The 350 Legend vs 30-30 Winchester debate is one that comes up often in deer camps and gun shops alike. Both are proven cartridges with strong reputations, but they serve slightly different needs. The 30-30 Win is a timeless lever-action classic, while the 350 Legend is a modern, straight-walled round designed for today’s hunters; especially those in states with stricter ammo laws.
So, what’s the real difference between these rifle cartridges, and which one should you take into the woods this season? Let’s break it down.
350 Legend vs 30-30 Winchester: Our Quick Pick for Deer Season
Quick Take on 350 Legend & 30-30 Win Ammo
- 350 Legend: Low recoil, AR-15 compatibility, legal in straight-wall states, and a growing lineup of 350 Legend ammo options.
- 30-30 Winchester: Trusted for over 125 years, found in classic lever guns, and backed by widely available 30-30 ammo.
Both sit in the mid power deer class. Typical factory loads run 150 to 180 grains at about 2,100 to 2,400 fps. They are not just for hunting; you can get FMJ practice loads for range time, plinking, and basic training. Now let’s dive into the true differences.
350 Legend / 30-30 Win: Cartridge History and Design
350 Legend: Made for Modern Rules
Released by Winchester in 2019, the 350 Legend was purpose-built for hunters in straight-wall-only states. Its .355–.357 bullet, straight-walled case, and 55,000 psi chamber pressure make it efficient, versatile, and deadly effective on deer. Even better, it shares the same rim diameter as the .223 Remington, which means you can use it in an AR-15 platform with only a barrel and mag change.
30-30 Winchester: A Hunting Icon
The 30-30 Win, introduced in 1895, was America’s first smokeless sporting cartridge. Originally named the .30 WCF, Marlin dubbed it the “30-30,” and that name has stuck for more than a century. It’s the cartridge that defined the Winchester 94 and Marlin 336, and it remains one of the most common lever-action calibers ever made.
350 Legend vs 30-30: Ballistics Comparison
Ballistically, these cartridges are nearly twins in energy. The 350 Legend trades a little penetration for softer recoil, while the 30-30 Win gives you heavier bullet options and a bit more punch on tough game.
350 Legend Trajectory Chart vs 30-30
- 350 Legend trajectory: Roughly 7–9 inches of drop at 200 yards (zeroed at 100).
- 30-30 trajectory: Around 2.6–7.7 inches at 200 yards, depending on the load.
Both are designed for shots inside 200 yards, but the 30-30 ammo with modern polymer tips stretches the distance just a little further.
Recoil and Shooting Comfort
- 350 Legend rifle recoil: 8.5–10.5 ft-lb: soft and forgiving, perfect for youth hunters, new shooters, or anyone who values comfort over kick.
- 30-30 rifle recoil: 9–14 ft-lb: a little sharper, but still manageable for most hunters.
If recoil is your main concern, the 350 Legend takes the win here.
Hunting and Beyond
350 Legend ammo was specifically designed for whitetail deer hunting in Midwestern states, but it’s also effective on hogs, coyotes, and even black bears under 250 yards. 30-30 ammo has been harvesting deer, hogs, and black bears for more than a century, with millions of hunters trusting it in thick woods and brush.
And here’s the thing….neither cartridge is just for hunting. Both are fun at the range for practice or plinking, especially since they’re mild compared to larger hunting rounds.
Rifle and Ammo Availability
350 Legend rifles: Found in bolt-actions like the Winchester XPR, Ruger American, and AR-15 builds. Lever-action options are also appearing. 350 Legend ammo is newer but growing quickly, with offerings from Winchester, Hornady, and Federal.
30-30 rifles: Still among the most common lever guns, Winchester 94, Marlin 336, Henry lever-action, and Mossberg 464 are classics. 30-30 ammo is widely available and always in stock, even at small-town shops.
Scenario: Which Caliber Wins?
| Scenario | Better Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home defense | Neither | Rifle rounds risk over-penetration; use 12-gauge or 9mm instead. |
| Concealed carry | Neither | Not realistic for handgun carry. |
| Training / plinking | 350 Legend | Softer recoil, AR-friendly, FMJ loads available. Not just for hunting. |
| Deer (straight-wall states) | 350 Legend | Built for compliance; legal where bottlenecked rounds aren’t. |
| Deer (general) | Tie | Both are outstanding inside 200 yards. |
| Hogs | Tie | Either with soft points gets the job done. |
| Elk / moose (close range) | 30-30 Win | Neither ideal, but 30-30 has better sectional density. |
| Black bear | 30-30 Win | Heavier bullets penetrate deeper on tough targets. |
| Competition / 2-gun | 350 Legend | Works in AR-15 platforms for certain divisions. |
| New shooters / youth | 350 Legend | Lower recoil and shorter rifles make it more approachable. |
| Lever-gun nostalgia | 30-30 Win | Defined the lever-action category for over a century. |
FAQs: 350 Legend vs 30-30
Q: Which is better for deer hunting?
Both are excellent. The 350 Legend rifle is perfect in straight-wall states, while the 30-30 Win is the proven classic everywhere else.
Q: Which has more recoil?
The 30-30 rifle has a bit more kick. The 350 Legend rifle is noticeably softer-shooting. Which shoots flatter? At 200 yards, the 30-30 trajectory is slightly flatter, especially with polymer-tipped hunting rounds.
Q: Which rifles are available?
350 Legend rifles: AR-15 uppers, Winchester XPR, Ruger bolt guns, and newer lever-action models.
30-30 rifles: Winchester 94, Marlin 336, Henry lever guns, Mossberg 464.
Q: Is ammo easy to find?
30-30 ammo: Everywhere and often inexpensive.
350 Legend ammo: Newer, but expanding fast with hunting and range options.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the 350 Legend vs 30-30, the right choice depends on where you hunt and what you value. If you’re in a straight-wall state or want low recoil in a modern setup, the 350 Legend is your best bet. If you want tradition, proven penetration, and lever-action nostalgia, the 30-30 Win still stands tall.
Shop the full selection of 350 Legend ammo, 30-30 Win ammo, and compatible rifles at Target Sports USA with free shipping on bulk purchases. Either way, you’re not just picking a hunting cartridge, you’re choosing a rifle round that’s fun to shoot and versatile at the range.
Gabriel Sousa is a marketing associate at Target Sports USA. Known for his content writing, editorial, and ammunition product catalog management skills.
