Lovin' the 358!

[Nobade]

I finally got to shoot my new 358 yesterday, with a wide variety of loads. Everything from Trailboss and Lee 158RF to duplicate a hot 357 revolver up to full rifle loads. The standout was the BRP 35 paper patch bullet, 215 grains cast from air cooled wheelweights, and patched with drafting vellum. Loaded over 45 grains of WW748, it was going at 2500 fps and holding 2 inch groups at 100 yards. No gas check, no lube, smooth feeding and plenty of power. Gotta love that!
BTW, the barrel is an Adams and Bennett, that I got on a lark because it was so cheap. I turned it to a Kreiger #3 profile, and finished it at 22 inches. Makes a nice easy handling rifle, I think it is going to be one of my favorites before long.

[Nobade]

Wow, it's been a year and no replies. I guess 358s aren't too popular around here? Just as an update, it officially really likes the Ranch Dog 190 bullets. I patch them with 9# paper, size with a .359 die, load a drop tubed charge of 3031 to my seating depth (about 48gr. IIRC) and I'm good to go. No resizing of the brass, the bullets are a snug slip fit. Accuracy is as good as anything I have tried in it (around MOA plus or minus) and the power level is getting mighty close to a 35 Whelen. I really like the 358!

[LunaticFringeInc]

The 35 cal bores dont seem to be all that popular or common in the US.  Those that do have them are like a cult following and would never give them up.  I think thats ashame as most of the chamberings in 35 caliber are quiet effective game getters.  Big bullets with lots of frontal area, plenty of bullet weight to back it up and moderate speeds make it one heck of a thumper in my opinion.  On several occasions I have ocnsidered getting one and have just never gotten around to it.  Might have to change that...

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

  My model 99 mostly has shot 200 grain Silvertips..while I like it, the 99 and lever are quite different for a bolt action guy to use after 50 years of shooting bolt actions ...but it is still a fine rifle and caliber..took some game  with it last fall...if it were a bolt, I would probably reach for it more often..

[wallacem]

I love my 35 lineup, two 358 Win BLR"s, two 35 Marlins, 2 NEF 357 max's. Several 357 mag revolvers and several 38 spl's. I shoot the same bullets across the bHave not tried paper patched in them but plan to.  I just started pp with a 45-70, shooting 45LC 255 gr cast pp up to .460 size.  Have not shot them yet, just did them this weekend.  Wallacem in Ga

[336SC]

Love anything .35 caliber.  Got one .350 rem mag, two .35 Whelens, three .358's, three .35 Remingtons, and
two .357 magnum rifles.  My .358's are my favorites of the bunch.  Very, very effective on game with my reloads, not bad on the shoulder, very accurate, and they love cast bullets also.  What more could a guy ask for?
336SC

[wallacem]

Range Report Update;

I told you I had just made up some 45LC bullets PP up to .460 for the 45-70, well I got to the range, and was delighted.  They lept to about 3" at 100 yds. Now I know that is not great, but for the first try at pp, and using a 255 gr bullet in the 45-70, I am pleased. That is a cheap deer round.  I think I might be able to reduce the group by changing and trying other powders. I loaded them with 10gr Unique.  Very low power based on the kick.  Kicked about like a 22 hornet.   Wallacem in Ga