The debate between 350 Legend and 300 Blackout cartridges has caught fire in the shooting community. Both rounds have been gaining popularity among hunters, target shooters, and tactical enthusiasts, but which is the best for you? This comprehensive guide aims to help you make that decision by diving into the details of each caliber.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is 350 Legend?
- What is 300 Blackout?
- Recoil Comparison
- Knockdown Power
- Effective Range
- Stopping Power
- Reloading Potential
- Accuracy
- Best Uses
- Ballistics
- Historical Background
- Differences
- Ideal for Hunting
- Ideal for Long-Range Shooting
- Conclusion
What is 350 Legend?
Introduced in 2019 by Winchester, the 350 Legend is an AR-15 compatible cartridge that was initially designed for hunters restricted by laws against using bottle-necked cartridges.
What is 300 Blackout?
The 300 AAC Blackout, commonly referred to as 300 Blackout, was developed by Advanced Armament Corporation in 2011. It was designed to provide better performance through AR-15 style rifles but is also found in bolt-action platforms.
Recoil: A Gentle Shoulder Tap or a Sturdy Push?
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350 Legend: Known for less recoil, making it more manageable for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
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300 Blackout: Typically produces moderate recoil, slightly more than the 350 Legend.
Effective Range: The Distance Matters
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350 Legend: Generally effective up to 250-300 yards.
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300 Blackout: 200-300 yards for supersonic loads; around 100-200 yards for subsonic loads.
Stopping Power: A Critical Factor for Hunting and Defense
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350 Legend: Good stopping power for medium-sized game animals.
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300 Blackout: Superior stopping power due to its ability to use heavier bullets, making it suitable for home defense as well.
Reloading: A DIY Venture
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350 Legend: Limited options for reloading due to its newer status.
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300 Blackout: More versatile when it comes to reloading, with a variety of bullets and powders.
Accuracy: Precision Shots
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350 Legend: Generally accurate up to its effective range.
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300 Blackout: Known for good accuracy, particularly in short-barreled rifles.
Best Uses for 350 Legend
- Medium to large game hunting
- Deer hunting in straight-wall cartridge restricted states
- Target shooting
Best Uses for 300 Blackout
- Home defense
- Suppressed shooting
- Medium game hunting
Ballistics: Downrange Performance
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350 Legend: Lower ballistic coefficient, suited for short to medium-range.
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300 Blackout: Versatility in ballistic performance depending on the load; better for short-range.
History of 350 Legend
Developed with restrictions on hunting cartridges in mind, the 350 Legend made its debut in 2019 and quickly gained attention for its performance and low recoil.
History of 300 Blackout
Born in 2011 out of the need for a versatile, better-performing round for the AR-15 platform, the 300 Blackout has found its way into a multitude of shooting applications.
350 Legend vs 300 Blackout: The Key Differences
While the 350 Legend boasts less recoil and is better suited for restricted hunting areas, the 300 Blackout shines in versatility, stopping power, and reloadability.
Ideal Caliber for Hunting
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350 Legend: If you're limited by straight-wall cartridge restrictions, or if recoil is a concern, this is the better choice.
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300 Blackout: If versatility in loads and superior stopping power are priorities, opt for this caliber.
Ideal Caliber for Long-Range Shooting
Neither cartridge is designed primarily for long-range shooting, but the 350 Legend generally offers a longer effective range.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Caliber
Both the 350 Legend and 300 Blackout offer unique advantages. For hunters dealing with state restrictions on bottle-neck cartridges, or those looking for lower recoil, the 350 Legend is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value versatility, stopping power, and the potential for reloading, the 300 Blackout is the better option.
