Browning BLR .358

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Stormin30

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BC down under!!!!!
Hello CGN
I have a delema and this is why I write before you today.
I have been a long gun owner since Y2K and have several 22's and 410's. I have wanted to get into hunting deer to start with and move up from there. OK The issue is. My uncle has given me a BLR .358 and over the last week. I have found out that this might be a great gun and the cartridge can get me into hunting on all contenants at ranges upto 250 yards and shoots flat and hits hard. Sounds like a dream handmedown eh! Well I have not been able to find any supplies of this cartridge in canada. #1 Do you know of a canadian supplier? #2 I have found that alot of .358 diehards are handloaders. Is there a location that I can get brass and copper for this cal? I don't hand load yet, but if I want to run lots of rounds to sight in my scope and get into target shooting at the local range. This might be an option to buy a press and jump in with both feet.
What suggestion you have would get appreciated with this special cal. and any wisdom on reload or not.
Thanks from a new member with lots to learn.
Sincerely,
Stormin30
 
Le Baron should have ammo. It will be expensive. Reloading is the best option. You can make 358 brass from 308 win very easily, just lube and run through 358 die. I have made 356 win from 307 when I couldn't find brass. Higginson should be able to set you up. He may even have new 358 brass on hand. Good luck.
 
Have you looked into LEE reloading products? They offer several kits and also an excellent step by step beginners guide. It's ideal for what you need, also most shops can order you a few boxes if you need them.Reloading is the way to go, you are not held back by availability of factory ammo also with most calibers more so the less common ones like .358 Winchester you will save substantially when you reload. Also it's quite satisfying to make you gun perform with loads you put together yourself.
 
Stormin30 said:
Well I have not been able to find any supplies of this cartridge in canada. #1 Do you know of a canadian supplier?
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Site sponsor: http://www.ellwoodepps.com/ They'll have it or get it.

#2 I have found that alot of .358 diehards are handloaders. Is there a location that I can get brass and copper for this cal?
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See the answer to #1. I have a buddy with a Ruger bolt in .358 He brings it out every few years and doesn't go through that much ammo but he sure likes the gun/calibre.
Thanks from a new member with lots to learn.
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Welcome. :wave:
 
I have a BLR358Win also and recommend reloading too. Reloading enables you to practice with cheap pistol bullets - but more importantly - to load heavier bullets for moose and bear hunting (225s and 250s) which are better than what the factory issues which is down to only one load available which is better for deer IMO (200gr).

I like most 35 cal guns for big game hunting and have a website devoted to those guns. There are several articles about the 358Win on it and one specifically about the BLR in 358. Here's the link - http://35cal.com/articles.html
 
Any big gun shop should order it in for you. I spoke to a guy this fall that said he had to get his out of the states in Buffalo.

Save all brass, and reload in the future. Find factory ammo first.
 
CGN
Thanks to you all that have aided me in this question i have posted...
PM's/ web links and even the offer to take my gun off me..:rolleyes:
I feel that reloading is a great step in the sport. I must say hearing from you handloaders you have pride in you bullets like I have in the flies I tie for fishing. I find that for me fishing is all about that hunt and preperation.
I think I have the passion for loading and appreciate your suggestions.
Ordered the ABC's of handloading and it is now in the mail. Cant wait to get in the pages.
Thanks again
Sincerely,
Stormin30
 
Stormin30 said:
CGN
Thanks to you all that have aided me in this question i have posted...
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As others have noted, reloading is the way to go with the .358 Winnie. I don't think there ever was a truly good factory load for the thing - trying to serve too many masters instead of simply lettin' her rip.

My wife uses the Barnes 180 grain in her BLR - no longer available, so if she ever runs through the remaining boxes, she will have to move on to the Barnes 200 grain. My personal opinion - and observation - is that the Barnes 180 was about the best all around in this rifle unless you specialized in the big critters at close range or wanted to be loaded for bear. The 358 Win will drive 180 grain bullets faster than a 30/06 will drive bullets of that same weight (and use less powder while doing so, meaning less recoil all else being equal), and nobody ever said a 180 grain bullet in a 30/06 was inadequate for elk or moose. The wife does have a magazine full of 250 grain Noslers for when we're hunting through the doghair and using the grizzly trails to get around. Then, 250 grains is good...

With the 180 gr. Barnes no longer available, I'd be looking at giving the Barnes 200 gr. TSX the nod, especially if you're going to just be hunting deer. As far as that goes, deer being relatively fragile critters, any of the other 180 grain bullets out there will do just fine. Not to mention many of the bullets for handgun hunting as well. I just don't think you need a bullet weighing more than 180 grains to kill a deer at any distance.

BTW, you can't buy Double Tap here in Canada, as far as I know, but they're driving a 200 gr Barnes Triple Shock at 2675 fps out of a 24" barrel within SAAMI pressure specs, and some of Barnes reloading data for this rifle/bullet isn't too far behind this. That's pretty good ballistics by anyone's standards, I would think.

And don't forget all those bulk pistol bullets, especially the blemishes going for really cheap. A few grains of pistol powder and it makes shooting your .358 far cheaper than just about any other centerfire hunting cartridge.

You have a very nice rifle there, and while nobody wants to build and try and sell them anymore, you'll quickly find out there are no end of people more than happy to try and talk you into selling them your .358 BLR. That should tell you something.

A preview of the flexibility and potential that reloading brings...

34hjbr
 
It is in deed a dream hand me down.'
If you continue to have issues, simply hand it down to me :D

As mentioned above, reloading is your best option. Judging from your first post, you need to do a lot of reading, or find a CGN mentor close to you to show you the ropes.
Making 358 from 308 is easy, so brass is not an issue.
Bullets are not either, and lots are available. You even have the option of shooting cast should you desire to do so.
Reloading offers options in bullet selection, power, and accuracy customization, that are not open to factory ammo shooters
 
Have seem .358 ammunition at most of the gun shows I have been at.If you look around you should have no trouble finding someone at a gun show who has some.Many times if you look hard enough you can get it at a good price to.
 
I have a .308 blr and find it a fast handling and very accurate lever gun with a detachable mag to boot. I would say keep the .358 as it can do all that the smaller calibers can and some things (like big moose) that the smaller calibers are not the best at. Get into reloading its easier than you think and fun and rewarding as well.
Enjoy your hand me down it not just a rifle its also a personal connection to your family.
Andy
 
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