350 Legend vs 300 Blackout | Comparison | Which is Better

The obvious difference is that 350 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge whereas the 300 Blackout is a necked cartridge.

350 Legend was designed as a hunting cartridge whereas the 300 Blackout was designed as more of a warfighting round.

Both can be used for harvesting deer and coyotes.

350 Legend vs 300 Blackout Summary

• Recoil: Compared to the 300 Blackout, the 350 Legend offers a reduced recoil experience.
• Effective range: For deer hunting, the 350 Legend boasts an effective range of approximately 250 yards, surpassing the 300 Blackout’s effective distance of around 170 yards.
• Trajectory: The 350 Legend demonstrates superior trajectory efficiency, maintaining a flatter path and exhibiting less bullet drop over distance.
• Stopping power: In terms of stopping power and adaptability, the 300 Blackout outperforms the 350 Legend. Although, inside of 150 yards, the 350 Legend hits pretty damn hard.
• Reloading: The 300 Blackout provides greater flexibility for reloading compared to the 350 Legend.

Understanding the Basics

What is the 350 Legend?

The 350 Legend is a relatively new player in the world of rifle calibers.

Introduced by Winchester in 2019, it was designed to be a versatile and efficient round, particularly for hunters. The 350 Legend boasts a straight-walled casing, making it compliant with hunting regulations in several states where bottleneck cartridges are not permitted.

Its design is a unique blend of power and efficiency, offering a lower recoil compared to other calibers in its class.

Key Specifications:

• Bullet Diameter: 0.357 inches
• Case Length: 1.71 inches
• Typical Bullet Weight Range: 145-265 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,000 to 2,500 feet per second

What is the 300 Blackout?

The 300 Blackout, also known as 300 AAC Blackout, has a more tactical origin.

Developed by Advanced Armament Corporation and Remington, it was designed to achieve similar performance to the 7.62x39mm round in a cartridge that would be compatible with the standard AR-15 platform.

This caliber gained popularity for its versatility, being effective for both supersonic and subsonic applications, making it a favorite among both hunters and tactical shooters.

Core Characteristics:

• Bullet Diameter: 0.308 inches
• Case Length: 1.368 inches
• Typical Bullet Weight Range: 110-220 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,000 to 2,800 feet per second (depending on bullet weight)

Both the 350 Legend and the 300 Blackout were born out of a need for specific use cases, with the former focusing on hunting compliance and efficiency, and the latter on tactical versatility.

As we dive deeper into their ballistic performance, ammunition options, and use cases, the distinct advantages of each caliber will become more apparent.

Ballistic Performance Comparison

Understanding the ballistic performance of the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout is crucial for shooters to determine which caliber best suits their needs. This comparison will focus on muzzle velocity, energy, effective range, and accuracy.

Muzzle Velocity and Energy

350 Legend:

• Muzzle Velocity: Ranges from approximately 2,000 to 2,500 feet per second.
• Energy: Delivers around 1,800 to 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.

300 Blackout:

• Muzzle Velocity: Varies widely from 1,000 to 2,800 feet per second, depending on the load (subsonic or supersonic).
• Energy: Offers about 1,200 to 1,400 foot-pounds of energy for supersonic loads.

The 350 Legend generally offers a higher muzzle velocity and more energy compared to the 300 Blackout, especially in its standard configurations. This translates to a flatter trajectory over distance, which can be a significant advantage in hunting scenarios.

Effective Range and Accuracy

350 Legend:

• Effective Range: Optimal performance up to 250 yards, making it suitable for medium-range hunting.
• Accuracy: Known for its consistent accuracy, especially beneficial for hunters targeting medium-sized game.

300 Blackout:

• Effective Range: Effective up to 300 yards for supersonic loads, but typically used within 150 yards for subsonic loads.
• Accuracy: Highly accurate, particularly with supersonic rounds. Its performance in short to medium-range engagements is noteworthy.

When comparing the effective range and accuracy, the 300 Blackout offers more versatility, especially with the option of switching between subsonic and supersonic loads. However, for straightforward medium-range hunting, the 350 Legend provides a more predictable and flat shooting experience.

Ammunition and Reloading

The availability, cost, and reloading capabilities of ammunition are significant factors for shooters when choosing between the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout.

