The 350 Legend is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 55,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 16.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 350 Legend with the 450 Bushmaster on the same basis.
350 Legend ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 124 gr | 2,470 fps | 1,680 ft-lb |
| 145 gr | 2,250 fps | 1,630 ft-lb |
| 155 gr | 2,200 fps | 1,665 ft-lb |
| 180 gr | 1,985 fps | 1,575 ft-lb |
| 255 gr | 1,020 fps | 589 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 5 reference bullet weights for the 350 Legend, from 124 to 255 grains. The lightest, 124 grains, is listed at 2,470 fps, which computes to 1,680 ft-lb. The heaviest, 255 grains, is listed at 1,020 fps, or 589 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 350 Legend ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 350 Legend is 16.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in, with a .355 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. SAAMI measures the 350 Legend in a 16.000 in test barrel, not the 24.000 in used for most rifle cartridges, so its reference velocities cannot be set beside theirs without allowing for the barrel. The maximum average pressure is 55,000 psi. Fire 350 Legend ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
350 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 350 Legend | 450 Bushmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 55,000 psi | 38,500 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 16.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 16.00 in | 1 turn in 24 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .355 in | .450 in |
| Lightest reference load | 124 gr — 2,470 fps / 1,680 ft-lb | 250 gr — 2,250 fps / 2,810 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 255 gr — 1,020 fps / 589 ft-lb | 395 gr — 1,050 fps / 967 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 350 Legend at 55,000 psi and the 450 Bushmaster at 38,500 psi, so the 350 Legend runs 16,500 psi higher. SAAMI lists no bullet weight in common for the two, so there is no like-for-like velocity row to compare. Their standard test barrels differ (16.000 in, 1 turn in 16.00 in for the 350 Legend; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 24 in for the 450 Bushmaster), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 450 Bushmaster ammo.
350 Legend ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 350 Legend?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 350 Legend at 55,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 350 Legend?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 350 Legend is 16.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in. Your own rifle may differ, and a twist slower than a long, heavy bullet needs will not stabilise it.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 350 Legend?
SAAMI lists 5 reference weights, from 124 to 255 grains: 124, 145, 155, 180 and 255.
Is the 350 Legend more powerful than the 450 Bushmaster?
SAAMI lists no bullet weight in common for the two, so there is no like-for-like row. Its highest computed reference energy is 1,680 ft-lb for the 350 Legend (124 grains) and 2,810 ft-lb for the 450 Bushmaster.
How much does the 350 Legend drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
What is the effective range of the 350 Legend?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 350 Legend ammunition from Browning Ammunition, Winchester, Federal, Hornady and Remington. Browse the full 350 Legend ammo range.
