Finding accurate 350 Legend load data is essential for maximizing the straight-walled performance of this highly popular modern hunting cartridge.
This comprehensive guide compiles trusted 350 Legend reloading data to help you safely develop the perfect round for your AR-15 or bolt-action rifle.
Whether you are loading lightweight 145-grain target projectiles or heavy 250-grain subsonic bullets, always cross-reference these published figures before charging your cases.
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350 Legend Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady FMJ | 145 gr | Lil’Gun | 24.5 gr | 26.5 gr (53,000 PSI) | 2,250 – 2,400 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Winchester Power-Point | 150 gr | W296 | 23.5 gr | 26.0 gr (54,500 PSI) | 2,150 – 2,350 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady FTX | 165 gr | CFE BLK | 25.5 gr | 27.5 gr (51,000 PSI) | 2,050 – 2,200 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Barnes TTSX | 170 gr | Accurate 11FS | 22.0 gr | 25.0 gr | 2,100 – 2,250 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Western Powders |
| Winchester Power-Point | 180 gr | H110 | 20.5 gr | 22.5 gr (52,500 PSI) | 1,950 – 2,100 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
350 Legend Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady SP | 170 gr | IMR 4227 | 21.0 gr | 23.5C gr (53,500 PSI) | 1,950 – 2,150 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady FMJ | 145 gr | Accurate 5744 | 22.5 gr | 25.0 gr | 2,050 – 2,200 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Western Powders |
| Hornady FTX | 165 gr | Lil’Gun | 22.0 gr | 24.5 gr (52,500 PSI) | 2,150 – 2,300 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Winchester Extreme Point | 150 gr | CFE BLK | 26.0 gr | 28.5 gr (52,000 PSI) | 2,100 – 2,300 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hodgdon |
| Hornady SUB-X | 250 gr | Accurate 1680 | 11.5 gr | 12.8 gr | 950 – 1,050 fps | 16″ / Universal Receiver | Hornady |
Understanding the 350 Legend Reloading Data
Reading 350 Legend reloading data requires a strict understanding of the cartridge’s physical design constraints. Introduced by Winchester as the fastest straight-walled hunting cartridge in the world, the 350 Legend headspaces on the case mouth. Because of this, you must absolutely never apply a heavy roll crimp. Reloaders must utilize a taper crimp die to secure the bullet while leaving enough of the brass case mouth exposed to headspace properly inside the chamber. Failure to do so will result in dangerous feeding and firing malfunctions.
350 Legend Bullet Weight Reloading Data
The 350 Legend utilizes a highly specific .355-inch bullet diameter, effectively mirroring traditional 9mm dimensions rather than standard .358-inch rifle bullets. Supersonic load data heavily focuses on 145-grain to 180-grain projectiles specifically designed with the jacket thickness required to withstand high rifle velocities. Handloaders must never attempt to substitute standard .357 or .358-caliber rifle bullets (such as those used in the .35 Remington), as squeezing an oversized bullet into the straight-walled chamber will cause a catastrophic pressure spike.
350 Legend Powder Reloading Data
Powder selection for the 350 Legend bridges the gap between magnum pistol powders and the absolute fastest-burning rifle propellants. Winchester 296 (W296) and Hodgdon H110 are considered the industry standards, delivering peak velocities with 150-grain and 160-grain projectiles. Other exceptional powders include Hodgdon Lil’Gun, CFE BLK, Accurate 11FS, and IMR 4227. These fast-burning propellants efficiently consume their charge within the small, straight-walled casing, providing excellent performance in short barrels.
350 Legend Bullet and Powder Combinations
Pairing the right bullet with the appropriate powder ensures maximum reliability in both AR-15 platforms and bolt-action rifles. For supersonic hunting applications, pairing a 165-grain Hornady FTX or 170-grain soft point with Lil’Gun or H110 guarantees a complete powder burn and devastating terminal velocity. If you are developing heavy subsonic ammunition using 250-grain projectiles, switching to slightly slower powders like Accurate 1680 or CFE BLK ensures the AR-15’s gas system receives enough sustained pressure to reliably cycle the bolt.
350 Legend Velocity From Published Data
Published velocity figures for the 350 Legend emphasize its dominance as a short-to-medium-range thumper. Pushing a lightweight 145-grain full metal jacket bullet past 2,350 fps is easily achievable, producing a relatively flat trajectory inside 150 yards. When loading traditional 170-grain or 180-grain hunting bullets, handloaders can expect consistent velocities hovering around 2,100 fps. These speeds ensure that the expanding bullets deliver massive kinetic energy transfer immediately upon impact.
