The 350 legend is suitable for short-range hunting, while the 450 bushmaster is better for medium to long-range hunting. The two calibers, 350 legend and 450 bushmaster, offer distinct advantages for hunters.

The 350 legend has a relatively low recoil, making it ideal for close-range hunting. On the other hand, the 450 bushmaster boasts higher muzzle energy and superior bullet weight, resulting in more accurate shots at longer ranges. In this article, we’ll be comparing the two rifles, highlighting their features, and discussing their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re looking for a suitable caliber for your hunting rifle or considering upgrading, this comparison will provide you with valuable insights.

Disclosure: As a Brownells Affiliate, I earn small commission from qualifying purchase.

Credit: thebiggamehuntingblog.com

History of 350 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster: Ballistics, Adoption, and Field Use Analysis

Origins and Development

This section delves into the background and evolution of the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster, both prominent figures in the world of modern firearms, specifically rifles and ammunition.

350 Legend Overview

The .350 Legend was introduced by Winchester in 2019, primarily catering to hunters in regions with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. It is based on a modified .223 Remington parent case with a larger diameter, enabling it to fire a heavier and larger .357 caliber bullet. The .350 Legend cartridge was designed to be compatible with the AR-15 platform, offering an optimal balance of recoil, effectiveness, and affordability. It made a significant impact when unveiled at the SHOOT Show, rapidly gaining traction among manufacturers and consumers alike. Notably, rifles like the American Ranch have been chambered for this cartridge, promoting its popularity.

450 Bushmaster History

The .450 Bushmaster came into existence earlier, conceived in the early 2000s through collaboration between Hornady and the gun writer Tim LeGendre. It emerged from the need for a big-bore, straight-walled cartridge that could be fired from a standard AR-15 platform, particularly for game hunting in states with specific hunting regulations. Hornady took the lead in crafting the .450 Bushmaster, utilizing a case similar to the .284 Winchester, but with a rebated rim to match the AR-15’s bolt. Several manufacturers, including Mossberg, have since produced rifles chambered in the powerful .450 Bushmaster, solidifying its place in the hunting community.

Ballistics and Performance

This section examines the specific ballistics and performance aspects of the 350 Legend and the 450 Bushmaster, comparing their velocity, trajectory, and energy transfer characteristics.

Comparative Ballistics

The 350 Legend and the 450 Bushmaster cartridges have distinct ballistic profiles. In terms of velocity, the 350 Legend often has a higher muzzle velocity, averaging around 2,300 fps (feet per second), compared to the 450 Bushmaster’s 2,200 fps. This higher velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory for the 350 Legend, enhancing its accuracy and effective range. The 450 Bushmaster, though slower, relies on a larger caliber for its ballistic performance, providing it with a significant kinetic energy advantage, especially at close ranges. The ballistic coefficient for the 350 Legend is generally better, which translates to less sensitivity to wind drift and more consistency in flight.

Recoil and Handling

Recoil is a crucial factor affecting a shooter’s ability to handle a gun and make accurate follow-up shots. The 350 Legend is known for having a lower recoil than the 450 Bushmaster, making it more manageable, especially for those of smaller stature or with less shooting experience. The lesser recoil is due to its lighter bullet and reduced powder load. This advantage in recoil management can improve the shooter’s comfort and control. For the 450 Bushmaster, which generates more recoil, using a muzzle brake or a well-designed shoulder stock can mitigate the shoulder impact significantly, improving the handling experience.

Energy and Penetration

The power of a cartridge can be measured by its energy and penetration capabilities, which are vital for effective terminal ballistics, especially in hunting scenarios. The 450 Bushmaster has higher kinetic energy due to its wider and heavier bullet, providing greater penetration and stopping power. The design of the 450 Bushmaster imparts a large amount of energy onto the target, intended for swift, humane kills when hunting larger game. Conversely, the 350 Legend, while less powerful, delivers sufficient energy for deer-sized game with the benefit of less risk for over-penetration, making it a versatile option for hunting in more populated areas.

Hunting Applications and Regulations

The 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster cartridges have specific hunting applications and regulations that vary by state. Both are popular among hunters for their effectiveness on game and compliance with hunting laws, especially in areas where straight-wall cartridges are mandated.

Hunting Use Cases

350 Legend:

• Deer Hunting: Ideal for deer due to its lower recoil, efficiency, and range of up to 250 yards.
• Small to Medium Game: Effective for smaller game while still capable of taking down larger animals like feral hogs.

