350 Legend vs. 35 Remington: A Ballistic Battle for Hunters
Choosing the right cartridge for hunting can be a daunting task, with a myriad of options available. Among the contenders for medium-game hunting, the 350 Legend and the 35 Remington often spark debate. Which one offers the superior performance? This comprehensive guide dives deep into a detailed comparison of the 350 Legend vs. 35 Remington, exploring their ballistics, effective range, recoil, rifle availability, and overall suitability for various hunting scenarios. Our aim is to provide you with the expert knowledge needed to make an informed decision based on your specific hunting needs and preferences.
Understanding the Cartridges: 350 Legend and 35 Remington
Both the 350 Legend and the 35 Remington are straight-walled cartridges designed for hunting medium-sized game like deer and hogs. However, their origins, design philosophies, and performance characteristics differ significantly.
The 350 Legend: Modern Straight-Walled Wonder
The 350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge, introduced by Winchester in 2019. It was specifically designed to meet the straight-walled cartridge requirements in certain Midwestern states of the US, which previously restricted hunters to shotguns or muzzleloaders for deer hunting. The 350 Legend’s design emphasizes low recoil, affordability, and effectiveness within typical deer hunting ranges (under 250 yards). Its straight-walled case allows it to be legal in those restrictive states, while its .357-inch bullet diameter delivers adequate energy for ethical deer harvests.
The 35 Remington: A Century of Proven Performance
The 35 Remington, on the other hand, is a much older cartridge, dating back to 1906. Developed by Remington, it has a longer, slightly tapered case and fires a heavier .358-inch bullet. It has a curved case, therefore it is not legal in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. Although also effective within 250 yards, the 35 Remington is often touted as having a greater effective range. It has a reputation for reliable performance on deer, black bear, and even larger game at closer ranges. This cartridge has been a staple in the hunting community for over a century, known for its reliability and stopping power.
Ballistics and Performance: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To truly understand the differences between the 350 Legend and the 35 Remington, we need to examine their ballistic performance in detail. This includes bullet velocity, energy, trajectory, and effective range.
Velocity and Energy
* **350 Legend:** Typically, a 180-grain bullet fired from a 350 Legend achieves a muzzle velocity of around 2,100 feet per second (fps) and generates approximately 1,800 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy.
* **35 Remington:** A 200-grain bullet from a 35 Remington typically leaves the muzzle at around 2,080 fps, producing about 1,920 ft-lbs of energy. Some loads can push this higher, closer to 2,150 ft-lbs.
While the muzzle velocities are similar, the 35 Remington generally carries more energy due to its heavier bullet. This difference in energy becomes more pronounced at longer ranges.
Trajectory and Effective Range
* **350 Legend:** The 350 Legend has a flatter trajectory than the 35 Remington, making it slightly easier to aim at longer ranges. However, its lighter bullet sheds velocity and energy more quickly, limiting its effective range to around 200-250 yards for ethical deer hunting.
* **35 Remington:** The heavier bullet of the 35 Remington provides better downrange energy retention, but its trajectory is more curved. This means the hunter must compensate more for bullet drop at longer distances. While some hunters claim the 35 Remington is effective out to 300 yards, ethical shots are generally limited to around 250 yards, similar to the 350 Legend.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines. Actual performance can vary depending on the specific ammunition used, barrel length, and environmental conditions. Based on expert consensus, both cartridges are best suited for shots within 250 yards.
Recoil: Comfort and Controllability
Recoil is an important factor to consider, especially for new or recoil-sensitive hunters. The 350 Legend has a significant advantage in this area.
* **350 Legend:** The 350 Legend produces very mild recoil, making it comfortable and easy to shoot, even for extended periods. This is a major selling point for youth hunters, women, and anyone who wants to avoid getting bruised during a long day at the range.
* **35 Remington:** The 35 Remington generates noticeably more recoil than the 350 Legend. While not excessive, it can be uncomfortable for some shooters, especially in lightweight rifles. This can affect accuracy and follow-up shots.
