The .400 Legend is a .40 caliber cartridge. While seemingly simple, understanding its caliber requires a bit more nuance. It's not just about the diameter of the bullet, but also its design and intended application.
What Does ".40 Caliber" Mean?
The ".40" in .400 Legend refers to the approximate diameter of the bullet, measured in inches. Specifically, it's about 0.40 inches or 10.16 millimeters. This places it firmly in the ".40 caliber" family of cartridges.
Why the ".00"?
The ".00" addition might seem unnecessary, but it's a subtle distinction used by manufacturers to clarify this cartridge's unique attributes. While it's a .40 caliber cartridge, it's not directly comparable to other .40 calibers like the .40 S&W (used in pistols) or .400 Cor-Bon (another rifle cartridge). The added zeros help differentiate it in the crowded world of ammunition.
Is .400 Legend the Same as .40 S&W?
No, the .400 Legend and the .40 S&W are distinctly different cartridges. Although both are nominally .40 caliber, their designs are very different:
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.40 S&W: A relatively short cartridge designed for semi-automatic pistols. It has a smaller case capacity than the .400 Legend, resulting in lower velocity and less power.
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.400 Legend: Designed for rifles and carbines, it boasts a significantly longer case, leading to higher velocities and greater energy downrange. This makes it better suited for hunting and self-defense applications requiring more stopping power.
What are the Key Differences Between .400 Legend and Other Cartridges?
The .400 Legend stands out due to its unique combination of features:
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Straight-walled case: This design allows for use in states with restrictions on bottlenecked rifle cartridges. Straight-walled cases are often preferred for use in AR-15 platforms without modification.
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High-velocity performance: Despite its .40 caliber designation, it's optimized for higher velocities than other .40 caliber cartridges, making it suitable for hunting and longer-range shooting.
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Relatively low recoil: Compared to other hunting cartridges of similar power, the .400 Legend offers manageable recoil, especially beneficial for less experienced shooters.
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Cost-effectiveness: It's generally less expensive than some comparable hunting cartridges.
What are the applications of the .400 Legend?
The .400 Legend is versatile, making it suitable for:
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Hunting: Effective for smaller to medium-sized game, especially deer and hogs, at reasonable ranges.
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Home defense: Its relatively manageable recoil and stopping power make it a viable option for self-defense.
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Practice and Target Shooting: The lower cost compared to other calibers makes it affordable for regular shooting practice.
In summary, while the .400 Legend is indeed a .40 caliber cartridge, its unique design, performance characteristics, and intended applications set it apart from other cartridges with a similar caliber designation. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right ammunition for your needs.
