358 Win: suggestions for reduced loads

[Fyn]

For this upcoming deer season I've decided to build a new little carbine, and the 358 Win intrigued me. While I wait for my barrel to come in, I've found a set of dies and I've been forming up some brass as well. I wanted to try the 358W because it is something different, and I like the idea of being able to load pistol bullets for plinking and small game. I've been reloading for about a year now, but I've never dabbled in reduced loads and such.

I'd really like some info on a starting point for working up a small game load for grouse/rabbits while deer hunting, something in like a light 38spl range of power/velocity. Any info on what powders to use, bullets (I don't cast my own, so something off the shelf would be great), primers, etc. would be awesome. I'd be interested in duplicating some 357magnum loads as well.

Of course, if you would like to share any of your experience on full power loads I'm all ears too!

 

[just having some fun]

20 plus years ago a older buddy had a blr in 358 win -- for about 2 weeks during the summer -- if I had the $$ at the time I would have bought it.

thought it was too Slow

Speer # 11 has some info
Sending you a link to your pm

 

[jethunter]

358W is a great cartridge for cast bullets. Red Dot or Unique with any 150 grain or heavier pistol bullet that feeds in your rifle. IMR4064 would likely work very well, too. SWC don't usually feed very well from a magazine. Round nose or Round Flat Nose would likely be OK.

For the light pistol bullets you probably don't want to push them much faster than about 1300-1400 fps.

 

[hoytcanon]

I use 158 SWC hard cast over H4895 for my .358 Win squib loads... it works on birds and rabbits (head shots).

 

[zuke]

Trail Boss and Red Dot come to mind

 

[cooleyc]

 

[Slapshot]

6 grains of red dot under a 158 grain JHP gives me about 700fps out of mine.

Note: A wise man advised me that when you are working up a load like this, shoot 20 or 30 of them while inspecting the barrel after every shot. If none stick in the barrel, you should be able to trust the load. A stuck bullet during hunting can ruin the trip, in many ways.