Ballistics Comparison: .350 Legend, .400 Legend, & .450 Bushmaster

For experienced deer hunters, choosing the right cartridge is a critical decision that can affect everything from shot placement to long-term satisfaction with your rifle. In today’s market, three straight-walled cartridges have garnered significant attention: the .350 Legend, the .400 Legend, and the .450 Bushmaster. Each offers unique ballistic characteristics, recoil profiles, and terminal performance. This guide dives deep into the ballistics, design philosophy, and real-world applications of these calibers, providing seasoned hunters with the detailed information they need to make an informed choice.

Historical Context and Development

Before delving into the numbers, it’s important to understand the origins of these cartridges and why they matter.

The .350 Legend

Introduced by Winchester in 2019, the .350 Legend was designed to fill a niche for straight-walled cartridges in states with strict hunting regulations. With a bullet diameter of approximately .357 inches, the .350 Legend offers a mild recoil profile and effective terminal performance for smaller deer. It’s ideal for hunters looking for a cartridge that minimizes recoil while still delivering enough energy for ethical kills in upland and whitetail game.

The .400 Legend

Launched by Winchester in 2023, the .400 Legend is a more modernized approach to the straight-walled cartridge concept. It was developed in response to evolving hunting regulations in regions such as Iowa, where hunters are mandated to use straight-walled cartridges. With a larger bullet diameter of .400 inches, the .400 Legend bridges the gap between the .350 Legend’s mild performance and the heavier punch of the .450 Bushmaster. Its design aims to deliver increased energy transfer and deeper penetration while keeping recoil within a manageable range.

The .450 Bushmaster

While the .450 Bushmaster has been around in various forms, its resurgence in the AR-platform arena has positioned it as a heavy-hitting option for deer and big-game hunters. With a bullet diameter of approximately .452 inches, it’s known for its substantial stopping power. However, this increased power comes with a trade-off—greater recoil—which can be challenging over long hunting days or for shooters who are sensitive to heavy kick.

Caliber and Bullet Dimensions: What’s Under the Hood

Understanding the physical differences between these calibers is key to grasping their performance on the range.

• .350 Legend:

  • Bullet Diameter: ~.357 inches

  • Frontal Area: Smaller frontal area translates to a milder impact force and reduced recoil.

  • Typical Bullet Weights: Ranges from about 110 to 140 grains.

• .400 Legend:

  • Bullet Diameter: .400 inches

  • Frontal Area: The increased diameter offers more surface area, which improves energy transfer upon impact.

  • Typical Bullet Weights: Generally in the 120 to 150-grain range.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Bullet Diameter: Approximately .452 inches

  • Frontal Area: The largest frontal area among the three, leading to tremendous stopping power and penetration.

  • Typical Bullet Weights: Often between 200 and 250 grains.

Larger diameters inherently offer more energy potential due to the increased mass and frontal area; however, they also require more powder to achieve competitive velocities, influencing recoil and trajectory.

Ballistic Performance and Energy

When evaluating ballistics, key parameters include muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, and ballistic coefficient (BC). These factors determine the round’s trajectory, effective range, and terminal performance.

Muzzle Velocity and Energy

• .350 Legend:

  • Muzzle Velocity: Typically around 2,200 to 2,300 fps.

  • Muzzle Energy: Generally in the range of 1,800 to 2,000 ft-lb.

  • Implication: With a lighter bullet and moderate velocity, the .350 Legend is designed for a flatter trajectory over shorter distances, making it excellent for smaller deer and upland game.

• .400 Legend:

  • Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,200 fps, though some loads may push slightly higher depending on bullet weight and barrel length.

  • Muzzle Energy: Generally between 2,100 and 2,400 ft-lb.

  • Implication: Balancing power and recoil, the .400 Legend delivers more energy than the .350 while still maintaining a relatively flat trajectory out to 200 yards.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Muzzle Velocity: Typically around 2,000 fps, sometimes lower depending on load specifics.

  • Muzzle Energy: Often exceeds 2,400 ft-lb, sometimes reaching 2,800 ft-lb or more.

