Hunter in an autumn forest holding a 350 Legend rifle, with a deer in the background and 350 Legend ammunition displayed on a wooden surface.

350 Legend Ammo: Performance, Cost, and Applications

A detailed guide to 350 Legend ammo, covering performance, cost, and practical applications for hunters and sport shooters.

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What is 350 Legend Ammo?

The 350 Legend is a straight-wall cartridge designed by Winchester in 2019. It was created to meet the requirements of states that mandate straight-wall cartridges for hunting. When paired with a quality 350 Legend rifle, this cartridge offers a unique combination of high energy, low recoil, and affordability, making it a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters.

Key Features of 350 Legend Ammo

  • Straight-wall design: Complies with hunting regulations in many states.
  • Low recoil: Easier to shoot accurately, especially for beginners.
  • High energy: Delivers significant stopping power for medium-sized game.
  • Affordable: Costs less than many other hunting cartridges.

Performance of 350 Legend Ammo

Ballistics and Energy

The 350 Legend is known for its impressive ballistics, especially at shorter ranges. It typically fires bullets weighing between 145 and 180 grains, with muzzle velocities ranging from 2,100 to 2,400 feet per second (fps). This combination of weight and speed results in high energy transfer, making it effective for hunting deer and other medium-sized game.

Bullet WeightMuzzle VelocityMuzzle Energy
145 grains2,350 fps1,775 ft-lbs
150 grains2,300 fps1,760 ft-lbs
170 grains2,200 fps1,825 ft-lbs

Effective Range

The 350 Legend is effective up to 250 yards, making it suitable for most hunting scenarios. Beyond this range, the bullet’s energy and accuracy begin to drop significantly. However, within its effective range, the 350 Legend delivers consistent performance and reliable accuracy.

Cost of 350 Legend Ammo

One of the major advantages of the 350 Legend is its affordability. Compared to other hunting cartridges like the .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor, the 350 Legend is significantly cheaper. On average, 350 Legend ammo costs between $0.70 and $1.20 per round, depending on the brand and bullet type.

Cost of 350 Legend Bullets Vs Other Cartridges

CartridgeAverage Cost per Round
350 Legend$0.70 - $1.20
.308 Winchester$1.00 - $1.50
6.5 Creedmoor$1.00 - $1.50

Shop 350 Legend Ammo For Sale From Apex Ordnance

Check out Apex Ordnance’s selection of 350 Legend ammunition, designed for a wide range of applications, from hunting to sport shooting. We are a veteran-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality ammunition for our American customers.

  • Hornady 350 Legend - 250 Grain Sub-X - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS
    44 % OFF

    Hornady 350 Legend - 250 Grain Sub-X - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS

    Specialized 350 Legend ammunition designed for optimal performance in hunting.

    $23.48 $41.95
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  • Winchester Power Max Bonded - 350 Legend - 160 Grain - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS
    29 % OFF

    Winchester Power Max Bonded - 350 Legend - 160 Grain - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS

    Powerful bonded ammunition for reliable performance in the field.

    $28.50 $39.99
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  • Winchester Deer XP - 350 Legend - 150 Grain - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS
    34 % OFF

    Winchester Deer XP - 350 Legend - 150 Grain - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS

    Designed for deer hunting, offering excellent expansion and accuracy.

    $25.00 $37.99
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  • Federal Power-Shok - 350 Legend - 180 Grain - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS
    30 % OFF

    Federal Power-Shok - 350 Legend - 180 Grain - 20 Rounds 10BX/CS

    Reliable ammunition for hunting and target shooting, featuring a soft point for controlled expansion.

    $25.99 $36.99
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Shop All 350 Legend Ammunition From Apex Ordnance

Best 350 Legend Ammo For Your Needs

Hunting

The 350 Legend is an excellent choice for hunting, especially in states that require straight-wall cartridges. Its high energy and low recoil make it ideal for deer hunting, and it can also be used for hunting hogs and other medium-sized game.

Sport Shooting

For sport shooters, the 350 Legend offers a fun and affordable option. The 350 Legend rifle’s low recoil makes it easy to shoot accurately, and its affordability allows for extended shooting sessions without breaking the bank.

Home Defense

While the 350 Legend can be used for home defense, its high penetration may not be ideal for close-quarters scenarios. However, it can be an effective option for those who prioritize stopping power over reduced penetration.

The effectiveness of 350 Legend ammo depends greatly on the rifle platform you choose. Here are some popular 350 Legend rifle options that shooters frequently pair with this cartridge:

AR-15 Platform

Many shooters choose AR-15-style 350 Legend rifles for their versatility and familiarity. These rifles typically require only an upper receiver change and magazine modifications to accommodate the straight-wall cartridge.

Bolt-Action Options

  • Ruger American Ranch: Known for its accuracy and affordability
  • Winchester XPR: Excellent build quality from the cartridge’s creator
  • CVA Cascade 350 Legend: Popular among hunters for its reliability
  • Savage Axis 350 Legend: Budget-friendly option with good performance

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a 350 Legend rifle, consider these important factors:

  • Barrel Length: Most effective with 16-20 inch barrels
  • Twist Rate: Common 1:16 twist rate optimized for typical bullet weights
  • Magazine Compatibility: Some platforms require specific magazines
  • Weight: Lighter rifles are preferred for hunting applications

Comparing 350 Legend to Other Cartridges

350 Legend vs 5.56 NATO

While both cartridges are popular among shooters, they serve different purposes. The 350 Legend is designed for hunting, offering proven stopping power while maintaining low recoil, while the 5.56 NATO is better suited for tactical and long-range scenarios.

Attribute350 Legend5.56 NATO
Bullet Weight145-180 grains55-77 grains
Muzzle Velocity2,100-2,400 fps2,900-3,200 fps
Effective RangeUp to 250 yardsUp to 500 yards
RecoilLowModerate
Primary UseHuntingTactical/Defense

For a more in-depth comparison, check out our 350 Legend vs 223 Remington article.

350 Legend vs .308 Winchester

The .308 Winchester is a more powerful cartridge, but it also has significantly more recoil and is more expensive. The 350 Legend offers a good balance of power and affordability, making it a popular choice for hunters.

Attribute350 Legend.308 Winchester
Bullet Weight145-180 grains150-180 grains
Muzzle Velocity2,100-2,400 fps2,600-2,800 fps
Effective RangeUp to 250 yardsUp to 800 yards
RecoilLowHigh
Cost per Round$0.70 - $1.20$1.00 - $1.50

Pros and Cons of 350 Legend Ammo

Advantages

  • Low recoil: Easier to shoot accurately, especially for beginners.
  • High energy: Delivers significant stopping power for medium-sized game.
  • Affordable: Costs less than many other hunting cartridges.
  • Straight-wall design: Complies with hunting regulations in many states.

Disadvantages

  • Limited range: Effective only up to 250 yards.
  • Less versatile: Not ideal for long-range shooting or tactical applications.
  • Penetration: May over-penetrate in home defense scenarios.

FAQ: 350 Legend Ammo