Origins and Development
Development
The choice of the right cartridge can make or break your hunting success, impacting everything from ethical harvest to the enjoyment of your shooting experience. This decision can be tricky, requiring a thorough understanding of ballistic performance, recoil, and the intended use of your firearm. This is especially true when comparing two such different, yet popular, rounds as the 350 Legend and the 460 S&W. This comprehensive comparison aims to guide you, enabling you to make an informed choice about which cartridge best aligns with your individual hunting aspirations and shooting preferences.
The story of these two cartridges begins with their purpose. While both are designed to propel projectiles, the reasons behind their creation differ significantly.
The 350 Legend emerged as a response to the growing demand for straight-walled cartridges. Several states and localities have restrictions on the types of cartridges permitted for hunting, often limiting hunters to these types to ensure hunting safety and prevent overpenetration in built-up areas. The 350 Legend was engineered to fill this niche, offering hunters in these regulated areas an effective, accurate, and versatile option for hunting game. It was designed to be a highly efficient round, combining straight-walled design with excellent performance. It was developed with user-friendliness in mind, a design that is intended for various types of firearms.
On the other hand, the 460 S&W Magnum, a product of the Smith & Wesson company, takes a different path. It was conceived as a powerful, long-range hunting cartridge designed to take down large game at substantial distances. Built to sit within the Magnum family, the 460 S&W offers the advantages of velocity, flatter trajectories, and impressive energy transfer. Its roots lie in its parent cartridge, the 454 Casull. This cartridge was designed to push the boundaries of handgun hunting.
Understanding Ballistic Performance
Bullet Velocity
The heart of the matter in comparing these two cartridges lies in understanding their ballistic performance. This involves looking at bullet velocity, trajectory, energy at the target, and the effect of wind drift.
When discussing velocity, the 350 Legend often boasts muzzle velocities ranging from around 2,200 to 2,300 feet per second (fps) depending on the bullet weight. Different bullets will give different results, for example, a lighter 145-grain bullet will travel much faster than a 180-grain bullet. The 350 Legend is known for its flat trajectory, which is beneficial at hunting distances.
The 460 S&W Magnum, in contrast, commands a higher velocity, frequently reaching up to 1,800 to 2,300 fps depending on the bullet weight and the overall load. The 460 S&W has a variety of bullet weights available, giving it an edge with various hunting requirements. It is important to remember that because of the heavier bullets, trajectories can be slightly more arched, particularly at extreme ranges. The velocity it generates allows it to deliver massive amounts of energy at extended ranges.
Bullet Trajectory
Bullet trajectory is another crucial aspect. The 350 Legend has a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets. The 460 S&W Magnum, on the other hand, with its higher velocity, maintains flatter trajectories at hunting distances, which gives it an advantage in some shooting scenarios.
Energy at the Target
The energy at the target, measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs), provides insight into the power of each cartridge. The 350 Legend typically delivers around 1,400-1,600 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, depending on bullet weight, which quickly decreases with distance. The 460 S&W Magnum, on the other hand, starts with more than 2,000 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, with higher bullet weights delivering even more.
Effective Range and Hunting Applications
Hunting Scenarios
Understanding the effective ranges of the 350 Legend and 460 S&W is critical for ensuring ethical and successful hunting.
The 350 Legend is well-suited for deer-sized game at distances up to around 200 to 250 yards. It offers acceptable energy delivery for ethical kills within this range, especially when using the right bullet selection and placement. The 350 Legend is also a popular choice for hunting other game, such as hogs and coyotes. Compliance with straight-wall cartridge regulations is another significant benefit of the 350 Legend, making it an excellent option for areas with those restrictions.
The 460 S&W Magnum extends the effective range significantly. It is suitable for deer and elk-sized game at ranges exceeding 300 yards, given proper shot placement and bullet selection. The round’s higher energy levels mean it can ethically harvest larger game at further distances. The selection of various bullet weights and designs also allows hunters to tailor their loads to the specific game they are pursuing.
The Firearms and Equipment Landscape
Firearms Selection
The type of firearms and equipment available is an important factor when choosing between these cartridges.
The 350 Legend offers various firearm options, including bolt-action rifles and AR-15 platforms. The availability of these rifles makes the 350 Legend a versatile choice for hunters who prefer different rifle styles. Ammunition for the 350 Legend is also widely available and typically more affordable than the 460 S&W Magnum.
The 460 S&W Magnum, due to its powerful nature, is often chambered in revolvers and some specialized rifles. While the selection of rifles is more limited compared to the 350 Legend, the availability of powerful revolvers gives hunters a versatile option for taking the round into the field. Ammunition costs for the 460 S&W Magnum are generally higher.
The right optics, recoil pads, and accessories are also crucial when optimizing your shooting experience.
Considering Recoil and the Shooting Experience
The Feel of Recoil
Recoil is an essential consideration that can significantly impact shooting comfort and accuracy.
The 350 Legend offers a relatively manageable recoil. The round’s lower pressure, combined with the design of the firearms, means it is generally considered comfortable to shoot. This makes the 350 Legend a good option for beginners and those who are more recoil-sensitive.
The 460 S&W Magnum, however, produces substantial recoil. The high energy and heavy bullets generate a strong kick, which requires proper handling and training. Many shooters invest in recoil pads and other recoil-reducing accessories.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros and Cons
To make a final decision, it is vital to consider the pros and cons of each cartridge.
The 350 Legend’s advantages include its manageable recoil, efficiency, the availability of ammunition, and compliance with restrictions on straight-walled cartridges. Its flatter trajectory contributes to its accuracy over moderate ranges. However, the 350 Legend may not be the best choice for extremely long shots or harvesting the largest game.
The 460 S&W Magnum’s advantages include impressive energy on impact, longer effective range, and extreme versatility. The ability to select bullet weights to match the specific game you are pursuing is a great benefit. However, the 460 S&W Magnum’s higher recoil, higher ammo cost, and the need for more training can make it less appealing to some shooters.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing the Right Cartridge
Choosing the right cartridge requires careful consideration of your personal requirements.
If you prioritize comfortable shooting, ethical hunting at moderate ranges, and compliance with regulations, then the 350 Legend is an excellent choice. Its low recoil and straight-walled design make it a versatile and accessible option for many hunters.
If you are seeking to hunt at greater distances, target bigger game, or require the highest levels of energy on impact, then the 460 S&W Magnum is a better choice. Its inherent power and versatility make it a capable round, especially in the hands of an experienced shooter.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 350 Legend and the 460 S&W Magnum is a decision that hinges on your shooting and hunting needs. The 350 Legend offers a manageable experience and great performance for a variety of hunting situations and is often an outstanding choice for a wider range of shooters. The 460 S&W provides enhanced capability for extended ranges, and can be excellent for bigger game with a more experienced hunter. Carefully assessing your needs, preferences, and skill level is the best way to ensure that your selected cartridge will serve your hunting goals.
