Introduction
For hunters seeking a reliable and effective rifle, the choices can seem overwhelming. There’s a vast landscape of calibers, actions, and features to consider. But for those who operate within the constraints of straight-walled cartridge regulations, a new champion has emerged: the 350 Legend. This cartridge, delivering impressive performance in a straight-walled configuration, has quickly gained a devoted following. Among the firearms chambered for this cartridge, Savage Arms rifles consistently stand out, offering a blend of accuracy, affordability, and practicality that makes them a compelling option for hunters and target shooters alike.
Savage Arms has built a reputation for crafting accurate and accessible rifles, appealing to both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport. Known for their innovative AccuTrigger system and dedication to value, Savage Arms has consistently delivered dependable firearms for a wide range of shooting needs.
This article will delve into the world of Savage Arms rifles chambered in the 350 Legend. We’ll explore the cartridge’s key attributes, the features that make Savage Arms rifles stand out, and how these rifles perform in the field. We’ll also compare them to other options, helping you determine if a Savage Arms 350 Legend is the right choice for your hunting and shooting endeavors.
What is the 350 Legend?
The 350 Legend isn’t just another cartridge; it’s a carefully engineered solution to a specific need: offering exceptional performance within the legal frameworks governing hunting in many states. The 350 Legend is, at its heart, a straight-walled cartridge. This means the brass casing has minimal taper, a design that complies with regulations implemented to enhance safety in areas where hunting takes place near residential zones and other areas.
One of the most remarkable features of the 350 Legend is its high muzzle velocity. This cartridge can achieve speeds surpassing those of many competing straight-walled options, resulting in a flatter trajectory and greater effective range. This velocity advantage translates directly to improved accuracy and downrange energy.
The 350 Legend’s design incorporates several key advantages that make it a desirable option for hunters. It generates moderate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. This comfort translates into better shot placement and faster follow-up shots. Furthermore, the cartridge offers excellent potential for accuracy, capable of producing tight groups at both short and moderate ranges.
The ideal hunting applications for the 350 Legend are many and varied. It excels in deer hunting, providing sufficient energy to deliver clean and ethical kills at ranges suitable for the cartridge. It is equally at home when hunting other game animals, such as feral hogs, within appropriate ranges. Beyond its hunting prowess, the 350 Legend is also well-suited for target shooting. Its accuracy and mild recoil make it enjoyable for recreational plinking and precision shooting activities.
Savage Arms and the 350 Legend
Savage Arms has embraced the potential of the 350 Legend, offering a range of rifle models designed to leverage the cartridge’s strengths. From affordable entry-level options to feature-rich hunting rifles, Savage Arms provides something for every shooter. These rifles are generally built on popular platforms, reflecting Savage’s commitment to providing users with reliable and effective hunting tools.
Specific Savage Arms rifle models are built on platforms like the Axis, and the 110 series. These come in a range of configurations, from basic bolt-action rifles with synthetic stocks to models featuring upgraded stocks, premium barrels, and enhanced features. This variety enables hunters to select a rifle that perfectly suits their needs and budget.
Savage Arms’ rifles in the 350 Legend chambering feature a number of characteristics that make them a great choice for hunters. Accuracy has always been a hallmark of the Savage brand. The company utilizes quality barrels known for their precision. These barrels, often featuring a button-rifled design, are crafted with precision to deliver tight groupings.
The AccuTrigger system, standard on many Savage Arms rifles, is a significant feature that enhances accuracy. This user-adjustable trigger system is designed to deliver a clean, crisp break. The AccuTrigger gives shooters a significant advantage in precision shot placement.
Magazine design and capacity are also important considerations. The 350 Legend rifles utilize magazines that are typically detachable. The magazine capacity varies depending on the specific model, but Savage Arms rifles are generally designed to hold a sufficient number of rounds for hunting situations.
Stock designs and ergonomics play a crucial role in a rifle’s shootability and comfort. Savage Arms offers rifles with various stock materials, including synthetic and wood. Synthetic stocks offer excellent durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for all-weather hunting conditions. Many models have adjustable lengths of pull, allowing shooters to customize the fit for optimal comfort and shooting performance.
Savage Arms rifles commonly feature pre-drilled and tapped receiver mounting options, making it easy to install scopes, red dots, and other optics. This allows hunters to customize their rifle to fit their particular needs.
Performance and Field Testing
The performance of the 350 Legend in a Savage Arms rifle is impressive. Ballistic data reveals that the cartridge can generate impressive muzzle velocities. A common bullet weight, like the 145-grain FMJ, can achieve speeds up to 2,200-2,300 feet per second from a rifle. The resulting energy levels provide adequate performance at the ranges typically associated with the 350 Legend.