  • Implication: The .450 Bushmaster is a powerhouse designed for heavy penetration and deep tissue damage, but its lower velocity and higher energy also result in more pronounced bullet drop at longer distances.

Ballistic Coefficient (BC)

While BC is more critical in long-range rifle calibers, it also affects these cartridges:

• The .350 Legend tends to have a moderate BC due to its smaller, lighter bullet design.

• The .400 Legend benefits from a slightly higher BC, aiding in maintaining velocity and energy over extended ranges.

• The .450 Bushmaster may have a lower BC due to its heavier, larger bullet, but its sheer mass compensates for this with greater momentum.

Recoil and Shooter Comfort

Recoil is a key factor for many hunters, particularly when long days in the field demand consistent follow-up shots.

• .350 Legend:

  • Recoil Profile: Known for its mild recoil, it is an excellent choice for smaller-framed shooters and those new to deer hunting.

  • Comfort: Minimal recoil means less shooter fatigue and quicker recovery between shots, allowing for tighter groupings.

• .400 Legend:

  • Recoil Profile: While it has more kick than the .350, the .400 Legend is engineered to balance stopping power with manageable recoil.

  • Comfort: Its recoil is more pronounced than the .350’s but remains significantly less fatiguing than that of the .450 Bushmaster, striking an appealing balance for many hunters.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Recoil Profile: This cartridge delivers substantial recoil, reflective of its high energy.

  • Comfort: The heavy recoil can be challenging, particularly in rapid-fire scenarios or during extended hunting sessions. Shooters with a strong build and extensive experience may handle it well, but it can be a deterrent for others.

Trajectory and Effective Range

For deer hunting, maintaining a flat trajectory minimizes bullet drop and wind drift, ensuring ethical, accurate shot placement.

• .350 Legend:

  • Trajectory: Typically exhibits a relatively flat trajectory out to around 150–200 yards, making it ideal for close to moderate ranges.

  • Effective Range: Best suited for short-range to moderate-range hunting, where quick, accurate shots are required.

• .400 Legend:

  • Trajectory: Designed to maintain a flat trajectory out to 200 yards, providing a reliable performance for medium-range shots.

  • Effective Range: Its balance of power and recoil makes it effective for most deer hunting scenarios, even as range increases slightly.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Trajectory: Due to its heavier bullet and lower velocity, it experiences more bullet drop over the same distance.

  • Effective Range: Typically more suited for shorter ranges, where its immense stopping power can be fully utilized without significant drop affecting accuracy.

Terminal Performance and Stopping Power

Terminal performance is the ultimate measure of a cartridge’s effectiveness on game. This involves not just penetration but also controlled expansion for rapid energy transfer.

• .350 Legend:

  • Terminal Characteristics: Designed for lighter game and smaller deer, the .350 Legend offers sufficient penetration and expansion for ethical kills.

  • Stopping Power: Its moderate energy levels are adequate for deer-sized animals but may struggle with larger, tougher game.

• .400 Legend:

  • Terminal Characteristics: With its larger bullet and higher energy levels, the .400 Legend provides deeper penetration and more reliable expansion.

  • Stopping Power: Well-suited for medium to large deer, it strikes a balance by delivering robust energy transfer without overwhelming recoil, making it a versatile choice.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Terminal Characteristics: Known for its deep penetration and significant tissue damage, the .450 Bushmaster is designed for heavy game.

  • Stopping Power: Its tremendous stopping power is ideal for larger species, but the excessive energy can lead to over-penetration in certain environments, which may be less desirable in areas with dense cover or near populated areas.

Ammunition Variety and Load Options

For experienced hunters, having a range of load options is crucial for tailoring performance to specific hunting conditions.

• .350 Legend:

  • Available Loads: Offers a variety of bullet weights, typically in the 110- to 140-grain range.

  • Use Case: Lighter loads are available for small deer and upland game, while heavier loads are designed for larger, tougher animals.

• .400 Legend:

  • Available Loads: Commonly available in the 120- to 150-grain range.

