HOP Blog
Best 350 Legend Ammo For Deer Hunting
Sep
The 350 Legend has quickly earned its place as the fastest and most lethal production straight-walled hunting cartridge, and for good reason.
Known for its impressive energy and stopping power, this cartridge is a game-changer for hunters, especially in areas with ammunition restrictions. With the ability to deliver lethal force on large game like deer at distances of up to 200 yards, it’s an ideal option for hunters in states like Ohio, where dense woodlands often limit longer shots.
Whether you’re looking to hunt game or protect your property from predators, the 350 Legend offers the perfect blend of power, precision, and versatility.
What Makes The 350 Legend So Great For Deer Hunting
The 350 Legend has gained popularity as a deer hunting round due to several key factors:
Power and Versatility
The 350 Legend offers substantial energy, making it a go-to choice for deer hunting here in Ohio. With a muzzle energy of around 1,800 to 2,000 foot-pounds, it has more than enough power to ensure clean, ethical kills.
What really sets the 350 Legend apart is its ability to balance power with manageable recoil. It kicks about 20% less than a .243, but delivers 20% more penetration—perfect for those longer shots.
The downrange energy transfer is massive, giving you exceptional knockdown power. After reading the stats, I had high expectations, but the real-world performance has far exceeded them. HOP Munitions has stepped in to fill a gap many hunters didn’t even realize was there.
Now, whenever I’m asked what caliber I recommend for deer hunting in Ohio, my answer is simple—the HOP Munitions 350 Legend ammo.
Straight-wall Cartridge Design
The 350 Legend features a straight-wall cartridge, offering several deer hunting advantages.
Many states in the United States have regulations that limit hunters to using straight-wall cartridges, and the 350 Legend meets these requirements.
This has made it a popular choice among hunters in regions with such regulations.
Recoil and Shootability
The 350 Legend has relatively mild recoil compared to some larger hunting cartridges. This makes it more comfortable and manageable for a wider range of shooters, including those who may be more sensitive to recoil or less experienced with high-recoil firearms.
Many hunters also find the 350 Legend’s recoil similar to the .30-30. While it may not be as fast as the .243, most shooters perceive its recoil to be even lighter than the renowned .243 Winchester round.
This is one of the primary reasons why the 350 Legend has become the preferred choice for those selecting a rifle for a youth hunter.
Ammunition Availability
The availability of ammunition is an important consideration for any hunting round.
The 350 Legend has gained widespread acceptance, and as a result, there is a good selection of ammunition options available from various manufacturers.
This availability ensures that hunters can easily find suitable ammunition for their needs.
Cost and Affordability
The 350 Legend offers a cost-effective option for deer hunting.
Compared to other popular hunting rounds, the 350 Legend’s ammunition is generally more affordable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious hunters who still want reliable performance.
With that said, let’s dig into the best 350 Legend ammo for deer hunting.
Best 350 Legend Ammo For Deer Hunting
The 350 Legend’s performance has demonstrated its exceptional ability to swiftly take down whitetails and mule deer in various hunting situations.
Moreover, it is an effective round for hunting mid-sized big game such as pronghorn antelope.
The 350 Legend offers considerable versatility for Midwestern hunters. Now, let’s explore a few ammunition options you might consider.
150 Grain T-REX
We are excited to announce that the 350 Legend 150-grain Tipped Copper ammunition has been added to our product lineup.
After rigorous testing and improvements by our team, we are delighted to present it as an alternative to our popular 350 Legend 170gr. Soft Point cartridge.
With a velocity of 2,250 feet per second and an energy transfer of 1,687 foot pounds, the Tipped Copper Projectile has a larger impact diameter than the average, which leads to increased impact trauma, larger wound cavities, and faster knockdowns.
170 Grain SoftPoint
The HOP Munitions 350 Legend 170 grain SP hunting ammunition is a remarkable centerfire cartridge specifically engineered for exceptional hunting performance.
This ammunition is encased in premium brass casings and features meticulously selected clean-burning powders and high-quality soft-point bullets. It delivers outstanding ballistic capabilities, making it the ideal choice for successfully harvesting the largest trophy bucks.
The bullet design incorporates a dependable soft-point tip, guaranteeing controlled expansion upon impact. This results in devastating effectiveness, ensuring the highest level of lethality when targeting robust trophy bucks.
165 Grain FTX
The 165gr FTX rounds from HOP Munitions are engineered for straight-walled cartridges. These rounds feature Hornady’s patented Flex Tip (FTX) technology, which delivers reliable expansion and greater impact trauma. The larger-than-average impact diameter creates larger wound cavities, leading to quicker knockdowns and more humane kills. This makes the 165gr FTX ammo ideal for confidently taking down deer at longer ranges.
With a muzzle velocity of 2,279 feet per second and an energy output of 1,903 ft/lbs, these rounds perfectly balance speed, power, and precision. Whether you’re hunting in open fields or dense woodland areas, this heavy-grain ammunition ensures effective performance at distances up to 200 yards. The added stopping power from the larger wound channels ensures ethical, clean kills, making it a top pick for hunters in states with ammunition restrictions.
For those looking to maximize their success in the field, HOP Munitions’ 350 Legend 165gr FTX ammo offers excellent terminal performance and reliability, making it a top contender for the best 350 Legend ammo for deer hunting.
350 Legend FAQ
What is the best grain bullet for 350 Legend for deer?
Generally, a bullet weight ranging from 150 to 180 grains is often recommended for deer hunting with the 350 Legend. These bullet weights provide sufficient energy transfer and penetration to effectively take down deer while maintaining manageable recoil.
How far is 350 Legend good for deer?
The 350 Legend is considered effective for around 200 to 250 yards for deer hunting. Beyond that range, bullet drop and reduced energy may affect the bullet’s performance and terminal ballistics, potentially impacting its effectiveness for cleanly harvesting deer.
Is 145 grain 350 Legend good for deer hunting?
Depending on several factors, the 145-grain 350 Legend bullet can be suitable for deer hunting. While it is generally recommended to use bullets within the 150-180 grain range for deer hunting with the 350 Legend, the 145-grain bullet can still provide adequate performance in the hands of an experienced hunter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ammunition can make all the difference in achieving a successful and ethical deer hunt. This article has broken down the top 350 Legend ammo options, showcasing the perfect blend of power, accuracy, and terminal performance. Whether you’re looking for maximum expansion, deep penetration, or a well-rounded balance, HOP Munitions offers a solution tailored to your hunting needs.
As you gear up for your next deer season, remember the key factors: bullet design, energy transfer, and terminal performance. These elements ensure clean, humane kills and enhance your overall hunting experience. With this knowledge, you can make a well-informed choice that matches your hunting conditions and personal preferences.
