Quick Answer
Temperature affects .350 Legend performance, with optimal results typically seen in temperatures between 60°F (15.5°C) and 80°F (26.7°C). Below 40°F (4.4°C) or above 90°F (32.2°C), rifle accuracy and kinetic energy may degrade. In extreme temperatures, shooters can expect a 10-15% decrease in kinetic energy and increased difficulty with bullet expansion.
Temperature and Kinetic Energy
The .350 Legend’s kinetic energy, measured in foot-pounds, decreases as temperature drops. For example, a 150-grain .350 Legend bullet traveling at 2,300 feet per second (fps) produces 1,555 foot-pounds of kinetic energy at 70°F (21.1°C), but only 1,340 foot-pounds at 30°F (-1.1°C). This drop in kinetic energy affects the bullet’s ability to expand and penetrate deeper into the target.
Temperature and Bullet Expansion
Bullet expansion is also temperature-sensitive. In cold temperatures, the bullet may not expand as much, while in hot temperatures, it may over-expand and lose its aerodynamic shape. This can result in reduced accuracy and increased risk of bullet fragmentation. To minimize these effects, shooters can use a bullet with a higher expansion ratio or choose a different bullet design that is more temperature-stable.
Temperature and Rifle Accuracy
Temperature affects the rifle’s accuracy, with temperature changes causing the barrel to expand and contract. This can result in slight changes to the bullet’s point of impact. In extreme temperatures, shooters may need to adjust their aim by up to 1-2 MOA to compensate for this effect. To minimize temperature-related accuracy issues, shooters can use a rifle with a longer barrel or a barrel with a more consistent heat expansion rate.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.