The Rise of Straight-Walled Cartridges
The appeal of straight-walled cartridges isn’t accidental. Their growing popularity is driven largely by specific regulatory requirements in various states across the United States. Many jurisdictions restrict hunting to straight-walled cartridges in certain areas, often those with dense populations, as they are perceived to have a shorter effective range and thus potentially reduce the risk of over-penetration and unintended off-target shots. This restriction is also frequently applied to areas where hunting is allowed on public land.
These rules have sparked innovation in cartridge design, leading to a surge in the development and refinement of straight-walled cartridges. The 450 Bushmaster and 350 Legend are among the most prominent and widely adopted choices for hunters seeking compliance with these regulations while maintaining effective hunting performance. Understanding their individual merits is crucial for making an informed decision. The rise of the modern sporting rifle platform, particularly the AR-15, also played a critical role. With a wider array of cartridge offerings, shooters could easily adapt their firearms to fit any need.
Exploring the 450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster, a cartridge designed by Tim LeGendre and championed by Bushmaster Firearms, emerged on the scene with the intention of delivering substantial stopping power in a straight-walled format. It’s a cartridge known for its ability to deliver a significant punch, making it a compelling choice for hunters targeting larger game.
This cartridge boasts a .452-inch bullet diameter, a key characteristic of its formidable performance. It’s primarily designed for use in AR-15 platform rifles, and a handful of bolt-action rifles, it can also be adapted to other firearms. The case length of the 450 Bushmaster is another critical element, affecting everything from its chamber design to the overall performance. A proper understanding of the case length helps shooters know what to expect.
The variety of bullet weights available for the 450 Bushmaster offers hunters a range of options to suit different game and hunting conditions. Common bullet weights include those around the 250-grain and 260-grain mark, but lighter and heavier options also exist. Heavier bullets generally result in higher energy transfer at the target, improving the likelihood of a clean kill.
The muzzle velocity of the 450 Bushmaster, varies based on the bullet weight and the powder used, but it typically resides in the range of 2200 to 2400 feet per second. This velocity, combined with the bullet’s diameter and weight, results in a significant muzzle energy. The energy, often exceeding 2000 foot-pounds, makes it capable of effectively taking down large game at reasonable ranges.
One of the primary advantages of the 450 Bushmaster is its exceptional stopping power. It delivers a heavy impact, making it well-suited for taking down larger game animals like whitetail deer, black bear, and even wild boar. The wide bullet diameter creates a large wound channel, which leads to rapid incapacitation.
Additionally, the 450 Bushmaster is an excellent choice for shorter-range hunting. This is because the bullet retains a significant amount of energy at the ranges typically hunted with the cartridge. Hunters can be confident in making clean, ethical shots in these situations.
The 450 Bushmaster also shines when hunting dangerous game, in situations where stopping power is of paramount importance. The cartridge’s ability to quickly anchor an animal can provide an extra layer of safety.
However, the 450 Bushmaster does have certain drawbacks. Its recoil, while manageable, is typically more substantial than that of the 350 Legend. The heavier recoil can make it less enjoyable for some shooters and can also affect follow-up shot accuracy. The shorter effective range of the 450 Bushmaster compared to other cartridges is also a significant factor to consider. Ballistic drop becomes noticeable at extended distances.
The ammunition for the 450 Bushmaster often costs more than that of the 350 Legend. This price difference can add up over time, especially for hunters who spend a significant amount of time practicing at the range or taking numerous hunts. Additionally, the heavier recoil of the 450 Bushmaster can put more wear and tear on a firearm over the long term.
Diving into the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend, developed by Winchester, is a relative newcomer to the straight-walled cartridge market, but it has quickly gained popularity. Its design focused on offering a balance between performance, manageable recoil, and affordable ammunition costs.
The bullet diameter of the 350 Legend is .357 inches, slightly smaller than that of the 450 Bushmaster. Although smaller, this bullet diameter remains effective for a wide range of game. The case length of the 350 Legend contributes to its overall performance profile.
A variety of bullet weights are available for the 350 Legend, typically ranging from 145 grains to 180 grains. This allows hunters to choose the bullet weight that best matches their hunting needs and preferences. The availability of a range of bullet weights makes the 350 Legend very versatile in its applications.
The muzzle velocity of the 350 Legend is higher than that of the 450 Bushmaster, often exceeding 2200 feet per second, with some loads even reaching close to 2500 feet per second, depending on bullet weight. This higher velocity results in a flatter trajectory, leading to longer effective ranges compared to the 450 Bushmaster.
