What’s the Best Barrel Length for .350 Legend When Hunting?

Hunting
1

I’ve been doing some serious research into the .350 Legend and how barrel lengths can impact performance, especially when it comes to deer hunting. I’m really hoping to get some insights from those of you who have experience with this caliber.

Key Considerations for Barrel Length

When considering barrel length, there are a few factors that are crucial:

  • Velocity: How does the barrel length affect the velocity of the round? Does a longer barrel significantly increase velocity, and is that increase worth the trade-off in portability?

  • Accuracy: I’ve read that barrel length can also impact accuracy. What have your experiences been when it comes to longer vs. shorter barrels?

  • Maneuverability: Especially when hunting in thick woods or close quarters, a shorter barrel might be easier to handle. What lengths have you found optimal for balance between maneuverability and performance?

Personal Experiences

If you have personal stories or numbers from actual hunts using different barrel lengths, I’d love to hear them!

Recommendations

  • What barrel lengths do you recommend for a .350 Legend?
  • Is there a sweet spot in terms of length that you think performs best in the field?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Thanks in advance for any advice!

5 Likes
2

I’ve found that a barrel length of 16 to 20 inches offers the best balance for accuracy with .350 Legend. It’s perfect for most hunting scenarios, especially in wooded areas.

3

Interesting point! I always thought longer barrels reduce recoil better, but I see how it varies with different environments. Anyone prefer shorter barrels?

6 Likes
4

I’ve used a 18-inch barrel and found it great for accuracy at 100-200 yards. It seems to perform well with a wide variety of bullet weights too.

5

That’s helpful! Would you say this is suitable for both deer and hog hunting? I’m considering getting one.

5 Likes
6

For hog hunting, I would definitely recommend the 18-inch barrel. It packs a punch and stays accurate even at those middle-range shots, plus it’s maneuverable.

7

Is 20 inches too long for close-kill shots though? I’m a bit worried about that. What’s the trade-off here?

2 Likes
8

I’ve used a 20-inch barrel and while it’s great for distance, I can see where it gets cumbersome for quick close encounters.

9

I think a lot depends on your shooting style. If you’re stalking and making those quick shots, a 16-inch barrel might be better. It’s all about comfort and familiarity.

2 Likes
10

What about bullet selection? Would lighter bullets perform better with shorter barrels?

11

From my experience, lighter bullets can indeed work better with shorter barrels because they achieve higher velocities sooner. It’s worth experimenting!

12

I heard 22 inches is the sweet spot for long-range accuracy! Anyone tested this out? Seems like a gamble for hunting, though.

13

That’s quite interesting! I always thought longer didn’t always mean better, especially in woods. What do others think?

14

If my barrel length is anything like my last date, longer is definitely not better! But really, I wonder how these lengths affect recoil too.

15

Haha, that’s a good one! On a serious note, recoil does tend to decrease with longer barrels, making for smoother shots.

16

I’ve been doing some research on barrel lengths for the .350 Legend. Generally, longer barrels increase muzzle velocity, but it’s often a trade-off with portability, especially in dense woods.

4 Likes
17

That’s true! I found that a 20" barrel can give you around 200 fps more than a 16" barrel. But is that extra velocity worth the added weight?

6 Likes
18

I’ve always gone with 18" barrels. They seem to balance well for weight and precision. Not too long, not too short!

19

Definitely! I think the versatility and handling of an 18" barrel is optimal for hunting scenarios.

20

When it comes to shorter barrels, I wonder if the trade-off in velocity is too significant for ethical shots. What do you guys think?