The Hornady Custom 165-grain FTX is the best overall .350 Legend ammunition for deer hunting. Firing a polymer-tipped bullet at 2,200 fps, it delivers 1,773 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and offers reliable controlled expansion. The unique Flex Tip design ensures consistent mushrooming even as velocities drop at extended ranges, making it highly lethal on whitetails. Its 0.250 ballistic coefficient provides a flatter trajectory than most competing straight-wall loads, allowing ethical shots out to 200 yards. By balancing deep penetration, massive energy transfer, and high retained weight, this load maximizes the practical hunting capability of the .350 Legend cartridge.
Best 350 Legend Ammo For Deer Hunting
| Ammo | Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | BC | Price | Best Feature |
| Hornady Custom 165 gr FTX | 165 gr | Polymer Tip (FTX) | 2,200 fps | 1,773 ft-lbs | 0.250 | $32.19 | Best overall long-range ballistics |
| Winchester Deer Season XP | 150 gr | Polymer Tip (XP) | 2,325 fps | 1,800 ft-lbs | 0.223 | $28.99 | Best for rapid expansion |
| Federal Fusion 160 gr | 160 gr | Bonded Soft Point | 2,300 fps | 1,880 ft-lbs | 0.260 | $42.99 | Best penetration and weight retention |
| Winchester Super-X | 180 gr | Jacketed Soft Point | 2,100 fps | 1,762 ft-lbs | 0.221 | $26.99 | Best value for short-range knockdown |
| Winchester Copper Impact | 150 gr | Monolithic Copper | 2,260 fps | 1,701 ft-lbs | 0.223 | $41.99 | Best lead-free hunting option |
The table above details the top-performing .350 Legend deer ammo options based on current factory data. The Hornady Custom 165-grain FTX stands out as the best overall choice due to its superior trajectory and controlled expansion. For hunters prioritizing rapid expansion and massive energy transfer, the Winchester Deer Season XP 150-grain is the top performer, generating 1,800 ft-lbs of energy right out of the muzzle. The Federal Fusion 160-grain earns its spot as the best for deep penetration; its bonded jacket design holds together through bone and thick shoulder muscle. If you need a reliable short-range thumper on a budget, the Winchester Super-X 180-grain is the best value, utilizing a heavy soft point to punch through brushy environments. Finally, for hunters in areas with lead restrictions, the Winchester Copper Impact 150-grain is the premier monolithic option.
Best 350 Legend Ammo For Deer Hunting By Load
Hornady Custom 165 gr FTX
Pros
- The Flex Tip (FTX) polymer insert initiates reliable expansion even at lower velocities past 150 yards.
- With a 0.250 ballistic coefficient, it retains energy and velocity better than traditional flat-nose or round-nose bullets.
- Weighing 165 grains, it offers an ideal middle ground between high velocity and deep penetrative mass.
Cons
- Priced over $32 per box, it is more expensive than standard soft-point ammunition.
- Availability can be limited just before deer season due to high demand.
Winchester Deer Season XP 150 gr Extreme Point
Pros
- The massive polymer Extreme Point tip creates a huge frontal diameter upon impact, leading to devastating wound channels.
- Pushing 2,325 fps at the muzzle, it is one of the fastest factory loads available for the .350 Legend.
- Produces exceptional knockdown power on broadside lung and heart shots.
Cons
- The lightweight 150-grain bullet and rapid expansion can lead to under-penetration if it strikes heavy bone.
- The lower 0.223 BC means it sheds velocity slightly faster than more aerodynamic bullets.
Federal Fusion 160 gr
Pros
- The electro-chemically bonded jacket prevents core separation, resulting in excellent weight retention (often over 90%).
- High muzzle energy of 1,880 ft-lbs delivers immense shock to the animal.
- Perfect for quartering shots where the bullet must pass through dense muscle or shoulder bone to reach vitals.
Cons
- At nearly $43 per box, it is one of the most expensive factory loads for the cartridge.
- Expansion is slower compared to polymer-tipped bullets, which may result in longer tracking jobs on behind-the-shoulder lung shots.
