Looking for the best BDC Scopes for 350 Legend? If so, look no further. BDC scopes are designed to compensate for bullet drop at various distances and we’ve got you covered with top recommendations tailored for this versatile cartridge.
The .350 Legend is a relatively new yet highly popular straight-walled cartridge. Introduced by Winchester in 2019, it is ideal for hunting and self-defense where it delivers impressive stopping power while maintaining manageable recoil. However, to maximize the rounds’ effectiveness, pairing it with the right scope is vital and models with a Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle are the best for accurate shot placement at varying distances.
Why Choose a BDC Scope for 350 Legend?
A BDC scope is designed to help shooters account for bullet trajectory over longer distances by providing holdover points on the reticle. Given that the 350 Legend has a moderate velocity and a relatively steep drop beyond 200 yards, a properly calibrated BDC reticle significantly enhances accuracy and ensures ethical shots on the game.
Here are other reasons why a BDC scope is an excellent choice for the 350 Legend:
- Bullet Drop Compensation: A well-designed BDC reticle helps shooters make precise adjustments for bullet drop without manually dialing in elevation.
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Many BDC reticles feature intuitive aiming points that allow for rapid engagement of targets at various distances.
- Optimized for Hunting: Since the 350 Legend is widely used for deer hunting, a BDC scope provides hunters with a practical way to improve their effective range without excessive guesswork.
- Versatility: Many of the best BDC scopes for 350 Legend come with adjustable magnification, ensuring clear shots whether hunting in dense woods or open fields.
Best BDC Scopes for 350 Legend
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm (Dead-Hold BDC Reticle)
Specifications
- Magnification 3-9x
- Objective Lens Diameter 40 mm
- Focal Plane Second Focal Plane
- Eye Relief 3.8″
- Field of View 34.1′ – 12.6′ @ 100 yds
- Tube Size 1 inch
- Adjustment Graduation 1/4 MOA
- Length 12.2″
- Weight 14.8 oz
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is the best BDC scope for 350 Legend. Crafted with cutting-edge features, it is a reliable, mid-range sighting tool with exceptional clarity and performance.
Durability and precision are key highlights of the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm. The 1-inch aluminum tube is rugged and lightweight, weighing only 14.8 ounces. Besides, the capped turrets ensure that adjustments remain secure in the field while still offering precise 1/4 MOA adjustment graduations, with a generous 60 MOA range for both windage and elevation.
Regarding zoom power, this scope features a variable 3-9x magnification for close and medium range use. The 40mm objective lens yields bright and clear sight picture across various lighting conditions while the he Dead-Hold® BDC (MOA) reticle is particularly useful for shooters who need to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift without constantly adjusting turrets.
Built with a second focal plane (SFP) design, the reticle maintains its size regardless of magnification, ensuring a consistent sight picture. Additionally, with 3.8 inches of eye relief, the Crossfire II offers a comfortable shooting experience, reducing the risk of scope eye when using high-recoil firearms.
Above all, the large 34.1′ – 12.6′ field of view at 100 yards allows for quick target acquisition, making this scope an excellent choice for dynamic hunting scenarios.
Pros
- Affordable
- Generous eye relief
- Spacious field of view
- Durable and lightweight construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Specifications
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: Maximum 9 x, Minimum 3x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 Millimeters
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm rifle scope is a standout choice for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a reliable and high-performance optic at a budget price point.
Built with Leupold’s signature craftsmanship, this scope features a lightweight yet rugged 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction that is both shockproof and recoil resistant. Additionally, the optical tube is fully fog-proof and waterproof, ensuring reliability in extreme weather conditions.
To complement the robust construction, this scope features a Twilight Light Management System that significantly enhances low-light performance, providing a crisp, bright image even in dawn or dusk conditions. The 3-9x magnification range offers versatile functionality while the 40mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission without adding unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
Moreover, the finger-adjustable ¼ MOA precision turrets allow for quick and easy windage and elevation adjustments and with the generous eye relief, the scope is comfortable and safe to shoot across different calibers, not just the 350 Legend.
Pros
- Consistent accuracy
- Ease of use
- Reliability at a competitive price
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Non-illuminated
3.Vortex Crossfire II Straightwall 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Straight-Wall BDC MOA
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Finish: Anodized
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Adjustment Type: MOA
As one of the best BDC scopes for 350 Legend, the Vortex Crossfire II Straightwall 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope delivers exceptional clarity, durability, and value. This makes it a top contender for hunters and shooters looking for a high-performance optic without breaking the bank.
One of its standout features is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is specifically optimized for straight-walled cartridges. The reticle is housed in a second focal plane to it does not change with change in magnification.
The 3-9x magnification range provides versatility for both close-range and mid-range shots, while the large 50mm objective lens ensures superior light transmission in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver crisp, high-contrast images with minimal glare, ensuring that targets remain clear even in challenging environments.
With a fast-focus eyepiece, the scope allows for quick reticle adjustments, so shooters can maintain accuracy without unnecessary delays in the field. Besides, the generous eye relief and forgiving eye box ensures one is in a comfortable shooting position while acquiring their target quickly.
Durability is another strong point of the Crossfire II. The scope is constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it highly resistant to shock and impact. It is also nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring complete waterproof and fog-proof performance in extreme weather conditions.
Pros
- Crisp, high-contrast images
- Large field of view
- Exceptional low light visibility
- Robust and durable construction
Cons
- Non-illuminated
4. SIG SAUER Whiskey4 3-12x44mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.6 – 14.6 mm
- Field of View, Linear: 8.7 – 34.9 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 – 4 in
Whether for hunting, tactical applications, or general target shooting, the SIG SAUER Whiskey4 3-12x44mm stands out as a reliable and well-crafted optic that meets the needs of demanding shooters.
