When it comes to modern hunting rifles and AR builds, two calibers dominate discussions — .308 Winchester and .350 Legend. Both have earned loyal followings for their power, performance, and versatility. But which one truly fits your hunting or tactical needs?
In this deep dive, we’ll break down ballistics, recoil, effective range, ammunition cost, and platform compatibility, so you can choose the ideal setup — whether that’s a .308 AR-10 or .350 Legend AR-15 upper from Moriarti Armaments.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
| Caliber | Parent Case | Bullet Diameter | Platform | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .308 Winchester | .30-06 Springfield | .308” | AR-10 / Bolt Action | Long-Range Hunting, Tactical |
| .350 Legend | Straight Wall | .357” | AR-15 | Deer Hunting (Legal in Straight-Wall States) |
The .308 Win is a proven powerhouse for large game and precision shooting. Meanwhile, the .350 Legend was designed specifically for hunters in straight-wall cartridge states—offering big-bore impact in an AR-15 package.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
| Distance (yards) | .308 Win (150gr) Velocity (fps) | .350 Legend (180gr) Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2820 | 2200 |
| 100 | 2600 | 1900 |
| 200 | 2400 | 1650 |
| 300 | 2200 | 1400 |
| 400 | 2000 | 1200 |
.308 Winchester delivers superior long-range energy, maintaining over 1,000 ft-lbs past 500 yards.
.350 Legend, while slower, provides efficient close- to mid-range performance, making it perfect for brush or dense terrain hunting.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
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.308 Win: Noticeably stronger recoil, especially in lightweight AR-10 platforms.
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.350 Legend: Softer recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots—ideal for new hunters or youth shooters.
For a smoother shooting experience, check out the Moriarti AR-15 .350 Legend 16” Rifle Kit — precision-built and optimized for reliability.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
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.308 Winchester: Effective for elk, black bear, and large deer. Maintains lethality beyond 600 yards.
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.350 Legend: Designed for whitetail deer and hogs, effective out to about 250 yards.
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Takeaway: If you hunt in open country, the .308 dominates. For woods and straight-wall states, .350 Legend wins.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
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.308 Win: Broad selection, from match-grade to hunting loads, typically $1.20–$2.00 per round.
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.350 Legend: More affordable at around $0.75–$1.25 per round, and easier to shoot all day.
Pair your .350 Legend upper with Moriarti’s Complete AR-15 Lower Assemblies for a ready-to-shoot setup.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
| Feature | .308 Winchester | .350 Legend |
|---|---|---|
| AR Platform | AR-10 | AR-15 |
| Receiver Size | Larger | Standard |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Recoil System | Buffer Tube AR-10 | Carbine / Pistol AR-15 |
| Cost to Build | Higher | Lower |
If you want a lightweight hunting rifle, .350 Legend in an AR-15 platform offers unmatched convenience.
But for serious long-range power, the AR-10 in .308 Win remains the go-to.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
| Use Case | Best Caliber |
|---|---|
| Long-Range Precision | .308 Winchester |
| Dense Brush / Woods Hunting | .350 Legend |
| Recoil-Sensitive Shooters | .350 Legend |
| Large Game (Elk, Bear) | .308 Winchester |
| Budget AR Build | .350 Legend |
Both calibers have their place in the modern hunter’s arsenal.
If you value range and power — go .308.
If you prioritize control, affordability, and straight-wall compliance — go .350 Legend.
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
.308 Winchester vs .350 Legend — The Ultimate Caliber Showdown for Hunters and AR Builders
The debate between .308 Win and .350 Legend isn’t about which is “better” — it’s about matching the right tool to your mission.
If you’re chasing long-range accuracy and raw power, the .308 Winchester delivers proven results.
If you want a lightweight, low-recoil, straight-wall legal option, the .350 Legend is your new go-to.
No matter your choice, Moriarti Armaments delivers precision-engineered uppers and build kits to help you dominate the range and the field — all Made in the USA.
