358 norma
- Thread starter m1978
- Start date
The recoil of a 358 Norma Magnum in a light [c.8.5 lb] rifle is quite noticeable.
It is both substantial and quick....no maiden's caress, I assure you.
It is outside the tolerance of the average hunter/shooter, but of course, one
can learn to shoot these heavier recoiling rifles with practice and determination.
Incidentally, a bit of extra weight plus a decent recoil pad go a long way in
mitigating recoil. Dave.
It is both substantial and quick....no maiden's caress, I assure you.
It is outside the tolerance of the average hunter/shooter, but of course, one
can learn to shoot these heavier recoiling rifles with practice and determination.
Incidentally, a bit of extra weight plus a decent recoil pad go a long way in
mitigating recoil. Dave.
I have one that is about 7-3/4lbs scoped and it is very brisk. I wouldn’t want it an ounce lighter. Not very enjoyable at the bench at all, but fine from field positions. I haven’t shot any game with it yet but a 225 at 2900 and 250s at 2800 will leave an impression I’m sure.
This. I love the cartridge, but it is a boomer. - dan
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Bit of a story 
, but I have a pair of them. Being a Schultz & Larsen fan, I was trying for a three gun 'collection' to go with those calibres shown on the red cover of the old Norma reloading manual. Apparently, the three were the result of a joint effort between Norma and Schultz & Larsen. The 7x61 S&H, 308 NM and the 358 NM. A reply to my advert for for a Schultz in 358 NM, I was offered a model 1651 Husqvarna which, initially, I turned down, until the gentleman on site sent me photos, 
and of course, I weakened. Shortly thereafter I did locate and purchase a Schultz but the Husqvarna is still a 'resident' of my safe. Too nice to part with , so far. Admittedly, while I have only punched a bit of paper with them, I have yet to use either in the field. As equipped, the Schultz, unloaded comes in at 9lbs and the Husky @ 8lb 13oz. Again, no field use, but with the limited paper punching from the bench, while recoil is SUBSTANTIAL, it's not unmanageable.
, but I have a pair of them. Being a Schultz & Larsen fan, I was trying for a three gun 'collection' to go with those calibres shown on the red cover of the old Norma reloading manual. Apparently, the three were the result of a joint effort between Norma and Schultz & Larsen. The 7x61 S&H, 308 NM and the 358 NM. A reply to my advert for for a Schultz in 358 NM, I was offered a model 1651 Husqvarna which, initially, I turned down, until the gentleman on site sent me photos, and of course, I weakened. Shortly thereafter I did locate and purchase a Schultz but the Husqvarna is still a 'resident' of my safe. Too nice to part with , so far. Admittedly, while I have only punched a bit of paper with them, I have yet to use either in the field. As equipped, the Schultz, unloaded comes in at 9lbs and the Husky @ 8lb 13oz. Again, no field use, but with the limited paper punching from the bench, while recoil is SUBSTANTIAL, it's not unmanageable.What Eagleye said. To make a judgement that I am unqualified to make just from a forum post, if you need to ask the question, the .358 Norma is likely more than you will enjoy shooting. On the other hand, it will kill anything in N.A. that you can hit with it.
They kick a bit, but it can be loaded to whatever level you are comfortable with, but if you are loading down, you might as well shoot a Whelen. I recently made a .358/375 Ruger, ballistically similar, the rifle is a relatively light M77 @ 8.5 pounds all in... I have it loaded with the 225 Accubond at 3100 fps... when you are approaching 5000 foot pounds it is going to have some rearward snap... learn to love the thump.
Backcountryal
CGN Regular
- Location
- New Zealand
I have a very tidy Husky 1651, love it. Dont get the chance to shoot it much, but about every 6 months I will take it out and throw some lead downrange just for ####s and giggles. I shoot prone, and am shooting gongs out to 5 or 600 metres, no dialing, using holdover on known gong sizes. And I am usually able to get from 100 to 500 with no misses, and occasionally on to 600. Yes the recoil is heavy, but I'm comfortable firing 5 or 6 shot strings. If you have to ask, then it maybe a tad on the brutal side, but if you dont have a recoil issue, then go for it, they're fun to shoot.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
While the .358 Norma has evaded me thus far, I expect it produces .375 performance, but the smaller bore diameter ensures higher recoil velocities, making the recoil less pleasant. I have a .375 and a .300 Winchester, so the desire for a .358 Norma hasn't afflicted me yet.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
My acquisition of a 358 NM
or two, admittedly, wasn't based on a matter of need or just cause. More a case of just cuz. Helps keep my retirement years occupied. That being said, I do look forward to any opportunity to give at least one of the two, some field exercise.
I bought a M98 rebarrelled to 358 NM with muzzle brake, open sights, wood stock. 250 gr.@2750 fps. I carry it sometimes, and enjoy shooting it. I haven't harvested any animals yet, but hope to. Load 250 Speer jacketed, 240 gr cast gas checked, and
.358 158 gr cast bullet plain base. Just seen might try some 35 Rem bullets some time
.358 158 gr cast bullet plain base. Just seen might try some 35 Rem bullets some time
i know a guide in alaska that was using one with a short barrel and full stock synthetic mannlicher stock.
there is another guide in watson lake that used it but do not remember if it was short or regular barrel.
as baribal said it is not that huge recoil ...
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Putting a very short barrel on a rifle that uses a cartridge designed to burn a lot of powder in a relatively small bore seems quite counterproductive. Pretty sure the .358 Norma was designed for barrel lengths of 24-26". A .350 Rem Mag would have a better ratio of case capacity to bore size for use in short barrel rifles. If you don't mind a LOT of muzzle blast, and velocities not much more than can be achieved with the .35 Whelen or .350 Mag, a .358 Norma would certainly kill big critters effectively when fired from a 20" barrel. But it seems like a mismatch to me.
