What Makes Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip Stand Out?
The Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip ammunition is designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and reliable expansion for hunting medium and large game. Manufactured by Hornady, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, this round promises consistent performance and terminal ballistics.
I had a growing problem with inconsistent performance from my old hunting rounds when chasing whitetail in thick brush. I needed something that could punch through cover and still deliver a lethal blow at moderate ranges. I also wanted ammunition that would cycle reliably in my modern sporting rifle chambered in .350 Legend.
The Hornady rounds came in a simple but functional box. The cartridges looked clean and well-made. The flex tip design was immediately noticeable, giving me confidence in their ability to expand upon impact, even at lower velocities.
I considered using Winchester Deer Season XP .350 Legend or Federal Power-Shok .350 Legend. I chose the Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip because I trusted Hornady’s reputation for quality and the Flex Tip design seemed ideal for the varied hunting conditions I encounter. My initial reaction was excitement. I was eager to see how they would perform in the field and at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip at a local shooting range, using a 100-yard target. The weather was clear and mild. My primary focus was on accuracy and sighting in my rifle with the new ammunition.
The rounds performed consistently, grouping within 1.5 inches at 100 yards. I experienced no feeding or ejection issues. The point of impact was very close to my previous ammunition.
The initial use left me impressed. I felt confident in their accuracy and reliability. No issues arose during the first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including two whitetail hunting trips in the dense forests of northern Wisconsin, the Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip continues to impress. The ammunition has proven reliable in varying conditions, from damp mornings to frigid afternoons. I noticed no significant wear and tear on the cartridges themselves.
Cleaning my rifle after each range session and hunt is part of my routine. These rounds leave minimal residue. Compared to cheaper bulk ammunition I’ve used in the past, the Hornady rounds are noticeably cleaner burning.
The Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip has consistently outperformed my previous hunting ammunition. This ammunition provides the accuracy and terminal performance I expect. It has significantly improved my confidence in my hunting setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip
Specifications
The Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip features a 165-grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration. This round is chambered in .350 Legend, a cartridge known for its straight-wall design and suitability for hunting in states with restrictions on bottleneck cartridges. The bullets feature a secant ogive design, optimizing ballistic efficiency.
These specifications are critical for hunters because the 165-grain weight provides a good balance between velocity and energy transfer. The Flex Tip design ensures reliable expansion even at lower velocities encountered at longer ranges or after passing through brush. The secant ogive design reduces drag. This ensures a flatter trajectory, which enhances accuracy at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip excels in both accuracy and terminal performance. This round cycles flawlessly in my AR-15 platform rifle, providing consistent shot-to-shot reliability. I experienced consistent groupings.
The strength of this round is its consistent terminal performance. The weakness is the relatively high cost per round compared to other .350 Legend offerings. This round has met and exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design prioritizes functionality and reliability. The cartridges are well-constructed with consistent dimensions. They feel sturdy in hand.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It is designed to perform reliably in any firearm chambered in .350 Legend that is in good working order.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years. The brass casings are reloadable. I clean my rifle after each use and the Hornady rounds leave less residue than some other brands I have used.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself does not require any specific accessories. Many rifles chambered in .350 Legend benefit from a quality optic. Some shooters might prefer a muzzle brake to reduce recoil.
The Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip is compatible with any standard AR-15 magazine designed for .350 Legend. It is also compatible with a variety of aftermarket triggers and other rifle components.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex TipPros
- Excellent Accuracy: Provides consistent groupings at various ranges.
- Reliable Expansion: The Flex Tip design ensures consistent expansion for effective terminal performance.
- Clean Burning: Leaves minimal residue in the firearm, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
- Consistent Performance: Functions reliably in various weather conditions.
- High-Quality Components: Manufactured with high-quality brass and primers, ensuring reliable ignition and consistent velocities.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Can be overkill on smaller deer or game.
Who Should Buy Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip?
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Provides consistent groupings at various ranges.
- Reliable Expansion: The Flex Tip design ensures consistent expansion for effective terminal performance.
- Clean Burning: Leaves minimal residue in the firearm, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
- Consistent Performance: Functions reliably in various weather conditions.
- High-Quality Components: Manufactured with high-quality brass and primers, ensuring reliable ignition and consistent velocities.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Can be overkill on smaller deer or game.
The Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip is perfect for hunters seeking reliable and accurate ammunition for medium to large game, particularly whitetail deer and hogs. This is ideal for hunting in areas with thick brush where controlled expansion is crucial. Also, it’s suitable for shooters in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions.
This ammunition may not be ideal for target shooters looking for budget-friendly options. Hunters targeting small game may find the 165-grain bullet to be overpowered. A must-have accessory is a high-quality scope suitable for the .350 Legend’s trajectory.
Conclusion on Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip
Overall, the Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip is a top-tier ammunition choice for hunters prioritizing accuracy, reliability, and consistent terminal performance. The price is justified by the quality and effectiveness of the ammunition. I highly recommend this round to any hunter seeking a premium .350 Legend option. Upgrade your hunting setup today with the Hornady Custom .350 Legend 165 grain Flex Tip and experience the difference!