  • Use Case: Loads are engineered to balance expansion and penetration, with polymer-tipped rounds for controlled expansion in deer hunting.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Available Loads: Generally available with heavier bullets, often in the 200- to 250-grain range.

  • Use Case: Designed for maximum stopping power, these loads are best suited for situations where the extra energy can be fully utilized without adverse over-penetration issues.

Platform Compatibility and Rifle Options

The type of rifle you choose will have a significant impact on the performance of these cartridges. Each cartridge has its strengths when paired with the right platform.

• .350 Legend:

  • Platforms: Widely available in both bolt-action and AR-15 style rifles.

  • Considerations: The mild recoil makes it an attractive option for lightweight, high-capacity AR platforms, as well as for traditional bolt-actions used in upland hunting.

• .400 Legend:

  • Platforms: Also compatible with AR-15 platforms and bolt-action rifles, offering versatility for modern hunters.

  • Considerations: Its balanced recoil and energy characteristics make it a strong contender for hunters seeking a modern, straight-walled cartridge that complies with state regulations.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Platforms: Primarily found in AR-platform rifles, though some specialized bolt-actions exist.

  • Considerations: The higher recoil and greater stopping power require a well-built platform, often with enhanced recoil management features such as muzzle brakes and adjustable stocks.

Practical Considerations for the Experienced Hunter

Choosing between these cartridges depends not only on the raw ballistics but also on practical factors that affect your overall hunting experience.

Recoil Management and Shooter Comfort

• .350 Legend:

  • Ideal for shooters prioritizing comfort and rapid follow-up shots, especially in longer hunting sessions.

• .400 Legend:

  • Provides a middle ground, balancing power and recoil in a way that is accessible to most experienced hunters.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Best suited for hunters who can handle significant recoil, possibly requiring additional recoil mitigation accessories.

Versatility and Hunting Conditions

• .350 Legend:

  • Excellent for environments where shorter-range, accurate shots are the norm, such as dense woodlands or upland fields.

• .400 Legend:

  • Versatile enough for a range of hunting conditions, making it a great option for mixed terrains and varying distances.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Primarily advantageous in open fields where the stopping power can be fully applied without the need for extended-range accuracy.

Cost and Ammunition Availability

• .350 Legend and .400 Legend:

  • Being relatively new cartridges, they offer a variety of load options, though availability might depend on regional demand and regulatory factors.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Often positioned as a niche, high-power option, which can affect cost and availability compared to the other two.

The choice between the .350 Legend, .400 Legend, and .450 Bushmaster ultimately comes down to balancing power, recoil, trajectory, and terminal performance with your personal hunting style and the conditions you face. Here’s a quick recap:

• .350 Legend:

  • Pros: Mild recoil, excellent for short- to moderate-range hunts, versatile in lightweight platforms.

  • Cons: Limited stopping power for larger deer, less effective beyond 200 yards.

• .400 Legend:

  • Pros: A balanced option offering increased energy transfer and deeper penetration with manageable recoil; versatile across multiple platforms.

  • Cons: Slightly more recoil than the .350 Legend, though still easier to handle than the .450 Bushmaster.

• .450 Bushmaster:

  • Pros: Exceptional stopping power and penetration, ideal for larger game and open-field hunting.

  • Cons: Substantial recoil and a steeper learning curve for recoil management; may be overpowered for certain hunting scenarios.

For the experienced deer hunter looking to upgrade or add a new hunting rifle to their arsenal, understanding these differences is crucial. The .350 Legend offers a gentle, easy-shooting experience that suits upland and whitetail hunting, while the .400 Legend provides a modern, regulatory-compliant option that bridges the gap with a balanced performance. Meanwhile, the .450 Bushmaster delivers raw power for those who need to tackle larger game or hunt in more open environments.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your hunting style, physical comfort with recoil, and the typical conditions of your hunts. By carefully considering the ballistics, recoil management, and platform compatibility of each cartridge, you can select the ideal option to ensure ethical, consistent, and effective performance in the field.

We hope this definitive comparison provides you with the comprehensive insights needed to make an informed decision. Happy hunting, and may your next round be as precise and powerful as your skills at the range!

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