Cartridge Origins and Context
The genesis of both the 400 Legend and the 360 Buckhammer lies in the evolution of hunting regulations. Many states and regions have implemented restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges for hunting, particularly in areas with dense populations. This has fueled the demand for straight-walled cartridges that offer adequate power and range while complying with these rules. The 400 Legend and 360 Buckhammer emerged as direct responses to these hunting regulations.
Exploring the 400 Legend
The 400 Legend was developed with the intention of providing hunters with a powerful and versatile straight-walled cartridge for hunting in areas with those specific regulations. It prioritizes moderate recoil and efficient performance, making it suitable for a wide range of hunters and shooting platforms. The 400 Legend’s design allows it to be used in a variety of rifles, often built on AR-15 or bolt-action platforms. The cartridge’s efficient design translates into manageable recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge to shoot, especially for those new to hunting or who prefer a less punishing experience. Commonly, it’s seen with a variety of bullet weights, often between 150 and 265 grains.
Delving into the 360 Buckhammer
The 360 Buckhammer, designed by Remington, is a straight-walled cartridge. Its primary objective is to maximize performance within the straight-walled cartridge constraints. This cartridge is engineered to deliver a higher level of performance at longer ranges when compared to the 400 Legend, in some cases. It aims to offer increased velocity and flatter trajectories for improved accuracy at extended distances. The 360 Buckhammer is available in various bullet weights, but generally, you will see bullets between 165 and 180 grains.
The Ballistics Chart: A Visual Comparison
To directly compare the performance of these two cartridges, we will turn to a ballistics chart. While actual performance can vary slightly based on specific loads and barrel lengths, this chart provides a reliable overview of their respective capabilities. The values shown are based on typical commercially available ammunition and provide a solid understanding of their performance. *Note: Always consult ammunition manufacturer’s data and websites for the most up-to-date information.*
| Feature | 400 Legend (160 gr Bullet) | 400 Legend (200 gr Bullet) | 400 Legend (240 gr Bullet) | 360 Buckhammer (165 gr Bullet) | 360 Buckhammer (180 gr Bullet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2200 | 1900 | 1720 | 2400 | 2300 |
| 100-yard Velocity (fps) | 1800 | 1600 | 1480 | 2050 | 1990 |
| 200-yard Velocity (fps) | 1450 | 1300 | 1250 | 1750 | 1700 |
| 300-yard Velocity (fps) | 1150 | 1050 | 1030 | 1500 | 1450 |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 1718 | 1608 | 1579 | 2110 | 2114 |
| 100-yard Energy (ft-lbs) | 1150 | 1137 | 1103 | 1540 | 1580 |
| 200-yard Energy (ft-lbs) | 750 | 750 | 830 | 1060 | 1080 |
| 300-yard Energy (ft-lbs) | 470 | 500 | 730 | 720 | 680 |
| 100-yard Drop (inches, zeroed at 100) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 200-yard Drop (inches, zeroed at 100) | -6.0 | -8.8 | -10.5 | -4.5 | -5.4 |
| 300-yard Drop (inches, zeroed at 100) | -20.0 | -31.8 | -42.3 | -15.8 | -19.8 |
| Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | (Varies, e.g., 0.190) | (Varies, e.g., 0.200) | (Varies, e.g., 0.180) | (Varies, e.g., 0.240) | (Varies, e.g., 0.250) |
*Disclaimer: The data presented in the chart is for illustrative purposes. Actual performance may vary based on bullet type, manufacturer, and other factors.*
Deciphering the Ballistic Data: Key Comparisons
Velocity: The 360 Buckhammer generally boasts higher muzzle velocities compared to the 400 Legend, particularly with lighter bullet weights. As you move downrange, this velocity difference persists, granting the 360 Buckhammer an advantage in downrange speed. This higher velocity translates into a flatter trajectory, allowing for more accurate shooting at longer distances.