450 Bushmaster:

• Big Game Hunting: Suitable for larger North American game including deer, bear, and moose, favored for its stopping power.
• Ruger American and Mossberg Patriot Bolt Guns: Both rifles chambered in 450 Bushmaster are common choices, offering accuracy and reliability.

Legalities and Restrictions

State	350 Legend	450 Bushmaster	Cartridge Restrictions
Michigan	Legal for deer season	Legal for deer season	Straight-wall required
Ohio	Legal, preferred for deer	Legal, used for big game	Straight-wall required
Indiana	Legal	Legal	Straight-wall required
Iowa	Legal for deer hunting	Legal for deer hunting	Straight-wall required

• Cost: The cost of ammunition can influence hunting regulations, as affordability can lead to higher adoption rates by hunters.
• Legal Cartridge: Both the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster are considered legal cartridges in many Midwestern states for hunting seasons, primarily because they are straight-wall cartridges.
• Hunting Rifle: A hunter’s choice of rifle, be it the Ruger American or Mossberg Patriot bolt guns, often depends on the recommended caliber for the game being hunted and cartridge legality in the respective state.

The Battle Of The Rounds: 350 Legend Vs 450 Bushmaster

Hunting enthusiasts are always in search of the best cartridges to achieve their desired results. Among their preferred choices are 350 legend and 450 bushmaster. Both cartridges are popular, but how do they compare? Let’s find out.

What Is The Primary Use Case Of Each Cartridge?

350 Legend

• One of the primary uses of the 350 legend cartridge is hunting, especially for deer and other big game.
• Another use is in target shooting competitions.
• Hunters appreciate it because it is powerful, yet lightweight.
• The trajectory is relatively flat, making it useful for both short and long-range shots.

450 Bushmaster

• The 450 bushmaster cartridge was designed for hunting and shooting at short range.
• It is mostly used for hunting large game, such as deer, black bears, and feral hogs.
• It has a much harder-hitting power than the 350 legend, which makes it a great option for a close encounter with a wild animal.

What Are The Similarities And Differences Between 350 Legend And 450 Bushmaster?

Similarities

• Both cartridges are designed for big game hunting.
• They have a straight-walled case, making it easy to reload them with a variety of bullets.
• They are both relatively flat shooting cartridges that are easy to sight in.

Differences

• The 450 bushmaster has a larger bullet size and weighs more than the 350 legend. This means it has a harder-hitting power and can take down a larger target.
• The 350 legend has a flatter trajectory, making it a good option for long-range shooting.
• The 450 bushmaster cartridge is less common than the 350 legend, which can make it more expensive and harder to find on the market.

Discuss The Ballistic Performance Of Each Round

350 Legend

• The 350 legend round can achieve a muzzle velocity of 2,350 feet per second, making it a fast-moving cartridge.
• It delivers high accuracy due to its low recoil, allowing for precision shooting at long ranges.
• The cartridge performs well in a variety of weather conditions due to its efficient design, which makes it especially useful for hunters.

450 Bushmaster

• The 450 bushmaster can have muzzle velocities of 2,200 feet per second.
• It carries more stopping power in its bullet, making it suitable for taking down larger game.
• However, due to its larger size, it qualifies as a “limited range” firearm, which means that it is not as accurate as the 350 legend at longer ranges.

Both the 350 legend and 450 bushmaster have their unique advantages when it comes to hunting and target shooting. They both have their strengths and weaknesses in their ballistic performance, but they are ultimately effective in achieving your desired results when used properly.

Caliber And Recoil

How Does The Caliber Impact The Performance Of Each Round?

Calibre plays a significant role in determining the performance of a round. Here are the essential points that differentiate the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster in terms of calibre:

• The 350 Legend has a smaller calibre, of .355 inches, compared to the 450 Bushmaster, which has a calibre of .452 inches. The size of the calibre impacts the velocity that the bullet travels and the energy it has upon impact.
• The 350 Legend is a straight-walled cartridge that produces less recoil while firing, making it more stable and accurate at longer ranges. The 450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, has a more massive bullet, which produces more recoil and can be difficult to control. This difference in calibre impacts the accuracy of each round.

What Are The Differences In Recoil Between 350 Legend And 450 Bushmasters?

Recoil is the backward movement that a gun experiences when fired. This movement is due to the force generated by the bullet leaving the barrel. Recoil can impact the accuracy of the shooter, and the difference in recoil between 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster is considerable.