Winchester Super-X 180 gr Power-Point
Pros
- The heavy 180-grain projectile provides unmatched momentum and deep, straight-line penetration.
- Traditional Power-Point (jacketed soft point) design is highly proven and expands reliably at close ranges.
- Highly affordable, often retailing around $27 per box, making it excellent for high-volume practice.
Cons
- The lower muzzle velocity (2,100 fps) and low BC (0.221) cause a steeper bullet drop past 100 yards.
- Not ideal for open-field hunting where shots exceed 150 yards.
Winchester Copper Impact 150 gr
Pros
- 100% monolithic copper construction means zero lead fouling and compliance with lead-free hunting regulations.
- Retains virtually 100% of its weight after impact, driving deep through the target for guaranteed exit wounds.
- The oversized hollow cavity beneath the polymer tip ensures immediate expansion despite the tough copper material.
Cons
- Monolithic bullets require high velocity to expand; performance drops off sharply past 150 yards as speed decreases.
- Costs significantly more than standard lead-core ammunition.
350 Legend Ammo Ballistics For Deer
When evaluating 350 Legend hunting ammo comparison data, velocity and energy retention are critical because this straight-walled cartridge is inherently limited in range compared to bottleneck cartridges.
Using factory data based on standard 20-inch test barrels, here is how the top loads compare dynamically:
- Hornady 165 gr FTX: Launches at 2,200 fps (1,773 ft-lbs). At 100 yards, it retains approximately 1,820 fps and 1,213 ft-lbs. At 200 yards, it slows to ~1,500 fps but still carries enough energy for an ethical harvest.
- Winchester Deer Season XP 150 gr: Starts faster at 2,325 fps (1,800 ft-lbs). By 100 yards, it drops to roughly 1,900 fps and 1,200 ft-lbs.
- Winchester Super-X 180 gr: Starts slower at 2,100 fps. Because of the heavy weight and low BC, energy drops to around 1,150 ft-lbs at 100 yards, limiting its effective maximum range for deer to roughly 150 yards.
350 Legend Bullet Construction For Deer
Bullet design dictates terminal performance on game. The .350 Legend uses .357-caliber projectiles, which are naturally wide and devastating.
- Polymer-Tip (e.g., Deer Season XP, Hornady FTX): These bullets use a plastic tip driven into a hollow cavity upon impact to force rapid expansion. They are highly effective for broadside shots, causing massive tissue damage.
- Bonded Soft Point (e.g., Federal Fusion): The copper jacket is molecularly fused to the lead core. This prevents the bullet from fragmenting when hitting bone, making it the best choice for quartering angles where deep penetration is mandatory.
- Jacketed Soft Point (e.g., Super-X Power-Point): A traditional lead-core bullet with exposed lead at the tip. They expand well at standard velocities and are cost-effective, though they may lose more weight during penetration than bonded designs.
- Monolithic Copper (e.g., Copper Impact): Made entirely of copper with no lead core. They penetrate deeper than almost any other design and retain nearly 100% of their weight, but they require high impact velocities to mushroom properly.
Penetration And Expansion
Independent ballistic gelatin testing frequently highlights the differences in these loads.
The Winchester Deer Season XP 150-grain typically expands to over 0.65 inches almost immediately upon entering ballistic gel, creating a massive temporary cavity. However, its penetration depth usually maxes out around 14 to 16 inches.
In contrast, the Federal Fusion 160-grain and Winchester Copper Impact 150-grain routinely penetrate 18 to 22 inches in gelatin testing. While their expanded diameters might be slightly smaller, their ability to push through bone and create a reliable exit wound makes them superior for tracking and recovering game in thick timber.
350 Legend Bullet Weight For Deer Hunting
The .350 Legend is generally loaded with bullets ranging from 150 to 180 grains for hunting.
- 150 Grain: Maximizes muzzle velocity (2,250 – 2,325 fps) and flattens trajectory. Best for open fields and maximizing hydrostatic shock, but slightly more prone to wind drift.
