Regardless of if you own a firearm chambered in one these two centerfire rounds, chances are you've heard about the 450 Bushmaster vs 350 Legend. Both have unique niches, especially among hunters and shooters seeking big-bore performance.
People often compare them to one another, but they're not exactly competitors. Both serve slightly different purposes and excel in different scenarios.
The .350 Legend is the new kid on the block, introduced by Winchester in 2019. Designed to meet the needs of hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge laws, it quickly became a favorite for whitetail hunters nationwide.
Essentially, it's a modernized straight wall round that fits neatly into various platforms. Offering a mix of low recoil, affordability, and effective performance for medium-sized game. One of the standouts features of the 350 Legend is its versatility.
With muzzle velocities typically ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 feet per second. It offers flat-shooting performance out to 200+ yards, ideal for most whitetail hunting.
The cartridge is known for its soft recoil. This makes it an excellent choice for new shooters or those who want a lighter-shooting big-game option. Plus, the ammo is relatively affordable compared to other big-bore options, which certainly doesn't hurt.
The 450 Bushmaster is no stranger to the big-bore scene. Introduced by Bushmaster and Hornady in the early 2000s. Designed to bring a hefty amount of stopping power to AR-15 platforms. Its goal was simple: deliver enough energy to take down larger game, such as hogs, black bears, and even elk, at closer ranges.
While it's not a long-range cartridge by any stretch, the 450 Bushmaster thrives within 150+ yards. Its heavy bullet and high energy transfer can make short work of even the toughest animals. It’s a popular choice for hunters who need serious power in a straight-wall cartridge. This is especially in dense brush or areas where longer shots aren’t practical.
The biggest distinction between these two rounds lies in their power and purpose. The .450 Bushmaster is the heavyweight champ of the two, built for maximum stopping power at close to medium range. A great choice for hunters who target large or dangerous game, where a single well-placed shot needs to deliver impressive amounts of energy.
However, it is pricier than .350 Legend, and the recoil is more pronounced. You can mitigate that recoil with the BCA muzzle brake reducing recoil by forty percent. The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is more of a middleweight contender.
While it is not as powerful as the .450 Bushmaster, it provides better accuracy. It has flatter trajectories, a longer effective range, and less recoil. These traits make it ideal for medium-sized game like whitetail deer, especially in areas requiring straight-wall cartridges.
Regarding cost, 350 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster is typically more affordable, making it an economical choice regardless of the task at hand. As this round becomes increasingly popular, more manufacturers are producing this round in a variety of configurations.
The 450 Bushmaster vs 350 Legend, while widely available, is a little tougher on the wallet. The rounds are more expensive to produce, which translates to higher prices at the checkout counter. If you plan to shoot often, the cost of 450 Bushmaster ammo can add up quickly. This can be an offset if you are an avid reloader.
Hunters optimized the 350 Legend for whitetail deer and other medium-sized game hunting. Because of its low recoil, flat trajectories, and affordability.
This makes it a great choice for hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge laws. It is also a good modern option for those who want an alternative to the .30-30. Winchester.
Great for hunters who want a lighter, easier-to-handle round delivering reliable performance within its effective range. The 450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, optimized for taking down larger or tougher game. If you're hunting hogs, black bears, or elk, the 450 Bushmaster works well within 150 yards. The 450 Bushmaster's assive energy transfer gets the job done with authority.
It's also a popular choice for hunters in thick brush, where its heavy bullet can plow through obstacles and still deliver a lethal shot. To determine which option will best fit your needs, it all comes down to what you're hunting, how far you're shooting, and personal preferences.
If you’re after a versatile, mild-shooting round for medium game, the 350 Legend is hard to beat. It’s accurate, easy on the shoulder, and affordable, making it a great all-around choice for most hunters. If power is your priority, the 450 Bushmaster stands ready to deliver. It's raw energy and knockdown power establish its force to be reckoned with, especially in larger game or close-range hunts.
Explore our complete guides for the 350 Legend and our guide to 450 Bushmaster to learn more.
