Top 20 Questions Answered About 350 Legend

When it comes to hunting and shooting, the .350 Legend is a game-changer. Known as the fastest straight-wall cartridge on the market, it’s become a favorite among hunters who demand performance and versatility. 

But what makes it so special? Whether you’re building a new 350 Legend AR platform, gearing up for deer season, or simply curious about all the hype, we’ve answered the top 20 questions that everybody seems to be asking when it comes to 350 Legend.

Will My 5.56 BCG Work With .350 Legend?

Yes, your 5.56 BCG will work with the .350 Legend. The cartridge was specifically designed to be compatible with the AR-15 platform, including the standard 5.56 bolt carrier group. This is possible because the .350 Legend shares the same .378” bolt face as the 5.56 NATO.

If you already own a 5.56 AR-15, you can use your existing BCG with a .350 Legend barrel, making the transition simple and budget-friendly.

What Is The Best BCG for 350 Legend

When it comes to the best BCG for .350 Legend, BCM (Bravo Company Manufacturing) sets the gold standard. Known for their duty-grade components, BCM BCGs are built to handle the punishment of high-pressure cartridges like the .350 Legend. For reliability and longevity, investing in a BCM bolt carrier group ensures your build performs flawlessly under even the toughest conditions.

What Buffer Weight Should I Use for 350 Legend?

The buffer weight plays a crucial role in the performance and reliability of a .350 Legend AR-15 build. While many setups may run fine with a standard carbine buffer (around 3 ounces), a heavier H2 buffer (approximately 4.6 ounces) often provides smoother cycling and reduced felt recoil. This is especially true given the increased energy produced by the .350 Legend compared to 5.56.

However, your ammo choice will influence which buffer weight works best for your build. Different loads, like HOP Munitions’ 350 Legend ammo, may generate slightly different pressures, so testing your rifle with the specific ammunition you plan to use is essential. Mileage will vary, and you may need to make some adjustments to dial in your setup for optimal performance.

What Suppressor Should I Use for 350 Legend?

When selecting the best suppressor for your .350 Legend, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with both the cartridge and the barrel’s thread size. The .350 Legend features a bullet diameter of 0.358 inches, so you’ll need a suppressor rated for .35 caliber or larger. Additionally, the most common thread sizes for .350 Legend barrels are 1/2-28 and 5/8-24, so make sure the suppressor matches your barrel’s threads or has interchangeable mounts.

Here are three excellent suppressor options for the .350 Legend:

• SilencerCo Hybrid 46: A versatile suppressor compatible with multiple calibers, including .35 caliber. Its interchangeable thread mounts make it a great choice for barrels with either 1/2-28 or 5/8-24 threads.
• Dead Air Nomad-30: A highly adaptable suppressor rated for multiple calibers, with thread adapters available for both 1/2-28 and 5/8-24.
• Rugged Suppressors Surge 7.62: Known for its rugged durability and modular design, it works well with .35 caliber cartridges and supports both common thread sizes.

What Is The Best Scope for 350 Legend?

Selecting the best scope for your .350 Legend rifle is crucial to maximize its performance, especially for hunting applications. Given the cartridge’s effective range and ballistic characteristics, a scope with a 3-9x magnification is well-suited, providing versatility for both close and mid-range engagements.

Here are some top recommendations:

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 – This scope offers a 50mm objective lens for excellent light transmission, making it suitable for low-light hunting conditions. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle assists in compensating for bullet drop, enhancing accuracy over varying distances.

Athlon Neos Straight-Wall 3-9×40 – Designed specifically for straight-wall cartridges like the .350 Legend, this scope features an illuminated BDC 300 reticle tailored for bullet drop compensation. Its compact size and affordability make it an excellent choice for hunters seeking value without compromising performance.

Hawke Vantage IR Straight-Wall Marksman 3-9×40 – This scope is optimized for straight-wall cartridges, offering an illuminated reticle with holdover points calibrated for the .350 Legend. Its durable construction and clear optics make it a reliable companion in the field.

What Is the Best Barrel Length for a 350 Legend?

