The 350 Legend cartridge has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters, particularly for its performance in shorter barrels. This article delves into the ballistics of the 350 Legend when fired from a 16-inch barrel, examining its velocity, energy, accuracy, and suitability for various applications. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for making informed decisions about ammunition selection and hunting strategies.
Velocity and Energy: The Heart of 350 Legend Ballistics
The most significant impact of a shorter 16-inch barrel on the 350 Legend is a reduction in muzzle velocity compared to longer barrels. While a 24-inch barrel might yield velocities exceeding 2300 fps (feet per second) depending on the ammunition, a 16-inch barrel will typically see a decrease of 100-200 fps, resulting in velocities in the 2100-2200 fps range. This reduction also affects the muzzle energy, a critical factor in hunting effectiveness. The energy drop is less dramatic than the velocity decrease, but it's still something to consider when choosing your ammunition.
Factors Affecting Velocity:
- Ammunition: Different 350 Legend loads will have varied velocities, even from the same barrel length. Bullet weight and powder charge are the primary determinants. Heavier bullets generally have lower velocities.
- Barrel Twist Rate: The rate of twist affects bullet stabilization, which can indirectly influence velocity. A faster twist rate may slightly improve velocity with certain bullets.
- Barrel Condition: A clean, well-maintained barrel will consistently deliver higher velocities than a fouled or damaged one.
Accuracy and Effective Range: Hitting Your Mark
While a shorter barrel reduces velocity, it doesn't necessarily compromise accuracy. Many shooters find their 16-inch 350 Legend rifles to be quite accurate within their effective range. However, the reduced velocity does impact the effective range. With a shorter barrel, the bullet will lose velocity and energy more quickly, meaning a shorter distance before it becomes unreliable for hunting.
Understanding Effective Range:
Effective range is the distance at which a shooter can consistently place rounds on target with acceptable accuracy and sufficient energy for their intended purpose. For hunting, this often requires sufficient energy to cleanly and humanely take down game. This is impacted by factors like bullet type, wind conditions, and shooter skill.
Bullet Selection: Matching the Task
The choice of bullet significantly affects the 350 Legend's ballistics. Different bullets have different ballistic coefficients (BC), which affects their trajectory and resistance to wind drift. Here's a breakdown:
- Soft Point: Offer good expansion for hunting, providing excellent terminal performance.
- Hollow Point: Similar to soft points, but designed for maximum expansion.
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Designed for target practice due to their non-expanding nature.
350 Legend Ballistics Chart (16-inch Barrel - Approximate Values)
The following chart provides approximate values for 350 Legend ballistics from a 16-inch barrel. Actual values will vary based on the factors discussed above.
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 100-yard Velocity (fps) | 100-yard Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145 | 2150 | 1500 | 1700 | 950 |
| 150 | 2100 | 1550 | 1650 | 900 |
| 180 | 1950 | 1700 | 1500 | 1000 |
Note: These are estimates. Always consult the ammunition manufacturer's data for precise ballistic information.
Case Study: Hunting Deer with a 16-inch 350 Legend
A hunter using a 16-inch barreled 350 Legend rifle with 150-grain soft point ammunition successfully harvested a deer at 100 yards. The shot was accurate, resulting in a clean kill. This demonstrates the capability of the 350 Legend in a shorter barrel configuration for hunting within its effective range.
Conclusion: The Versatile 350 Legend
The 350 Legend, even from a 16-inch barrel, remains a capable cartridge for hunting and recreational shooting. Understanding the reduced velocity and energy compared to longer barrels is essential for making informed decisions about ammunition selection and shot placement. Choosing appropriate bullets and understanding the effective range are key to maximizing the performance of this versatile cartridge. Always prioritize safety and practice responsible firearm handling.