350 Legend vs 243 For Deer: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right cartridge can be the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. The debate between the 350 Legend and 243 Winchester is more relevant for deer hunters than ever. 

In this article, you’ll learn about these two popular rounds, exploring their performance, suitability for different hunting scenarios, and which one best meets your specific needs.

Whether you’re hunting in states with straight-wall cartridge regulations or looking for a versatile, long-range option, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the key differences between the 350 Legend vs 243 Winchester.

Understanding the 350 Legend and 243 Winchester

350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge introduced by Winchester in 2019. Designed as a straight-walled cartridge, it’s tailored for deer hunters in states with regulations restricting traditional bottleneck cartridges. With a larger bullet diameter and moderate recoil, it’s quickly becoming a favorite among hunters who prefer a powerful yet manageable round.

243 Winchester, on the other hand, has been around since the 1950s. Known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized game at longer distances. Its versatility and low recoil have made it a staple in the hunting community for decades.

Comparing Ballistic Performance

1. Velocity: The 243 Winchester boasts a higher muzzle velocity, typically around 3,000 feet per second (fps) with a 100-grain bullet. This makes it effective for longer-range shots and reduces bullet drop, a crucial factor when aiming at distant targets. The 350 Legend, with its heavier bullet, has a lower velocity of around 2,200 fps but offers a flatter trajectory at short to medium ranges.
2. Energy: While the 243 Winchester has a higher velocity, the 350 Legend compensates with greater energy upon impact, especially at shorter ranges. This energy transfer can lead to quicker, more humane kills on larger game like deer.
3. Accuracy: Both calibers are highly accurate, but the 243 Winchester may have an edge for long-range precision shooting due to its flat trajectory and higher velocity. The 350 Legend, however, shines in thick brush or wooded areas where shorter shots are the norm.

Recoil and Noise: Which is More Manageable?

For many hunters, especially those new to the sport or those sensitive to recoil, the 350 Legend offers a more comfortable shooting experience. Its lower recoil than the 243 Winchester makes it easier to handle, reducing the chance of flinching and improving shot placement. Additionally, the 350 Legend tends to produce less noise, an important consideration when hunting in populated areas or trying to minimize spooking game.

Availability and Cost: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck…Literally

As a newer cartridge, the 350 Legend may not be as readily available as the 243 Winchester, but it’s quickly gaining traction. Ammunition costs for the 350 Legend are generally lower, making it an attractive option for hunters on a budget. The 243 Winchester, a well-established round, is widely available in various bullet weights and types but can be more expensive.

Which Cartridge is Better for Deer Hunting?

The decision between the 350 Legend and the 243 Winchester largely depends on your hunting environment and preferences:

• For Close to Medium Range: If you’re hunting in areas with dense cover and expect shots under 200 yards, the 350 Legend is hard to beat. Its lower recoil, powerful impact, and versatility make it a reliable choice for deer at these ranges.
• For Longer Range: If you’re hunting in open fields or need to take longer shots, the 243 Winchester is the way to go. Its flatter trajectory and higher velocity provide the accuracy needed for those 200+ yard shots.

HOP Munitions’ Take on 350 Legend vs 243 Winchester Loads

At HOP Munitions, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality ammunition designed to meet the diverse needs of hunters and shooters. When choosing between the 350 Legend and the 243 Winchester for your deer hunting needs, we offer exceptional options in both calibers, each meticulously crafted for superior performance.

350 Legend 170gr Soft Point

Our 350 Legend 170 grain Soft Point hunting ammunition is an outstanding choice for hunters seeking a reliable and powerful cartridge for big game hunting. Here’s why it stands out:

• Optimal Performance: This round is loaded with clean-burning powders and premium components to ensure consistency and reliability. Enclosed in high-quality brass casings, it provides seamless feeding and extraction, crucial for precision and safety in the field.
• Devastating Lethality: The soft-point bullet design is engineered to deliver controlled expansion upon impact. This results in deep penetration and maximum energy transfer, making it highly effective for taking down large-bodied bucks.
• Ballistic Excellence: With a muzzle velocity of 2,245 FPS and an energy of 1,902 ft/lbs, this cartridge offers a perfect balance of speed and power, ensuring clean and humane kills.
• Packaging: Available in boxes of 20 rounds and cases of 500 rounds, this load provides plenty of firepower for a full hunting season. Note: This load is not recommended for semi-automatic rifles as results may vary.

Whether you’re hunting in dense woods or open fields, our 350 Legend 170gr Soft Point is built to deliver the performance you need for the hunt of a lifetime.

243 Winchester 100gr Soft Point

For those who prefer the versatility and precision of the 243 Winchester, our 243 Winchester 100-grain Soft Point load offers an ideal solution for small to medium-sized game hunting:

• Precision and Speed: This load is designed for accuracy and reliability, making it perfect for hunters who need to make precise shots at varying distances. The soft-point bullet ensures controlled expansion, delivering a deadly blow to your target upon impact.
• Impressive Ballistics: Featuring a muzzle velocity of 2,950 FPS and energy of 1,932 ft/lbs, this cartridge can achieve flat trajectories and pinpoint accuracy, ideal for long-range shooting.
• Versatile Application: Whether targeting deer, coyotes, or other medium-sized game, this round provides the power and reliability you need to ensure a successful hunt.
• Packaging: Our 243 Winchester 100gr Soft Point ammunition is available in boxes of 20 rounds and is ready to accompany you on your next hunting adventure.

Our 350 Legend and 243 Winchester offerings are engineered with the hunter in mind, providing the precision, power, and performance that HOP Munitions is known for. Whether you’re after the 350 Legend’s heavy-hitting capabilities or the 243 Winchester’s long-range precision, we have you covered.

Choose HOP Munitions for your next hunt and experience the difference that premium ammunition can make

Conclusion

Comparing 350 Legend vs 243 Winchester comes down to your hunting needs and personal preferences. 

The 350 Legend shines in close-range situations with its low recoil, making it perfect for new hunters and quick shots in dense brush. The 243 Winchester excels at longer distances, offering precise accuracy and versatility for various game. 

Both cartridges have proven effective, but your choice should reflect the type of hunting you do and the conditions you face.

Visit our website to learn more and gear up for success!