As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing various calibers and cartridges. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a significant shift in the hunting landscape, particularly in the Midwest. Many states that once restricted deer hunting to shotguns and muzzleloaders have opened up their regulations to allow straight-walled rifle cartridges. This change has sparked a renewed interest in these cartridges, with two options standing out from the pack: the 350 Legend and the 450 Bushmaster.
Both of these cartridges have gained substantial popularity among hunters, but they each have their own unique characteristics that set them apart. Today, we’re going to dive deep into the world of straight-walled cartridges and explore the pros and cons of the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which cartridge might be the best fit for your hunting style and needs.
The Rise of Straight-Walled Cartridges
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of these two cartridges, it’s essential to understand why straight-walled cartridges have become so popular in recent years. The surge in popularity can be traced back to changes in hunting regulations across several Midwestern states. These states, known for their excellent whitetail deer hunting, had long restricted rifle use during deer season due to safety concerns in more populated areas.
However, recognizing the limitations of shotguns and muzzleloaders, wildlife management agencies began to allow the use of straight-walled rifle cartridges. These cartridges offer improved accuracy and range over shotguns while still addressing the safety concerns associated with high-powered rifles. This regulatory change opened up a whole new world of possibilities for deer hunters in these regions.
Enter the 350 Legend
Winchester introduced the 350 Legend in 2019, specifically designed to meet the demand for a legal straight-walled cartridge in these newly opened states. As someone who frequently hunts across state lines, I was immediately intrigued by this new offering.
The 350 Legend uses a .357-inch diameter bullet, typically weighing between 145 and 180 grains. It’s built on a modified .223 Remington case, which gives it some familiar dimensions for those accustomed to AR-15 style rifles. Winchester designed this cartridge to offer better ballistics than pistol cartridges while still meeting the straight-wall requirements.
One of the most striking features of the 350 Legend is its incredibly mild recoil. The first time I shouldered a rifle chambered in 350 Legend and pulled the trigger, I was genuinely surprised by how soft-shooting it was compared to other deer cartridges I’d used. This low recoil is a significant advantage, especially for newer hunters or those who are sensitive to recoil.
In terms of performance, the 350 Legend truly shines at moderate ranges. In my experience, it delivers excellent accuracy out to about 200 yards, which covers the vast majority of deer hunting scenarios. The cartridge’s relatively flat trajectory within this range makes it easier to make accurate shots without having to compensate much for bullet drop.
Another advantage of the 350 Legend is its versatility when it comes to rifle platforms. Because it’s based on the .223 Remington case, it can be easily adapted to work in AR-15 style rifles with just a barrel swap. This compatibility opens up a world of options for hunters who prefer semi-automatic rifles or want the ability to make quick follow-up shots.
The 450 Bushmaster: A Proven Performer
While the 350 Legend is the new kid on the block, the 450 Bushmaster has been around since 2007. This cartridge was originally developed to provide more power in the AR-15 platform, and it quickly gained a following among hunters looking for a hard-hitting option for medium to large game.
The 450 Bushmaster fires a larger .452-inch bullet, typically weighing between 240 and 300 grains. This gives it a significant edge in terms of bullet weight and energy delivered to the target. Over the years, I’ve taken several deer with the 450 Bushmaster, and there’s no denying its knockdown power. When you connect with a deer using this cartridge, they typically don’t go far.
However, that impressive power comes at a cost. The 450 Bushmaster produces noticeably more recoil than the 350 Legend. While it’s still manageable for most adult shooters, it can be a bit much for smaller-framed hunters or those new to centerfire rifles. The increased recoil can also make quick follow-up shots more challenging.
One area where the 450 Bushmaster really shines is in its ability to maintain energy at longer ranges. If you hunt in areas with longer shot opportunities, this could be a significant advantage. The heavier bullets of the 450 Bushmaster tend to buck the wind better than the lighter 350 Legend projectiles, which can be beneficial in open country.
Ballistics Breakdown
To really understand how these cartridges perform, let’s take a closer look at some ballistic data. For this comparison, we’ll use common hunting loads for each cartridge:
350 Legend (180 gr bullet):
- Muzzle velocity: 2,100 fps
- Energy at 100 yards: 1,260 ft-lbs
- Bullet drop at 200 yards: 9.4 inches
450 Bushmaster (250 gr bullet):
- Muzzle velocity: 2,200 fps
- Energy at 100 yards: 2,010 ft-lbs
- Bullet drop at 200 yards: 8.9 inches
As you can see, the 450 Bushmaster does pack more energy downrange. This extra energy can be beneficial when hunting larger game or when shot placement isn’t perfect. However, it’s important to note that in my experience hunting whitetails, the 350 Legend has plenty of power for ethical kills out to 200 yards, which covers the vast majority of hunting scenarios.