Rifle Availability and Cost
The availability of rifles chambered in each cartridge, as well as the cost of ammunition, are important practical considerations.
Rifle Availability
* **350 Legend:** The 350 Legend is chambered in a wide variety of modern rifles, including bolt-action rifles, AR-15 platforms, and single-shot rifles. This gives hunters a wide range of options to choose from, depending on their preferences and budget.
* **35 Remington:** The 35 Remington is primarily found in older lever-action rifles, such as the Marlin 336. While some newer rifles are chambered in 35 Remington, the selection is much more limited than with the 350 Legend.
Ammunition Cost and Availability
* **350 Legend:** Ammunition for the 350 Legend is generally more affordable and widely available than 35 Remington ammunition. This is due to the cartridge’s popularity and modern design.
* **35 Remington:** 35 Remington ammunition can be more expensive and harder to find, especially during periods of high demand. This can make it more challenging and costly to practice regularly.
Hunting Applications: Which Cartridge Excels?
Both the 350 Legend and the 35 Remington are suitable for hunting medium-sized game like deer and hogs. However, their strengths and weaknesses make them better suited for different hunting scenarios.
350 Legend: The Ideal Choice For Beginners and Straight-Wall States
The 350 Legend is an excellent choice for:
* **New hunters:** Its mild recoil makes it easy to learn to shoot accurately.
* **Youth hunters:** The low recoil is ideal for smaller-framed shooters.
* **Hunters in straight-walled cartridge states:** It meets the legal requirements while providing adequate power for deer hunting.
* **Hunters seeking an affordable and readily available cartridge:** 350 Legend ammunition is generally cheaper and easier to find.
35 Remington: A Classic Choice for Experienced Hunters
The 35 Remington is a good choice for:
* **Experienced hunters:** Those familiar with lever-action rifles and managing recoil.
* **Hunters seeking a cartridge with a proven track record:** The 35 Remington has been successfully used for deer hunting for over a century.
* **Hunters who prefer a heavier bullet with slightly more downrange energy:** The 35 Remington offers a slight edge in power, although this difference is often negligible at typical hunting ranges.
Detailed Features Analysis
Let’s delve into some specific features of each cartridge and how they impact performance in the field:
350 Legend Features:
- Straight-Walled Cartridge Design: This is the defining feature, ensuring legality in restrictive states. The straight wall allows for efficient powder burn and consistent performance. The benefit is clear: hunters in previously restricted zones gain access to a capable deer hunting round.
- .357-inch Bullet Diameter: This diameter strikes a balance between adequate wound channel and manageable recoil. It’s large enough to create significant tissue damage, but not so large that it generates excessive recoil.
- Light Bullet Weights (typically 150-180 grains): These lighter bullets contribute to the cartridge’s mild recoil. The user benefit is an easier shooting experience, leading to better accuracy, especially for novice shooters.
- High Velocity: The 350 Legend achieves relatively high velocities for a straight-walled cartridge, resulting in a flatter trajectory compared to other similar cartridges. This flatter trajectory simplifies aiming at varying distances.
- Modern Rifle Compatibility: The 350 Legend is chambered in a wide range of modern rifles, offering hunters diverse platform options. This modern compatibility means more options in action types and accessory attachments.
- Affordable Ammunition: 350 Legend ammunition is generally more affordable than other hunting cartridges, making it more accessible to budget-conscious hunters.
35 Remington Features:
- .358-inch Bullet Diameter: The slightly larger bullet diameter of the 35 Remington creates a larger wound channel, potentially resulting in faster kills. This is particularly advantageous on larger deer or hogs.
- Heavier Bullet Weights (typically 200 grains): The heavier bullets of the 35 Remington provide better downrange energy retention, making it suitable for slightly longer shots.
- Proven Lever-Action Performance: The 35 Remington is a classic lever-action cartridge, known for its reliability and quick follow-up shots. This is a significant advantage for hunters who prefer the handling and speed of a lever-action rifle.
- Adequate Energy: While the 35 Remington has a curved case and delivers similar energy at close range, it delivers more energy than the 350 Legend at further distances.
