Let’s Talk About Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full ammunition promises to deliver high velocity and precision for target shooting, all within the increasingly popular .350 Legend platform. Browning, a name synonymous with quality firearms and ammunition, is aiming to satisfy target shooters and long-range enthusiasts. This particular load is designed for those seeking consistent performance and reliable feeding in their .350 Legend rifles, making it a compelling option for practice and competition.
My need for this ammunition arose from a desire to enhance my accuracy with my .350 Legend rifle at longer ranges. Specifically, I was looking for a consistently performing FMJ round that would minimize variables when practicing for hunting season. This led me to try the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full.
Upon receiving the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full, I immediately noted the clean, consistent appearance of the rounds. The brass casings were polished, and the full metal jacket bullets were uniformly seated. The packaging was standard Browning ammunition packaging, functional and informative.
Comparing this ammunition to similar offerings from Winchester and Federal, the Browning load seemed to emphasize velocity. Both Winchester and Federal have FMJ loads in .350 Legend, but the Browning boasts the highest velocity, according to the product description. This promise of higher velocity made me choose the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full to see if it could deliver better long-range performance than other brands I have used.
My first impressions were cautiously optimistic. The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full looked like quality ammunition, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the velocity claims and provided the consistent accuracy I was looking for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, with distances ranging from 50 to 200 yards. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight crosswind. I used my Ruger American Rifle chambered in .350 Legend, equipped with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical scope.
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full performed admirably right out of the box. Cycling was smooth and reliable, with no feeding issues. Felt recoil was moderate, typical of the .350 Legend cartridge.
One initial surprise was the noticeable muzzle flash. It was more pronounced than with other .350 Legend loads I had used, which I attribute to the higher velocity. This was not a major issue, but worth noting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range sessions, I’ve put approximately 500 rounds of Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full through my rifle. The ammunition continues to perform consistently. I’ve experienced no malfunctions, misfires, or failures to extract.
The rounds appear to be well-sealed and corrosion-resistant. Even after exposure to minor moisture during a slightly rainy range day, there were no noticeable changes in performance. Cleaning my rifle after shooting this ammunition is straightforward, with no excessive residue or fouling.
Compared to previous experiences with other brands of .350 Legend ammunition, the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full offers a slight edge in accuracy at longer ranges. While not a massive difference, the consistency and higher velocity do contribute to tighter groupings, particularly beyond 150 yards.
Breaking Down the Features of Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full
Specifications
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full features several key specifications that impact its performance. It is chambered in .350 Legend, a cartridge designed for straight-walled cartridge compliance in certain hunting states. The bullet weight is 124 grains, a relatively light projectile for the caliber, contributing to the ammunition’s high velocity.
The bullet is a full metal jacket (FMJ), making it suitable for target shooting and minimizing expansion upon impact. The casing is made of brass, allowing for reloading (for those who reload) and ensuring reliable cycling. The primary selling point, according to Browning, is its highest velocity compared to other .350 Legend FMJ offerings.
These specifications translate to a flat trajectory and reduced bullet drop at longer ranges, making it easier to maintain accuracy. The FMJ design ensures consistent penetration on target, which is crucial for accurate scoring in target shooting competitions. The brass casing guarantees smooth extraction and reliable feeding in most .350 Legend rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full excels in several key areas. Accuracy is consistent and reliable, with groupings typically falling within 1.5 to 2 inches at 100 yards from a rested position. The ammunition functions flawlessly in my Ruger American, with no feeding or extraction issues.
One area for potential improvement is the bullet’s ballistic coefficient. While the high velocity helps, a slightly more streamlined bullet design could further improve long-range accuracy and resistance to wind drift. Overall, this ammunition meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for target shooting with my .350 Legend rifle.
Design & Ergonomics
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full is a standard-looking cartridge. The rounds are clean and well-made, with no visible imperfections. The ammunition loads smoothly into magazines, and the brass casings are easy to handle.
There is no learning curve associated with this ammunition. It performs as expected and is easy to use for anyone familiar with the .350 Legend platform.
Durability & Maintenance
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full is designed for reliable performance under normal shooting conditions. The brass casings are resistant to corrosion, and the bullets are securely seated. Based on my experience, I expect this ammunition to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only routine cleaning of the firearm after use. There is no need to perform any special maintenance on the ammunition itself.
Accessories and Customization Options
Since this is ammunition, there are no specific accessories that come directly with the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full. However, it is compatible with any .350 Legend rifle designed to handle standard FMJ loads. The performance of this ammunition can be further optimized by using a quality scope and a stable shooting platform.
There are no inherent customization options for ammunition other than reloading, which is possible with the brass casings. Reloading allows for fine-tuning the load to match specific rifle characteristics and desired performance parameters.
Pros and Cons of Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full
Pros
- High velocity offers a flatter trajectory and extended effective range.
- Consistent accuracy provides tight groupings for target shooting and practice.
- Reliable feeding ensures smooth cycling and prevents malfunctions.
- Brass casings allow for reloading and provide consistent performance.
- Clean-burning powder reduces fouling and simplifies cleaning.
Cons
- Noticeable muzzle flash may be distracting to some shooters.
- Ballistic coefficient could be improved for even better long-range performance.
Who Should Buy Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full?
The Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full is perfect for target shooters and hunters practicing with their .350 Legend rifles. It is also a good choice for anyone seeking a reliable and consistent FMJ load for general range use. This ammunition would benefit those looking to improve their accuracy at longer ranges with the .350 Legend platform.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters specifically seeking maximum terminal performance, as the FMJ bullet design is not optimized for expansion. Those prioritizing the absolute tightest groupings possible might consider experimenting with different bullet weights or hand-loading their own ammunition. A quality scope is a must-have accessory to get the most out of this ammunition’s potential accuracy.
Conclusion on Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full
Overall, the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full is a solid and reliable ammunition choice for target shooting and general range use with .350 Legend rifles. The high velocity and consistent accuracy make it a worthwhile option for those seeking to improve their long-range performance. At $18.89, the price is reasonable for the quality and performance offered.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a dependable FMJ load for their .350 Legend rifle. It delivers consistent results and functions flawlessly. Head to your local gun store or online retailer and give the Browning FMJ Target .350 Legend 124 grain Full a try – you might just find your new favorite target load!