350 Legend Reloading Data by Barrel Length
Most published load data for the 350 Legend utilizes a 16-inch laboratory test barrel to simulate the AR-15 carbines and compact bolt-action rifles that dominate the market. Because the cartridge utilizes fast-burning powders, it reaches peak velocity very quickly. If you are shooting a bolt-action rifle with a longer 20-inch barrel, you can expect a modest velocity increase of approximately 15 to 25 fps per inch of added barrel length over the published figures.
350 Legend Energy and Ballistics
The 350 Legend generates impressive kinetic energy, frequently outperforming the legendary .30-30 Winchester at the muzzle while generating noticeably less felt recoil. However, because the straight-walled cartridge uses flat-base, low-BC bullets, it sheds velocity and energy rapidly as it travels downrange. The trajectory begins to drop sharply past 200 yards, restricting the 350 Legend to practical hunting distances where its massive frontal diameter can do the most damage.
350 Legend Hunting Applications
The 350 Legend was engineered specifically to dominate the deer woods in states with restrictive hunting laws that mandate the use of straight-walled cartridges (such as Ohio, Iowa, and southern Michigan). It is an incredibly effective cartridge for harvesting whitetail deer, feral hogs, and black bears inside of 200 yards. The mild recoil makes it an exceptional choice for young hunters, while its compatibility with standard AR-15 lower receivers makes it a versatile platform for modern sporting rifle enthusiasts.
Manufacturer Data vs. Independent Testing
Because the 350 Legend headspaces on the mouth and requires specific .355-inch projectiles, relying exclusively on official manufacturer data is critical. Independent forum data occasionally features handloaders illegally sizing down oversized bullets or applying incorrect roll crimps, both of which severely compromise the structural integrity of the cartridge and the safety of the firearm. Always stick to verified load data published specifically for the 350 Legend chamber.
350 Legend Pressure and Safety
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the 350 Legend is set at a staggering 55,000 PSI, which is exceptionally high for a straight-walled cartridge. Maintaining consistent brass length is critical; if a case is trimmed too short, it will slip too far into the chamber and cause a misfire. Conversely, if a case is left too long, it will pinch the bullet upon chambering, creating a lethal pressure spike. Always measure and trim your brass meticulously, and start load development at the published minimums.
Best Sources for 350 Legend Reloading Data
The most reliable sources for load data are the printed manuals and digital hubs provided by the companies that pioneered the cartridge and its specialized components. The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center offers incredibly comprehensive digital tables for W296, H110, and Lil’Gun. Additionally, the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading provides meticulously tested data specifically tailored to their proprietary .355-inch FTX, InterLock, and SUB-X projectiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find 350 Legend reloading data?
You can find accurate 350 Legend reloading data in published manuals from Hornady and digitally on the official Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.
What powders are listed in published 350 Legend data?
Commonly listed fast-burning rifle and magnum pistol powders include Lil’Gun, Winchester 296, Hodgdon H110, CFE BLK, Accurate 11FS, and IMR 4227.
What bullet weights are covered in these tables?
These tables cover a wide spectrum of .355-inch bullet weights ranging from 145-grain FMJs to 180-grain hunting soft points, and up to 250-grain heavy subsonic projectiles.
Does barrel length affect 350 Legend velocity?
Yes, while standard test data utilizes a 16-inch barrel, shooting from a longer 20-inch bolt-action rifle will typically yield a minor velocity gain of 15 to 25 feet per second per inch.
Can I use standard rifle primers for 350 Legend?
Yes, standard Small Rifle primers (such as the Federal 205 or CCI 400) are universally required to handle the high 55,000 PSI chamber pressures.
What is the difference between 350 Legend load data and reloading data?
There is no practical difference; both terms refer to the precise recipes of powder charges, bullet weights, and primers required to safely assemble the cartridge.
Why do published velocity figures differ between sources?
Velocity figures differ because testing facilities use varying specific test barrels, environmental conditions, brass lot capacities, and primer types during their distinct testing protocols.
Should I use the maximum published load?
You should never start with the maximum published load; always begin with the minimum recommended starting charge and carefully work up while monitoring your brass for pressure signs.
Can I use data from one bullet manufacturer for another bullet?
You should only use data specifically designed for the exact bullet you are loading, as variations in bullet profile and bearing surface drastically alter internal case capacity in straight-walled cartridges.
Where should I verify 350 Legend load data before reloading?
You should strictly verify all load data against an official, recently published manufacturer manual or a powder company’s official online database before assembling any ammunition.