The 350 Legend cartridge has quickly become a favorite among hunters for its effectiveness on medium-sized game, particularly deer. Designed with versatility and affordability in mind, it brings several advantages that make it a standout choice. In this post, we’ll dive into the strengths of the 350 Legend and compare it to other popular cartridges like the 5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, and 6mm ARC. We’ll also look at its unique compatibility with hunting regulations in certain states.
What is 350 Legend?
The 350 Legend, developed by Winchester in 2019, is a straight-walled cartridge specifically designed for hunting. As a versatile round, it provides low recoil, affordability, and significant stopping power, making it highly effective for hunting medium-sized game. The cartridge offers a range of bullet weights, with velocities and energy levels optimized for shorter-range engagements. With these characteristics, the 350 Legend combines user-friendliness with reliable performance in a variety of hunting situations.
Comparison of the 350 Legend to the 5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, and 6mm ARC
5.56 NATO
While the 5.56 NATO is a popular cartridge, especially among AR-15 users, it lacks the stopping power needed for medium-sized game. Its lower energy output limits its effectiveness in ethical hunting scenarios where a quick and humane kill is essential. The 350 Legend, with its larger bullet diameter and more controlled expansion, is far more effective for this purpose, particularly in short- to medium-range encounters.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is a powerful, long-range hunting cartridge, often favored for larger game. It offers excellent accuracy and is capable of taking down game at considerable distances. However, the higher recoil of the .308 makes it less suitable for hunters who prioritize a more manageable shooting experience. Additionally, in areas with restrictions on powerful rounds, the .308 can be overpowered. Finally, 308 Winchester is only available on the AR-10 platform whereas 350 Legend is compatible with the AR-15. Therefore, 350 Legend provides a balanced alternative with lower recoil and sufficient stopping power for medium-sized game within a closer range.
6mm ARC
The 6mm ARC is a newer, high-efficiency cartridge with excellent ballistic capabilities. Designed for long-range applications, it’s effective at reaching further distances, which can be useful in open terrain hunting. However, it lacks the straight-walled design required in certain states, meaning it isn’t always a viable option for hunters. For hunters who prioritize compatibility with hunting regulations and need a versatile, closer-range cartridge, the 350 Legend is often the better choice.
Advantages of the 350 Legend in Hunting for Medium-Sized Game
Straight-Walled Design
A significant advantage of the 350 Legend is its straight-walled design. This feature is critical in states that mandate straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting, such as Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa. These regulations make the 350 Legend a convenient choice, allowing hunters to stay compliant with state laws while still using an effective round for deer hunting.
Reduced Recoil
The .350 Legend’s low recoil makes it accessible for hunters of various skill levels, including beginners and those sensitive to recoil. Paired with an effective muzzle device, the recoil is further minimized, providing even greater stability and control for follow-up shots. This setup is particularly advantageous compared to the .308, which can be challenging to control, especially in rapid succession. With reduced recoil, hunters experience improved accuracy and a more comfortable shooting experience, helping them maintain steady aim during their outings.
Affordability
With the cost of ammunition being a key consideration for many hunters, the 350 Legend stands out as an affordable option. Its relatively low cost makes it practical for regular use, enabling hunters to practice more often without breaking the bank. This affordability is especially beneficial for hunters who frequently head out or who are budget-conscious, adding another layer of appeal to the 350 Legend.
When the 350 Legend Excels Over Other Cartridges
Straight-Wall-Only States
The 350 Legend’s straight-walled design gives it a distinct advantage in states where traditional bottleneck cartridges are restricted. This makes it a top choice for hunters in these regions who want a legal yet effective solution for deer hunting. In these cases, the 350 Legend not only complies with legal requirements but also performs excellently, bridging the gap between compliance and capability.