Here are the essential points to consider:

• The recoil of the 350 Legend is lower than that of the 450 Bushmaster due to its smaller calibre. The lower recoil of the 350 Legend allows the shooter to stay on target, making it more accurate and stable during firing.
• The 450 Bushmaster produces a considerable amount of recoil, which may impact the accuracy of the shooter. However, the recoil of the 450 bushmasters can also provide an advantage for some use cases, such as hunting or self-defence, where the stopping power of the round is a crucial factor.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Each Round’S Recoil For Specific Use Cases?

The recoil of each round can impact the practical applications of the ammunition. Here are some of the pros and cons of the recoil of each round based on specific use cases:

350 Legend

Pros:

• The lower recoil of the 350 legend makes it easier to control, making it a more accurate round at longer ranges.
• The 350 Legend is more comfortable to shoot due to its lower recoil, making it easier for novices or shooters of smaller stature.

Cons:

• The lower recoil of the 350 Legend may not produce the stopping power required for hunting or self-defence scenarios.

450 Bushmaster

Pros:

• The higher recoil of the 450 bushmasters produces a significantly greater stopping power, making it a more effective round for hunting or self-defence.
• The higher recoil of the 450 bushmaster makes it an excellent option for strong and experienced shooters, where control is not an issue.

Cons:

• The higher recoil of the 450 Bushmaster can impact the accuracy of the shooter, making it less effective for longer ranges.
• The recoil of the 450 bushmasters can be too much for novice shooters or individuals of smaller stature to handle effectively.

Accuracy And Distance

How Do 350 Legend And 450 Bushmasters Compare In Accuracy At Short, Medium, And Long Ranges?

The performance of 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster cartridges is critical regarding accuracy and distance. Here’s an in-depth look at how these cartridges compare in terms of accuracy at short, medium, and long ranges.

Short-Range Accuracy:

Both 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster outperform other popular cartridges at short ranges. The 350 Legend has less recoil than the 450 Bushmaster, which enhances shooter accuracy. The 350 legend is a flat shooting round, making it very effective at ranges of up to 200 yards.

On the other hand, the 450 bushmaster provides excellent terminal performance even at short ranges.

:white_check_mark: bullet points:

• Both cartridges are suitable for use at short ranges.
• The 350 Legend has less recoil, enhancing shooter accuracy.
• The 350 Legend is a flat shooting round and is effective at ranges up to 200 yards.
• The 450 bushmaster has excellent terminal performance at short ranges.

Medium Range Accuracy:

At medium ranges of 200-300 yards, the 350 Legend maintains good accuracy due to its high ballistic coefficient and limited bullet drop. However, the 450 Bushmaster is less effective at this range due to bullet drop. The 450 bushmaster is best at ranges of up to 150 yards, but beyond that, the bullet starts to drop quickly.

:white_check_mark: bullet points:

• The 350 Legend maintains good accuracy at medium ranges due to its high ballistic coefficient and limited bullet drop.
• The 450 bushmaster’s accuracy is limited at ranges of over 150 yards due to bullet drop.

Long-Range Accuracy:

When it comes to long-range shooting, the 350 Legend excels. The cartridge has a flat trajectory and maintains its speed beyond 300 yards, allowing for effective shooting at ranges up to 500 yards. The 450 bushmaster has limited bullet velocity at long ranges, resulting in energy drop and reduced effectiveness.

• The 350 Legend is the better choice for long-range shooting.
• The cartridge has a flat trajectory and maintains its speed beyond 300 yards.
• The 350 legend cartridge is effective for distances up to 500 yards.
• The 450 Bushmaster has limited bullet velocity and reduced effectiveness at long ranges.

The 350 Legend and the 450 Bushmaster are good cartridges suitable for short and medium-range shooting. However, when it comes to long-range shooting, the 350 Legend is the better option.

Hunting Capabilities

When it comes to selecting the right cartridge for hunting, it’s essential to consider the hunting application, including game, terrain suitability, and ethical considerations. Here we’ll discuss the hunting applications of each cartridge, including ethical considerations, game suitability, and terrain suitability.

