The 350 Legend upper is revolutionizing the shooting world. Whether you're a hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply enjoy the thrill of target practice, the .350 Legend upper offers a compelling combination of power, accuracy, and versatility. Designed to fit onto a standard AR-15 lower, this upper assembly provides a powerful and reliable option for medium-sized game hunting and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how the 350 Legend upper can enhance your shooting experience, from understanding its technical specifications to choosing the right components and accessories.
Understanding the 350 Legend Cartridge
The 350 Legend ammunition, introduced by Winchester in 2019, has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. This straight-walled centerfire cartridge was designed to meet the legal requirements of several states that mandate the use of such cartridges for deer hunting. The 350 Legend offers several advantages over traditional AR-15 calibers, including greater penetration, kinetic energy, and terminal performance, while maintaining low recoil.
Key Specifications of the 350 Legend Cartridge
- Bullet Diameter: .357 inches
- Shell Case Length: 1.71 inches
- Overall Cartridge Length: 2.26 inches
- Muzzle Velocities: 145 gr (2350 ft/sec) to 255 gr (1060 ft/sec)
The 350 Legend is recognized as the fastest SAAMI-approved, straight-walled cartridge for the AR-15 platform, with effective range and flatter trajectory that make it ideal for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and hogs.
Choosing the Right 350 Legend Upper
When selecting a 350 Legend upper for your AR-15, it's crucial to consider the technical specifications that will impact the rifle's performance. Here are the key components to focus on:
Barrel Length and Material
The 350 Legend upper typically features barrel lengths between 16 and 20 inches. While longer barrels can produce higher muzzle velocities, a 16 to 18-inch barrel length often hits the sweet spot for weight and performance. The barrel material is also important, with options including chrome-moly steel, chrome-moly-vanadium (CMV) steel, and stainless steel. Each material offers different benefits in terms of durability, heat resistance, and accuracy.
Twist Rate and Gas System
The 350 Legend is designed with a 1:16 twist rate, optimized for 180-grain bullets. This twist rate works well with other bullet weights and barrel lengths too. Most 350 Legend barrels come with carbine-length gas systems, which ensure reliable cycling and smooth operation.
Feed Ramp and Upper Receiver
A 350 Legend upper can have either M4 or 30 Cal feed ramps. While M4 feed ramps are more common, 30 Cal feed ramps can improve feed reliability. The upper receiver, typically made from aluminum or polymer, should be durable and well-coated. Look for 7075 Aluminum forgings that are precision-machined to mil-spec designs for the best reliability.
Complete 350 Legend Uppers
For those looking to quickly and easily build an AR-15 chambered in 350 Legend, purchasing a complete upper is a convenient and cost-effective option. A complete upper includes all necessary components, such as the barrel, upper receiver, bolt carrier group, charging handle, and handguard.
Optics and Accessories
Enhancing your shooting experience with a 350 Legend upper involves selecting the right optics and accessories. Here’s what you need to consider:
Scopes and Optics
A high-quality scope is essential for maximizing the accuracy and effectiveness of your 350 Legend upper. A magnification range of 1-6x or 1-8x is ideal for medium-range hunting, allowing you to take full advantage of the 350 Legend’s effective range of up to 250 yards. Look for scopes that offer clear optics, durable construction, and features such as illuminated reticles and adjustable turrets.
Magazines
Magazines are crucial for reliable feeding and overall performance. The 350 Legend requires specific magazines designed for its straight-walled cartridge. While some may claim that 350 Legend ammo can feed from 223/5.56 magazines, this is often unreliable. Instead, choose a purpose-built 350 Legend AR magazine to avoid frustration and ensure smooth operation. These magazines are available in both polymer and steel, with capacities ranging from 5 to 20 rounds.
Handguards and Muzzle Devices
The handguard of your 350 Legend upper should be durable and provide ample space for mounting accessories. Options include free-floating designs or those with Picatinny rail systems, as well as M-LOK or Keymod attachment points. Muzzle devices, such as brakes, compensators, and flash hiders, can help reduce recoil and muzzle rise, improving shooting comfort and accuracy.
Hunting with the 350 Legend Upper
The 350 Legend upper is particularly well-suited for hunting medium-sized game, thanks to its flat trajectory, low recoil, and powerful performance. Here’s how it can enhance your hunting experience:
Deer Hunting
Designed with deer hunting in mind, the 350 Legend cartridge excels at taking down deer out to 200 yards. Its flat trajectory and excellent accuracy make it easier to place precise shots, while the low recoil helps maintain shooting comfort. For hunters in states that require straight-walled centerfire cartridges, the 350 Legend is an excellent option.
Hog Hunting
Hog hunting can be challenging, but the 350 Legend’s high penetration and energy make it up to the task. Pairing a 350 Legend upper with a heavy barrel can increase accuracy and reduce recoil, making it easier to take down these tough animals.
Versatility in Hunting
The 350 Legend upper offers versatility for hunting various medium-sized game, providing the accuracy, velocity, energy, and terminal performance needed to ensure successful hunts.
Building and Maintaining Your 350 Legend Upper
When purchasing a 350 Legend upper, consider the following factors to ensure a high-quality and reliable product:
Barrel Quality
The barrel is the most important component affecting accuracy and performance. High-quality barrels made from chrome-moly or stainless steel with a 1:16 twist rate and carbine-length gas system are optimal for the 350 Legend cartridge. A barrel length of 16 to 18 inches provides the best balance of weight and performance.
Upper Receiver Strength
The upper receiver should be forged for maximum strength and durability. This ensures the upper can withstand the recoil and stress of firing the 350 Legend cartridge. Look for receivers made from high-grade aluminum with durable coatings.
Handguard and Lightweight Design
A lightweight handguard reduces overall weight and improves maneuverability. Choose handguards made from durable materials like aluminum or polymer, with a slim profile to reduce bulk.
Dedicated Magazines
Using dedicated 350 Legend AR magazines, whether polymer or steel, ensures reliable feeding and proper function. Avoid trying to use 223/5.56 magazines, which can lead to feeding issues and malfunctions.
Optics and Scope
A scope enhances accuracy and target acquisition, making the 350 Legend cartridge even more effective. Consider a scope with a magnification range suitable for medium-range hunting, such as 1-6x or 1-8x.
Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your 350 Legend upper involves regular cleaning and inspection. Ensure the barrel, bolt carrier group, and other components are clean and in good condition. Regular maintenance helps maintain accuracy and reliability.
Transforming Your Shooting Experience with the 350 Legend Upper
The 350 Legend upper is a game-changer for hunters and shooting enthusiasts. With its powerful and versatile cartridge, it offers excellent performance for medium-sized game hunting and other shooting activities. By understanding the technical specifications, choosing the right components and accessories, and maintaining your upper properly, you can enhance your shooting experience significantly.
Whether you’re hunting deer or hogs, target shooting, or engaging in competitive shooting, the 350 Legend upper provides the accuracy, power, and reliability needed to excel. Invest in high-quality components, choose the right optics and magazines, and maintain your equipment to get the most out of your 350 Legend AR upper. Enhance your shooting experience with the 350 Legend upper and enjoy the benefits of this innovative and effective cartridge.