Shorter Range and Heavily Wooded Areas
The 350 Legend is optimized for shorter-range hunting scenarios, typically effective within 150-250 yards. This range is ideal for hunting in heavily wooded areas, where shorter engagements are more common. Its ballistics are well-suited to thick woods and brush, allowing hunters to reliably target game without worrying about excessive over-penetration.
Top 350 Legend Uppers for Your AR-15 on AR15Parts.com
If you're aiming to build or upgrade your AR-15 for hunting with the .350 Legend, AR15Parts.com offers a range of top-tier upper assemblies to suit your needs.
Here are four high-quality options designed to meet various hunting and shooting styles:
The 16" 350 LEGEND Upper - Wilson Combat Recon Round Glass Bead SS Barrel - 12" Rail - A2 Flash Hider is a great choice for hunters needing maneuverability in dense environments. This model features a 12" free float rail and Wilson Combat’s durable stainless steel barrel, making it highly reliable for close-quarters situations. Each of these upper receivers is available in a Complete Upper Version, with customization options for rail type, muzzle device, bolt carrier group, optics, and charging handle, allowing hunters to personalize their setup. Wilson Combat craftsmanship ensures a dependable hunting experience.
For a similar build with additional stability, the 16" 350 LEGEND Upper - Wilson Combat Recon Round Glass Bead SS Barrel - 15" Rail - A2 Flash Hider provides an extended 15" rail, offering a larger grip area and added control. This makes it a strong choice for hunters who prefer a more stable platform. This model is also available in a Complete Upper Version, with customizable options for the rail, muzzle device, BCG, optics, and charging handle. Wilson Combat’s precision engineering supports consistent, reliable performance in any terrain.
For hunters seeking extended range, the 18" 350 LEGEND Upper - Shaw Medium Matte SS Barrel - 15" Rail - A2 Flash Hider features an 18" barrel with a matte stainless finish and a 15" rail, designed to maximize accuracy for longer shots. The added barrel length provides enhanced ballistics, making it suitable for open-field hunting. Each of these upper receivers is available in a Complete Upper Version, with options to tailor the rail, muzzle device, bolt carrier group, optics, and charging handle. Shaw barrels are crafted with quality, ensuring precision and durability in any hunting scenario.
Lastly, the 18" 350 LEGEND Upper - Shaw Medium Stainless Barrel - 15" Rail - Linear Comp offers an 18" stainless barrel with a linear compensator for improved recoil management, making it ideal for hunters focused on stability and accuracy. The 15" rail allows for a balanced hold, further supporting accurate, long-range shooting. Available in a Complete Upper Version, this model includes customization options for rail type, muzzle device, BCG, optics, and charging handle. Shaw’s dedication to quality ensures that this upper delivers reliable performance across varied hunting conditions.
Choosing a 350 Legend Upper for Your AR-15
Pairing the 350 Legend with an AR-15 platform brings several advantages, including the flexibility and modularity that the AR-15 offers. When selecting a 350 Legend upper, it’s essential to prioritize reliability and compatibility, as not all AR-15 components are designed to handle the 350 Legend’s dimensions. Choosing the right barrel length and ensuring compatibility with existing AR-15 lower receivers and magazines will ensure smooth operation and optimal performance in the field.
Final Thoughts
The .350 Legend is a versatile, affordable, and highly effective choice for hunting medium-sized game. With its low recoil and compliance with most state regulations in straight-wall-only areas, it performs exceptionally well at shorter ranges, making it ideal for hunters seeking a practical and powerful option. Whether navigating dense woods or looking for an economical deer hunting rifle, the combination of the .350 Legend and the AR-15 platform offers numerous advantages, including impressive penetration power and a user-friendly design that appeals to hunters exploring new setups.
Visit AR15Parts.com today to explore our selection of high-quality .350 Legend uppers and AR-15 essentials. Register with us for a seamless shopping experience, with quick access to durable bolt carrier groups, precision barrels, high-performance muzzle devices, and everything you need to equip your AR-15 for hunting success!