The ideal barrel length for a .350 Legend depends on your intended use, but most experts recommend 16 inches for a balance of velocity, maneuverability, and versatility. A 16-inch barrel allows the cartridge to achieve near-maximum velocity while keeping the rifle compact and easy to handle, making it perfect for hunting in dense woods or brush.

A longer barrel (18-20 inches) can provide slightly higher muzzle velocity and improved accuracy at extended ranges if you want maximum performance. However, the gains are minimal; for most hunters, the added weight and bulk aren’t worth the trade-off. For short-range applications or compact AR-15 builds, a 10.5- to 12-inch barrel can work, but velocity and energy will drop significantly, reducing effectiveness.

For those using HOP Munitions’ 350 Legend ammo, a 16-inch barrel is an excellent choice, ensuring reliable performance and optimal ballistics.

Can You Use a 5.56 Multi-Caliber Lower for a 350 Legend?

Yes, you can use a 5.56 multi-caliber lower for a .350 Legend build. The .350 Legend was designed to be compatible with the AR-15 platform, allowing you to use your existing lower receiver group. Simply pair it with a .350 Legend upper receiver group, and you’re ready to go.

Keep in mind that a .350 Legend-specific magazine is required for reliable feeding. These magazines are designed to accommodate the straight-wall case of the .350 Legend, which differs from the tapered design of standard .223/5.56 magazines.

What Size Bore Snake for 350 Legend?

To properly clean the bore of a .350 Legend rifle, you’ll need a .35 caliber bore snake. The .350 Legend has a bullet diameter of 0.358 inches, so any cleaning tool designed for .35 caliber rifles will work perfectly. Popular bore snake options for .35 caliber or .357 Magnum cartridges are widely available and compatible.

How Far Will a 350 Legend Shoot?

The effective range of the .350 Legend depends on the intended application. The cartridge performs best within 200 yards for hunting, maintaining sufficient energy and accuracy for ethical kills on medium-sized game like deer. Beyond 200 yards, the bullet’s drop and energy loss become more significant, requiring significant adjustments. 

How Much Does a 350 Legend Drop at 100 Yards?

When sighted in at 100 yards, the .350 Legend typically experiences minimal bullet drop, with a relatively flat trajectory. For most factory loads, you can expect around 1 to 2 inches of drop at 100 yards if zeroed at 50 yards.

How Much Does a 350 Legend Drop at 200 Yards?

At 200 yards, the .350 Legend experiences more noticeable bullet drop compared to traditional bottleneck cartridges. On average, you can expect around 10 to 12 inches of drop, depending on the ammunition and barrel length. For example, a 150-grain load zeroed at 100 yards will typically drop about 10 inches at 200 yards.

Is 350 Legend Legal for Deer in Iowa?

Yes, the .350 Legend is legal for deer hunting in Iowa, provided it meets the state’s regulations for straight-wall cartridges. Iowa requires hunters to use rifles chambered in cartridges with a minimum bullet diameter of .357 inches, but the .350 Legend is explicitly listed as an approved cartridge despite its .358-inch bullet diameter.

Is the 350 Legend Legal in Ohio?

Yes, the .350 Legend is legal for deer hunting in Ohio because it is a straight-walled cartridge rifle with a caliber of at least .357 inches, as required by Ohio’s deer hunting regulations. While the .350 Legend’s bullet diameter is slightly larger at .358 inches, it fully complies with the state’s rules and is explicitly approved for use.

Can You Hunt With 350 Legend in Indiana?

Yes, the .350 Legend is legal for deer hunting in Indiana. The state’s hunting regulations allow rifles chambered in straight-wall cartridges with a case length between 1.16 and 1.8 inches, and a bullet diameter of .357 inches or larger. The .350 Legend meets all these requirements.

Where Is the 350 Legend Not Legal?

The .350 Legend is widely accepted for hunting in states that allow straight-wall cartridges, but its legality can vary based on specific state regulations. Some states that do not permit straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting may restrict its use. For example:

• States with bottleneck-only cartridge restrictions: States that require bottleneck cartridges for hunting, like Colorado, may not permit the .350 Legend.
• States without straight-wall cartridge hunting zones: In states where hunting zones don’t allow straight-wall cartridges, the .350 Legend may not be an option.

