First Impressions of Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets
Subsonic ammunition has carved a unique niche in the shooting world, offering a blend of reduced noise and manageable recoil that appeals to hunters, tactical shooters, and anyone seeking a quieter shooting experience. Hornady, a titan in the ammunition industry, steps into this arena with the Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets. Designed specifically for the increasingly popular 350 Legend cartridge, these bullets promise reliable expansion and deep penetration at subsonic velocities, a combination often difficult to achieve.
My journey to these bullets began with a specific need: a deer hunting load for my 350 Legend rifle that wouldn’t spook every animal within a square mile. I was looking for a round that offered terminal performance on par with standard hunting rounds, but without the supersonic crack that announces my presence to the entire forest.
Upon receiving the package, the first thing that struck me was the sleek, purposeful design of the bullets. The flat profile and prominent hollow point with the Flex Tip insert screamed controlled expansion. The dark gilding metal jacket gave off an impression of robustness and durability. Compared to other subsonic offerings I’d considered, like cast lead bullets or lighter, faster expanding options, the Hornady Sub-X seemed to strike a better balance between penetration and expansion.
I was cautiously optimistic. Subsonic ammunition can be finicky, and achieving reliable expansion at low velocities is a considerable challenge. The Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets piqued my interest, and I couldn’t wait to put them to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, primarily focused on accuracy and velocity consistency. I wanted to establish a baseline before venturing into more demanding scenarios. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for accuracy testing.
I quickly realized that these bullets were designed with suppressed firearms in mind. The report was noticeably quieter compared to standard 350 Legend loads. Cycling was smooth and reliable in my AR-platform rifle.
However, the point of impact was significantly lower than my supersonic rounds, requiring a substantial adjustment to my optic. I didn’t experience any malfunctions during the first session. That said, I noticed a slight residue buildup in the barrel, a common occurrence with subsonic ammunition, so I made sure to clean the barrel thoroughly after.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets continued to perform admirably. I took them into the woods for some informal target practice, simulating hunting scenarios. The accuracy remained consistent out to 100 yards, which is my self-imposed limit for ethical shots on game with subsonic ammunition.
The durability has proven to be excellent. Even after being loaded and unloaded multiple times, the bullets showed no signs of deformation or damage. Maintenance involves the same routine cleaning as any other ammunition. Regular bore cleaning is essential to prevent excessive buildup from the slower burning powder.
Compared to my previous experiments with subsonic 300 Blackout, the Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend offered a flatter trajectory and more consistent terminal performance. The larger diameter and heavier bullet weight contribute to its superior performance compared to the smaller 30 caliber offerings.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets
Specifications
Caliber: .350 Legend. This cartridge is designed for straight-walled cartridge states and offers excellent ballistics for medium game hunting.
Bullet Weight: 250 grain. The heavier bullet weight contributes to increased momentum and penetration at subsonic velocities.
Bullet Type: Subsonic eXpanding (Sub-X). The Sub-X design is engineered for reliable expansion at velocities as low as 900 feet per second.
Diameter: 0.357 in. This diameter ensures proper engagement with the rifling in 350 Legend barrels for optimal accuracy.
Manufacturer: Hornady. Hornady is a well-respected ammunition manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
Gilding Metal Jacket with Long Grooves. The jacket is designed to facilitate expansion at lower velocities, promoting reliable terminal performance.
Patented Flex Tip Insert. This insert within the bullet’s hollowpoint cavity aids in initiating expansion upon impact, even at subsonic speeds.
Cannelures. These provide a secure location for case crimping, especially important for reliable feeding in semiautomatic rifles.
These specifications combine to create a bullet optimized for subsonic performance in the 350 Legend cartridge. The heavier weight, expanding design, and features like the Flex Tip are all crucial for achieving reliable terminal ballistics at reduced velocities.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets perform exceptionally well in their intended role as a subsonic hunting and tactical round. Accuracy is impressive, with consistent groupings achievable at reasonable distances for subsonic ammunition. Reliability is excellent. They cycle flawlessly in my AR-15 based 350 Legend rifle, without any feeding or extraction issues.
The key strength lies in its terminal performance. The bullet expands reliably at subsonic velocities, creating a significant wound cavity and ensuring humane kills on medium-sized game. The primary weakness is the limited effective range due to the rapidly dropping trajectory of subsonic ammunition.
The Hornady Sub-X far exceeded my expectations. It provides a level of accuracy and terminal performance that I didn’t think was possible with subsonic ammunition in this caliber.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady Sub-X is simple but effective. The bullet’s flat profile and the Flex Tip insert contribute to its aerodynamic stability and reliable expansion. The weight is substantial, giving it a solid feel in the hand.
There is no real learning curve associated with these bullets. They load and shoot like any other centerfire rifle ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, these bullets are built to last. The gilding metal jacket provides excellent protection against deformation. Proper cleaning and maintenance of the firearm are essential, just as with any other ammunition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets are compatible with any rifle chambered in 350 Legend. While no specific accessories are required for the bullets themselves, the use of a suppressor is highly recommended to maximize the benefits of subsonic ammunition. These bullets can be used with a variety of optics, including red dots, holographic sights, and magnified scopes.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Excellent Expansion at Subsonic Velocities: The Flex Tip and jacket design ensure reliable expansion and terminal performance.
- Consistent Accuracy: The bullet’s design and quality construction contribute to consistent accuracy at practical subsonic ranges.
- Reduced Noise and Recoil: Subsonic ammunition significantly reduces noise levels, especially when paired with a suppressor, and recoil is manageable.
- Reliable Cycling: These bullets are designed to cycle reliably in semiautomatic rifles chambered in 350 Legend.
- High-Quality Construction: Hornady’s reputation for quality ensures consistent performance and reliability.
Cons
- Limited Effective Range: Subsonic ammunition has a significantly shorter effective range compared to supersonic rounds due to its rapidly dropping trajectory.
- Trajectory Compensation: Requires precise trajectory compensation (scope adjustment or holdover) due to the steep bullet drop.
Who Should Buy Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets?
These bullets are perfect for hunters seeking a quieter hunting experience, particularly in areas with noise restrictions or where minimizing disturbance to wildlife is desired. They are also ideal for tactical shooters who prioritize suppressed fire and reduced recoil. Any shooter who wants to train in areas where decibel levels are an issue or who simply want a quieter shooting experience, whether with or without a suppressor, will find these bullets appealing.
Those who prioritize long-range accuracy and maximum velocity should skip this product. Subsonic ammunition is not designed for long-range shooting, and its performance at extended distances is significantly inferior to supersonic rounds.
A suppressor is a must-have accessory to maximize the benefits of subsonic ammunition. A quality optic with adjustable turrets or a ballistic reticle is also highly recommended for accurate shooting at varying ranges.
Conclusion on Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets
The Hornady Sub-X 350 Legend, 35 Caliber, 250 Grain Rifle Bullets are a game-changer for shooters seeking reliable subsonic performance in the 350 Legend platform. These bullets deliver on their promise of reliable expansion, consistent accuracy, and manageable recoil. The price is justified, considering the quality and performance offered.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a quieter, yet still effective, hunting or tactical round in 350 Legend. If you value accuracy, terminal performance, and reduced noise, the Hornady Sub-X is an excellent choice. Consider adding these to your next ammunition order and experience the difference for yourself!