It boasts a versatile 3-12x magnification range which provides excellent adaptability for both close-range and long-range shooting scenarios. The 44mm objective lens ensures ample light transmission in low light with the low-dispersion (LD) glass enhances resolution and minimizes chromatic aberration, resulting in a sharp sight picture.
Additionally, SIG SAUER has incorporated a second focal plane BDC reticle, which helps with estimating holdover when shooting at varying distances. On top of that, the capped, zero-resettable turrets provide precise windage and elevation adjustments, ensuring reliable tracking and repeatable shots in various environmental conditions.
Durability is another key strength of the Whiskey4 3-12x44mm. It is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a rugged, waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof design to withstand harsh field conditions. The scope is also coated with SpectraCoat anti-reflective coatings, reducing glare and enhancing image contrast for better target acquisition.
Pros
- Generous eye relief is generous
- Large field of view
- Robust and reliable construction
- Capped turrets
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
5. Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-16x50mm 30mm Tube Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4 – 16 x
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Finish: Hard Anodized
- Field of View, Linear: 7 – 25.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Weight: 23.6 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Length: 14.2 in
Last but not least, we have the Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-16x50mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope. This is a budget-friendly yet highly capable optic designed for hunters and long-range shooters who demand reliability and clarity.
As one of the best BDC scopes for 350 Legend, this rifle scope features an adjustable objective (AO), which allows for parallax correction and crisp focus at varying distances. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver excellent light transmission, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk.
With a 4-16x magnification range, the scope provides versatility at close, mid, and long-range engagements. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle on the second focal plane (SFP) helps with bullet drop compensation without changing size as magnification increases. Moreover, the 30mm tube enhances durability and allows for more elevation and windage adjustment.
Regarding construction and durability, this rifle scope features a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction that ensures shock resistance and longevity. It is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring-sealed to provides waterproof and fog-proof performance, allowing it to withstand harsh environmental conditions without internal fogging.
Above all, the eye relief is generous enough to protect your eye from scope bites and the turret adjustments are capped for protection against accidental movements.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Great features for the price
- Versatile zoom range
- Superior low light capabilities
- Adjustable objective
Cons
- Relatively heavy
Criteria for Choosing the Best BDC Scopes for 350 Legend
When selecting a Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) scope for your 350 Legend rifle, consider the following factors to ensure that you choose a scope that will maximize the effectiveness of your 350 Legend rifle.
Magnification Range
Since the 350 Legend is most effective within short-to-medium distances, usually under 250 yards, an appropriate magnification range is crucial for maintaining accuracy without excessive zoom. The ideal magnification levels are typically 3-9x, 2-7x, or 4-12x, depending on your hunting or shooting environment.
For dense woods and brushy terrains, a lower magnification range (2-7x) allows for quick target acquisition. Meanwhile, open fields or longer sightlines may benefit from a higher range like 4-12x, offering better precision at extended distances.
Reticle Design
A well-calibrated BDC reticle is essential for maximizing the 350 Legend’s performance. Standard BDC reticles offer holdover points that estimate bullet drop at specific yardages, but not all of them are optimized for straight-walled cartridges like the 350 Legend.
Some scopes provide ballistically matched BDC reticles tailored to the 350 Legend’s specific trajectory, ensuring more accurate shot placement. When choosing a scope, consider whether its reticle markings align well with your preferred ammunition and shooting distances.
Durability & Weather Resistance
Hunting with a 350 Legend often means braving harsh outdoor conditions, so a reliable scope must be built to withstand rugged environments. The best BDC scopes for 350 Legend are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof to ensure consistent performance in varying weather conditions. Additionally, a sturdy, aircraft-grade aluminum body enhances durability, especially when navigating rough terrain.
Optical Clarity & Light Transmission
A high-quality BDC scope should provide clear, bright images, even in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening hunts. Multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, reduce glare, and improve contrast, allowing for crisp target visibility. It is also important to get a scope with a larger objective lens (e.g., 40mm or 50mm) to gather more light in low light conditions.
Adjustability & Parallax Control
Precision shooting requires fine-tuned adjustments, and a good BDC scope should offer user-friendly controls. Firstly, the best BDC scopes for 350 Legend should have resettable turrets with positive click adjustments for easy elevation and windage corrections.
Side or adjustable parallax control is also beneficial when shooting at varied distances, reducing reticle movement against the target. Additionally, smooth focus adjustment ensures a sharp and clear reticle, further improving shot accuracy.
FAQs
- What is a BDC scope?
A BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) scope features a reticle with holdover points to compensate for bullet drop at different distances, allowing shooters to adjust for elevation without dialing turrets.
- What magnification is best for .350 Legend?
A 3-9x magnification is ideal for .350 Legend, as it provides a good balance of field of view and zoom for hunting and target shooting. If you hunt in thick brush or close-range conditions, a lower magnification like 1-6x or 2-7x might be better.
- Should I get an FFP or SFP BDC scope?
It depends on case use. For hunting with .350 Legend, a Second Focal Plane (SFP) scope is preferable because the BDC reticle remains the same size at all magnifications, making it easier to use at lower power settings.
Conclusion
Choosing the best BDC scope for your 350 Legend will significantly improve your shooting accuracy and overall hunting experience. Whether you are hunting whitetail deer in thick brush or taking shots across open fields, the right scope will help you maximize the potential of this powerful yet versatile cartridge. Hopefully, this post has helped you make an informed decision.