Range: Which Caliber Reaches Further?
.350 Legend:The .350 Legend, while offering a smaller bullet diameter than the .450 Bushmaster, shines with its longer effective range. With a .358 diameter bullet, the .350 Legend is known for its impressive velocity and flat trajectory. This means it performs well for medium-range hunting (around 100-250 yards) and even reaches beyond that with some shooters pushing it up to 300 yards with precision.
Because of its higher velocity (around 2,300 fps with a 150-grain bullet), it retains energy better over distance, making it ideal for deer hunting and other similar-sized game. If you're hunting in open fields where long-range shots are common, the .350 Legend will provide excellent performance at moderate distances.
.450 Bushmaster:On the other hand, the .450 Bushmaster, with a .452 bullet diameter, packs a bigger punch. However, its heavier bullets (typically in the 250 to 300-grain range) and lower velocity (around 2,000 fps with a 250-grain bullet) mean it’s less suited for long-range precision than the .350 Legend. While it's effective at shorter to medium ranges (under 200 yards), the bullet tends to drop more quickly over longer distances due to its lower speed and heavier weight. This makes the .450 Bushmaster a better choice for close-range hunts where impact power is more critical than long-distance accuracy.
Winner for Range: .350 Legend, thanks to its flatter trajectory and better long-range velocity.
Power: Which One Packs the Bigger Punch?
.350 Legend:
With its 150-250 grain bullets, the .350 Legend delivers enough power for most big game hunts like whitetail deer and feral hogs. It has a good energy transfer but isn’t as devastating as the .450 Bushmaster. The power of the .350 Legend lies in its ability to deliver consistent, reliable hits without being too extreme for most hunters or recreational shooters. It’s ideal for those looking for a balance between power and manageable recoil.
.450 Bushmaster:
Now, if you’re looking for serious knockdown power, the .450 Bushmaster is the round that commands respect. A typical 250-grain bullet in this round produces much more energy (around 2,200 ft-lbs) than the .350 Legend, making it a top choice for hunters targeting larger, tougher game like moose or bear. The larger bullet diameter and heavier weight result in a significantly more powerful round overall, creating massive wounds upon impact. While recoil may be greater (more on that shortly), the sheer power of the .450 Bushmaster is undeniable.
Winner for Power: .450 Bushmaster, hands down, for its heavier bullet weight and higher energy transfer.
Recoil: Which Caliber is Easier to Handle?
.350 Legend:The .350 Legend features relatively mild recoil in comparison to other big-bore rounds, making it a fantastic option for hunters who prefer comfort and accuracy over sheer stopping power. With its moderate velocity and bullet weight, it provides a manageable recoil that doesn’t knock you off target after each shot. This makes the .350 Legend particularly appealing for youth hunters, new shooters, or anyone who plans to shoot for extended periods without feeling worn out.
.450 Bushmaster:
The .450 Bushmaster, with its larger bullet weight and slower velocity, generates noticeably more recoil. While it’s certainly manageable for an experienced shooter, it’s stronger than the .350 Legend, and some shooters might find it uncomfortable after a few shots, especially during long sessions at the range or in the field. The recoil is more significant, so those who aren’t accustomed to shooting larger calibers may feel the impact more. However, if you're a seasoned shooter, the recoil is just part of the deal for the devastating power the round provides.
Winner for Recoil: .350 Legend, due to its gentler recoil and better suitability for extended shooting sessions.
Final Thoughts: Which Caliber Should You Choose?
The .350 Legend and the .450 Bushmaster each have their advantages depending on your hunting preferences and shooting style.
Choose the .350 Legend if you’re focused on long-range performance, lower recoil, and hunting smaller to medium-sized game like deer. It’s also a more manageable round for beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by recoil.
Opt for the .450 Bushmaster if you need maximum power and are targeting larger game like bear or moose. While recoil is more intense, it’s a beastly round that’s perfect for those who want to make sure they take down their game with a single shot.
Both rounds perform excellently, and your final choice will depend on what you prioritize most: range, power, or recoil.
Which round do you prefer for your next hunt? Let us know in the comments below, and happy shooting!
