The 350 Legend emerged as a game-changer in 2019, designed with a specific focus on catering to the needs of deer hunters in the heartland of America.
For those bound by the regulations of straight-walled cartridges, this innovative round became extremely popular. However, what truly sets it apart is its appeal to hunters NOT in straight-wall restricted states, drawn to its potent performance in the field.
Much like the .223/5.56 in its visual appearance, the .350 Legend represents a modern triumph in cartridge design.
What’s remarkable about it is its universal legality across all states that mandate straight-walled cartridges, coupled with its compatibility with AR-15 platforms. Firing a range of medium-sized 150-grain to 180-grain bullets at moderate velocities, the 350 Legend has earned its stripes for its effectiveness against deer-sized game, and even the formidable black bear.
While it doesn’t offer the extended ranges that .223/5.56 does, it offers a flat trajectory that comfortably stretches to about 200 yards; an ideal reach for the majority of American whitetail deer hunters. Moreover, its felt recoil is surprisingly manageable, rivaling, and often surpassing that of many 243 and 30-30 loads.
As we dive deeper into the realm of 350 Legend semi-auto rifles, we’ll explore the unique features and qualities that set Faxon Firearms apart from the competition, helping you make an informed choice for your next hunt.
Winchester touts the .350 Legend as the “fastest straight-walled cartridge on the market." It offers considerably more energy than traditional options like the .30/30 or .300 Blackout, while maintaining a manageable recoil to that of a .243 Winchester.
Its effective range extends to roughly 200 yards, making it an ideal choice for most eastern whitetail hunters.
The 350 Legend design resembles an extended 9mm Luger case with a smaller rim. Notably, the case rim shares the same diameter as the .223 Remington/5.56 cartridge, enabling compatibility with the same bolt face.
This makes it exceptionally well-suited for use with the AR platform. The case body, however, measures approximately .013 inches larger than the .223, ensuring compatibility with AR magazines, however, you’ll need a .350 Legend follower.
Duramag AR-15 .350 Legend 20-Round Magazine
The .350 Legend propels a .355-inch-diameter bullet, typically found in common hunting loads ranging from 150 to 180 grains. These loads achieve muzzle velocities between 2200 and 2400 feet per second.
Out to 200 yards, its trajectory is somewhat flat and predictable. Most ammunition, zeroed with a 2-inch high trajectory at 100 yards, will exhibit a drop of approximately 2.5 inches at 200 yards, meeting the requirements of many eastern hunters as well as defending your property.
In densely wooded areas most shots are going to be between 50 yards and 100 yards. At these closer ranges, the 350 Legend delivers a lethal blow to soft targets.
Multipurpose round and rifle
The 350 Legend is a multipurpose round in the fact that it can fill a few different roles and bridge the gap between it and the 5.56 NATO round.
5.56 NATO (Left) 150-grain TCP 350 Legend (Middle) 170-grain Soft Point 350 Legend (Right)
The first and foremost purpose of the straight-walled 350 Legend is hunting. In states like Ohio and Pennsylvania where we’re restricted to hunting with straight wall calibers and our shots are not going to be beyond 200 yards, the 350 Legend fills that role perfectly.
What it also does is fill the role that a 5.56 does within that 200-yard range. Due to the trajectory, velocity, and energy displaced within 200 yards, it makes an awfully effective home defense rifle as well as a formidable SHTF rifle.
Additionally, with the right ammunition, the 350 Legend can penetrate a ¼" mild steel plate at 50 yards.
This is something that both the 450 Bushmaster and 300 Blackout failed to do. The reason, from looking at ballistics data, is that the 350 Legend had a velocity above 2,100 FPS, whereas the 450 Bushmaster and 300 Blackout were below 2,100 FPS.
What does this all mean? Basically, this tells us that the 350 Legend has some light barrier penetration capabilities such as car doors and other mild steel barriers (not body armor).
So while 5.56 might disappear off the shelves for whatever reason, 350 Legend is there to fill the gap at 200 yards and in.
In the past, we’ve experienced ammo shortages due to a global pandemic and numerous conflicts around the world that require increased ammunition production. That ammunition that often gets affected is the popular 5.56 NATO round.