Availability of Ammunition

350 Legend:

• Market Availability: Since its introduction, the 350 Legend has seen a steady increase in availability. Major ammunition manufacturers offer a range of options, from practice rounds to specialized hunting loads.
• Cost Considerations: Generally, 350 Legend ammo is more affordable than 300 Blackout, especially for standard hunting and practice rounds.

300 Blackout:

• Market Availability: The 300 Blackout has a wide range of ammunition available, including both subsonic and supersonic options. Its popularity in the tactical community has ensured a consistent supply.
• Cost Considerations: Ammunition for the 300 Blackout tends to be more expensive than the 350 Legend, partly due to the variety of specialized loads available.

Reloading Capabilities

350 Legend:

• Ease of Reloading: The straight-walled design of the 350 Legend makes it relatively easy to reload. It’s an attractive option for those who prefer to tailor their loads for specific purposes.
• Customization Options: Reloaders can experiment with a wide range of bullet weights and powder types, allowing for fine-tuning of performance.

300 Blackout:

• Ease of Reloading: The 300 Blackout is also popular among reloaders, especially due to its versatility. Reloading can be more intricate due to the need to accommodate both subsonic and supersonic loads.
• Customization Options: Offers extensive customization, particularly for those looking to optimize for either suppressed or unsuppressed shooting.

In summary, while the 350 Legend offers more affordability and straightforward reloading, the 300 Blackout stands out for its extensive range of available ammunition and the versatility it offers to reloaders.

RELATED – 350 Legend vs 300 Blackout | Comparison | Which is Better

Use Cases for Hunting, Tactical, and Home Defense

The practical applications of a caliber are a critical aspect of the decision-making process for shooters. In this section, we’ll explore the suitability of the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout for various use cases, focusing on hunting and tactical/defense scenarios.

Hunting Applications

350 Legend:

• Suitability for Game Sizes: Ideal for medium-sized game such as deer and hogs. Its high energy and moderate recoil make it an excellent choice for hunters.
• Legal Restrictions and Considerations: The straight-walled cartridge design of the 350 Legend makes it compliant with hunting regulations in several states where bottleneck cartridges are not allowed.

300 Blackout:

• Suitability for Game Sizes: Effective for smaller to medium game. Its versatility with subsonic and supersonic loads allows for a broader range of hunting applications.
• Legal Restrictions and Considerations: While versatile, it’s essential to check local regulations as some areas may have restrictions on the use of 300 Blackout for hunting.

Tactical and Home Defense

350 Legend:

• Performance in Tactical Scenarios: While not as commonly used in tactical situations as the 300 Blackout, the 350 Legend can be effective due to its higher energy and lower recoil.
• Home Defense Suitability: Suitable for home defense, especially in areas with hunting cartridge restrictions. Its lower penetration compared to traditional rifle rounds is a plus in residential settings.

300 Blackout:

• Performance in Tactical Scenarios: Highly popular in tactical applications due to its compatibility with AR-15 platforms and the option for suppressed shooting.
• Home Defense Suitability: Excellent choice for home defense, offering a balance of power and manageable recoil. The ability to use subsonic rounds with suppressors makes it a versatile option.

Both calibers have their strengths in different scenarios. The 350 Legend shines in hunting, especially in compliance-restricted areas, while the 300 Blackout offers unparalleled versatility in both tactical and home defense situations.

Rifle Platforms and Customization

The compatibility of a caliber with various firearms and the potential for customization are important considerations for shooters. This section will explore the rifle options and customization possibilities for both the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout.

Compatible Platforms

350 Legend:

• Popular Rifle Models: The 350 Legend is compatible with a variety of bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles. Manufacturers like Winchester, Ruger, and Savage have models specifically chambered for this caliber.
• Customization Options: While the aftermarket support is growing, it’s not as extensive as the 300 Blackout. However, there are still ample opportunities for customization, especially in bolt-action rifles.

300 Blackout:

• Popular Rifle Models: This caliber is highly popular in the AR-15 platform, with numerous manufacturers offering 300 Blackout rifles. It’s also available in bolt-action and pistol configurations.
• Customization Options: The 300 Blackout enjoys extensive aftermarket support. Shooters can customize their firearms with a wide range of barrels, suppressors, and other accessories.

Barrel Length and Twist Rate

350 Legend:

• Ideal Barrel Specifications: 350 Legend barrels are typically between 16 to 24 inches. A twist rate of 1:16 inches is common, providing stability and accuracy for the caliber’s bullet weights.
• Impact on Performance: The right barrel length and twist rate ensure maximum ballistic performance, particularly important for hunting applications.

