350 Legend vs 300 Blackout: Which Cartridge is Right for You?

When it comes to the 350 Legend vs 300 Blackout, every hunter wants to know—which round incapacitates faster?

Whether you’re tracking whitetail in thick brush or scouting open fields, choosing the right cartridge is critical. The 350 Legend, built for power and precision, or the versatile 300 Blackout, designed for stealth and adaptability—each has its strengths.

In this comparison, we’ll break down the key differences, ballistics, and the top hunting ammo from HOP Munitions, so you can confidently pick the round that hits hard and drops game fast.

Design and Purpose

The 350 Legend and 300 Blackout were developed with very different goals. Understanding these differences is essential to deciding which cartridge to choose for your specific needs.

350 Legend: A Hunter’s Dream

Released in 2019 by Winchester, the 350 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge designed primarily for hunting in states with strict regulations, such as Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. These states require straight-walled cartridges for hunting game like deer, making the 350 Legend a legal and effective option.

While the 350 Legend might be new, it was engineered to provide hunters with a reliable, low-recoil option that still packs a punch. Its bullet diameter, at .355 inches, mirrors the 9mm, but its case design allows for much more power, allowing it to take down deer-sized game with ease. Its simple design provides hunters with a cartridge that adheres to legal requirements while maximizing range and lethality.

300 Blackout: Born for Battle, Adapted for Hunting

The 300 Blackout, on the other hand, was developed with a military focus in mind. Created by Advanced Armament Corporation in collaboration with the U.S. military in 2011, this cartridge was designed to deliver superior performance in close-quarter combat situations. The 300 Blackout aimed to offer a .30-caliber round that could be fired from AR-15 platforms without sacrificing magazine capacity. It was also made to function effectively with or without a suppressor, giving it versatility in both military and civilian applications.

Despite its combat-oriented origins, the 300 Blackout quickly gained a following in the hunting community. Its ability to take down deer and hogs within 300 yards has made it a popular choice for hunters who value versatility, especially for those looking for a round that performs well in subsonic and supersonic variants.

Key Takeaway:

If you’re primarily hunting in straight-walled cartridge states, the 350 Legend is your go-to choice. For those seeking a more versatile round that can be used in hunting and tactical scenarios, the 300 Blackout offers flexibility that the 350 Legend simply can’t match.

Ballistics Comparison

When comparing the ballistics of the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout, it’s essential to understand how these cartridges perform regarding velocity, energy, and trajectory. These factors directly impact their effectiveness in hunting and tactical scenarios and can help you select the right round for your intended use.

Velocity and Energy

The 350 Legend was designed to deliver high muzzle velocity and significant kinetic energy, particularly at short to medium ranges. A typical 170-grain bullet in the 350 Legend has a muzzle velocity of around 2,245 feet per second (fps), producing about 1,902 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy. This makes it a potent round for deer hunting, with enough stopping power to take down large game at distances up to 250 yards.

In contrast, while the 300 Blackout is slower in terms of muzzle velocity, it offers excellent versatility between its supersonic and subsonic variants. A 220-grain subsonic load for the 300 Blackout reaches velocities of around 1,060 fps, generating approximately 529 ft-lbs of energy. While this is less powerful than the 350 Legend regarding raw energy, the 300 Blackout shines in tactical scenarios where reduced recoil and suppressor compatibility are valued.

Trajectory and Range

Trajectory, or how much a bullet drops over distance, is another critical factor in determining a cartridge’s effectiveness. The 350 Legend, with its higher muzzle velocity, has a flatter trajectory at shorter ranges. At 200 yards, a 170-grain bullet from the 350 Legend experiences a drop of about 8.4 inches, making it effective for medium-range hunting.

The 300 Blackout, on the other hand, experiences a more pronounced drop due to its lower velocity. At the same 200-yard mark, a 220-grain subsonic 300 Blackout round will drop approximately 30 inches. This difference becomes more apparent at longer ranges, where the 350 Legend’s flatter trajectory offers a slight advantage in hunting applications.

Effective Range

Both cartridges serve different purposes when it comes to effective range. The 350 Legend excels at taking down deer-sized game out to 200 yards, making it ideal for hunters operating in open fields or dense woods where shots are typically under 250 yards.

While not as powerful at long distances, the 300 Blackout is highly effective within 200 yards. Its ability to fire both subsonic and supersonic rounds adds to its versatility, particularly when suppressor use is beneficial. For home defense or close-range hunting situations, the 300 Blackout is more than adequate.

