The AR-15 Built in 350 Legend: A Modern Hunter's Choice

The world of firearms is constantly evolving, and at the forefront of innovation stands the AR-15 in the 350 Legend cartridge. This combination has taken the hunting world by storm, merging the reliability and versatility of the AR platform with a new cartridge that offers impressive ballistics. In this piece, we'll delve into the history of the 350 Legend, its adoption into the AR-15 platform, and its growing popularity among hunters.

History of the 350 Legend Cartridge

The 350 Legend cartridge is relatively new to the ammunition market. Debuted in 2019, it was designed to be a cost-effective, straight-walled cartridge that offered superior ballistics to many of its competitors, especially in states where straight-walled cartridges are mandated for hunting.

As the fastest production straight-walled hunting cartridge, the 350 Legend boasts better energy, range, and less recoil compared to its contemporaries. This has made it a favored choice for many hunters, especially those who hunt in regions with specific ammunition restrictions.

The Advent of the AR-15 350 Legend

The AR-15 rifle is renowned for its modularity and adaptability. So, it was only a matter of time before gun enthusiasts and manufacturers started producing the 350 Legend AR rifles. Incorporating the 350 Legend into the AR-15 platform created a versatile hunting rifle that could deliver accurate shots at a range while maintaining the AR's trademark quick follow-up shots, courtesy of its semi-automatic nature.

Additionally, for those who already own an AR-15, transitioning to the 350 Legend cartridge can be as simple as changing the 350 ar upper. This interchangeability further enhances the AR-15’s appeal, making it easier for hunters to adapt to various hunting scenarios without needing to buy a completely new rifle.

350 Legend in Hunting

While the AR-15 in 350 Legend can be used for a variety of purposes, its star truly shines in the hunting arena. The 350 Legend cartridge is designed to effectively take down medium to large game at a moderate range.

Popular among deer hunters, the 350 legend rifle offers enough punch to humanely and effectively take down a whitetail deer. Its impressive energy transfer ensures a clean kill, reducing the chances of wounding and trailing. This cartridge is not limited to deer hunting; it's also effective against larger game animals like hogs and black bears, and smaller game such as coyotes.

Its lower recoil compared to many hunting cartridges also makes it a preferred choice for younger hunters or those who are more recoil-sensitive. This means more accurate shots and a more enjoyable hunting experience overall.

Know the facts

Some shooters have complained that their AR-15 in 350 Legend is unreliable. That claim is patently false. In the vast majority of scenarios, they purchased a lower-quality firearm with known quality issues in hopes that they didn’t catch the hot potato and get a bad one or they claim that they run into cycling issues which has soured them somewhat on the caliber. The primary issue is the modularity of the platform itself. Many people like to buy a firearm and make “upgrades” which ultimately change the way the rifle operates. For example, people have a tendency to want to swap out the gas block and add an adjustable block for use with a suppressor. While that works for many people, if the port size on the new block is not tuned, it will change the bolt speed which can affect the cycles of function. Ultimately it is always best to seek help from the manufacturer or knowledgeable gunsmith if you choose to make changes.

Note: None of the following constitute a knowledgeable gunsmith: Social Media or Barney down the street who has built more guns than you. Pickett’s Mill Armory builds its rifles with the end user in mind. We have spent enormous resources to ensure that when you open the box, you get a well-built functioning hunting rifle that you can enjoy for years to come.

Conclusion

The union of the AR-15 and the 350 Legend cartridge has forged a powerful tool in the hands of modern hunters. Offering a blend of power, accuracy, and adaptability, the AR-15 350 Legend is poised to remain a top choice for hunters in the years to come. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to try out a new cartridge or a beginner searching for a reliable rifle that offers versatility, the AR-15 in 350 Legend is your perfect match. If you’re in the market for a new hunting rifle and love the modularity of the AR-15 Rifle, check out the one from Pickett’s Mill Armory here.