Introduction
The crisp autumn air, the rustle of leaves, and the anticipation of a successful hunt – these are the moments that draw us to the woods. For many hunters, the choice of cartridge is paramount, influencing the entire experience. In regions with restrictive hunting regulations, such as those mandating straight-walled cartridges, the decision becomes even more critical. This leads to a rising interest in specialized rounds designed to deliver effective performance within these parameters. Two popular contenders in this arena are the 350 Legend and the 360 Buckhammer, each vying for the title of the preferred straight-walled cartridge.
Both cartridges aim to strike a balance: offering good performance at moderate ranges while complying with increasingly common hunting restrictions. However, they approach this goal from different angles, utilizing distinct designs and ballistics. This article will thoroughly compare and contrast the 350 Legend and the 360 Buckhammer, examining their origins, ballistic capabilities, hunting applications, and practical considerations like rifle and ammunition availability. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis to help hunters make informed decisions about which cartridge best suits their needs and hunting style. Ultimately, we aim to determine which straight-walled cartridge stands out as the champion.
Origins and Development
The genesis of a cartridge often dictates its strengths and intended purpose. Understanding the backgrounds of the 350 Legend and 360 Buckhammer sheds light on their respective design philosophies.
350 Legend
Winchester developed the 350 Legend with a clear objective: to create a cartridge designed for ease of use and compliance with straight-walled cartridge restrictions that were becoming increasingly prevalent. The primary goal was to offer hunters a round that would perform effectively at typical hunting distances, particularly in areas where longer-range cartridges were prohibited. The 350 Legend’s design prioritized lower recoil, making it a comfortable round to shoot for a broad range of shooters. The overall intention was to provide hunters with a user-friendly and reliable cartridge that delivered adequate terminal performance.
360 Buckhammer
Remington entered the straight-walled market with the 360 Buckhammer, aiming to build a cartridge that would be a serious contender for deer hunting, exceeding expectations in ballistics when compared to other offerings. The 360 Buckhammer was conceived with a focus on achieving superior ballistics, extending the effective range, and providing more energy on target. While also complying with straight-walled restrictions, Remington sought to provide hunters with a round that delivers a noticeable improvement in performance over other competing rounds.
Ballistic Comparisons
The core of any cartridge comparison lies in the numbers. Examining the ballistics of the 350 Legend and the 360 Buckhammer reveals their respective strengths and design intentions.
Bullet Diameter and Weight
Bullet diameter and weight play a vital role in determining a cartridge’s performance. The 350 Legend typically utilizes bullets with a diameter of point three five five inches. Bullet weights range from lighter loads designed for higher velocity to heavier loads for increased downrange energy. The 360 Buckhammer, on the other hand, utilizes bullets with a slightly larger diameter; it fires bullets with point three five eight-inch diameter. A broader range of bullet weights are also available for the 360 Buckhammer. The slight difference in bullet diameter, and the range of bullet weights available, contribute to differences in ballistics.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
Muzzle velocity and muzzle energy provide key indicators of a cartridge’s power. A typical 350 Legend load generates a muzzle velocity that varies with bullet weight and propellant, but generally falls in the 2200 to 2300 feet per second range. Muzzle energy correspondingly ranges from around 1500 to 1800 foot-pounds. The 360 Buckhammer often exhibits a noticeably higher muzzle velocity. With certain loads, muzzle velocities can surpass 2400 feet per second and sometimes even higher, depending on bullet weight and specific ammunition. The muzzle energy of the 360 Buckhammer consequently tends to be higher, frequently exceeding 2000 foot-pounds.
Trajectory and Effective Range
Trajectory and effective range dictate how far and how accurately a cartridge performs. The 350 Legend, when sighted in at 100 yards, will generally experience more bullet drop at longer ranges. For example, at 200 yards, a 350 Legend bullet might drop six to eight inches. The 360 Buckhammer benefits from its higher velocity and a generally flatter trajectory. A 360 Buckhammer bullet, when sighted in at 100 yards, will have a noticeably flatter trajectory at longer distances. While the exact figures depend on the specific load and zeroing distance, the 360 Buckhammer is capable of providing greater effective ranges in real-world hunting scenarios.
Recoil
Recoil significantly impacts the shooting experience and follow-up shot speed. The 350 Legend is renowned for its relatively low recoil. This characteristic makes it a pleasure to shoot and facilitates faster follow-up shots if needed. The 360 Buckhammer, with its greater power and velocity, naturally generates more recoil. While still manageable, the 360 Buckhammer’s recoil is more pronounced and may require practice to master quickly and accurately.
Performance on Target
Beyond raw ballistics, the performance of these cartridges on target provides critical insights into their hunting effectiveness.