It’s crucial to check your state’s specific hunting regulations regarding caliber, case length, and cartridge type before heading out.

What Can You Hunt With a 350 Legend?

The .350 Legend is a highly versatile cartridge, making it suitable for a variety of hunting applications. Its straight-wall design and moderate recoil make it a favorite for hunters targeting:

• Deer: Perfect for whitetail and mule deer within 200 yards, offering ample stopping power with controlled recoil.
• Hogs: Its energy and accuracy are excellent for feral hog hunting, particularly in brushy terrain.
• Black Bear: The .350 Legend has enough energy to take down a black bear with ethical shot placement.
• Predators: Ideal for coyotes and similar-sized predators, especially in areas with straight-wall cartridge restrictions.

What Is 350 Legend Good For?

The .350 Legend is a highly versatile cartridge that excels in several key applications:

• Hunting: Designed to meet straight-wall cartridge regulations, the .350 Legend is perfect for deer hunting in states like Ohio, Iowa, and Michigan. With effective stopping power, it can take down medium to large game like whitetail deer and hogs within 200 yards.
• Sporting and Recreation: Its manageable recoil and accuracy make the .350 Legend an enjoyable option for recreational shooting, target practice, and competitions.
• Legal Compliance: In areas where hunting with bottleneck cartridges like the 5.56 is restricted, the .350 Legend is a legal alternative. This allows hunters to use their AR-15 platforms while staying within regulatory guidelines.

What Muzzle Brake for 350 Legend?

Choosing the right muzzle brake for your .350 Legend can significantly reduce felt recoil and improve control, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate. Most .350 Legend barrels are threaded in 1/2-28, 9/16-24, or 5/8-24.

Here are some top options:

• Faxon Firearms MuzzLok Brake: Featuring Faxon’s innovative MuzzLok system, this brake allows for quick installation and removal without the need for a crush washer or shims. The adjustable extension nut ensures precise timing for optimal performance. With a 1/2-28 thread and compatibility with 9mm and .350 Legend, this brake is a versatile choice. It’s lightweight, field-ready, and can be attached or removed as needed with ease.
• Bear Creek Arsenal 350 Legend Muzzle Brake: Designed exclusively for the .350 Legend, this radial muzzle brake features 12 CNC-machined ports at 90-degree angles to maximize gas redirection, reducing recoil and muzzle rise.

Best 350 Legend Deer Ammo

When hunting with the .350 Legend, few options deliver the consistent performance, accuracy, and terminal ballistics of HOP Munitions’ 350 Legend 150-grain T-REX (Tipped Rapid EXpanding) Solid Copper Rounds. Designed specifically for deer hunters, this load offers unparalleled stopping power in the field.

Our 150-grain T-REX ammo builds upon the success of our 170-grain soft point cartridge, offering hunters an alternative that excels in penetration, accuracy, and terminal performance. Whether you’re hunting whitetail deer or other medium-sized game, this round is the ultimate choice for the .350 Legend.

What Caliber Is 350 Legend Compared To?

The .350 Legend is most commonly compared to the .30-30 Winchester and .300 Blackout in terms of performance. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Compared to .30-30 Winchester: The .350 Legend delivers similar energy and trajectory, making it equally effective for medium-sized game like deer. However, the .350 Legend’s straight-wall design gives it a significant advantage in states that require straight-walled cartridges for hunting, providing hunters with a modern, AR-compatible alternative.
• Compared to .300 Blackout: While the .300 Blackout excels in suppressed applications, the .350 Legend offers superior energy transfer and a flatter trajectory at hunting ranges, making it better suited for hunting medium to large game.
• Compared to 5.56 NATO: The .350 Legend offers far greater knockdown power inside of 200 yards than the 5.56, making it an effective choice for hunting where bottleneck cartridges are restricted.

The .350 Legend bridges the gap between these calibers, combining excellent ballistic performance with compliance for straight-wall cartridge regulations, making it a versatile option for hunters and shooters alike.

Conclusion

The .350 Legend has quickly become a favorite among hunters and shooters for its versatility, power, and compatibility with the AR-15 platform. Whether you’re looking to comply with straight-wall cartridge regulations or need a reliable round for medium to large game, the .350 Legend delivers consistent performance.