Ruger 350 Legend pistol vs 460 Smith & Wesson: A captivating comparability awaits, exploring the nuances of those highly effective cartridges. From ballistics to sensible purposes, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of every, equipping you with the information to make knowledgeable selections. Put together to unravel the mysteries behind these formidable forces.
This complete comparability analyzes the Ruger 350 Legend and the 460 Smith & Wesson, two cartridges in style amongst firearm fans. Key elements like cartridge specs, ballistics, sensible purposes, reliability, dealing with, value, and authorized issues will probably be explored intimately. Uncover the nuances that set these cartridges aside and which one would possibly finest fit your wants.
Introduction to the Ruger 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson Pistols

The Ruger 350 Legend and the 460 Smith & Wesson are two in style pistol cartridges, every with distinct traits that cater to completely different wants and preferences. Understanding their key variations in efficiency and meant use can assist firearm fans make knowledgeable decisions when deciding on a cartridge for his or her wants. This comparability will spotlight the essential distinctions between these two highly effective cartridges, offering a complete overview of their respective strengths.The 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson, whereas each highly effective cartridges, are designed for various purposes.
The 350 Legend leans towards versatility, whereas the 460 Smith & Wesson prioritizes vital stopping energy. Inspecting their respective specs, together with bullet weights, velocities, and meant use instances, permits a deeper understanding of their distinctive roles within the firearm market.
Cartridge Specs
These highly effective pistol cartridges boast distinct traits. The important thing specs that differentiate them embrace bullet weight, velocity, and the general meant efficiency. An in depth comparability desk will additional make clear these variations.
Cartridge Identify | Caliber | Bullet Weight Vary (grains) | Velocity Vary (fps) | Typical Functions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ruger 350 Legend | .350 | 125-180 | 1,500-2,000 | Self-defense, searching small sport, varmints |
460 Smith & Wesson | .460 | 200-300 | 1,000-1,300 | Self-defense, searching medium-sized sport |
The desk illustrates the appreciable variations in bullet weight and velocity. The 460 Smith & Wesson, with its bigger caliber and heavier bullets, is geared towards extra vital stopping energy. The 350 Legend, whereas potent, is designed for a wider vary of purposes, providing a stability between efficiency and flexibility.
Supposed Use Instances
The meant use instances of the 2 cartridges are considerably completely different, reflecting their distinct design philosophies.The 350 Legend’s versatility makes it appropriate for varied purposes. This cartridge is usually used for self-defense, the place the average recoil and manageable velocity are helpful. Its capabilities additionally prolong to searching small sport, varmints, and different comparable purposes.The 460 Smith & Wesson, however, is extra specialised in its meant utility.
Its substantial energy is good for self-defense and searching medium-sized sport. This cartridge offers a sturdy stopping energy that’s extremely efficient in eventualities requiring vital penetration and vitality switch.
Ballistics and Efficiency
The 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson, whereas each highly effective pistol cartridges, exhibit distinct ballistics. Understanding these variations is essential for choosing the proper cartridge for a particular utility. This part delves into the efficiency traits, evaluating bullet sorts, and illustrating how weight and velocity impression penetration and growth.
Comparative Ballistics
The 350 Legend, designed for searching and self-defense, boasts a moderate-to-high velocity and a considerably extra manageable recoil than the 460 Smith & Wesson. The 460 Smith & Wesson, however, is understood for its distinctive stopping energy, with greater velocity and extra vital vitality switch. This interprets to probably extra in depth penetration but in addition usually extra pronounced recoil.
The selection between these cartridges in the end relies on the meant use and the shooter’s expertise with recoil.
Terminal Efficiency
Terminal efficiency, that means how a bullet performs on impression, varies considerably between the cartridges. The 350 Legend, with its average vitality, tends to exhibit managed growth, making it appropriate for a variety of targets, together with sport animals. The 460 Smith & Wesson, as a result of its excessive vitality, can lead to extra substantial penetration and probably larger growth, relying on the bullet design.
The precise traits of a bullet, like its form and materials, considerably affect its terminal efficiency.
Frequent Bullet Sorts and Efficiency Knowledge
Quite a lot of bullet sorts can be found for each cartridges, every tailor-made for various purposes. The 350 Legend usually makes use of jacketed hollow-point bullets designed for managed growth and efficient penetration in searching and self-defense eventualities. The 460 Smith & Wesson, continuously makes use of heavier, larger-diameter jacketed hollow-point or strong rounds. The upper vitality ranges of those bullets are designed to make sure substantial penetration and growth, particularly when dealing with bigger targets.
