. Designed to offer a versatile and powerful cartridge for hunters and shooters, it has quickly gained popularity for its impressive performance and compliance with certain state regulations. The .350 Legend is particularly noted for its suitability in areas where straight-wall cartridges are mandated for deer hunting, providing an excellent option for both new and experienced shooters.

350 Legend History and Development

The .350 Legend caliber was developed in response to the growing demand for a cartridge that could meet the specific needs of hunters in states with restrictions on the use of bottlenecked cartridges for hunting. Winchester engineers designed this caliber from the ground up, creating a straight-wall cartridge that maximizes ballistic efficiency and performance. Officially unveiled at the 2019 SHOT Show, the .350 Legend was marketed as the fastest straight-walled hunting cartridge, offering more energy than .30-30 Winchester, .223 Remington, and even .300 Blackout, while maintaining reduced recoil.

Here are the states where the .350 Legend is legal for deer hunting:

1. Ohio: Hunters can use straight-wall cartridges firing bullets from .357 to .50 inch in diameter, including the .350 Legend.

2. Iowa: The .350 Legend is legal as long as the cartridge uses expanding bullets with diameters from .357 to .50 caliber, and adheres to case length requirements.

3. Indiana: The cartridge must have a minimum bullet diameter of .357 inch and meet specific case length regulations.

4. Michigan: In the limited-firearms deer zone, hunters can use straight-wall cartridges with cases between 1.16 and 1.8 inches in length and bullet diameters larger than .35 inch.

5. Illinois: As part of recent changes, straight-wall cartridges like the .350 Legend are now legal for deer hunting.

6. Wisconsin and Maryland: These states also permit the use of straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting, expanding options for hunters.

These states have adopted regulations that allow the use of straight-wall cartridges like the .350 Legend due to their effective range, low recoil, and suitability for medium to large game hunting.

Always check the latest local regulations before heading out, as hunting laws can vary and may be updated regularly.

.350 Legend Performance

Velocity

The .350 Legend provides a balance between speed and power. Standard loads can achieve muzzle velocities between 2,200 and 2,400 fps, depending on the bullet weight and powder charge.

Trajectory

With its high velocity and efficient bullet design, the .350 Legend offers a relatively flat trajectory, making it suitable for medium-range engagements. It exhibits minimal drop up to 200 yards, making it an effective choice for hunting in varied terrain.

Recoil

One of the standout features of the .350 Legend is its manageable recoil. Despite its powerful performance, the recoil is comparable to that of a .243 Winchester, making it a user-friendly option for shooters of all experience levels.

Applications

The .350 Legend is versatile and well-suited for several applications:

• Hunting: Ideal for medium-sized game such as deer and hogs, especially in states requiring straight-wall cartridges. Its effective range and stopping power make it a reliable choice for ethical hunting.
• Target Shooting: With its mild recoil and accuracy, the .350 Legend is suitable for recreational shooting and marksmanship practice.
• Self-Defense: While less common, the .350 Legend’s power and reliability make it a viable option for home defense scenarios.

Available Firearms

The .350 Legend has been chambered in a variety of firearms to cater to different preferences:

• Bolt-Action Rifles: Popular models include the Ruger American Rifle and Savage Axis II, known for their accuracy and reliability.
• AR-15 Platforms: Companies like CMMG and Ruger offer AR-style rifles chambered in .350 Legend, providing a modern sporting rifle option.
• Single-Shot Rifles: The Henry Single Shot and CVA Scout are excellent choices for hunters who prefer a more traditional approach.

Available Ammunition

Several reputable manufacturers produce .350 Legend ammunition, offering a variety of options:

• Winchester: As the originator, Winchester offers multiple loads, including Power-Point, Deer Season XP, and Super Suppressed.
• Hornady: Known for precision, Hornady offers the American Whitetail and Custom Lite lines.
• Federal Premium: Federal provides the Non-Typical and Fusion loads, designed for optimal performance and accuracy.

Bullet weights for the .350 Legend typically range from 145 to 180 grains, with velocities between 2,100 and 2,400 fps. This range allows shooters to select the best load for their specific needs, whether hunting or target shooting.

Comparisons

.350 Legend vs. .30-30 Winchester

The .350 Legend offers higher muzzle velocity and energy compared to the .30-30 Winchester, along with a flatter trajectory and less recoil. This makes the .350 Legend a more versatile option for modern hunting needs.

.350 Legend vs. .450 Bushmaster

While the .450 Bushmaster delivers more energy, the .350 Legend has significantly less recoil and higher magazine capacity in AR-15 platforms. This makes the .350 Legend a more comfortable and practical choice for many shooters.

.350 Legend vs. .223 Remington

The .223 Remington is a lighter, faster round primarily used for varmint hunting and target shooting. In contrast, the .350 Legend provides more stopping power for medium-sized game, making it a better choice for deer hunting.