Is the 350 Legend a Good Deer Rifle?
The 350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge that has been gaining popularity among hunters and shooters in recent years. As a deer rifle, it has sparked a lot of interest and debate among hunters and firearms enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the details of the 350 Legend and examine whether it is a good deer rifle.
What is the 350 Legend?
The 350 Legend is a.35 caliber cartridge that was designed by Winchester Ammunition and Hornady Manufacturing. It is a straight-walled cartridge that is designed for hunting deer and other large game. The 350 Legend is a rimfire cartridge, meaning that the rim of the cartridge is fired, rather than the center of the cartridge. This design allows for a more consistent and reliable ignition.
Ballistics of the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend has a relatively flat trajectory, making it well-suited for hunting at longer ranges. The cartridge has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,700 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of approximately 2,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This makes it capable of taking down larger game, such as deer and elk.
Rifle Options for the 350 Legend
There are several rifle options available for the 350 Legend, including bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-automatic rifles. Some popular rifle options include:
- Winchester Model 70: A bolt-action rifle that is designed specifically for the 350 Legend.
- Marlin X7: A lever-action rifle that is designed for the 350 Legend and other straight-walled cartridges.
- Savage Arms 110: A bolt-action rifle that is available in a variety of calibers, including the 350 Legend.
Advantages of the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend has several advantages that make it a popular choice among hunters. Some of the key advantages include:
- Accuracy: The 350 Legend is known for its accuracy, making it well-suited for hunting at longer ranges.
- Consistent Performance: The 350 Legend has a consistent and reliable ignition, making it less prone to jamming or misfires.
- Easy to Use: The 350 Legend is relatively easy to use, even for inexperienced hunters.
- Cost-Effective: The 350 Legend is a relatively inexpensive cartridge, making it a cost-effective option for hunters.
Disadvantages of the 350 Legend
While the 350 Legend has several advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Some of the key disadvantages include:
- Limited Availability: The 350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge, and some rifle manufacturers may not offer it as an option.
- Limited Range: The 350 Legend is designed for hunting at longer ranges, but it may not be as effective at extremely long ranges.
- Limited Selection of Loads: The 350 Legend has a limited selection of loads available, which may make it difficult to find the right load for your specific needs.
Hunting with the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of hunting situations. Some popular hunting applications for the 350 Legend include:
- Deer Hunting: The 350 Legend is well-suited for deer hunting, particularly at longer ranges.
- Elk Hunting: The 350 Legend can be used for elk hunting, particularly in situations where a larger cartridge is not necessary.
- Pig Hunting: The 350 Legend can be used for pig hunting, particularly in situations where a larger cartridge is not necessary.
Conclusion
The 350 Legend is a good deer rifle for many hunters. Its accuracy, consistent performance, and ease of use make it well-suited for hunting at longer ranges. While it may have some limitations, such as limited availability and limited selection of loads, it is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of hunting situations. If you are in the market for a new deer rifle, the 350 Legend is definitely worth considering.
Table: 350 Legend Ballistics
| Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Effective Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 grains | 2,700 fps | 2,000 ft-lbs | 200-300 yards |
| 200 grains | 2,600 fps | 2,100 ft-lbs | 250-350 yards |
| 220 grains | 2,500 fps | 2,200 ft-lbs | 300-400 yards |
Bullet Points:
- The 350 Legend is a.35 caliber cartridge that is designed for hunting deer and other large game.
- It has a flat trajectory and is well-suited for hunting at longer ranges.
- The cartridge has a consistent and reliable ignition, making it less prone to jamming or misfires.
- It is relatively easy to use, even for inexperienced hunters.
- The 350 Legend is a cost-effective option for hunters, with a relatively low cost per round.
- It has a limited selection of loads available, which may make it difficult to find the right load for your specific needs.
- The cartridge is relatively new, so some rifle manufacturers may not offer it as an option.