Affect of Bullet Weight and Velocity
Bullet weight and velocity are essential components figuring out penetration and growth. Heavier bullets usually exhibit larger penetration however might not increase as readily. Lighter bullets would possibly increase extra, however their penetration could also be decreased. Velocity, the pace of the bullet, performs a important position. Greater velocities typically lead to larger penetration and vitality switch.
As an example, a heavier bullet at a better velocity will doubtless penetrate additional than a lighter bullet at a decrease velocity, creating extra vital tissue harm.
Comparative Desk
Bullet Kind | Weight (gr) | Velocity (fps) | Typical Penetration (inches) |
---|---|---|---|
350 Legend 165gr JHP | 165 | 1800 | 12-18 |
350 Legend 180gr JHP | 180 | 1750 | 15-20 |
460 Smith & Wesson 230gr JHP | 230 | 2000 | 20-25 |
460 Smith & Wesson 250gr JSP | 250 | 1950 | 22-28 |
Observe: Penetration values are estimations and may fluctuate primarily based on course materials and capturing situations.
Sensible Functions

The 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson cartridges, although sharing a typical objective of delivering potent stopping energy, cater to distinct wants and preferences. Understanding their meant makes use of, benefits, and disadvantages is essential for making an knowledgeable alternative. Choosing the proper cartridge hinges on the particular utility and the person’s priorities.
Supposed Makes use of of the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend, with its average recoil and available ammunition, is well-suited for a wide range of sensible purposes. Its balanced efficiency permits for each self-defense and searching functions. This versatility makes it a compelling alternative for a wider vary of customers.
- Self-Protection: The 350 Legend’s manageable recoil makes it a viable possibility for private safety, significantly in close-quarters encounters. Its intermediate energy and comparatively inexpensive ammunition make it a compelling alternative for on a regular basis carry.
- Looking: Its capacity to successfully take down small and medium-sized sport, together with its stopping energy, makes it an excellent alternative for varmints and small sport. The 350 Legend is changing into more and more in style for searching functions. The stability between stopping energy and recoil makes it a flexible cartridge.
- Tactical Functions: In sure tactical eventualities, the 350 Legend’s intermediate energy stage and manageable recoil make it a gorgeous possibility for these in search of a stability between stopping energy and dealing with traits. This consists of particular roles the place a better stage of precision shouldn’t be the first focus.
Supposed Makes use of of the 460 Smith & Wesson
The 460 Smith & Wesson, recognized for its vital energy, is a cartridge designed for demanding purposes. Its excessive vitality ranges cater to a extra specialised set of wants, and its efficiency in these areas is outstanding.
- Looking: The 460 Smith & Wesson’s appreciable energy permits for the taking down of bigger sport with extra certainty, particularly in difficult situations. Its stopping energy is substantial, making it an efficient alternative for searching. The highly effective cartridge is well-suited for the searching of larger sport, however the recoil could be a issue for some.
- Self-Protection: Whereas potent, the 460 Smith & Wesson’s excessive recoil and potential for over-penetration make it much less sensible for on a regular basis carry. Its high-power nature implies that in close-quarters fight conditions, the recoil can show to be difficult for some customers. Nonetheless, it offers a considerable stopping energy possibility for self-defense within the arms of skilled shooters.
Comparability of Functions
Utility | 350 Legend | 460 Smith & Wesson |
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Self-Protection |
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Looking |
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Tactical Functions |
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Reliability and Sturdiness
These cartridges, the 350 Legend and the 460 Smith & Wesson, are recognized for his or her potent efficiency, however their reliability and sturdiness can fluctuate primarily based on a number of components. Understanding these components is essential for accountable firearm possession. Selecting a cartridge is not nearly energy, but in addition about how effectively the firearm stands as much as constant use.The reliability and sturdiness of firearms rely considerably on the standard of the manufacturing course of, the supplies used, and the design of the firearm itself.
Completely different producers might have various requirements, resulting in variations within the longevity and dependability of their merchandise. Correct upkeep and care play a important position in extending the lifespan of any firearm.
350 Legend Reliability
The 350 Legend, a comparatively new cartridge, has proven promising reliability in lots of firearms. Early adopters and customers have reported optimistic experiences with constant efficiency. Nonetheless, some situations of feeding points and occasional malfunctions have been famous, significantly in less-expensive firearms. These points are sometimes related to tolerances within the firearm’s inside parts. Excessive-quality firearms, manufactured to exacting requirements, are typically extra dependable and sturdy.
