The world of firearms is always evolving, and as it does, new cartridges emerge to push the boundaries of what is possible. Two of the latest entrants in this arena are the 300 Blackout and the 350 Legend. In this article, we will explore the similarities, differences, and unique features of both cartridges, and compare them across a range of factors, including ballistics, performance, and pricing.
Background Information
The 300 Blackout, also known as the 300 AAC Blackout or 7.62x35mm, is a cartridge that was designed in 2009 to offer more firepower and flexibility to special forces units operating in close-quarters battle scenarios. The cartridge was first introduced by Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) in 2010, and was intended to be used in conjunction with a variety of suppressors. Today, it has become increasingly popular in the civilian market, particularly among AR-15 enthusiasts who value its versatility.
The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is an even newer cartridge, having been introduced by Winchester in 2019. Designed as a straight-walled hunting cartridge for use in states that have restrictions on high-powered rifles, it has been positioned as a more versatile and reliable alternative to other cartridges in its class.
Ballistics
In terms of ballistics, both the 300 Blackout and 350 Legend offer impressive performance, although in slightly different ways.
The 300 Blackout, for example, is known for its ability to switch between subsonic and supersonic loads without requiring a change in the firearm's operating system. Subsonic loads, which are typically used in conjunction with a suppressor, offer impressive stopping power at short ranges, while supersonic loads are ideal for medium-range shooting. This versatility has made the cartridge increasingly popular among military and law enforcement personnel, as well as hunters who value its flexibility.
The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is a more traditional hunting cartridge that is designed for medium to long-range shots. Its straight-walled design and impressive energy retention make it an excellent choice for hunting medium-sized game such as deer or hogs, and it is also known for its ability to deliver excellent penetration and terminal performance.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the 300 Blackout and 350 Legend have their strengths and weaknesses.
The 300 Blackout, for example, is known for its ability to deliver a lot of energy at close range, making it ideal for home defense or other situations where short-range stopping power is important. Its subsonic loads, in particular, offer impressive stopping power and reduced noise, which makes them a popular choice among hunters and tactical shooters alike.
The 350 Legend, on the other hand, is known for its ability to deliver consistent, reliable performance across a wide range of shooting situations. Whether you are taking a long-range shot at a deer or making a closer shot on a hog, the cartridge is designed to deliver reliable results.
Differences
One of the biggest differences between the 300 Blackout and the 350 Legend is their intended purpose. The 300 Blackout was designed with versatility in mind, allowing shooters to switch between subsonic and supersonic ammunition easily. This makes it a popular choice for hunting and tactical situations. On the other hand, the 350 Legend was designed specifically for hunting, particularly in states that have restrictions on caliber size. The straight-walled cartridge is known for its accuracy, making it a favorite among hunters.
Product Availability
When it comes to product availability, the 300 Blackout has been around for over a decade, which means it is widely available from multiple manufacturers, including Moriarti Armaments. The 300 Blackout is compatible with most AR-15 platforms, which makes it easy to find parts and accessories for your rifle. Moriarti Armaments offers a variety of products for the 300 Blackout, including complete rifles, pistols, uppers, barrels, build kits and bolt carrier groups.
On the other hand, the 350 Legend is a newer cartridge and has limited availability when compared to the 300 Blackout, the barrel length limitations to be more precise for pistol size AR. However, Moriarti Armaments does offer complete uppers, rifles and pistols for the 350 Legend, allowing shooters to customize their rifle to fit their needs.
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