- 160 – 165 Grain: The sweet spot for the .350 Legend. This weight perfectly balances velocity, energy retention, and penetrative mass.
- 170 – 180 Grain: Prioritizes deep penetration and momentum over speed. Muzzle velocities drop closer to 2,100 fps. These heavier bullets deliver a heavy thumping impact but require more compensation for bullet drop past 100 yards. Recoil is slightly more noticeable but remains very mild overall.
350 Legend Ammo For Short Barrel Rifles
Many hunters use the .350 Legend in AR-15 platforms or compact bolt-action rifles with 16-inch barrels. Factory ammunition velocities are typically measured in 20-inch barrels. You can expect a velocity loss of approximately 20 to 25 fps per inch of barrel reduced.
Therefore, a 16-inch barrel will lose about 80 to 100 fps compared to the box data. For short-barreled rifles, lighter, faster loads like the Winchester Deer Season XP 150 gr are highly recommended. Because they start at a higher velocity, they stay above the minimum expansion threshold (usually around 1,600 fps for polymer tips) at longer distances, even when fired from shorter barrels.
Range Considerations for 350 Legend Deer Hunting
350 Legend Ammo For 100 Yard Deer Hunting
At 100 yards, virtually every factory .350 Legend hunting load is devastatingly effective. If you zero your rifle at 100 yards, a load like the Federal Fusion 160 gr or Winchester 180 gr Power-Point will hit exactly on target with over 1,100 ft-lbs of energy. Heavy soft points excel here because their poor aerodynamics haven’t yet degraded their performance.
350 Legend Ammo For 200 Yard Deer Hunting
At 200 yards, bullet drop and energy loss become significant factors. A 180-grain soft point zeroed at 100 yards will drop over 8 inches at 200 yards and bleed energy rapidly. For 200-yard shots, you must use an aerodynamic, polymer-tipped bullet. The Hornady Custom 165 gr FTX is the best option for this distance; if zeroed at 150 yards, it will only drop about 3 to 4 inches at 200 yards, making holdovers simple while retaining enough energy to cleanly harvest a deer.
350 Legend Ammo Price And Availability
Pricing for .350 Legend ammunition remains very reasonable compared to traditional bottleneck centerfire cartridges. (Note: Prices checked as of September 2026).
| Ammo | Box Size | Current Price | Price Per Round | Value |
| Hornady Custom 165 gr FTX | 20 | $32.19 | $1.61 | Excellent |
| Winchester Deer Season XP 150 gr | 20 | $28.99 | $1.45 | Excellent |
| Federal Fusion 160 gr | 20 | $42.99 | $2.15 | Fair |
| Winchester Super-X 180 gr | 20 | $26.99 | $1.35 | Best Budget |
| Winchester Copper Impact 150 gr | 20 | $41.99 | $2.10 | Good |
How To Choose 350 Legend Deer Ammo
Selecting the right ammo depends on your hunting environment. If you hunt in dense woods where shots are under 75 yards, an affordable 180-grain soft point will put deer down instantly. If you hunt over agricultural fields where a 175-yard shot is possible, prioritize aerodynamic bullets like the Hornady FTX. Always test a few different loads at the range; some AR-15 feed ramps prefer the rounded profile of polymer tips over exposed lead soft points.
Hunting Legality
The .350 Legend was explicitly designed to comply with straight-wall cartridge regulations in states like Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, and Indiana. However, regulations change, and some public lands require lead-free ammunition. Always verify your specific state and local game laws regarding legal bullet weights, case lengths, and material restrictions before heading into the field.
Final Ranking
| Rank | 350 Legend Ammo | Best For | Why |
| 1 | Hornady Custom 165 gr FTX | Overall | Best combination of BC, controlled expansion, and energy retention for extended ranges. |
| 2 | Winchester Deer Season XP 150 gr | Rapid Knockdown | Massive polymer tip creates devastating wound channels for immediate energy transfer. |
| 3 | Federal Fusion 160 gr | Deep Penetration | Bonded construction ensures the bullet won’t break apart on heavy bone or quartering shots. |
| 4 | Winchester Super-X 180 gr Power-Point | Budget / Close Range | Heavy, reliable soft point that delivers excellent momentum at an affordable price. |
| 5 | Winchester Copper Impact 150 gr | Lead-Free Hunting | Monolithic copper guarantees weight retention and complies with strict non-lead regulations. |
Best 350 Legend Ammo For Deer Hunting: Which Should You Choose?
