Let’s Dive into Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full
The Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full is a straight-walled cartridge designed for optimal performance in states with restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges for hunting. It delivers a flatter trajectory, manageable recoil, and impressive energy on target, making it a popular choice for deer hunters and recreational shooters alike. I’ve been working with various cartridge types for over a decade, and the rise of the .350 Legend has been particularly interesting to watch, given its specific design purpose and broad appeal.
Living in a state with straight-walled cartridge regulations for deer hunting, I needed a reliable and accurate round that offered sufficient range and stopping power. The Winchester .350 Legend seemed to perfectly fit the bill, promising performance comparable to the .30-30 Winchester with significantly reduced recoil. The low recoil, in particular, was a selling point for introducing younger or recoil-sensitive shooters to deer hunting.
The ammunition arrived in Winchester’s classic “USA White Box” packaging, instantly recognizable. The rounds themselves were clean and uniform, a testament to Winchester’s quality control. The 145-grain FMJ bullet has a simple, functional design. It is suitable for range practice, familiarization and honing skills, as well as target shooting.
I considered several other options, including .450 Bushmaster and .44 Magnum rounds, but the .350 Legend’s flatter trajectory and lighter recoil ultimately swayed my decision. While the .450 Bushmaster delivers significantly more energy, the .350 Legend offers a more pleasant shooting experience, especially for extended range sessions. I was hoping for a cartridge that blended accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal ballistics for whitetail deer.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The specifications were promising, and Winchester’s reputation is generally solid. The proof, however, would be in the performance downrange.
Real-World Testing: Putting Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under clear, sunny conditions. I fired the Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full rounds from a bolt-action rifle with a 16-inch barrel, set up with a basic 3-9x scope. I focused on accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. The recoil was indeed very mild, noticeably less than a .243 Winchester or even some .223 loads I’ve used extensively.
The weather was cooperative, but I made sure to also simulate some adverse conditions by intentionally getting the rifle slightly wet and dusty. The ammunition functioned flawlessly, cycling smoothly and consistently. I experienced no jams, misfires, or other malfunctions. Ease of use was excellent – there was no learning curve whatsoever.
One minor surprise was the sound – the .350 Legend, while not excessively loud, has a distinct “crack” that’s different from other centerfire rifle cartridges. It’s not a negative, just something I noticed. I found that the initial accuracy was acceptable but not outstanding.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous range trips and a deer hunting season, the Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full has proven to be remarkably consistent. The rounds have held up well, with no signs of corrosion or degradation despite being stored in relatively humid conditions. I have fired approximately 500 rounds of this ammunition to date.
Durability has not been an issue, as ammunition is not typically reusable. Cleaning and maintenance are minimal, involving simply wiping down the rifle’s bore after each shooting session. The rifle cleaning regime is not dictated by the ammunition.
Compared to my previous experience with other hunting cartridges, such as the .30-30 Winchester and .243 Winchester, the .350 Legend offers a unique blend of attributes. The .30-30 has a longer track record and a proven reputation for deer hunting, but its recoil is more pronounced. The .243 Winchester offers a flatter trajectory, but its smaller bullet diameter may not be ideal for larger deer. In my experience, the Winchester .350 Legend strikes a good balance between these factors.
Breaking Down the Features of Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full
Specifications
- Caliber: .350 Legend. This straight-walled cartridge is specifically designed to meet hunting regulations in certain states.
- Bullet Weight: 145 grain. This weight provides a good balance between velocity, energy, and trajectory for deer-sized game.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ bullets are primarily intended for target shooting and practice due to their consistent feeding and reduced cost compared to hunting-specific projectiles.
- Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2325 fps. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
- Muzzle Energy: Approximately 1745 ft-lbs. This energy level is sufficient for ethically harvesting deer at moderate ranges.
- Cartridge Case: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable, allowing for cost savings and customization of ammunition.
- Primer: Boxer. Boxer primers are the most common type used in modern ammunition and are easily reloadable.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the cartridge’s performance and suitability for different applications. The .350 Legend’s straight-walled design ensures compliance with specific hunting regulations, while the 145-grain bullet and high velocity contribute to its effectiveness on deer. The FMJ bullet construction, however, makes this particular load better suited for range practice than hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full performs its job reasonably well for target practice, offering reliable feeding and consistent accuracy. The recoil is minimal, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. However, the FMJ bullet is not designed for optimal terminal performance on game animals, so it’s not my first choice for hunting.
The main strength is the low recoil and consistent performance. The primary weakness is the FMJ bullet type, which limits its effectiveness for hunting applications. It meets expectations for range practice and plinking but falls short for hunting purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is standard for Winchester’s “USA White Box” ammunition, with clean and uniform rounds. The weight is typical for a cartridge of this size, and the recoil is very manageable. The ammunition itself requires no specific ergonomic considerations.
It is user-friendly as it is simply loaded into the rifle’s magazine and chambered. There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
Ammunition, by its nature, is a consumable item. Properly stored, these rounds should last for many years without degradation. Maintenance is not applicable to ammunition.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the ammunition itself, apart from the standard packaging. Customization options are limited to reloading the brass cases with different bullets and powder charges. The .350 Legend is compatible with a wide range of rifles specifically chambered for this cartridge. Ensure compatibility and safe loading practices.
Pros and Cons of Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full
Pros
- Low Recoil: Makes it comfortable for extended range sessions and suitable for recoil-sensitive shooters.
- Consistent Performance: Reliable feeding and consistent accuracy.
- Affordable Price: Relatively inexpensive compared to other hunting cartridges.
- Reloadable Brass: Allows for cost savings and customization.
Cons
- FMJ Bullet: Not ideal for hunting due to lack of expansion and terminal performance.
- Accuracy: While consistent, it’s not match-grade accuracy.
- Limited Hunting Applications: FMJ design restricts ethical hunting use.
Who Should Buy Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full?
Perfect for: Range shooters who want to practice with their .350 Legend rifles without the higher cost of hunting ammunition. The low recoil makes it ideal for introducing new shooters to centerfire rifles. Target shooters needing consistent rounds for practice.
Who should skip this product? Hunters looking for ethical ammunition for deer or other game animals. They should opt for bullets specifically designed for expansion and terminal performance. Competitive shooters demanding match-grade accuracy.
Must-have accessories or modifications? This is ammunition, so there aren’t necessarily “accessories” needed, but I recommend a quality optic for your .350 Legend rifle to maximize accuracy. I would also highly recommend purchasing .350 Legend ammunition with a hunting-specific bullet for ethical harvesting of game.
Conclusion on Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full
The Winchester USA RIFLE .350 Legend 145 grain Full is a decent option for target practice and range shooting with your .350 Legend rifle. It offers low recoil, consistent performance, and an affordable price point. However, the FMJ bullet limits its usefulness for hunting applications.
The price is justified for its intended purpose – inexpensive range ammunition. It is not, however, a substitute for proper hunting ammunition.
I would recommend this product to recreational shooters looking for an affordable and comfortable way to practice with their .350 Legend rifles. But remember, if you plan to hunt, be sure to choose a different bullet type. Head to the range, stay safe, and happy shooting!