Key Takeaway:

The 350 Legend offers superior ballistics regarding velocity and energy, making it a better option for medium-range hunting. However, the 300 Blackout’s subsonic options provide versatility, making it ideal for short-range hunting and tactical applications where suppressor use is a priority.

Practical Applications and Ammo Options from HOP Munitions

The 350 Legend and 300 Blackout excel in distinct areas, whether for hunting or tactical and home defense scenarios. Choosing the right cartridge depends on your needs, from the field to home protection.

Hunting Applications

350 Legend: The 350 Legend is a reliable choice for hunters in straight-walled cartridge states like Ohio and Michigan. Its low recoil and effective range of up to 250 yards make it ideal for hunting medium-sized game like whitetail deer and hogs. Whether you’re tracking in open fields or wooded areas, the 350 Legend provides the stopping power needed for an ethical, clean kill. HOP Munitions offers two great options for hunting with the 350 Legend.

• The 150-grain T-REX Solid Copper round is designed for rapid expansion and deep penetration. This polymer-tipped, solid copper projectile is optimized for big game hunting, ensuring maximum energy transfer and precise accuracy at medium ranges. This round is perfect for hunters looking for a powerful and reliable solution for deer or hogs.
• The 170-grain Soft Point round is another excellent choice for those preferring a traditional option. This soft point bullet provides controlled expansion, delivering excellent performance on medium-sized game like deer. However, it’s important to note that this round is not recommended for semi-automatic firearms, as it may not cycle reliably (results may vary). This is a fantastic option for hunters using bolt-action rifles with great terminal ballistics.

300 Blackout: The 300 Blackout, with its ability to fire both supersonic and subsonic rounds, offers great versatility for hunters. Whether shooting at close range in dense woods or taking advantage of quieter, suppressed shots, this cartridge performs well in various hunting situations.

• The 220-grain HPBT Subsonic round is perfect for hunters prioritizing stealth and precision. The Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) design provides excellent accuracy and reliable expansion, making it an ideal choice for hunting medium-sized game like hogs and deer at close ranges. When paired with a suppressor, this subsonic round offers a quiet yet powerful solution for hunting in noise-sensitive environments.

Tactical and Home Defense Use

The 300 Blackout is a top contender for home defense and tactical applications. Its design allows for reliable performance in short-barreled rifles, and its compatibility with suppressors makes it especially useful in close-quarter situations. The low recoil of the 300 Blackout ensures faster follow-up shots, which can be critical in defensive scenarios.

• HOP Munitions’ 220-grain HPBT Subsonic round is ideal for home defense, offering a quiet yet highly effective option. When paired with a suppressor, this subsonic load minimizes noise while delivering excellent stopping power. The boat tail design ensures accuracy, even in close-quarters engagements, making it a reliable option for those seeking low-recoil, high-performance ammunition for tactical use.

While the 350 Legend is primarily a hunting cartridge, it can be used in home defense scenarios, particularly for those residing in straight-wall states. Its powerful stopping force and low recoil make it an effective option for defending your home, though it is not as versatile as the 300 Blackout in tactical applications.

• The 150-grain T-REX round from HOP Munitions can also serve as a formidable home defense round in straight-wall states. Its polymer tip ensures rapid expansion, delivering the stopping power necessary for defensive situations. The 170-grain Soft Point is another option, but since it’s better suited for bolt-action rifles, it may not be ideal for rapid follow-up shots in a home defense scenario.

RELATED – 350 Legend vs 5.56: Can The Legend Replace The 5.56?

Key Takeaway:

For hunting, HOP Munitions’ 150-grain T-REX Solid Copper and 170-grain Soft Point 350 Legend rounds offer excellent terminal performance, with the T-REX suited for semi-automatic rifles and the soft point option ideal for bolt-action rifles.

On the other hand, HOP Munitions’ 220-grain HPBT Subsonic 300 Blackout shines in both hunting and tactical situations, providing exceptional accuracy and performance, especially when used with a suppressor. Whether your focus is on hunting or reliable home defense, HOP Munitions delivers premium options for both cartridges.

Conclusion

In the 350 Legend vs 300 Blackout showdown, the question remains—which round will drop your game faster? If you’re hunting in straight-wall cartridge states, the 350 Legend is your ultimate choice with its powerful, fast-expanding rounds.

But if you need stealth, versatility, and the option to suppress, the 300 Blackout is a force to be reckoned with.

Both offer exceptional performance, and with HOP Munitions’ top-tier ammo, you’re equipped to hit hard, hunt smart, and confidently put meat on the table.