The 350 Legend can weather these times much better due to the fact that it’s considered a sporting cartridge or hunting cartridge. When 5.56 starts flying off the shelves, you can typically still find the popular hunting cartridges still sitting on the shelf.
Best Overall Value and Most Versatile: Faxon Ascent 16" 350 Legend
When it comes to choosing the best 350 Legend semi-auto rifle on the market, the Faxon Ascent 16" 350 Legend AR-15 Rifle stands out as a top-tier choice. Faxon Firearms, renowned for delivering quality and value to firearm enthusiasts, has taken their commitment to excellence to the modern sporting rifle, and the Ascent Rifle is a prime example of their dedication.
Faxon Ascent 16" 350 Legend with Primary Arms 3x Prism optic and Magpul MS1 sling.
As part of Faxon’s First Line, the Ascent Rifle comes packed with upgrades that are typically found on more expensive firearms, all while keeping the price within reach for the average shooter.
One of the standout features of the Faxon Ascent 16" 350 Legend Rifle is its 16" Gunner Profile Barrel, which is nitride coated for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. This choice of barrel not only ensures accuracy but also maintains a manageable weight for easy handling.
The nitrided M16 BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) with Superfinish contributes to the rifle’s smooth and reliable operation, ensuring it cycles flawlessly with each shot.
Nitrided M16 BCG w/ Superfinish
The 13" M-LOK Aluminum Handguard provides ample room for accessories, allowing shooters to tailor the rifle to their specific needs, whether for hunting, target shooting, or defensive use.
13" M-LOK Aluminum Handguard
Furthermore, with a manageable weight of 6.25 pounds, this rifle strikes an ideal balance between portability and stability.
The Faxon Ascent 16" 350 Legend semi-auto rifle is a testament to Faxon Firearms’ commitment to quality and value. It combines top-notch components, innovative design, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking an exceptional semi-auto rifle in the 350 Legend caliber.
What’s the best barrel length for a 350 Legend Rifle?
Many hunters agree that the ideal barrel length for the 350 Legend is 16 inches, as it represents the shortest length while maintaining a 200-yard hunting capability.
What’s the best scope for a .350 Legend?
The best scope for a 350 Legend rifle is either a 1-6x LPVO or a 3x fixed power optic. The reason is that it’s a 200-yard gun and the rule of thumb for magnification is 2x per 100 yards.
What is the best distance to sight in a 350 Legend?
The best distance to zero a 350 Legend is 100 yards. With a 100 yard zero, you’re only 2.3" low at 150 yards which, for most hunters, is the furthest they’ll take a shot with the 350 Legend.
How Far is a 350 Legend Lethal?
The 350 Legend was engineered to provide hard-hitting lethal energy out to 200 yards. What sets it apart is its ability to outperform the 300 Blackout, 30-30 Winchester, and 223 Remington in terms of terminal ballistics at the 200-yard mark.
How much does a 350 Legend drop at 200 yards?
The HOP Munitions 170-grain Soft Point trajectory has a 7.1" drop at 200 yards.
What is the 350 Legend good for?
While originally designed for deer hunting, 350 Legend exhibits versatility as it can also excel as a hog-hunting round or even serve as a dependable option for a defensive rifle when utilized in a semi-auto AR platform.
Final Thoughts
The 350 Legend has undeniably made its mark in the world of hunting ammunition since its introduction in 2019.
Its dual appeal, catering to both straight-wall cartridge enthusiasts and those outside such regulations, showcases its versatility and effectiveness in the field.
What truly sets the 350 Legend apart is its ability to combine legal compliance with performance, especially when paired with AR-15 platforms such as the Faxon Ascent 16" 350 Legend rifle.
With the 350 Legend, you’re armed not only with a potent round but also with the confidence that it’s up to the task whether that is hunting, personal defense, or securing your property.
Table of Contents
Faxon Ascent 350 Legend Semi Auto Rifle
Purpose and Design of the .350 Legend
Close Range Use
Multipurpose round and rifle
Ammo Costs and Availability
Who Makes the Best 350 Legend Semi Auto Rifle?
Best Overall Value and Most Versatile: Faxon Ascent 16” 350 Legend
FAQs
What’s the best barrel length for a 350 Legend Rifle?
What’s the best scope for a .350 Legend?
What’s the best .350 Legend ammo?
What is the best distance to sight in a 350 Legend?
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