If you want the absolute best performance across the widest variety of hunting situations, choose the Hornady Custom 165-grain FTX. Its aerodynamic profile and reliable expansion make it the most versatile load available.
If you want a premium option that guarantees an exit wound on tough quartering angles, the Federal Fusion 160-grain is unmatched in its ability to retain weight and penetrate deep. For hunters on a strict budget, the Winchester Super-X 180-grain Power-Point is the best value, offering classic, proven terminal performance at a fraction of the cost.
Hunters using AR-15s or short-barreled bolt guns should lean toward the Winchester Deer Season XP 150-grain, as its high initial velocity compensates for the speed lost in shorter barrels. Finally, for those pushing the cartridge to its absolute limit across open fields, the Hornady Custom 165-grain FTX remains the best long-range deer hunting option.
FAQs
What is the best 350 Legend ammo for deer hunting?
The Hornady Custom 165-grain FTX is widely considered the best overall .350 Legend ammo for deer hunting due to its excellent ballistic coefficient, controlled expansion, and strong energy retention.
What grain 350 Legend ammo is best for deer?
The 160-grain and 165-grain loads are generally the best middle ground, balancing high velocity with enough mass to ensure deep penetration on whitetails.
Is 350 Legend 150 grain good for deer?
Yes, 350 Legend 150 grain deer loads (like Winchester Deer Season XP) are excellent. They offer the highest velocities, flat trajectories, and rapid expansion for quick kills.
Is 350 Legend 160 grain good for deer?
Yes, 350 Legend 160 grain deer loads, particularly bonded designs like Federal Fusion, are arguably the best weight for ensuring complete pass-through penetration on mature bucks.
Is 350 Legend 170 grain good for deer?
Yes, 350 Legend 170 grain deer loads like Hornady American Whitetail provide fantastic momentum and reliable expansion at close to medium ranges.
Is 350 Legend 180 grain good for deer?
Yes, 350 Legend 180 grain deer loads feature soft points that hit with massive authority and are perfect for hunting in thick timber where shots rarely exceed 100 yards.
What is the best 350 Legend hunting bullet?
The Hornady FTX and Winchester Extreme Point are excellent for rapid expansion, while bonded soft points (like Fusion) and monolithic copper bullets (like Copper Impact) are best for deep penetration.
What is the best 350 Legend ammo for short barrels?
Lightweight, high-velocity loads like the 150-grain Winchester Deer Season XP are best for short barrels because they start fast enough to ensure reliable expansion despite velocity loss.
How far is 350 Legend effective for deer hunting?
The .350 Legend is highly effective out to 150 yards. With the right 350 Legend hunting rounds and practice, it can be ethically used up to 200 yards.
What is the best 350 Legend ammo at 200 yards?
The Hornady Custom 165-grain FTX is the best 200-yard option because its 0.250 BC allows it to retain more velocity and energy than competing loads.
Which 350 Legend ammo has the best expansion?
Winchester Deer Season XP 150-grain features an oversized polymer tip that creates the most massive and rapid expansion upon impact.
Which 350 Legend ammo has the best penetration?
Winchester Copper Impact 150-grain monolithic bullets and Federal Fusion 160-grain bonded bullets offer the deepest penetration and best weight retention.
What is the best value 350 Legend deer ammo?
Winchester Super-X 180-grain Power-Point is the best value, consistently retailing lower than premium tipped or bonded ammunition.
Is 350 Legend good for deer hunting?
Yes, the .350 Legend is an exceptional deer hunting cartridge. It offers more energy than a .30-30 Winchester, less recoil than a .450 Bushmaster, and is legal in straight-wall restricted states.