The 350 Legend does have a slight advantage in terms of trajectory. Its flatter flight path can make it easier to hit targets at varying distances without having to adjust your aim as much. This can be particularly beneficial in hunting situations where you don’t have time to range your target precisely.
Recoil Comparison
This is an area where the 350 Legend really stands out. In rifles of similar weight, I’ve found that the 350 Legend produces about half the felt recoil of the 450 Bushmaster. This reduced recoil can make a significant difference in shooter comfort and accuracy, especially for smaller-framed hunters or those new to centerfire rifles.
The mild recoil of the 350 Legend also makes it an excellent choice for introducing new shooters to hunting. It allows them to focus on proper shooting form and accuracy without being distracted by heavy recoil. Additionally, the reduced muzzle blast of the 350 Legend can be less intimidating for new shooters.
For more experienced hunters, the low recoil of the 350 Legend can be beneficial in situations where quick follow-up shots might be necessary. It’s easier to stay on target and reacquire your sight picture quickly when you’re not fighting heavy recoil.
Rifle Options and Compatibility
Both the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster are available in a variety of rifle actions, giving hunters plenty of options to choose from. You’ll find bolt-action, AR-platform, and single-shot options for each cartridge. As a fan of traditional hunting rifles, I particularly appreciate that both cartridges are available in lever-action rifles. There’s something special about carrying a lever gun in the deer woods.
One significant advantage of the 350 Legend is its compatibility with standard AR-15 lowers. With just a barrel swap, you can convert a .223/5.56 AR-15 to 350 Legend. This gives it a leg up in terms of magazine capacity and follow-up shot capability compared to the larger-cased 450 Bushmaster, which requires a specialized lower receiver.
The 450 Bushmaster, due to its larger case size, typically has lower magazine capacities in both AR-style and traditional hunting rifles. While this isn’t usually a significant issue for hunting, it’s worth considering if you plan to use the rifle for other purposes as well.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
When the 350 Legend was first introduced, ammo selection was somewhat limited. However, in the past few years, I’ve seen a huge expansion in available loads from major manufacturers. You can now find everything from affordable practice ammo to premium hunting loads with advanced bullet designs.
The 450 Bushmaster still has a slight edge in terms of load variety, but the gap is closing rapidly. More and more ammunition manufacturers are recognizing the popularity of the 350 Legend and developing new loads to meet demand.
In my area, I’ve noticed that 350 Legend ammo tends to be a bit less expensive than 450 Bushmaster, which is great for high-volume practice sessions. The lower cost per round can add up quickly if you spend a lot of time at the range honing your skills before hunting season.
It’s worth noting that both cartridges are more expensive than common options like .30-30 Winchester or .243 Winchester. However, for hunters in states that require straight-walled cartridges, the slight premium is well worth the ability to use a rifle during deer season.
Which One is Right for You?
After extensive use of both cartridges in various hunting situations, here’s my take on which one might be right for different hunters:
Choose the 350 Legend if:
- You’re recoil sensitive or new to centerfire rifles
- You want the flattest trajectory possible for a straight-wall cartridge
- You’re looking for the most affordable ammo for practice
- You hunt in dense woods where long shots are rare
- You want a cartridge that’s easy to shoot accurately
Go with the 450 Bushmaster if:
- You want maximum energy on target
- You’re comfortable with more recoil
- You might take shots beyond 200 yards regularly
- You hunt larger game like black bear in addition to deer
- You prioritize bullet weight and diameter over velocity
Personally, I’ve found myself gravitating more towards the 350 Legend in recent seasons. The mild recoil allows me to stay on target for quick follow-up shots if needed, and I appreciate the flatter trajectory when ranging isn’t possible. The lower cost of ammunition also means I can afford more practice time at the range, which ultimately leads to better performance in the field.
However, I still break out the 450 Bushmaster when hunting areas where longer shots are likely or when I’m after larger game. Its additional energy gives me confidence when the shot might be less than perfect or when I need maximum penetration.
Conclusion
Both the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster are excellent choices for hunters in straight-wall cartridge states. They each have their strengths and are more than capable of ethically harvesting deer when used within their effective ranges.
Whichever cartridge you choose, the key to success is practice and familiarity with your rifle. Spend time at the range getting comfortable with your chosen cartridge and rifle combination. Learn its trajectory and how it performs at various distances.
Also, don’t forget the importance of quality optics. Here at Night Vision Gears, we offer a range of scopes and night vision accessories that can significantly enhance your hunting experience, especially during those crucial low-light periods at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
Remember, the best cartridge is the one that you can shoot accurately and confidently. Both the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster offer hunters excellent performance in a straight-wall package. By considering your specific needs and hunting style, you can choose the cartridge that will serve you best in the field. Happy hunting!