460 Smith & Wesson Reliability
The 460 Smith & Wesson, recognized for its highly effective efficiency, has additionally skilled a variety of reliability experiences. Customers have reported each optimistic and unfavorable suggestions. The upper pressures inherent on this cartridge can probably place larger stress on sure firearm parts, resulting in extra frequent upkeep necessities. As well as, some customers have reported points with feed ramps and bullet extraction.
Once more, higher-quality firearms from respected producers usually present higher reliability.
Actual-World Examples
Quite a few homeowners and fans have shared their experiences on-line. Some customers of the 350 Legend have reported constant, trouble-free efficiency, whereas others have encountered occasional malfunctions. Conversely, some homeowners of 460 Smith & Wesson pistols have praised their sturdiness and energy, whereas others have skilled extra frequent points associated to the cartridge’s excessive pressures. These variations spotlight the significance of particular person firearm high quality and person care.
Potential Upkeep Points
The excessive pressures and potential for aggressive recoil in each cartridges can contribute to particular upkeep necessities. For the 350 Legend, cleansing and lubrication are important to forestall buildup and guarantee easy functioning. For the 460 Smith & Wesson, cautious consideration to the firing pin, extractor, and ejector is paramount because of the cartridge’s potential for extra put on.
Comparability Desk
Attribute | 350 Legend | 460 Smith & Wesson |
---|---|---|
Reliability | Typically good, however potential for feeding points in some firearms | Variable, usually dependable however greater strain can result in extra points |
Sturdiness | Good, with high-quality firearms lasting a very long time | Good, however excessive strain might shorten lifespan in some firearms |
Potential Upkeep Wants | Common cleansing and lubrication | Common cleansing, consideration to firing pin/extractor/ejector |
Dealing with and Ergonomics
The grip and really feel of a firearm are essential elements, impacting management, accuracy, and in the end, the shooter’s confidence. Completely different cartridges and pistol designs affect how a firearm is held and operated, which is important for secure and efficient use. Understanding these components is important for choosing a firearm that fits particular person wants and preferences.
350 Legend Pistol Dealing with
The 350 Legend, with its comparatively average recoil and manageable weight in lots of pistols, sometimes lends itself to extra readily manageable dealing with. This makes it appropriate for each skilled and newer shooters. Nonetheless, components like the particular pistol design, barrel size, and total weight can nonetheless affect recoil and felt recoil. As an example, a shorter barrel can result in a extra pronounced recoil, whereas a heavier body would possibly supply higher stability.
460 Smith & Wesson Pistol Dealing with
The 460 Smith & Wesson, with its potent cartridge, calls for a extra substantial and substantial grip for management. Skilled shooters usually discover that their grip must be safer and steady to keep up accuracy, significantly at prolonged ranges. The recoil, being extra substantial, requires a agency and managed grip. This cartridge, with its greater vitality ranges, is often related to a extra pronounced recoil.
This makes the pistol tougher for shooters new to highly effective cartridges. Follow and correct grip method are paramount.
Elements Affecting Recoil
A number of parts affect the recoil and felt recoil of each cartridges. These embrace the cartridge’s mass, velocity, and form, in addition to the firearm’s design, significantly the barrel size, weight, and motion kind. For instance, an extended barrel can assist mitigate recoil, whereas a heavier body can supply larger stability. Generally, a better velocity or mass cartridge will generate extra recoil.
“The felt recoil is a subjective expertise, various from individual to individual primarily based on bodily traits and capturing fashion.”
Ergonomics of Pistol Designs
Ergonomics performs a significant position in firearm dealing with. A well-designed pistol ought to present a cushty grip, correct stability, and easy accessibility to controls. This consists of components like grip texture, set off measurement and form, and the general design of the pistol’s body. Completely different pistol designs cater to various hand sizes and preferences.
Comparability of 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson Pistol Ergonomics
Characteristic | 350 Legend | 460 Smith & Wesson |
---|---|---|
Recoil | Typically extra manageable | Extra substantial and demanding |
Grip Dimension | Can fluctuate, however usually medium | Usually bigger, for higher management |
Barrel Size | Appropriate for varied barrel lengths | Typically longer barrels are favored |
Weight | Usually lighter designs can be found | Usually heavier designs are discovered for management |
Ergonomics | Could accommodate varied hand sizes | Designed for a agency grip to handle recoil |
General Really feel | Extra versatile and accessible | Extra demanding however probably rewarding for skilled shooters |
Price and Availability: Ruger 350 Legend Pistol Vs 460

Determining the monetary aspect of issues and the way simply you may get your arms on these cartridges is essential to creating an knowledgeable choice. Pricing and availability fluctuate considerably primarily based on location and retailer. Figuring out the final ballpark for every can assist you intend your finances and searching journeys.
