.350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster: Which One for Deer Hunting?

Hunting with Firearms
1

When it comes to choosing the right ammunition for deer hunting, .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster are two strong contenders that often spark debate among hunters. Both cartridges have their loyal followers, but what makes one better than the other? Let’s dive into the key characteristics of each.

Performance Characteristics

  • .350 Legend:

    • Known for its flat trajectory and manageable recoil—it’s a great choice for those new to hunting or shooters looking for a comfortable experience.
    • Offers excellent accuracy at moderate ranges, generally up to 200 yards which is perfect for most deer hunting scenarios.
    • Specifications typically show a bullet weight ranging from 150 to 180 grains, with a muzzle velocity around 2,300 fps.

  • .450 Bushmaster:

    • Is a heavier hitter that excels in stopping power; a perfect choice for larger game or tougher conditions.
    • Generally offers more energy with bullet weights typically ranging from 250 to 300 grains and a muzzle velocity around 2,000 fps.
    • Effective up to 250 yards, but with a more significant drop beyond that compared to the .350 Legend.

Stopping Power

The .450 Bushmaster shines in this area, being designed for maximum stopping power. It’s ideal for taking down larger deer, especially in thick brush where a quick, decisive hit is necessary. The .350 Legend, while effective, may not deliver the same level of terminal performance against larger, tougher animals.

Recoil Considerations

If you’re sensitive to recoil, the .350 Legend will likely be more comfortable, making it a preferred choice for younger or inexperienced shooters. On the other hand, the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil is more pronounced, which can be an important factor to consider if you plan on firing multiple rounds during your hunting trip.

Effective Range

For hunters who prefer hunting in open fields, the .350 Legend’s flatter trajectory allows for easier tracking of targets at distance. Conversely, if you’re in a wooded environment where shots are often taken at close quarters, the .450 Bushmaster’s stopping power might outweigh its longer-range limitations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster comes down to your specific hunting needs and preferences. If you need a versatile, accurate round for standard deer hunting, the .350 Legend may be your best bet. But if you’re looking for knockdown power in challenging conditions, you might want to consider the .450 Bushmaster.

Questions for the Community

  • What has been your experience with each of these calibers?
  • Under what conditions did you find one cartridge outperformed the other?
  • Is there a particular type of game that you felt better suited either round?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences to help guide my decision!

5 Likes
2

I’ve been using the .350 Legend for deer hunting, and I like its flat trajectory. The .450 Bushmaster has more energy, but the .350 Legend’s velocity gives it a nice edge for longer shots. Anyone else have insights on that?

3

That’s true! The .450 really packs a punch, especially at closer ranges. It’s all about what type of hunting you do. Are you typically going for long-range shots?

4

If you’re hunting in dense woods, the .450 Bushmaster’s energy retention really shines. I feel it might be better suited for short-range scenarios where stopping power is critical.

5 Likes
5

Absolutely! And that’s where the .450 could take the lead. But for those longer, more open shots, does anyone think the .350 can keep up?

6

I read that .350 Legend has a max effective range of about 250 yards, which sounds pretty solid. How does that compare to your experiences with the .450?

7 Likes
7

That’s close to what I’ve seen! The .450 is more like 100-200 yards for optimal performance. Each caliber seems to have its sweet spot.

3 Likes
8

I think it boils down to personal preference and the hunting scenario. I tend to prefer the .350 for its modularity and lighter recoil. It makes for a more comfortable shooting experience.

9

That’s a great point! But sometimes I crave the feeling of that .450’s thump! It’s definitely more fun to shoot at the range.

10

I’m leaning towards the .350 Legend mainly because I hunt in areas where quick follow-up shots matter. Anyone else have practical experience with its speed?

11

Yes! I’ve noticed that the .350 allows for quicker follow-ups due to less recoil. It’s a major advantage in dense cover.

12

Wait, don’t forget about bullet drop. The .450 has a steeper drop past 200 yards compared to the .350. It’s crucial to factor that into your decision.

13

You make a valid argument! And the trajectory difference can definitely affect shot placement. Have any of you checked energy retention tests?

7 Likes
14

I did some testing, and the .450 retains a lot of energy, which could lead to better terminal ballistics on bigger deer. Has anyone compared actual wound channels?

15

That sounds intriguing! I wouldn’t mind running some personal tests in the future. Maybe we need to plan a hunting trip together! :joy:

16

Hunting trip sounds fun! But let’s not forget the fun out of a heavier caliber! You might just knock the deer over with a .450! :joy:

17

Both calibers have solid strengths! It really depends on hunting style and local conditions. Always good to weigh the pros and cons.

18

I’m really curious about the recoil differences! I’ve heard that .350 Legend offers milder recoil which can be great for newer shooters. What do you all think?

19

I totally agree! The .450 Bushmaster can pack a punch, which might be intimidating for sensitive shooters. Have any of you tried both?

20

For deer hunting, I find the .350 Legend easier to shoot accurately, especially for kids or those who might be recoil sensitive. It allows for better follow-up shots too!

2 Likes