.350 Legend Load Data

The .350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge that made its debut in 2019, developed by Winchester Repeating Arms to meet the growing demand for a straight-walled cartridge suitable for deer hunting in specific American states. Several Midwest states including Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan, have firearms hunting regulations that allow only straight-walled cartridges to be used for big game hunting. Winchester designed the .350 Legend to address this niche, providing an option for hunters who wanted more energy and effective range than traditional pistol calibers like the .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum, yet with less recoil and higher capacity than big-bore cartridges. Its introduction was met with strong market interest, and many firearm manufacturers quickly adopted the chambering in their rifle lines, from bolt-action to AR platforms.

For reloaders, the .350 Legend offers a unique opportunity, as it bridges the gap between pistol and rifle cartridges. It was engineered to be extremely versatile, suitable for both hunting and range applications. Its mild recoil makes it a superb choice for new shooters, youth hunters, and anyone sensitive to the kick of heavier calibers. The cartridge is particularly popular among hunters who are restricted by local game laws but want the advantages of using a modern sporting rifle. The .350 Legend fits nicely in the AR-15 platform with only a barrel change, expanding its appeal among fans of modular sporting rifles. While factory ammunition is widely available, handloading allows enthusiasts to tailor their loads for specific hunting or target needs, maximizing accuracy and performance for their specific rifle.

In terms of target species, the .350 Legend is primarily intended for deer-sized game at woods-range distances. It delivers ballistic energy surpassing that of the .30-30 Winchester, making it effective for cleanly harvesting whitetail, mule deer, and similar-sized animals out to about 200 to 250 yards, depending on bullet and load selection. Some users have also found success using the .350 Legend for feral hogs, black bear, and even coyotes with the right bullet construction. Its straight-walled case, moderate velocity, and controlled expansion bullets ensure sufficient penetration for ethical kills on medium game without excessive meat damage. However, due to its caliber and energy, it is not generally recommended for larger game such as elk or moose.

Ammunition manufacturers produce the .350 Legend in a variety of bullet styles and weights, but the most common factory loads use bullets weighing between 145 and 180 grains. The .350 Legend’s case length is 1.71 inches, and it has a maximum overall cartridge length of 2.26 inches, making it AR-15 compatible. The cartridge uses a .355-inch (9mm) diameter bullet, which is somewhat unusual for a rifle round but allows for a wide range of bullet choices. Reloaders can select from jacketed soft point, hollow point, and solid copper projectiles, depending on their intended application. With typical velocities in the 2,200-2,400 feet-per-second range, the .350 Legend balances effective terminal ballistics with manageable recoil and flat enough trajectory for most practical hunting distances. Its efficient case design ensures reliable feeding and extraction in both bolt-action and semi-automatic actions, further heightening its appeal to those assembling purpose-specific loads.