A History of Two Contenders
The 6.8 SPC’s Origins
The world of modern firearms is a landscape of innovation, with new cartridges constantly vying for the attention of hunters, sport shooters, and gun enthusiasts. Choosing the right cartridge can be a complex decision, influenced by factors like ballistics, rifle availability, ammunition cost, and intended use. Two cartridges that have generated considerable discussion are the 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge) and the 350 Legend. Both offer compelling performance characteristics, but their strengths and weaknesses differ, making a direct comparison essential for anyone considering these options. This article delves into a detailed examination of the 6.8 SPC versus the 350 Legend, helping you understand which cartridge might be the better fit for your needs.
The 350 Legend’s Arrival
The story behind the creation of the 6.8 SPC is rooted in a desire to improve the performance of the M16 rifle platform. Developed by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and Remington Arms in the early 2000s, the 6.8 SPC was conceived to address perceived shortcomings of the existing 5.56x45mm NATO round. The primary goal was to provide greater stopping power at longer ranges, particularly in close-quarters combat scenarios. The design philosophy was to create a cartridge that could fit within the standard AR-15 platform while delivering significantly more energy on target. This involved a wider bullet diameter and a heavier bullet weight than the 5.56, leading to improved terminal ballistics.
The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is a more recent development. Introduced by Winchester in 2019, the 350 Legend was created to be a straight-walled cartridge optimized for hunting in states with regulations that restrict the use of bottlenecked cartridges. These regulations are common in areas with dense populations where minimizing the risk of over-penetration is a priority. The 350 Legend was designed to offer excellent terminal performance and accuracy within these specific constraints. Its straight-walled design, coupled with its larger bullet diameter, was an immediate success in the hunting community, especially for deer and similar-sized game.
Examining Cartridge Basics
Understanding the 6.8 SPC
The 6.8 SPC utilizes a .277-inch (6.8mm) bullet diameter, generally using bullets weighing between 85 to 115 grains. The cartridge case is based on a modified .30 Remington case, providing a robust design. The 6.8 SPC, with its specific bullet choice, has the potential to offer a good mix of accuracy and terminal performance. It typically functions seamlessly with AR-15 platforms using specialized barrels and magazines.
Decoding the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend employs a larger .357-inch (9.0mm) bullet diameter, with common bullet weights falling in the range of 145 to 180 grains. The cartridge case design is straight-walled, specifically engineered for its intended use. The 350 Legend is noted for its relatively low recoil and impressive energy on target, especially at moderate ranges. It also typically utilizes modified AR-15 platforms, along with bolt-action rifles, allowing a diverse set of choices.
Ballistics and Performance – A Close Look
Trajectory and Velocity
When considering ballistics, a thorough examination of bullet trajectory, energy, and effective range is necessary. For the 6.8 SPC, typical muzzle velocities range from approximately 2,400 to 2,800 feet per second (fps), depending on the bullet weight and powder used. This can result in a flatter trajectory and better performance at ranges out to around 300 yards. Due to its optimized bullet selection the 6.8 SPC performs efficiently.
The 350 Legend, with its heavier bullets and lower sectional density compared to the 6.8 SPC, typically experiences muzzle velocities from around 2,200 to 2,350 fps. The flatter trajectory is less than the 6.8 SPC, but the 350 Legend’s heavier bullets retain their energy well, especially at shorter to medium ranges.
Energy Transfer
In terms of energy, the 6.8 SPC delivers a significant amount of energy at the muzzle, often exceeding 1,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) depending on the load. This energy drops more quickly over distance compared to the 350 Legend. However, the 6.8 SPC maintains respectable energy for hunting purposes at distances within its effective range.
The 350 Legend produces substantial muzzle energy, often surpassing the 1,500 ft-lbs mark with certain loads. Despite its typically lower velocity, the 350 Legend retains its energy efficiently at longer distances compared to the 6.8 SPC. This is primarily because of its heavier bullet weight. This energy transfer is a critical factor when considering terminal ballistics. The 350 Legend, with its impressive energy retention, delivers strong impact.
Effective Range
Effective range is a crucial concept for any hunter or shooter. For the 6.8 SPC, a practical effective range for hunting medium-sized game usually falls between 250 to 300 yards, although experienced shooters might extend this range slightly. Accurate shot placement becomes increasingly difficult at greater distances, so factors such as wind and bullet drop must be considered.
