Introducing the Contenders
The world of modern hunting and recreational shooting is constantly evolving, with new cartridges emerging to meet the needs of increasingly discerning sportsmen and sportswomen. Two cartridges that have garnered significant attention in recent years are the 350 Legend and the 450 Bushmaster. Both are straight-walled cartridges that have found favor, particularly in areas with regulations that restrict the use of bottlenecked cartridges for hunting. But what are the specific differences between these two rounds, and how do their ballistics stack up against each other? This article dives deep into a detailed comparison of the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster ballistics, providing a comprehensive overview to help hunters and shooters make informed decisions about which cartridge best suits their individual needs.
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of ballistics, let’s get acquainted with the protagonists. The 350 Legend, a relatively newer entrant to the market, was designed with efficiency and versatility in mind. The 450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, has a slightly longer history and is known for its significant stopping power.
The 350 Legend was introduced as a collaboration between Winchester and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). Its design aimed to offer hunters a cartridge that was both efficient in terms of recoil and effective at moderate ranges. It quickly gained popularity, particularly in states with regulations favoring straight-walled cartridges, making it a strong contender for deer hunting and other similar game.
The 450 Bushmaster, developed by Bushmaster Firearms International and Hornady, has a lineage rooted in the desire for a hard-hitting, straight-walled cartridge suitable for the AR-15 platform. Its design emphasized delivering substantial energy on target, making it well-suited for larger game and offering excellent performance in close-quarters situations. Both cartridges share the characteristic of being straight-walled, meaning the case walls are essentially straight from the base to the mouth, a feature that’s become increasingly common in hunting regulations across various states. This similarity is where the surface-level comparisons end and where the detailed ballistic analysis begins.
Understanding the Key Features: Dimensions and Design
To truly appreciate the ballistic characteristics of the 350 Legend versus the 450 Bushmaster, we need to understand the fundamental dimensions and design considerations of each cartridge. This is a crucial step toward understanding their respective performance profiles.
The 350 Legend boasts a case length designed for efficiency, contributing to its relatively low recoil. The case is designed to accept a .357-inch (9mm) diameter bullet, allowing for a wide range of bullet weights. These bullets generally range from lighter, faster options like 125-grain projectiles to heavier, slower bullets like 180-grain. The variations in bullet weight give shooters a significant degree of control over the cartridge’s performance, enabling them to tailor their ammunition to the specific game they are pursuing.
The 450 Bushmaster, in contrast, features a larger diameter, using a .452-inch (11.5mm) bullet. This wider diameter translates to a significantly heavier bullet mass at the same velocity. Bullet weights in this cartridge commonly range from around 250 grains to over 300 grains, offering substantial energy transfer on impact. The 450 Bushmaster’s larger size makes it an excellent option for larger game, where its stopping power becomes a key asset. Both rounds use a straight-walled design.
Velocity Matters: The Foundation of Ballistic Performance
Muzzle velocity, the speed at which the bullet exits the barrel, is a critical factor in determining the ballistic performance of any cartridge. It significantly influences trajectory, effective range, and retained energy.
In general, the 350 Legend tends to offer higher muzzle velocities compared to the 450 Bushmaster. The 350 Legend typically achieves muzzle velocities ranging from around 2100 to 2400 feet per second (fps), although these figures can vary based on factors such as bullet weight, powder type, and barrel length. For instance, a 160-grain bullet might clock in at around 2200 fps from a standard rifle barrel. This higher velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and a longer effective range.
The 450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, typically exhibits lower muzzle velocities due to its heavier bullets and the design of its case. The muzzle velocity for the 450 Bushmaster often falls in the range of 1800 to 2300 fps, once again influenced by the same variables that impact the 350 Legend’s velocity. Consider a 250-grain bullet; it may leave the barrel at around 2200 fps. A 300-grain bullet may be closer to 1900 fps. Although slower at the muzzle, this doesn’t necessarily make it “worse”.
Understanding Trajectory: The Path of the Bullet
Trajectory, the path a bullet takes through the air, is a fundamental aspect of ballistics that directly impacts a shooter’s ability to accurately hit a target at various distances. It’s influenced by gravity, which causes the bullet to drop over distance.
The 350 Legend’s higher muzzle velocity translates to a flatter trajectory compared to the 450 Bushmaster. The bullet drop will be less at a given distance. This flatter trajectory makes it easier to accurately estimate holdover at longer ranges, making it a forgiving cartridge for shooters. When zeroed at 100 yards, the bullet drop at 200 yards might be around six inches, and that’s quite flat.