One of the major advantages of the 350 Legend is its mild recoil. It’s comfortable to shoot, making it enjoyable for hunters of all experience levels. The reduced recoil also allows for faster follow-up shots.
The flatter trajectory of the 350 Legend provides a longer effective range compared to the 450 Bushmaster. This increased range expands the opportunities for hunters, allowing them to take shots at greater distances.
The ammunition for the 350 Legend is generally less expensive than that of the 450 Bushmaster, making it a more economical choice for both practice and hunting. The lower cost can be an important consideration for hunters on a budget.
The 350 Legend is also found to reduce barrel wear, further increasing the appeal for regular shooters. Its design is known to be easier on firearms, increasing the lifespan of the barrel.
However, the 350 Legend also has disadvantages. The stopping power of the 350 Legend, while still effective, is less than that of the 450 Bushmaster. This makes it potentially less suitable for the largest game animals.
Furthermore, the 350 Legend might not be as effective at very close ranges as the 450 Bushmaster. While still deadly, the design of the 350 Legend is slightly less efficient for these types of hunting situations.
Comparing the Two: A Detailed Examination
When you compare the 450 Bushmaster and 350 Legend directly, several key factors differentiate them. One of the most important is the ballistics comparison. The 350 Legend typically offers a flatter trajectory, resulting in a less pronounced bullet drop over distance. The 450 Bushmaster, while possessing significant energy, experiences a steeper trajectory due to its slower velocity.
Energy retention is another critical element to consider. The 450 Bushmaster typically delivers more energy at the muzzle and for distances up to a hundred yards. Beyond that, the flatter trajectory and retained velocity of the 350 Legend start to close the gap.
The selection of rifles is another key consideration. Both cartridges are widely available in various firearms, but the platform availability varies. The 350 Legend is commonly found in the AR-15 platform, while the 450 Bushmaster is also compatible but often requires specific components to function properly. Hunters will be able to select from many options. The bolt-action rifles are also popular choices, and both cartridges are widely offered for those styles.
The best game animals differ somewhat for each cartridge. The 450 Bushmaster shines when hunting larger, heavier game, such as whitetail deer, black bear, and wild boar. The 350 Legend can also effectively take these animals, particularly at shorter ranges. The 350 Legend becomes a solid option for those animals like coyotes, pronghorn, and smaller deer species that tend to move faster.
The cost comparison is important. The ammunition for the 350 Legend is generally less expensive than that of the 450 Bushmaster. This can have a significant impact on your shooting budget, especially if you engage in significant practice or regularly hunt. Firearm prices also vary, with rifles chambered in 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster. Consider this factor when comparing the two options.
Real-World Performance: Putting it to the Test
While ballistics and specifications are essential, the true test comes in the field. The experiences of hunters offer real-world insights into each cartridge’s performance.
Many hunters who use the 450 Bushmaster frequently report excellent results when taking larger game at relatively short ranges. They praise its ability to quickly put down animals. Hunters often report that the cartridge performs well, and they are happy with their selection.
Those who choose the 350 Legend often appreciate its ease of use, flat trajectory, and lower recoil. It is often touted as a reliable cartridge. Hunters enjoy the ability to shoot at moderate distances and use it to hunt a variety of animals.
Real-world anecdotes often highlight the importance of shot placement and the specific hunting situation. While both cartridges are capable of achieving the desired results, the selection should consider factors that depend on the terrain, type of game, and the individual skill of the hunter.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge for You
So, which cartridge is superior? The answer depends on the hunter and their specific needs. The 450 Bushmaster reigns supreme when hunting bigger game at short ranges. Its power and stopping capability are unmatched. For hunters who need this, the 450 Bushmaster is a great selection.
The 350 Legend is a great choice for hunters who value a flatter trajectory, reduced recoil, and a lower overall ammunition cost. It also offers a reasonable effective range. For the hunter looking to use the cartridge at longer distances, the 350 Legend is a better option.
Ultimately, the best approach is to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge and consider your personal hunting preferences and the regulations in your hunting area. Factors like the size of the game you’re targeting, the typical shooting distances, and your comfort level with recoil should guide your decision.
Additional Resources
To further your research, consider exploring these resources:
Consult reputable ammunition manufacturers for detailed ballistics data and bullet performance information.
Utilize ballistics calculators to model the trajectory of each cartridge under various conditions.
Participate in hunting forums and online communities to gather insights from experienced hunters.
Review hunting reports from trusted sources to evaluate real-world performance.
Choosing between the 450 Bushmaster and the 350 Legend is an important decision that should be made considering all relevant factors. By carefully examining the characteristics and performance of each cartridge, and by aligning your choice with your hunting style and local regulations, you can improve your chances of success.
