A Look Back: Origins and Development
.308 Winchester
Let’s start with a little history. The .308 Winchester, born in the mid-1950s, is essentially the commercial version of the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge developed for military use. This cartridge quickly gained traction, finding its place in various rifle platforms, from bolt-action rifles used for hunting to semi-automatic rifles used for both sport and defense. The .308’s success stemmed from its relatively compact size, its efficient ballistics, and its adaptability to a wide variety of bullet weights. It provided impressive performance in terms of range, energy, and accuracy, making it a favorite amongst both hunters and target shooters.
350 Legend
The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is a much newer cartridge. Introduced in late 2019, it’s a product of modern cartridge design, specifically developed with certain hunting regulations in mind. The 350 Legend was designed, in part, to meet the straight-wall cartridge requirements that are common in several US states. These restrictions often limit hunters to cartridges with straight-walled cases, a rule intended to enhance safety and restrict the effective range of hunting rifles in densely populated areas. The 350 Legend, therefore, provides hunters in these regions with a modern, effective option.
Unpacking the Ballistics: How They Perform
Bullet Diameter and Weight
Bullet diameter is one of the most readily apparent differences. The .308 Winchester fires a bullet with a diameter of approximately .308 inches. This allows for a wide array of bullet weights, from relatively light bullets designed for varmint hunting to heavier bullets designed for larger game. These variations in bullet weight provide the .308 with considerable flexibility.
The 350 Legend, true to its name, uses a bullet with a .357-inch diameter. While there is less overall range of bullet weights available, common options tend to be optimized for deer-sized game at practical hunting distances.
Velocity and Energy
Velocity and energy are closely linked. Generally, the .308 Winchester, with its higher powder capacity, can propel its bullets at significantly faster speeds than the 350 Legend. This translates to higher muzzle energy. The .308 typically delivers muzzle energies well over two thousand foot-pounds, while the 350 Legend, while still potent, tends to generate muzzle energies lower than the .308, often in the range of one thousand to two thousand foot-pounds, depending on the specific load.
Trajectory
Trajectory – the path a bullet follows through the air – is directly influenced by velocity. A flatter trajectory means a bullet drops less over distance. The .308 Winchester, with its higher velocities, generally exhibits a flatter trajectory and a longer effective range than the 350 Legend. This means that for the same bullet drop at a given distance, a shooter using a .308 has more margin for error at longer ranges. The 350 Legend, with its slower velocity, experiences more significant bullet drop over distance. This makes precise range estimation even more critical for shots at longer distances.
Recoil Realities: What You’ll Feel
Recoil is the rearward force a rifle exerts when fired. This force varies significantly between cartridges. The .308 Winchester, due to its higher powder capacity and greater energy, produces substantially more recoil than the 350 Legend. This difference can impact the shooting experience. Heavier recoil can lead to flinching, making accurate shot placement more difficult. It also generally takes longer to regain sight picture for follow-up shots.
The 350 Legend, with its lower recoil, is generally much more pleasant to shoot, particularly for new shooters or those who are recoil-sensitive. The reduced recoil makes for a more comfortable experience and allows for faster follow-up shots. This can be a significant advantage when hunting, particularly in situations where multiple shots may be needed.
Reloading Repercussions: Component Considerations
Both cartridges are reloadable, meaning shooters can reuse their brass casings and craft custom loads. This can be an important factor for experienced shooters looking to tailor their ammunition to specific rifles or hunting scenarios.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester enjoys very widespread availability of reloading components. Bullets, brass casings, powder, and reloading dies are all readily found from a wide variety of manufacturers. This vast selection allows reloaders to experiment with a broad range of bullet weights and designs.
350 Legend
The 350 Legend, while having a smaller component selection compared to the .308, still offers a solid range of options for reloading. While the selection of bullet weights and designs may be somewhat more limited, reloaders can still tailor loads to optimize performance within the 350 Legend’s parameters. As the cartridge continues to grow in popularity, the range of available components is likely to increase further.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester comes with a strong set of advantages. It boasts the availability of a wide range of ammunition and components, meaning there are many options for different shooting purposes. It provides significantly higher energy and a generally longer effective range compared to the 350 Legend. Also, its versatility accommodates a wider range of game animals, from smaller varmints to larger deer and even elk, depending on the bullet selection. It’s also available in a large array of rifle platforms, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, and lever-action rifles.
However, there are drawbacks. The .308 generates more recoil, as mentioned earlier. Also, it’s not legal in regions that require straight-wall cartridges.
350 Legend
The 350 Legend provides its own set of benefits. It offers considerably less recoil, which translates to a more comfortable shooting experience and improved accuracy for some shooters. It’s legal in areas with straight-wall cartridge restrictions, making it an ideal choice for hunters in those regions. Ammunition is often relatively inexpensive to purchase.
The 350 Legend does come with limitations. Its effective range is generally shorter than the .308. It’s also less versatile for big game, although it is perfectly suitable for whitetail deer at reasonable distances. The selection of bullet options is more limited than with the .308, and it lacks the decades of development the .308 enjoys.
Best Uses: Where Each Cartridge Shines
Hunting
For hunting, the .308 Winchester is a strong choice for a wide range of game, from deer to elk, provided appropriate bullet choices and shot placements are employed. Its longer effective range allows hunters to take shots at greater distances with confidence, though ethical considerations always remain paramount.
The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is primarily aimed at deer-sized game and similar animals at ranges typically under two hundred yards. It’s an excellent choice for hunting in areas where straight-wall cartridge regulations are in effect.
Target Shooting
In terms of target shooting, the .308 has the edge, especially at longer distances, owing to its flatter trajectory and superior ballistics.
Platform Ponderings: Rifle Availability
The good news is that both cartridges enjoy excellent rifle platform availability.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester is found in practically every style of rifle imaginable. Bolt-action rifles are common and affordable. Semi-automatic rifles, such as the AR-10 platform and the FN FAL, are also available.
350 Legend
The 350 Legend is rapidly gaining popularity, with a number of rifle platforms now available. It’s offered in bolt-action rifles and increasingly in AR-15-style rifles.
Cost Concerns: Ammunition Availability and Expense
Both cartridges are readily available. The .308 Winchester enjoys wider ammunition availability and generally has a slightly more diverse range of load options. It can be found at most sporting goods stores and online retailers. 350 Legend ammunition is also widely available, though it may be slightly less common at some stores.
The cost per round will vary based on the brand, bullet type, and quantity purchased. The 350 Legend often offers slightly lower prices per round, though this can vary depending on market conditions.
Making the Choice: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the best cartridge is a personal decision. If you are a hunter aiming for versatility, longer ranges, and are not bound by specific regulations, the .308 Winchester may be the preferred option.
If you are a hunter operating in regions that require straight-wall cartridges, if you prefer less recoil, and if your primary hunting involves deer-sized game at moderate ranges, the 350 Legend is likely a better fit.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Selection
Both the .308 Winchester and the 350 Legend are solid cartridges, each designed for specific applications. The .308 Winchester offers a time-tested balance of power and versatility. The 350 Legend provides a modern, specialized option, particularly for hunters in restricted areas. The choice is yours, based on your needs and the environment in which you plan to shoot.
Remember, the most effective choice is the one that best suits your shooting goals and the conditions you expect to face.
Further Reading
If you’re eager to learn more, explore specialized websites and articles to get even deeper insights. Consider reviewing information from manufacturers, independent ballistics tests, and reputable shooting publications.
