The choice between the .350 Legend and 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington cartridges often arises in discussions among hunters and shooters. Both are relatively popular, but cater to different needs and preferences. This in-depth comparison will explore their ballistics, applications, recoil, cost, and availability to help you decide which cartridge best suits your purposes.
Ballistics: A Tale of Two Cartridges
The fundamental difference lies in their ballistics. The .350 Legend is a larger caliber cartridge (.35 inches) designed for hunting, while the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington is a smaller (.224 inches) round predominantly used in self-defense and tactical applications. This difference translates directly into their performance characteristics:
.350 Legend Ballistics
- Caliber: .35 inches
- Typical Bullet Weight: 150-180 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 2200-2300 fps (depending on barrel length and load)
- Energy: Higher than 5.56 at close range
The .350 Legend boasts significantly higher energy transfer at close to medium range, making it ideal for hunting deer-sized game. Its larger diameter bullet creates a larger wound channel, contributing to quicker, more humane kills.
5.56 NATO/.223 Remington Ballistics
- Caliber: .224 inches
- Typical Bullet Weight: 55-77 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 2800-3200 fps (depending on barrel length and load)
- Energy: Lower than .350 Legend at close range, but higher velocity allows for longer effective range.
The 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington excels in flatter trajectory and longer effective range due to its higher velocity. It is frequently chosen for self-defense and varmint hunting, and also is used in military applications around the world. Its smaller size translates to lighter weight and larger magazine capacity, making it ideal for situations requiring rapid fire.
| Feature | .350 Legend | 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .35 inches | .224 inches |
| Bullet Weight | 150-180 grains | 55-77 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2200-2300 fps | 2800-3200 fps |
| Energy | Higher at close range | Lower at close range, higher velocity at long range |
| Effective Range | Shorter | Longer |
| Recoil | Moderate | Lower |
Applications: Hunting vs. Tactical
The intended use significantly influences the choice between these two cartridges.
.350 Legend Applications
- Hunting: Deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game within its effective range. Its stopping power makes it a suitable alternative to larger calibers like .30-30 in certain hunting scenarios.
- Self-Defense (Home Defense): While possible, the higher recoil might be a disadvantage for less experienced shooters in self-defense situations.
5.56 NATO/.223 Remington Applications
- Self-Defense: Popular for home defense and personal protection due to its flatter trajectory and manageable recoil.
- Tactical Shooting/Competition: Frequently used in competitive shooting disciplines and tactical training.
- Hunting: Effective for varmints (coyotes, foxes), and sometimes smaller deer species at shorter ranges. Stopping power on larger game is limited, requiring accurate shot placement.
Recoil and Shootability
The .350 Legend has noticeably more recoil than the 5.56. This is due to the larger and heavier bullet. For newer shooters or those with sensitivity to recoil, the 5.56 might be a more comfortable option. Experienced shooters may find the .350 manageable, especially in lighter rifles.
Cost and Availability
Currently, .350 Legend ammunition is generally more expensive than 5.56 ammunition. The 5.56/.223 is far more widely available due to its extensive military and civilian use. This factor should be considered when making your decision, particularly for regular practice or high-volume shooting.
Conclusion: The Right Choice for You
The "better" cartridge depends entirely on your needs and intended application. The .350 Legend shines in its effectiveness for hunting medium-sized game at close to medium ranges and provides decent stopping power. The 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington offers better long-range performance, less recoil, greater ammunition availability, and is preferred for self-defense, tactical uses, and varmint hunting. Carefully weigh your priorities before making your decision.