Understanding the Players
Unveiling the 7mm-08 Remington
The 7mm-08 Remington, introduced in 1980, is a descendant of the .308 Winchester. It was created by necking down the .308 Winchester case to accept a 7mm (0.284 inch) bullet. This modification provided the 7mm-08 with a flatter trajectory and higher ballistic coefficient than the .308 Winchester while maintaining a similar powder capacity. The cartridge quickly gained popularity, particularly among hunters seeking a versatile round capable of effectively harvesting a wide range of game. The 7mm-08 Remington’s design allows it to perform efficiently in short-action rifles, making it a favorite choice for shooters who prioritize maneuverability and ease of use.
The 7mm-08 Remington’s popularity stems from its versatility. It can be loaded with a variety of bullet weights, allowing it to be tailored for different hunting scenarios. Lighter bullets are excellent for varmint hunting, while heavier bullets are suited for medium-sized game such as deer and antelope. The cartridge delivers a good balance of power, trajectory, and manageable recoil.
Introducing the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend, introduced by Winchester in 2019, is a newer cartridge specifically engineered to meet the legal requirements of states that mandate straight-walled cartridges for hunting. It achieves this by using a straight-walled case design. This design allows hunters in these regulated areas to use a high-performing cartridge while complying with local laws.
The 350 Legend, though modern, quickly found its place in the shooting community. It features a larger bullet diameter (.357 inch) compared to the 7mm-08. The 350 Legend is designed with a focus on efficiency and moderate recoil, offering a pleasant shooting experience. The straight-walled design has also contributed to its rapid adoption in states with specific hunting regulations.
Ballistic Examination: Comparing Performance
Trajectory: Bullet Flight at Distance
Trajectory, or the path a bullet takes through the air, is a vital consideration. The 7mm-08 Remington, with its streamlined 7mm bullets and generally higher velocities, exhibits a flatter trajectory compared to the 350 Legend. At longer ranges, this flatter trajectory translates to a reduced need for significant holdover.
Consider a scenario where you’re shooting at a distance of three hundred yards. A well-loaded 7mm-08 will typically exhibit significantly less bullet drop than the 350 Legend. This flatter trajectory makes the 7mm-08 Remington more forgiving when estimating range, and it allows for greater accuracy at extended distances.
Energy Delivery: Impact Power
Energy, measured in foot-pounds, determines the impact force of the bullet on the target. The 7mm-08 Remington, due to its higher velocities and typically heavier bullets, generally delivers more energy at various ranges. This increased energy translates to greater penetration and terminal performance on game.
The 350 Legend, while delivering a good amount of energy at shorter ranges, starts to lose energy at a faster rate due to its lower velocity and typically lighter bullets. This difference in energy retention is important to take into account when hunting at different distances.
Velocity Comparison: The Starting Point
Muzzle velocity, the speed at which the bullet exits the barrel, is a key element impacting both trajectory and energy. The 7mm-08 Remington typically boasts a higher muzzle velocity than the 350 Legend. This higher velocity contributes to the flatter trajectory and greater energy at a distance.
The Importance of Ballistic Coefficient
Ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance. The 7mm-08, employing bullets with higher ballistic coefficients due to their streamlined shape, retains velocity and energy better over distance. The 350 Legend often utilizes bullets with lower ballistic coefficients, which results in quicker velocity and energy loss.
Range and Precision: Hitting the Mark
Effective Range: Ethical Hunting Distances
The effective range of a rifle cartridge is the maximum distance at which a hunter can consistently and ethically harvest game. The 7mm-08 Remington, with its flatter trajectory and greater energy retention, typically offers a longer effective range than the 350 Legend. The 7mm-08 Remington can be effectively used for harvesting game at distances exceeding three hundred yards, while the 350 Legend is often considered most effective at ranges within two hundred yards.
