The .350 Legend cartridge has generated considerable buzz among hunters and shooters since its introduction. Its touted accuracy and performance in AR-15 platforms have made it a popular choice, but how accurate is it, really? This article delves into the factors affecting .350 Legend accuracy and examines its capabilities in various scenarios.
Factors Influencing .350 Legend Accuracy
Several factors contribute to the overall accuracy of a .350 Legend rifle, impacting both short-range and long-range shooting. These include:
1. The Rifle Itself:
- Barrel Quality: A high-quality, properly manufactured barrel is paramount. A barrel with imperfections or inconsistencies in its rifling can significantly degrade accuracy. Look for barrels made from reputable manufacturers with tight tolerances. Barrel length also plays a role; longer barrels generally provide slightly higher velocities and potentially improved accuracy.
- Action Type: While the .350 Legend is primarily used in AR-15 style platforms, the action type and its precision influence accuracy. A well-built AR-15 action with tight tolerances will generally yield better results than a lower-quality or loosely built one.
- Stock and Mounting System: A stable and well-fitted stock is essential. A wobbly or poorly designed stock can negatively impact accuracy, especially during recoil. The mounting system for scopes or other optics must be rigid and properly aligned to the barrel.
2. Ammunition:
- Ammunition Quality: The quality of ammunition directly impacts accuracy. Consistent bullet weight, powder charge, and overall manufacturing quality are crucial. Premium ammunition usually provides better accuracy than cheaper alternatives.
- Bullet Type: Different bullet types (e.g., full metal jacket, soft point, hollow point) exhibit different ballistic characteristics and accuracy potentials. The bullet's design, weight, and construction affect its trajectory and precision.
3. Shooter Skill and Technique:
- Proper Shooting Form: Even the best rifle and ammunition will fail to deliver optimal accuracy if the shooter's technique is flawed. Proper stance, grip, breathing, and trigger control are all critical components of accurate shooting.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind, temperature, and humidity can all impact bullet trajectory and accuracy. These factors need to be considered, especially at longer ranges.
Real-World Accuracy Expectations
While manufacturers often advertise impressive accuracy figures, real-world performance can vary. With high-quality components, proper ammunition, and skilled marksmanship, a .350 Legend rifle is capable of sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy at shorter ranges (under 200 yards). This means that groups of shots will be clustered within a circle of one inch or less at 100 yards. Beyond 200 yards, accuracy will likely decrease due to bullet drop and environmental factors.
Many shooters report good accuracy with the .350 Legend, particularly for hunting applications within its effective range. However, it's crucial to remember that consistent accuracy depends on the interplay of all the factors mentioned above.
Conclusion
The .350 Legend's accuracy is not a single, definitive number. It's a complex interplay of several factors, each significantly impacting the final result. By carefully selecting high-quality components, using appropriate ammunition, and developing solid shooting skills, shooters can expect good accuracy from a .350 Legend rifle, particularly within its intended range for hunting and target shooting. Remember that consistent practice and understanding your specific setup's limitations are key to achieving optimal precision.
