Question about 358 norma mag...

[valiantboy]

I hope im posting in the right section...
Starting to collect parts to build an enfield in 358 norma mag.. probly either a p17 or an eddystone. Just wondering about the bullet weight. Has anyone found a pet bullet weight or twist that just seems to work better than another? Im thinking in the lines of 275 to 300gr bullets. Will be using it for hunting hog and maybe other stuff.. Anything info yall can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[loadedround]

If I may state my opinion please, I would strongly suggest you consider another cartridge to build your custom rifle. These days the 358 NM along with the 308NM are basically obsolete cartridges and unless you want to buy and stockpile cases you will have difficulty getting them unless you want to go thru the trouble of forming them yourself. Also if you have to replace your dies for any reason, you will have to go custom for big bucks. Why not consider a 35 Whelen or a 338/06? If you want a magnum, how about a 338WM or 340 Wby. If you want to go wildcat, consider a 358STA which is a necked down 375 H&H case to 35 caliber...cases will always be available for that round. Advice from a custom Mauser owner in 308 NM and sorry he did it. Will be a 300WM soon! BTW: Any 250 gr bullet will work great in the 35's of any make.

 

[valiantboy]

cool thanks for the info. id like to be able to take this big game hunting as well. can any other 35's be loaded up for large game? we have found a few places here in florida that offer buffalo and the like and would like to try my hand at it.

 

[loadedround]

Val: I don't know what your definition of "big game" is but there is nothing in North America that can't be taken with a 338WM. I would also include the Grizzly or the Alaskan Brown Bear in that catagory. I still like the 35 Whelen or the 338/06 for a heavy game rifle also if you want to go wildcat. Anything bigger sould be reserved for the thick skinned animals like elephant or rhino.

 

[only1asterisk]

If a 358 norma mag is what you want, then by all means build one. The cases form easily from 338 Win Mag in the full length die after expanding the necks to .375 or so to properly set the shoulder. The neck will be .010" or so short.

The standard 250 grain bullets are fine for hogs and (unless you push them to the max) will shoot through a pretty big pig. If want to hunt pigs with full power loads you will need a good bullet, the Nosler Partition at minimum. The only heavy bullets made these days (Swift, Woodleigh, Northfork) are intended for bigger, meaner stuff.

David