Is a 350 Legend a Good Deer Rifle?
The.350 Legend is a new cartridge that has gained significant attention in the hunting community in recent years. Designed by Winchester Ammunition in collaboration with the National Rifle Association (NRA), the.350 Legend is a straight-walled, bottleneck cartridge that is chambered in a variety of rifles. But is it a good deer rifle?
What is the.350 Legend?
Before we dive into whether the.350 Legend is a good deer rifle, it’s essential to understand what it is. The.350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge that was designed to be a more modern alternative to traditional straight-walled cartridges like the.444 Marlin and the.45-70 Gov’t. It has a longer, more aerodynamic bullet profile than these traditional cartridges, which allows for better accuracy and penetration at longer ranges.
Technical Specifications
Here are some of the key technical specifications of the.350 Legend:
- Caliber:.350
- Neck diameter:.375 in (9.53 mm)
- Shoulder diameter:.500 in (12.7 mm)
- Base diameter:.531 in (13.50 mm)
- Case length: 2.16 in (54.6 mm)
- Overall length: 2.90 in (73.66 mm)
- Maximum loaded length: 3.35 in (85.09 mm)
- Gross capacity: 72 grains (4.67 cm³)
- Maximum working pressure: 60,000 psi (4136 bar)
Advantages
So, what makes the.350 Legend a good deer rifle? Here are some of its key advantages:
- Consistent accuracy: The.350 Legend is known for its consistent accuracy, which is due in part to its aerodynamic bullet profile and the fact that it is a straight-walled cartridge.
- Reliability: The.350 Legend is a reliable cartridge that is easy to shoot and maintain. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other cartridges of similar power.
- Penetration: The.350 Legend has excellent penetration, thanks to its high-velocity bullet and the fact that it is a straight-walled cartridge.
- Versatility: The.350 Legend can be used for a variety of applications, including deer hunting, pig hunting, and target shooting.
Disadvantages
While the.350 Legend has many advantages, it’s not a perfect cartridge. Here are some of its key disadvantages:
- Limited ammunition availability: While the.350 Legend is a new cartridge, it’s not yet widely available in local gun shops. You may need to special order your ammunition or look online.
- Limited rifle options: While there are several manufacturers that offer rifles chambered in.350 Legend, the selection is still relatively limited compared to other cartridges.
- Higher cost: While the.350 Legend is relatively inexpensive to shoot, the rifles that are chambered in this cartridge can be more expensive than those chambered in other cartridges.
Choosing the Right Rifle
When choosing a rifle chambered in.350 Legend, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Rifle type: The.350 Legend can be chambered in a variety of rifle types, including bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-automatic rifles.
- Barrel length: The barrel length of your rifle will affect the accuracy and penetration of your cartridge. A longer barrel is generally better for accuracy, while a shorter barrel may be better for hunting in close quarters.
- Twist rate: The twist rate of your rifle’s barrel will affect the stability and accuracy of your cartridge. A faster twist rate (1:10 or faster) is generally better for this cartridge.
Ammunition Options
When it comes to ammunition, the.350 Legend has a few options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:
| Ammunition | Bullet weight (grains) | Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|
| Winchester Premium 350 Legend | 180 | 2,350 |
| Federal Power-Shok 350 Legend | 180 | 2,300 |
| Hornady American Whitetail 350 Legend | 180 | 2,350 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the.350 Legend is a good deer rifle for those who are looking for a modern, reliable, and effective cartridge. While it’s not perfect, it has several advantages that make it a great choice for deer hunters. With its consistent accuracy, reliability, and penetration, the.350 Legend is a cartridge that should be considered by anyone who is in the market for a new deer rifle.
Recommendations
Based on our research, we recommend the following rifles chambered in.350 Legend:
- Winchester Model 70: This classic bolt-action rifle is a great choice for any deer hunter. It has a reputation for accuracy and reliability, and it’s chambered in a variety of cartridges, including the.350 Legend.
- Marlin Model 338: This lever-action rifle is a great choice for those who prefer the look and feel of a traditional lever-action rifle. It’s chambered in a variety of cartridges, including the.350 Legend.
- Remington Model 700: This bolt-action rifle is another great choice for deer hunters. It’s known for its accuracy and reliability, and it’s chambered in a variety of cartridges, including the.350 Legend.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the.350 Legend is a good deer rifle that has several advantages that make it a great choice for hunters. While it’s not perfect, it’s a reliable and effective cartridge that should be considered by anyone who is in the market for a new deer rifle. With its consistent accuracy, reliability, and penetration, the.350 Legend is a cartridge that’s sure to please even the most discerning hunter.