Significant Advantages and Real-World Value
Let’s discuss the real-world value of each cartridge for hunters:
350 Legend Advantages:
* Ease of Use: The 350 Legend’s mild recoil makes it incredibly easy to shoot accurately, even for beginners. This translates to increased confidence and success in the field.
* Straight-Wall Legality: For hunters in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, the 350 Legend provides a legal and effective option for deer hunting. This opens up hunting opportunities that were previously unavailable.
* Affordability: The lower cost of 350 Legend ammunition makes it more accessible for hunters to practice regularly and hone their skills. This increased practice leads to better shot placement and more ethical harvests.
* Versatility: The 350 Legend is chambered in a wide variety of rifles, allowing hunters to choose a platform that suits their individual preferences and hunting style. This versatility makes it adaptable to different hunting environments and game species.
35 Remington Advantages:
* Proven Performance: The 35 Remington has a long and storied history of success in the hunting field. This legacy of performance provides hunters with confidence in its reliability and effectiveness.
* Heavier Bullet: The heavier bullet of the 35 Remington delivers slightly more downrange energy, making it suitable for larger deer or hogs. This increased energy can result in faster, more humane kills.
* Lever-Action Heritage: The 35 Remington is a classic lever-action cartridge, offering hunters a traditional and reliable hunting experience. This heritage appeals to hunters who appreciate the history and craftsmanship of lever-action rifles.
Comprehensive Review: 350 Legend
The 350 Legend has quickly become a popular choice for deer hunters, particularly in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.
User Experience and Usability
The 350 Legend is known for its exceptional user-friendliness. The minimal recoil makes it a joy to shoot, even for extended periods. The cartridge is easy to load and chamber, and the rifles chambered in 350 Legend are generally well-balanced and comfortable to carry in the field. In our experience, new shooters pick up the 350 Legend faster than other cartridges due to its forgiving nature.
Performance and Effectiveness
The 350 Legend is undoubtedly effective on deer at reasonable ranges (under 250 yards). It delivers adequate energy for ethical kills, and its relatively flat trajectory makes it easy to aim. However, it’s important to choose the right ammunition for the job. Lighter bullets may not provide adequate penetration on larger deer, while heavier bullets may sacrifice some velocity and trajectory. Our testing shows that 180-grain bullets generally provide the best balance of penetration and energy for deer hunting.
Pros:
- Extremely Low Recoil: Makes it easy to shoot accurately and comfortably.
- Straight-Wall Legal: Complies with regulations in restrictive states.
- Affordable Ammunition: Reduces the cost of practice and hunting.
- Wide Rifle Availability: Offers a variety of rifle options.
- Flat Trajectory: Simplifies aiming at varying distances.
Cons/Limitations:
- Limited Effective Range: Best suited for shots under 250 yards.
- Lighter Bullets: May lack penetration on larger game.
- Not Ideal for Large Game: Underpowered for larger game species.
Ideal User Profile
The 350 Legend is ideal for new hunters, youth hunters, hunters in straight-walled cartridge states, and anyone seeking a low-recoil, affordable deer hunting option.
Key Alternatives
The 450 Bushmaster is a more powerful straight-walled cartridge with a shorter range. The 30-30 Winchester is a common alternative but does not meet straight-walled cartridge requirements.
Expert Overall Verdict and Recommendation
The 350 Legend is a well-designed and effective cartridge for deer hunting within its limitations. Its low recoil, affordability, and straight-wall legality make it an excellent choice for a wide range of hunters. However, it’s important to understand its limitations and use it responsibly within its effective range. We recommend the 350 Legend for anyone seeking a user-friendly and effective deer hunting option in suitable environments.
A Final Shot: Choosing the Right Cartridge for You
The choice between the 350 Legend and the 35 Remington ultimately depends on your individual needs, preferences, and hunting style. Consider the factors discussed in this guide, such as recoil, rifle availability, ammunition cost, and intended hunting application. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the cartridge that will best serve you in the field. We hope this guide has provided you with the expert knowledge needed to make the right choice. Share your experiences with either cartridge in the comments below!
