Hunters in the four-or-so states with allowances specific to straight-walled cartridges are buying enough rifles and ammo to keep the industry pumping out new product to serve this niche! The newest straight-walled entrant — and not even the first this year! — is the 400 Legend. As the name implies, it’s a scaled-up 350 Legend from Winchester, and it’s already available in over a dozen Savage Arms rifles. Savage’s press release follows . . .

Savage Arms® Announces New 400 Legend in Over a Dozen Models

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – May 8, 2023 – Savage Arms is proud to partner with Winchester^® Ammunition to bring deer hunters several rifles chambered in 400 Legend in time for 2023 hunting seasons. The new hard-hitting, yet mildly recoiling, caliber means new opportunities for deer hunters across the country. Savage will launch the 400 Legend in the 110 Apex Hunter XP, 110 Hog Hunter and Axis II XP—but will also chamber it in another 11 models in 2023.   

Straight-walled cartridges, and especially the 400 Legend’s predecessor the 350 Legend, were born for states like Ohio and Michigan. The premise being bring modern projectiles and cartridge technologies to areas, states and hunters originally limited to shotgun slug or historically limited rifle caliber options. Due to the popularity of these cartridges that has been driven by performance—straight-wall options have gained traction outside of traditional shotgun slug areas as well. The 400 Legend will no doubt continue this legacy and Savage has responded by adding it to so many rifles in its lineup.

“Savage is dedicated to chambering the best calibers for hunters and shooters,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “The 400 Legend brings ballistic advances and advantages–and when combined with our extensive rifle lineup–the benefits only increase. Deer hunters are in for a treat this fall as we’ll have 14 options available in plenty of time for this season.”

The numbers behind the 400 Legend are impressive. This straight-walled cartridge offers 100% more energy than a 12 gauge slug with 55% less felt recoil. When compared to its rifle counterparts and predecessors, the 400 Legend brings the same amount of energy as the 450 Bushmaster, with a reduction in felt recoil of 20%. Finally—the 400 Legend offers 25% more energy than the 350 Legend for more penetration and improved terminal ballistics.

More information on the full lineup of Savage rifles chambered in 400 Legend, as well as when they will be available, can be found at www.savagearms.com. Those interested in learning more about the cartridge, its development and the full story behind it all, can go to www.winchester.com.  

About Savage

Headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts, Savage has been producing firearms for more than 125 years. Savage is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hunting, competition and targeting shooting centerfire and rimfire rifles, and shotguns. Their firearms are best known for accuracy, performance and innovation. The entrepreneurial spirit that originally defined the company is still evident in its ongoing focus on continuous innovation, craftsmanship, quality and service. Learn more at www.savagearms.com.