Legend plinking ammo is 13 bucks a box here, .223/556 is 8, x39 is 7.
Recoil is noticeably more than a .223, or my 6.5Grendel.
Velocity of factory ammo from a 16" is about 200fps slower than the listed 24". My handloads are right at factory spec and should be decent enough out to 200yds or so, There does still appear to be some headroom, and something like lilgun might get another 100-150fps over the 2200 im clocking with hornady 170.
I actually really LIKE the legend, It basically duplicates a .357 Maximum. I think that its a good choice for a starting hunter, but that there are better general use options available like the 6.5Grendel.
the 6mm Arc might be an even better option with the 100gr class bullets....when ever it actually gets rolling.
The .243 Is also a very good option, but if going to a full size case, i now feel that the 6.5Creedmoor might be better option there as it allows for much heavier bullets to be used should one desire.
I currently have a Legend upper, and a Grendel upper set up completely differently. My legend comes in a 7lbs 3oz loaded with 5 10 rounds, and my Grendel is 9.5lbs. They both serve their purposes very well, but I also fell that my 7lb 527 (or any other bolt gun) in 6.5G would be a better all around hunting rifle for someone of smaller stature, or just starting out.