300 Blackout:

• Ideal Barrel Specifications: For 300 Blackout barrels, barrel lengths can range from 9 inches (for pistols and SBRs) to 16 inches or more for rifles. Twist rates of 1:7 or 1:8 inches are typical, accommodating a wide range of bullet weights.
• Impact on Performance: The versatility in barrel length and twist rate makes the 300 Blackout adaptable for both subsonic and supersonic loads, enhancing its performance in various scenarios.

While the 350 Legend offers good compatibility and is growing in customization options, the 300 Blackout stands out for its extensive adaptability and support in the aftermarket.

Recoil and Handling

The recoil and handling characteristics of a firearm and its caliber are crucial for shooter comfort and control. In this section, we’ll compare the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout in terms of their recoil experience and ease of handling.

Recoil Comparison

350 Legend:

• Recoil Experience: The 350 Legend is known for its moderate recoil, which is significantly less than traditional high-powered rifle calibers. This reduced recoil makes it an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels, including those who are recoil-sensitive.
• Impact on Shooter Comfort and Control: The manageable recoil of the 350 Legend enhances shooter comfort, allowing for longer shooting sessions and better shot placement, especially important in hunting scenarios.

300 Blackout:

• Recoil Experience: The 300 Blackout also offers a relatively low recoil, particularly in comparison to calibers with similar ballistics. The recoil is slightly more pronounced than the 350 Legend, but still manageable for most shooters.
• Impact on Shooter Comfort and Control: The low recoil of the 300 Blackout contributes to better control and accuracy, especially in rapid-fire or tactical situations.

Handling and Shootability

350 Legend:

• Ease of Handling: The 350 Legend’s lower recoil and straightforward ballistics make it easy to handle, even for less experienced shooters. It’s well-suited for a variety of rifle types, from bolt-action to semi-automatic.
• Shootability: Rifles chambered in 350 Legend are often designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable shooting experience for hunters and target shooters alike.

300 Blackout:

• Ease of Handling: The 300 Blackout is also user-friendly, especially when used in the AR-15 platform, known for its ergonomic design. The caliber’s versatility in different firearm types adds to its handling appeal.
• Shootability: The wide range of available firearms and customization options allows shooters to tailor their 300 Blackout rifles for optimal ergonomics, whether for tactical use, hunting, or home defense.

Both calibers offer a pleasant shooting experience with manageable recoil and good ergonomic designs. The 350 Legend edges out slightly in terms of lower recoil, while the 300 Blackout provides versatility and customization that can enhance its handling characteristics.

Legal Restrictions and Compliance

350 Legend:

• State-Specific Regulations: The 350 Legend’s straight-walled cartridge design makes it compliant with hunting regulations in several states where bottleneck cartridges are not permitted. This legal advantage has contributed to its popularity among hunters in those regions.
• Compliance in Hunting and Tactical Scenarios: Shooters need to be aware of their local laws, as regulations can vary widely.

300 Blackout:

• State-Specific Regulations: The 300 Blackout does not have the same legal advantage as the 350 Legend in terms of hunting regulations. However, it is generally legal for hunting and tactical use in most states.
• Compliance in Hunting and Tactical Scenarios: As with any firearm and ammunition, users must ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, especially when used for hunting.

Both the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout offer environmentally friendly options and require shooters to be mindful of legal compliance. The 350 Legend has a distinct advantage in states with specific hunting regulations favoring straight-walled cartridges.

The 350 Legend stands out for its efficiency, lower recoil, and compliance with specific hunting regulations. It’s an excellent choice for hunters, especially those targeting medium-sized game or residing in states with strict hunting cartridge laws. Its affordability and growing popularity make it a practical option for a wide range of shooters.

On the other hand, the 300 Blackout shines in its versatility and adaptability, particularly in tactical and defense scenarios. Its ability to switch between subsonic and supersonic loads, combined with its compatibility with the AR-15 platform, makes it a favorite among tactical enthusiasts and home defense users. While it may be more expensive, its performance and flexibility justify the cost for many.

Whether you choose the 350 Legend or the 300 Blackout will largely depend on your specific needs, preferences, and shooting scenarios. Both calibers offer unique advantages, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that enhances your shooting experience. Remember, the best caliber is the one that fits your requirements and brings you the most satisfaction in your shooting endeavors.