Accuracy Potential: Group Size Matters
Accuracy potential is dependent on various factors, including rifle quality, ammunition quality, and the shooter’s skill. Both cartridges are capable of delivering excellent accuracy. The 7mm-08 Remington, often paired with higher-quality rifles and premium ammunition, can achieve very tight group sizes, making it ideal for long-range shooting applications. The 350 Legend, while accurate, may not offer the same level of long-range precision.
Recoil and the Shooting Experience: Comfort and Control
Recoil: Feeling the Kick
The 7mm-08 Remington, being a more powerful cartridge, produces more recoil than the 350 Legend. The felt recoil of the 7mm-08 Remington is often described as moderate, and manageable for most shooters. The 350 Legend, with its lower powder charge and lighter recoil, offers a much more comfortable shooting experience, making it a good choice for recoil-sensitive individuals, novice shooters, and for extended practice sessions.
Shooting Comfort: Prolonged Sessions
Recoil impacts the ability to maintain accurate shot placement, particularly during prolonged shooting sessions. The 350 Legend’s moderate recoil makes it suitable for extended practice at the range and for those new to shooting.
Intended Uses: Matching Cartridge to Application
Hunting Applications: Targeting Game
The 7mm-08 Remington’s versatility allows it to be used for hunting a wide variety of game. It is a solid choice for medium-sized game such as deer, antelope, and black bear. The 350 Legend, with its limitations in range and energy, is best suited for hunting deer and similar-sized game at shorter ranges. It is ideally suited for states with straight-walled cartridge requirements.
Target Shooting and Recreational Shooting: Putting Holes in Paper
Both cartridges can be used for recreational shooting and target practice. The 7mm-08 Remington’s flatter trajectory and greater long-range accuracy make it a good choice for longer-range target shooting. The 350 Legend, with its lighter recoil and lower ammunition costs, is ideal for recreational shooting and target practice, especially for beginners.
Straight-walled Cartridge Restrictions
The 350 Legend is the clear winner for those living in states with straight-walled cartridge requirements for hunting. These regulations typically restrict the use of cartridges with cases that taper, and the 350 Legend is specifically designed to comply with these laws. The 7mm-08 Remington does not meet these requirements.
Availability, Costs, and Components: The Practicalities
Ammunition Availability: Finding Your Load
Both the 7mm-08 Remington and the 350 Legend are relatively popular cartridges, meaning that ammunition is widely available from numerous manufacturers. However, the availability of specific bullet types and weights may vary. Generally, the 7mm-08 Remington offers a slightly wider selection of bullet weights and types.
Rifle Availability: Finding Your Platform
Both cartridges are chambered in a variety of rifles. The 7mm-08 Remington is commonly found in bolt-action rifles, and also occasionally in semi-automatic platforms. The 350 Legend is available primarily in bolt-action rifles and AR-style rifles, meeting the needs of different preferences.
Cost of Ammunition
The cost of ammunition is a significant factor for many shooters. The 350 Legend, generally, has a lower ammunition cost than the 7mm-08 Remington. This can make it an appealing option for those looking to spend less on ammunition.
Making Your Choice: Which is Right for You?
Prioritize Your Needs
For those in states with straight-walled cartridge regulations, the 350 Legend is the clear choice. For hunters seeking a versatile cartridge for a variety of game at a wider range of distances, the 7mm-08 Remington is a strong contender.
Recommendations Based on Scenario
If you’re new to hunting or recoil sensitive, the 350 Legend’s manageable recoil makes it a great choice. If you are planning on long range hunting or target shooting the 7mm-08 Remington is probably a better option.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Rifle Cartridge
The 7mm-08 Remington and the 350 Legend offer distinct advantages. The 7mm-08 Remington is a versatile cartridge with a flat trajectory and good energy retention, and the 350 Legend is optimized for hunters in areas with straight-walled cartridge regulations.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your hunting style, the game you intend to hunt, and the shooting distances you anticipate. Evaluating these factors, and considering the information presented here, will help you confidently choose the cartridge that best matches your shooting goals.
