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

Choosing between the 350 Legend and 243 Winchester comes down to more than just numbers on a box. Deer hunters face real-world factors: state regulations, hunting terrain, recoil tolerance, and budget.

The 350 Legend has surged in popularity since its 2019 debut, especially in Midwest states with straight-wall cartridge laws. Meanwhile, the tried-and-true 243 Winchester continues to dominate the open fields with its flat-shooting precision.

In this guide, we’ll compare the two head-to-head, highlight where each cartridge shines, and help you pick the right load for your next deer season.

TL;DR: 350 Legend vs 243 for Deer

• 350 Legend → Best for states requiring straight-wall cartridges, shots under 200 yards, and hunters wanting low recoil with close-range terminal performance.
• 243 Winchester → Best for open terrain and shots beyond 200 yards, offering a flatter trajectory and versatile use for deer, coyotes, and varmints.
• Bottom line: Pick 350 Legend for brush hunts and youth hunters. Choose 243 Winchester for long-range accuracy and versatility.

Cartridge Background

350 Legend

• Introduced in 2019 by Winchester
• Straight-wall design (legal in states like Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa)
• Bullet weight range: 150–180 grains
• Moderate recoil, designed for deer-sized game
• Increasing availability with budget-friendly ammo options

Best suited for: Midwest deer hunters restricted to straight-wall cartridges.

243 Winchester

• Introduced in the 1950s
• Bottlenecked cartridge with bullet weights from 55–115 grains
• Known for flat trajectory & high velocity
• Low recoil, excellent accuracy at 200+ yards
• Extremely versatile for deer, antelope, and varmints

Best suited for: Hunters in open terrain who value longer-range shots and versatility across multiple species.

Ballistic Comparison: 350 Legend vs 243

Feature	350 Legend (170gr Soft Point)	243 Winchester (100gr Soft Point)
Muzzle Velocity	2,245 feet-per-second	2,950 feet-per-second
Muzzle Energy	1,902 ft/lbs	1,932 ft/lbs
Effective Range	0-200 yards	0-400+ yards
Trajectory	Flatter inside 200 yards	Flatter beyond 200 yards
Recoil	~20% less than .243	Mild, but sharper than 350 Legend
Cartridge Type	Straight Wall	Necked

Key Takeaway:

• The 350 Legend hits harder at close to medium range.
• The 243 Winchester stays flatter past 200 yards.

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 it 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 take pride in 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 consistent and reliable performance. 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 ideal for hunters who require 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 an energy of 1,932 ft-lbs, this cartridge achieves flat trajectories and pinpoint accuracy, making it 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 100-grain 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

When it comes to 350 Legend vs 243 for deer hunting, the “better” choice depends on your terrain and hunting style.

• The 350 Legend is built for hunters who need a straight-wall option, manageable recoil, and lethal short-range stopping power.
• The 243 Winchester remains the king of flat-shooting, long-range versatility.

Either way, both have proven themselves as effective deer cartridges.