Accuracy
Accuracy, encompassing consistency of bullet placement, is an essential factor for ethical hunting. The potential for accuracy with the 350 Legend varies depending on factors such as rifle quality, ammunition quality, and shooter skill. Many modern rifles chambered in 350 Legend are capable of delivering acceptable accuracy for hunting purposes. The 360 Buckhammer, which often offers the benefit of a premium, modern ammunition selection, is capable of very good accuracy, especially in well-made rifles. Precision is crucial when it comes to harvesting game.
Terminal Ballistics
Terminal ballistics, encompassing the bullet’s behavior upon impact, is key to its effectiveness. The bullets used with the 350 Legend are often designed to expand reliably upon impact, creating a wound channel that is suitable for game. The 360 Buckhammer, with its higher velocity, generally has impressive expansion and penetration characteristics, potentially delivering devastating terminal effects.
Hunting Applications
Understanding the strengths and limitations of each cartridge helps to determine where they excel in hunting applications.
Game Selection
Ideal game selection should consider the cartridge’s power and effective range. The 350 Legend is a solid choice for deer, feral hogs, and other medium-sized game at moderate ranges. The 360 Buckhammer is well-suited for similar game, but also possesses the capability to be effectively employed on larger whitetail deer and at further distances.
Hunting Scenarios
Hunting scenarios vary and require cartridges that perform well in different environments. The 350 Legend performs adequately in brushy areas and close-range encounters. However, its trajectory limits its effectiveness in open fields or longer shots. The 360 Buckhammer’s flatter trajectory gives it an edge in open terrain, making it a good choice for situations where longer shots are possible.
Advantages and Disadvantages for Hunting
When considering advantages and disadvantages, the 350 Legend boasts low recoil and is easy to handle, making it a good choice for new hunters or those sensitive to recoil. However, its performance on target is limited at longer ranges. The 360 Buckhammer’s advantages include impressive ballistics and enhanced range, potentially delivering a greater impact on game. However, its disadvantages include more pronounced recoil and, often, slightly higher ammunition costs.
Rifles and Ammunition Availability
Practical aspects, such as the availability of rifles and ammunition, play a significant role in the adoption and use of a cartridge.
Rifle Availability
A wide selection of rifles chambered in each cartridge is critical for accessibility. The 350 Legend has rapidly gained popularity, leading to a broad selection of rifle platforms, including bolt-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and rifles based on the AR-15 platform. The 360 Buckhammer rifle availability is catching up as the round gains traction.
Ammunition Availability
Ammunition availability and price influence hunting decisions. Ammunition for the 350 Legend is readily available from various manufacturers, offering a wide range of bullet weights and styles, often at a reasonable cost. The 360 Buckhammer’s ammunition selection is still growing, but is readily available from most major manufacturers.
Reloading Considerations
Finally, reloading offers hunters the ultimate customization options. The components for the 350 Legend and 360 Buckhammer are generally available, permitting handloaders to tailor ammunition to their specific rifles and needs.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary
350 Legend
Pros:
- Low Recoil: User-friendly for shooters of all experience levels.
- Affordable Ammunition: Cost-effective for regular practice and hunting.
- Versatile: Suitable for a variety of hunting scenarios.
Cons:
- Shorter Effective Range: Trajectory limits effectiveness at extended distances.
- Less Power: Compared to some larger cartridges.
360 Buckhammer
Pros:
- High Ballistics: Delivers excellent downrange performance and flatter trajectory.
- Greater Effective Range: Increases opportunities in open environments.
- Powerful: Offers a noticeable impact on game.
Cons:
- Higher Recoil: Can be tiring for extended shooting sessions.
- Higher Ammunition Cost: Can be more expensive than the 350 Legend.
Conclusion
Both the 350 Legend and the 360 Buckhammer are strong contenders in the world of straight-walled cartridges, each with distinct strengths. The 350 Legend shines with its user-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for new hunters or those who appreciate a mild recoil. Its affordability also makes it a great choice for practice and hunting. On the other hand, the 360 Buckhammer delivers impressive ballistics and extended range, making it a strong choice for hunters who pursue game in open environments or desire greater downrange power.
Ultimately, the optimal choice depends on your individual hunting preferences and the specific conditions you encounter. If you prioritize a comfortable shooting experience and often hunt in close-range, brushy environments, the 350 Legend could be an excellent choice. If you seek maximum performance and are willing to manage a bit more recoil, the 360 Buckhammer may prove to be the superior choice.
Call to Action
If you’ve had experience with either of these cartridges, or if you have an opinion on which is the better choice, please share your thoughts and insights in the comments. Tell us about your experiences hunting with these rounds. Let us know your setup, your favorite bullet weights and what game you pursue.
Consider the characteristics of your hunting grounds, the typical distances you shoot, and the type of game you pursue when making your decision. Choose wisely, and enjoy the hunt!