Energy: At the muzzle, the 360 Buckhammer typically exhibits higher muzzle energy than the 400 Legend. This energy advantage, particularly with heavier bullets, can translate into more effective terminal performance on game. However, the energy of the 400 Legend can be suitable depending on the specific bullet weight.
Trajectory: Due to the higher velocities, the 360 Buckhammer generally displays a flatter trajectory, exhibiting less bullet drop at various ranges. This means that when aiming, the shooter must make fewer adjustments for bullet drop, allowing for more precise shots.
Effective Range: The 360 Buckhammer, due to its flatter trajectory and higher retained energy, often has a longer effective range. This is because the bullet’s impact will stay above a specific energy threshold at longer distances, meaning that the 360 Buckhammer can have a longer range. The 400 Legend can have a good effective range, but it tends to be shorter, especially for heavier bullets.
Recoil Considerations: Recoil is a factor, especially for those who are new to hunting. Generally, the 400 Legend exhibits less recoil than the 360 Buckhammer, making it easier to handle and shoot accurately. The 360 Buckhammer’s increased recoil can be more pronounced, but it is usually manageable with a well-designed rifle.
Advantages and Disadvantages in Perspective
The 400 Legend and 360 Buckhammer, each possess unique advantages and disadvantages, which influence their suitability for different hunting applications.
For the 400 Legend, an advantage includes typically less recoil and, in many instances, greater ammunition availability. For those who are new to hunting, or those who desire an easier shooting experience, the 400 Legend shines. The cartridge is versatile in the sense that it can be deployed on a wide variety of platforms, including AR-15 style rifles, and bolt-action models. This versatility offers hunters a great range of choices. A possible disadvantage might be its trajectory for certain bullet weights when shooting at longer ranges, and its slightly lower energy levels compared to the 360 Buckhammer, depending on the bullet weight chosen.
The 360 Buckhammer offers notable advantages of a typically flatter trajectory, and the potential for higher energy at longer ranges. This can result in better performance at extended distances, which is helpful in some environments. However, potential disadvantages could include a slight increase in recoil when compared to the 400 Legend and a reduced ammunition variety.
Practical Applications and Hunting Scenarios
The choice between the 400 Legend and 360 Buckhammer also hinges on the type of game being pursued, hunting conditions, and the shooter’s experience.
In the realm of hunting, the 400 Legend is an excellent choice for whitetail deer, particularly in areas where hunting ranges are moderate. Its manageable recoil makes it ideal for youths and those who prioritize ease of shooting. The 360 Buckhammer, owing to its flatter trajectory and greater energy, is well-suited for hunting in regions that permit longer shots, where game animals are at greater distances.
In the realm of bullet selection, for the 400 Legend, using a bullet appropriate for the game size is vital. For deer-sized game, a quality bullet that expands rapidly upon impact is typically needed. For the 360 Buckhammer, a well-constructed bullet with good ballistic coefficient is recommended, so that it can retain its velocity and deliver energy to its target, even at longer distances.
Cost and Availability
In terms of cost, ammunition prices for both cartridges are often comparable. Availability can vary depending on your location and the popularity of the cartridge. The 400 Legend is becoming more widely available due to its popularity, while the 360 Buckhammer has recently gained recognition. It is important to check for ammunition availability in your area, so that you can be sure you will find what you need to hunt. The availability of firearms chambered in both cartridges is also growing.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
In the 400 Legend versus 360 Buckhammer debate, there isn’t a clear “winner.” The best choice will depend on your specific needs as a hunter. The 400 Legend is an excellent choice if you prioritize comfortable shooting and moderate ranges. If you hunt in areas where shots may be longer, and you are looking for increased energy, then the 360 Buckhammer might be the better option.
Ultimately, careful consideration of your preferred hunting style, the game you’re pursuing, and the terrain you’re hunting in, are necessary when making your decision.
To delve deeper into the specific types of loads that may be best for your hunting application, visit the websites of ammunition manufacturers.