The 350 Legend, due to its flatter trajectory, provides an effective range out to 250 yards. Hunters can use this range to make clean shots.
Availability and Costs: What to Expect
Rifle Availability
The availability of rifles chambered in the 6.8 SPC has fluctuated over time. While it experienced initial popularity, the cartridge has become less mainstream. Rifle manufacturers still offer AR-15 platforms, but the selection is not as extensive.
The 350 Legend enjoys a strong presence on the market. The 350 Legend has become popular for both hunters and shooting enthusiasts. Many manufacturers offer rifles chambered in the 350 Legend, including AR-15 platforms, bolt-action rifles, and even lever-action models. This broader availability translates to greater consumer choice.
Ammunition Supply
Ammunition availability is also a key consideration. The 6.8 SPC has seen a decrease in ammunition availability compared to its initial popularity. It can be more difficult to find at some retail locations.
The 350 Legend benefits from being a newer cartridge. Ammunition is widely available at most gun stores and online retailers. A wider selection of bullet weights and designs further enhances its appeal.
Cost Considerations
Cost is another factor to consider. The price of ammunition can vary. 6.8 SPC ammunition, due to the factors mentioned above, is generally more expensive.
350 Legend ammunition tends to be more affordable, with the cost per round falling in a more competitive range.
Hunting: Which Cartridge Performs Best?
Game Suitability
The suitability of a cartridge for hunting depends heavily on the game species, hunting environment, and personal preferences. The 6.8 SPC can be effective for hunting medium-sized game animals, such as deer and hogs, when used within its effective range. Hunters often find it to be a good balance of power and manageability for these types of hunts.
The 350 Legend, however, is ideally suited for deer-sized game. Hunters have reported excellent terminal performance, especially when using appropriately designed bullets for controlled expansion and deep penetration. In regions with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, the 350 Legend is a top choice.
Hunting Regulations
Hunting regulations in different states and regions can heavily influence cartridge selection. Many states have specific requirements for hunting cartridges, especially in areas with restrictions on bullet diameter or case length. In states where straight-walled cartridges are mandated, the 350 Legend is a clear winner.
Other Practical Considerations
Recoil Management
Recoil is an important factor that can affect shooting accuracy and enjoyment. The 6.8 SPC typically produces a moderate level of recoil, manageable for most shooters, particularly when used in an AR-15 platform.
The 350 Legend, due to its lower pressure and often lower velocities, generally exhibits a less noticeable recoil impulse than the 6.8 SPC. This makes it easier to shoot accurately, particularly during follow-up shots or extended range sessions.
Barrel Life and Longevity
Barrel life is a consideration for any firearm owner. The 6.8 SPC, if properly maintained, can have a reasonable barrel life, but it may be less than other popular cartridges.
The 350 Legend is often perceived as having a long barrel life, given the lower chamber pressures.
Suppressor Compatibility
Suppressors are becoming increasingly popular among shooters. The 6.8 SPC can be easily suppressed, as most AR-15 barrels can be threaded for suppressors.
The 350 Legend can also be suppressed.
Weighing the Strengths: Pros and Cons
6.8 SPC: Advantages and Disadvantages
For the 6.8 SPC, the pros include its capability to deliver higher velocity, its flatter trajectory and higher energy.
The cons of the 6.8 SPC are it’s more expensive ammunition cost, availability is harder to find, and less recoil.
350 Legend: Advantages and Disadvantages
The 350 Legend’s advantages include greater energy. It has also become a cartridge that performs exceptionally well. It also enjoys a greater selection of rifles.
The disadvantages of the 350 Legend include the more bullet drop.
Concluding Thoughts
In the ultimate comparison of the 6.8 SPC versus the 350 Legend, neither cartridge emerges as a universally superior option. The best choice depends heavily on the shooter’s specific needs and priorities. The 6.8 SPC offers a good blend of performance within an AR-15 platform, delivering higher velocity and potentially better down-range performance for shooters who prioritize trajectory. However, the 350 Legend is a strong contender in hunting conditions. Its widespread availability and lower cost are definite advantages.
The 350 Legend is an excellent choice if you hunt in a state with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. The 350 Legend is an easy and efficient cartridge.