Trajectory is a critical consideration for hunters. Due to its relatively flat trajectory, the 350 Legend allows for greater accuracy at longer distances, making it perfect for woods hunting. Bullet drop calculations are essential for understanding how a bullet’s path is affected by gravity. The 350 Legend has a flatter trajectory than many comparable rounds, which minimizes the need for holdover at reasonable ranges.
While formal accuracy testing varies, many hunters using Savage Arms 350 Legend rifles report excellent results. Group sizes at 100 yards are often under one inch, indicating the inherent accuracy potential of the rifle and cartridge combination. Factors influencing accuracy include the quality of the barrel, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skill.
Hunting performance with the 350 Legend in a Savage Arms rifle has been consistently positive. Hunters have successfully harvested deer, hogs, and other game at ranges within the cartridge’s effective reach. The cartridge provides sufficient energy for quick, humane kills, assuming proper shot placement. Shot placement and range considerations are very important. Hunters should always prioritize shot placement and ensure they understand the effective range of their rifle.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Savage Arms rifles in the 350 Legend chambering possess a number of compelling advantages. Accuracy is a significant selling point. Savage Arms’ commitment to quality barrel manufacturing and the AccuTrigger system translate into rifles that consistently deliver tight groups.
Value is another key advantage. Savage Arms rifles are often priced competitively, making them accessible to a wide range of hunters. You can often find a 350 Legend rifle for a very reasonable price that offers excellent performance.
Ease of use and maintenance are important factors. Savage Arms rifles are typically easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain. This simplicity allows hunters to keep their rifles in top condition.
The availability of ammunition is another benefit. The 350 Legend is a reasonably popular cartridge, and ammunition can be found at most sporting goods stores. A wider range of ammunition options may be available from certain manufacturers, further expanding the appeal of the Savage Arms 350 Legend.
Like all firearms, Savage Arms 350 Legend rifles also have potential disadvantages. The effective range of the 350 Legend is limited compared to some other centerfire cartridges. Hunters who typically take shots at extended ranges may find it limiting.
While the 350 Legend is gaining popularity, bullet choices and availability are still somewhat limited compared to more established calibers. You may not find quite the same breadth of offerings as you would with a .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield, for example.
Comparison with Other Options
Comparing the 350 Legend in a Savage Arms rifle to other options is critical for making an informed decision. The .30-30 Winchester is another popular option, particularly among hunters. The .30-30 has a rich history as a hunting cartridge and offers adequate performance in a variety of hunting situations. The 350 Legend, however, offers higher velocity and a flatter trajectory, providing an advantage in terms of effective range.
When considering other straight-walled cartridges, such as the .450 Bushmaster, the 350 Legend often presents a more appealing option. The .450 Bushmaster delivers a heavier bullet with more energy. While this makes it an excellent choice for very large game, the 350 Legend offers a flatter trajectory and less recoil, which can be more desirable for many hunters, especially when hunting deer.
Different rifle options, such as lever-action, pump-action, and bolt-action, are a critical choice. Lever-actions provide a classic aesthetic and quick follow-up shots, but bolt-action rifles, like many Savage Arms models, often offer greater accuracy and the flexibility to mount optics.
When is the 350 Legend the best option? The 350 Legend truly excels in specific situations. For hunters operating in areas with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, the 350 Legend is an excellent choice. The cartridge’s high velocity provides excellent ballistic performance while still complying with legal requirements.
Conclusion
The Savage Arms 350 Legend rifle offers a powerful combination of accuracy, affordability, and utility. By combining the innovative engineering of Savage Arms with the versatility of the 350 Legend cartridge, this pairing gives hunters an excellent option that is suited for a range of hunting applications.
Savage Arms 350 Legend rifles represent excellent value for the price. They provide a solid platform for hunters who value accuracy, reliability, and affordability. The ease of use, coupled with the cartridge’s effectiveness, makes them a great choice for new and experienced hunters.
If you are in the market for a new hunting rifle, consider the Savage Arms 350 Legend. This caliber offers the power and performance to take down deer while the Savage Arms platform adds precision. This combination provides a shooting experience that is both enjoyable and effective.
We encourage you to explore the Savage Arms 350 Legend rifles further. Consider visiting a local gun shop, handling the rifle, and seeing what it’s like. Conduct some research on which model might fit your needs best, and read some reviews from other hunters.