The 450 Bushmaster, with its generally lower muzzle velocity and heavier bullets, exhibits a more pronounced trajectory. This means the bullet drops more dramatically over the same distance. This steeper trajectory requires more careful consideration of holdover, especially at longer ranges. When zeroed at 100 yards, a 450 Bushmaster round might drop more than 10 inches at 200 yards. While this may sound significant, it’s less critical in the closer-range scenarios where the round truly excels.
Energy on Target: Understanding Terminal Performance
The kinetic energy of a bullet is a direct measure of its ability to deliver a powerful impact on a target. It is a critical factor in determining a bullet’s effectiveness at delivering a humane, one-shot kill.
The 350 Legend, while boasting a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, doesn’t typically generate the same level of energy as the 450 Bushmaster, particularly at longer ranges. At the muzzle, the 350 Legend delivers substantial energy, but this rapidly declines due to the relatively lighter bullet weights.
The 450 Bushmaster, with its heavier bullets, generally packs a significantly greater energy punch at the muzzle and retains more energy downrange. This higher energy translates to a more significant impact on the target, making it a formidable choice for larger game animals. Even though the velocity is lower, the weight of the bullet can translate to better terminal performance.
The Value of Sectional Density: The Penetration Factor
Sectional density is a crucial ballistic metric that measures a bullet’s ability to penetrate a target. It represents the ratio of the bullet’s weight to its cross-sectional area, and it directly impacts the bullet’s ability to retain velocity and penetrate through various materials.
The 350 Legend, with its smaller diameter and lighter bullets, typically has a lower sectional density than the 450 Bushmaster.
The 450 Bushmaster, benefiting from its larger diameter and heavier bullets, generally exhibits higher sectional density.
Making the Right Choice: Hunting Applications
When considering the 350 Legend versus the 450 Bushmaster for hunting, several factors come into play. The effective range, the types of game you plan to pursue, and local regulations are all crucial considerations.
The 350 Legend, with its flatter trajectory, performs well at moderate ranges. It is an excellent choice for deer hunting in states that allow the use of straight-walled cartridges and for many other mid-sized game species. Its relatively flat trajectory minimizes the need for significant holdover at common hunting distances, making it a user-friendly option. The cartridge’s relatively low recoil also makes it a comfortable option, promoting better shot placement.
The 450 Bushmaster is generally more suited for hunting larger game and at closer ranges. Its substantial energy on target and excellent penetration make it a hard-hitting option. It is ideally suited for game such as whitetail deer, black bear, and wild boar. However, its more pronounced trajectory requires a more careful calculation of shot placement at longer distances.
Other Important Considerations: Recoil, Cost, and Platforms
Beyond ballistics, other factors are also important.
Recoil is a consideration for any shooter. The 350 Legend is known for its relatively mild recoil, making it comfortable to shoot, promoting greater accuracy, and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
The 450 Bushmaster has noticeably more recoil, particularly when using heavier bullet weights. Shooters should ensure they are comfortable with the increased recoil before hunting.
Ammunition availability and cost are also considerations. The 350 Legend is widely available, and ammunition prices are generally competitive. The 450 Bushmaster ammunition may be slightly more expensive and potentially less readily available, depending on your location.
Both cartridges are commonly chambered in AR-15 platforms.
Conclusion: Determining the Best Choice
In the 350 Legend vs. 450 Bushmaster ballistics showdown, the “best” cartridge is ultimately dependent on the specific needs of the shooter or hunter. The 350 Legend offers a flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and lighter recoil, making it a well-rounded choice for a variety of applications, particularly at medium ranges. It’s a great all-around option.
The 450 Bushmaster, with its heavier bullets, delivers a significant energy punch at the muzzle and retains more energy downrange. It excels at shorter ranges and excels for larger game.
Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your intended use. For hunting medium-sized game at moderate ranges, the 350 Legend is an excellent choice. For hunting larger game and at closer ranges, the 450 Bushmaster’s superior energy and penetration make it the better option. Consider both your preferences and your hunting location’s requirements.
Regardless of the cartridge chosen, responsible shooting is essential. Hunters must familiarize themselves with the ballistics of their chosen round, practice at various ranges, and always adhere to local hunting regulations to ensure safe and ethical hunting practices. Making the right choice in ammunition and knowing the specific capabilities of your weapon will ensure a successful and fulfilling hunting experience.
