The Benefits of the .350 Legend Over a Shotgun Slug: A Detailed Comparison
When it comes to hunting or home defense, choosing the right firearm and caliber can make a significant difference in performance, accuracy, and overall effectiveness. Traditionally, shotgun slugs have been the go-to for big game hunting and defense, but recent years have seen the rise of modern straight-walled cartridges like the .350 Legend. In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of the .350 Legend over a 12-gauge shotgun slug and highlight the ballistic differences between these two popular options.
Key benefits of the .350 Legend over shotgun slugs include:
- Increased Accuracy One of the most significant advantages of the .350 Legend is its improved accuracy over a traditional shotgun slug. Rifles chambered in .350 Legend have rifled barrels, which spin the bullet and stabilize it in flight. This creates flatter trajectories and greater precision over longer distances compared to a smoothbore shotgun firing slugs, which can have more erratic flight patterns.
- Extended Effective Range The .350 Legend has a much longer effective range than a shotgun slug. A 12-gauge slug is typically limited to around 75-100 yards for accurate shots, while the .350 Legend can maintain accuracy and energy out to 200-250 yards. This extended range provides hunters with greater flexibility, especially in open fields where longer shots are often necessary.
- Reduced Recoil For many shooters, the recoil of a 12-gauge shotgun can be punishing, especially with high-powered slugs. The .350 Legend, on the other hand, offers significantly less recoil. This makes it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions and increases the likelihood of follow-up shots being accurate.
- Lighter Ammunition Ammunition for the .350 Legend is generally lighter than 12-gauge shotgun slugs, making it easier to carry more rounds during hunting trips. This might seem like a small factor, but for those who spend long hours in the field, every bit of weight saved can help.
- Compatibility with Rifles Rifles chambered in .350 Legend are often more ergonomic and user-friendly than shotguns. Rifles tend to offer better sighting options (including scope mounts), smoother trigger pulls, and greater comfort overall, which further contributes to the improved accuracy and ease of use.
Ballistic Comparison: .350 Legend vs. 12-Gauge Slug
Now that we’ve covered some of the general benefits, let’s dive into the ballistics of each option. Comparing the .350 Legend to a 12-gauge slug highlights the differences in performance between these two projectiles.
- .350 Legend Ballistics A typical .350 Legend load uses a 150-grain bullet that travels at approximately 2,200 feet per second (fps) with around 1,800 foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs) at the muzzle. At 200 yards, the bullet retains about 1,000 ft-lbs of energy, which is considered adequate for taking down deer-sized game.
- 12-Gauge Slug Ballistics A standard 12-gauge slug (1 oz or 437.5 grains) typically travels at around 1,600 fps with a muzzle energy of around 2,500 ft-lbs. However, due to its lower velocity and heavier mass, the slug rapidly loses velocity and energy, dropping to around 1,000 ft-lbs at just 100 yards. Beyond that, the slug becomes less effective and less accurate due to the lack of aerodynamic shape.
Trajectory Comparison
- .350 Legend: With its higher velocity and more streamlined design, the .350 Legend exhibits a much flatter trajectory than a 12-gauge slug. At 100 yards, a properly zeroed .350 Legend will have minimal bullet drop, and even at 200 yards, the bullet drop is around 8-10 inches depending on the load.
- 12-Gauge Slug: A 12-gauge slug has a much more pronounced arc due to its slower speed and greater mass. At 100 yards, you can expect about 4-6 inches of drop, and at 150 yards, the drop becomes much more significant, often exceeding 12-15 inches. This makes long-range accuracy more difficult.
Which is Better for You?
Choosing between the .350 Legend and a 12-gauge slug ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you hunt in thick woods where shots are limited to under 100 yards, a 12-gauge slug might still be a great option due to its sheer stopping power. However, if you’re hunting in open areas or want a firearm with greater accuracy, longer range, and reduced recoil, the .350 Legend is a clear winner.
The .350 Legend’s ballistic performance, flatter trajectory, and overall ease of use make it a superior choice for hunters who need flexibility, precision, and comfort during long hunts. Meanwhile, shotgun slugs still have their place, especially for short-range encounters where stopping power is key.
Whether you’re hunting deer, hogs, or simply need a reliable firearm for home defense, understanding the differences between these two popular options will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Conclusion
Both the .350 Legend and the 12-gauge slug have their respective advantages, but for many modern hunters and shooters, the .350 Legend stands out as the better all-around option. With its extended range, better accuracy, and reduced recoil, it’s an excellent choice for those who want versatility and performance in a straight-walled cartridge. Check out our selection of straight wall rifles Rifles For Sale – Shop Diverse Options Now – Full Bore Gunworks