350 Legend

• It’s a versatile cartridge that is suitable for hunting various games, including deer, antelope, and coyotes.
• The low recoil makes it easy to shoot, even for novice hunters.
• The 350 legend cartridge is ideal for hunting in brushy terrain, including thickets, hedgerows, and wooded areas.
• It has a lower muzzle energy than the 450 bushmasters, making it less suitable for hunting big game at long ranges.
• One thing to remember when hunting with the 350 Legend is that shot placement is essential. Ensure you take shots that will result in a quick, humane kill.

450 Bushmaster

• The 450 bushmaster is a powerful cartridge that delivers high terminal ballistics, making it ideal for taking down big games at longer ranges.
• Because of its high energy transfer, the 450 Bushmaster is more effective for ethical hunting when using heavier bullets than lighter ones.
• It’s ideal for hunting in open terrain, including prairies and agricultural land.
• Due to the high recoil and noise level, the 450 bushmaster may not be suitable for novice hunters or hunters with recoil sensitivity.
• It’s a potent cartridge that is suitable for hunting various games, including deer, hogs, and elk.

Terminal Ballistics

Terminal ballistics refers to the effectiveness of a projectile in incapacitating the target. The terminal ballistics of a cartridge affect its effectiveness in hunting.

350 Legend

• The 350 legend cartridge has a relatively low muzzle energy, which results in moderate terminal ballistics.
• It’s effective for taking down the deer-sized games at moderate distances.
• The 350 legend cartridge is unsuitable for hunting big games due to its low energy transfer and limited penetration.

450 Bushmaster

• The 450 bushmaster cartridge is a powerful round with high terminal ballistics, making it ideal for hunting large games at longer ranges.
• It has a high recoil that can be challenging to control for some hunters.
• The 450 bushmaster cartridge is effective for ethical hunting when using heavier bullets that deliver high energy transfer and penetration.
• When shooting at long ranges, the 450 bushmaster cartridge is more accurate and penetrates better than the 350 legend cartridge.

The 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster cartridges have their own hunting applications, advantages, and disadvantages. When choosing the right cartridge for hunting, evaluate your hunting application, terrain, and game type to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions Of 350 Legend Vs 450 Bushmaster

What Is The Difference Between 350 Legend And 450 Bushmasters?

The 350 Legend has a smaller diameter bullet than the 450 Bushmaster but is faster and has more kinetic energy. The 450 bushmaster has larger rounds, making it more powerful for big game hunting. It also has a shorter effective range than the 350 legends.

Which One Is Better For Hunting – 350 Legend Or 450 Bushmaster?

Both cartridges are designed for hunting, but the 450 bushmaster is preferred for big game hunting due to its larger rounds. The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is better for hunting smaller games due to its higher velocity and longer effective range.

What Kind Of Rifle Do I Need For 350 Legend And 450 Bushmasters?

For the 350 Legend or 450 Bushmaster, you need a rifle with a straight-walled cartridge chamber. Some popular rifles include the Winchester xpr, ruger american ranch, and savage axis ii.

Are 350 Legend And 450 Bushmasters Legal For Hunting In My State?

Before using either cartridge for hunting, you should check the hunting regulations for your state. Many states restrict using straight-walled cartridges for hunting, while others only allow them during specific hunting seasons.

Are 350 Legend And 450 Bushmasters Suitable For Beginners?

Both cartridges are suitable for beginners, but the 350 Legend is easier to handle due to its smaller size and softer recoil. With proper training and practice, beginners can easily handle both cartridges. However, the 450 bushmaster may require more experience to handle effectively due to its larger size and greater recoil.

Which One Is Cheaper To Shoot 350 Legend Or 450 Bushmaster?

The cost of ammunition for 350 Legend and 450 Bushmasters varies based on the brand and quantity purchased. The cost of 350 Legend is generally less than that of the 450 Bushmaster. Overall, the 350 Legend is more affordable to shoot than the 450 Bushmaster.

Conclusion

In the world of hunting, choosing the right cartridge can make all the difference in the success of your hunt. With similar ballistic characteristics, the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster are superb choices for big-game hunting. The 350 Legend offers a flatter trajectory and lower recoil, making it suitable for long-range hunting.

The 450 bushmaster is perfect for close-range hunting and can take down bigger animals with its heavier bullet. Both cartridges have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual hunter’s needs and preferences. When selecting between the two cartridges, it’s important to consider the intended use and specifications of each one carefully.

The 350 Legend and 450 bushmaster are excellent cartridges with dependable performance and exceptional accuracy. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting, these cartridges provide the versatility and reliability you need to make your hunting experience successful.