After thorough research and testing, the HOP Munitions 170-grain Soft Point has emerged as our choice for the best 350 Legend ammo for deer hunting, thanks to their high muzzle velocity, robust knockdown power, and lead-free design.
The 350 Legend cartridge emerges as a standout choice, especially for hunters in regions like Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Michigan, where straight-walled cartridges are a legal necessity.
Designed by Winchester Repeating Arms in 2019, this mild-recoiling yet effective cartridge has quickly gained popularity not just in straight-wall states but across the country for its versatility in deer hunting.
Despite its relative youth, the 350 Legend has amassed a reputation for its efficacy in downing deer-sized game, even extending to black bears, within a range of up to 200 yards.
The secret to its success lies in its .357 caliber bullets, typically ranging from 150 to 180 grains, propelling at speeds between 2,100 to 2,400fps. This ensures a flat trajectory and solid knockdown power, vital for the majority of American whitetail deer hunters.
However, the true potential of the 350 Legend is unlocked through careful ammunition selection. Not all rounds are created equal, with variations in muzzle velocity, projectile type, and overall performance.
What Makes The 350 Legend So Great For Deer Hunting
The 350 Legend has gained popularity as a deer hunting round due to several key factors.
Power and Versatility
The 350 Legend delivers a significant amount of energy, making it highly effective for deer hunting.
It generates a muzzle energy of around 1,800 to 2,000 foot-pounds, which is sufficient to take down deer reliably. The round’s power ensures ethical and humane kills.
Straight-wall Cartridge Design
The 350 Legend features a straight-wall cartridge design, which offers several advantages for deer hunting.
Many states in the United States have regulations that limit hunters to using straight-wall cartridges, and the 350 Legend meets these requirements.
This has made it a popular choice among hunters in regions where such regulations exist.
Recoil and Shootability
The 350 Legend has relatively mild recoil compared to some larger hunting cartridges. This makes it more comfortable and manageable for a wider range of shooters, including those who may be more sensitive to recoil or less experienced with high-recoil firearms.
Many hunters also find the recoil of the 350 Legend akin to that of the .30-30, and while it may not be as fast as the .243, most shooters perceive its recoil to be even lighter than the renowned .243 round.
This is one of the primary reasons why the 350 Legend has become the preferred choice for those selecting a rifle for a youth hunter.
RELATED – 45 Long Colt vs 45 ACP | The Ultimate Caliber Face-Off
Ammunition Availability
The availability of ammunition is an important consideration for any hunting round.
The 350 Legend has gained widespread acceptance, and as a result, there is a good selection of ammunition options available from various manufacturers.
This availability ensures that hunters can easily find suitable ammunition for their needs.
Cost and Affordability
The 350 Legend offers a cost-effective option for deer hunting.
Compared to some other popular hunting rounds, the ammunition for the 350 Legend is generally more affordable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious hunters who still want reliable performance.
With that said, let’s dig into the best 350 Legend ammo for deer hunting.
Best 350 Legend Ammo For Deer Hunting
The performance of the 350 Legend has demonstrated its exceptional ability to swiftly take down whitetails and mule deer in various hunting situations.
Moreover, it serves as an effective round for hunting mid-sized big game such as pronghorn antelope.
The 350 Legend offers considerable versatility for Midwestern hunters. Now, let’s explore a few ammunition options that you might find worth considering.
150 Grain T-REX
We are excited to inform you about the inclusion of the 350 Legend 150-grain Tipped Copper ammunition in our product lineup.
After rigorous testing and improvements by our team, we are delighted to present it as an alternative to our popular 350 Legend 170gr. Soft Point cartridge.
With a velocity of 2,250 feet-per-second and an energy transfer of 1,687 foot-pounds, the Tipped Copper Projectile has a larger impact diameter than the average, which leads to increased impact trauma, larger wound cavities, and faster knockdowns.
170 Grain SoftPoint
The HOP Munitions 350 Legend 170-grain Soft Point hunting ammunition is a remarkable centerfire cartridge specifically engineered for exceptional hunting performance.
Featuring meticulously selected clean-burning powders and high-quality soft-point bullets, this ammunition is encased in premium brass casings. It delivers outstanding ballistic capabilities, making it the ideal choice for successfully harvesting the largest trophy bucks.
The bullet design incorporates a dependable soft-point tip, guaranteeing controlled expansion upon impact. This results in devastating effectiveness, ensuring the highest level of lethality when targeting robust trophy bucks.
250 Grain SUB-X
The HOP Munitions subsonic 350 Legend 250gr Sub-X ammo is designed specifically for suppressed hunting rifles, ensuring optimal performance.
This centerfire rifle load delivers outstanding accuracy while generating minimal noise, making it ideal for hunters. Moreover, it is priced affordably without compromising on quality.
The ammunition features clean-burning powders and premium components, housed in high-quality brass casings. This ensures reliable ignition, consistent flight paths, and seamless operation in various hunting scenarios.
FAQ
What is the best grain bullet for 350 Legend for deer?
Generally, a bullet weight ranging from 150 to 180 grains is often recommended for deer hunting with the 350 Legend. These bullet weights provide sufficient energy transfer and penetration to effectively take down deer while maintaining manageable recoil.
How far is 350 Legend good for deer?
The 350 Legend is considered effective for deer hunting out to distances of around 200 to 250 yards. Beyond that range, bullet drop and reduced energy may affect the bullet’s performance and terminal ballistics, potentially impacting its effectiveness for cleanly harvesting deer.
Is 145 grain 350 Legend good for deer hunting?
The 145-grain 350 Legend bullet can be suitable for deer hunting depending on several factors. While it is generally recommended to use bullets within the 150-180 grain range for deer hunting with the 350 Legend, the 145-grain bullet can still provide adequate performance in the hands of an experienced hunter.
Conclusion
Selecting the right ammunition is crucial for successful and ethical deer hunting.
Throughout this article, we have explored the best 350 Legend ammo options that offer the ideal combination of power, accuracy, and terminal performance.
Whether you prioritize expansion, penetration, or a balance between the two, HOP Munitions has a solution for you.
As you prepare for your next deer hunting season, consider the information presented here and make an informed decision when selecting your ammunition.
Take into account factors such as bullet design, energy transfer, and terminal performance, keeping in mind the specific hunting conditions and your personal preferences.
Happy hunting!
*This content was originally published on the HOP Munitions Blog
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *