.350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster: Straight-Wall Showdown
March 30, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
.350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster are the two big straight-wall cartridges built for AR-15s and for hunters in straight-wall-only states. Here's how to pick.
Recoil and shootability
.350 Legend is the mild one — light recoil, cheaper to shoot, and plenty for deer inside ~200 yards. .450 Bushmaster hits much harder with a big, heavy bullet, at the cost of stout recoil and higher ammo cost.
Effectiveness and range
Both are excellent deer cartridges in straight-wall states. .450 Bushmaster delivers more authority on larger game and hogs; .350 Legend is flatter and far easier on the shoulder for most hunters.
Pick .350 Legend for low recoil and economy, .450 Bushmaster for maximum thump. Compare live prices for .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster.
Frequently asked questions
Is .350 Legend or .450 Bushmaster better for deer?
Both are excellent for deer in straight-wall states. .350 Legend has much less recoil and cheaper ammo; .450 Bushmaster hits harder for larger game.
Which has less recoil?
.350 Legend recoils far less than .450 Bushmaster, making it friendlier for new and recoil-sensitive hunters.
Compare live prices