350 Legend Ammunition Price
The price of 350 Legend ammunition sometimes falls between $0.40 and $0.80 per spherical, relying on the model, kind of projectile, and amount bought. Greater-quality, heavier-for-caliber projectiles will be costlier, whereas bulk purchases would possibly carry down the per-round value. As an example, a well-liked model would possibly cost $0.60 for the standard 180-grain load in a 20-round field, whereas a lesser-known model may be a bit cheaper.
Take into account the trade-off between value and efficiency when making your alternative.
460 Smith & Wesson Ammunition Price
Smith & Wesson ammunition is mostly costlier than 350 Legend. Anticipate to pay between $0.80 and $1.50 per spherical, once more fluctuating with components like model, projectile kind, and buy quantity. Premium ammunition with specialised options or heavier projectiles will probably be priced greater. The upper worth displays the cartridge’s bigger case and better powder prices.
350 Legend Ammunition Availability
Availability for 350 Legend ammunition is mostly good in most areas. Main retailers usually inventory a wide range of manufacturers and kinds, reflecting the cartridge’s rising recognition. Nonetheless, discovering specialised or hard-to-find masses should be difficult. Rural areas might need barely much less selection than densely populated areas, however this relies closely on the particular retailer and their stock.
460 Smith & Wesson Ammunition Availability
The supply of 460 Smith & Wesson ammunition varies extra considerably throughout areas. Whereas available in some areas, it may be tougher to search out in others. Specialised retailers and on-line distributors are sometimes your finest guess for sourcing 460 Smith & Wesson. Regional demand and distribution networks closely affect availability.
Comparative Desk
Attribute | 350 Legend | 460 Smith & Wesson |
---|---|---|
Approximate Price (per spherical) | $0.40 – $0.80 | $0.80 – $1.50 |
Typical Availability | Good, widespread | Variable, probably restricted |
Regional Variations | Minor variations in retailer inventory | Vital variations in regional availability |
Authorized Concerns
Navigating the authorized panorama surrounding firearms possession is essential. Understanding the particular laws and restrictions in your space is paramount for accountable firearm possession. This part particulars the complexities of proudly owning and carrying 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson pistols, highlighting the variations in authorized frameworks throughout completely different jurisdictions.
Legality of 350 Legend Pistols
The legality of proudly owning and carrying 350 Legend pistols varies considerably primarily based on native, state, and federal legal guidelines. Some jurisdictions might need particular restrictions on the sale or possession of firearms chambered for this cartridge, presumably associated to its comparatively latest introduction into the market and the potential for heightened firepower in comparison with extra established calibers. Consideration of those variations is essential earlier than buying or carrying a 350 Legend pistol.
Legality of 460 Smith & Wesson Pistols
The authorized panorama surrounding the 460 Smith & Wesson pistol is equally complicated and regionally various. Restrictions might stem from the cartridge’s greater energy and potential for elevated harm, prompting stricter laws in sure areas. Consciousness of native and nationwide laws is important for accountable possession and compliance.
Regional Restrictions, Ruger 350 legend pistol vs 460
Area | 350 Legend Pistol Restrictions | 460 Smith & Wesson Pistol Restrictions |
---|---|---|
United States (Instance: California) | Attainable restrictions on sure varieties of 350 Legend pistols, high-capacity magazines, and areas the place firearms will be carried. | Potential restrictions on the acquisition and/or carrying of 460 Smith & Wesson pistols, because of the cartridge’s potential for elevated harm. |
United States (Instance: Texas) | Fewer restrictions in comparison with California, doubtless specializing in basic firearm possession legal guidelines, not particular cartridge sorts. | Fewer restrictions in comparison with California, specializing in basic firearm possession legal guidelines, not particular cartridge sorts. |
Canada | Strict laws on handgun possession typically apply. Particular restrictions for 350 Legend could also be current. | Strict laws on handgun possession typically apply. Particular restrictions for 460 Smith & Wesson could also be current. |
United Kingdom | Possession of firearms, together with these chambered for 350 Legend, is closely restricted. | Possession of firearms, together with these chambered for 460 Smith & Wesson, is closely restricted. |
“All the time seek the advice of with native authorities and authorized professionals to know the exact laws in your jurisdiction concerning firearm possession and the 350 Legend and 460 Smith & Wesson cartridges.”
Essential Concerns
Laws regarding firearms fluctuate. State and native legal guidelines can differ considerably. Staying knowledgeable about native legal guidelines and laws is important for accountable firearm possession. These legal guidelines are topic to alter. Due to this fact, common updates on any modifications to present laws are important.
Pay attention to the potential for various guidelines in varied jurisdictions.