Hunt & Live

Q&A · Hunting

Are there hunting situations where a .350 Legend may not excel?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

The .350 Legend may not excel in hunting situations where deep penetration is required, such as hunting large or heavily muscled game, or when a high level of kinetic energy is necessary to quickly drop a target. Additionally, its performance may be subpar at longer ranges or when hunting larger or more robust animals.

Heavy Game and Large Animals

When hunting larger or more robust animals, such as elk, moose, or bears, the .350 Legend may not provide sufficient penetration to ensure a clean shot. This is because its bullet is relatively small in diameter and does not generate as much kinetic energy as other cartridges of similar caliber. For example, a 150-grain Remington Core-Lokt in .350 Legend has a kinetic energy of about 1,900 ft-lbs at 2,350 fps, which is lower than the 2,300 ft-lbs of kinetic energy delivered by a 150-grain bullet in a .30-06 Springfield. As a result, hunters may need to consider alternative cartridges, such as the .300 Winchester Magnum or the .338 Winchester Magnum, which provide more kinetic energy and deeper penetration.

Long Range Shots

The .350 Legend may also struggle at longer ranges, as its trajectory is relatively flat but not as flat as some other cartridges. This means that the bullet will drop more quickly at longer ranges, making it more difficult to hit the target. For example, at 500 yards, the 150-grain Remington Core-Lokt in .350 Legend will drop about 43 inches below the point of aim, which is more than some other cartridges of similar caliber. To compensate for this, hunters may need to adjust their aim downward or use a rangefinder to ensure accurate shots at longer ranges.

Hunting Large Deer

When hunting large deer, such as those with thick coats or large body mass, the .350 Legend may not provide sufficient penetration to ensure a clean shot. This is because the bullet may not be able to penetrate the deer’s body quickly enough to prevent organ damage or blood loss. For example, a study by the Ballistic Research Laboratory found that a 150-grain bullet in .350 Legend penetrated only 10.5 inches in a gelatin block, which is relatively shallow compared to other cartridges of similar caliber. To address this issue, hunters may need to consider using a larger caliber or a bullet with a higher kinetic energy to ensure a clean and humane kill.

350-legend-deer there hunting situations legend excel
Share

Find more answers

Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.