358 Winchester - strictly for handloaders?

My 358 shoots the Hornady 200 FTX into almost one MOA out to 300, I have some loaded up with the Sierra Game King 225 and the Nosler Accubond 225, but the Noshers are so long they sit well down into the case so velocity will likely suffer (haven't shot them yet). I also have some Barnes 200 I want to try, but so much factory ammo and the reloads that came with it I will be a while before I get to them.
 
I wouldn't own a 358 if I wasn't a handloader.

A 30/06 with heavy bullets would be just as effective on game. Factory ammo is cheap and everywhere.
 
So no need for medium or heavier bores?

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I shoot a lot of .358 and always use 308 brass necked up, life span is the same as most other cartridges, my favourite is the 250 Hornady fuelled by 40 grains of IMR 4198
 
the Hornady 200gr is anemic AF, 200gr Interlock @ 2400ish FPS -- to put that into perspective, the cartridge is nearly capable of producing that velocity with a 250gr bullet
 
I have a pistol grip BLR chambered in 358win and it is a great rifle, MOA at 100yrds if I do my part,.. yes I hand load for it but I also come across factory ammo once in awhile,.. I am sure a gun shop in your area could order it in for you,.. no it's not cheap, (usually around $50 per box), but as others have already said it's not an every weekend range plinker. The 358win is the reason I started hand loading,.. I actually bought a reaload kit and everything needed to load for it before I found a 358win rifle to buy. Don't be discouraged from buying the 358win because ammo is scarce and/or expensive, it is a great cartridge that puts the smack down on game,.. Plus hand loading is lots of fun and has a great sense of satisfaction when you take an animal, or shoot a 1" group with ammo you have put together your self.
 
Ardent said:
They're actually fantastic and all I use anymore Greg! All fits in a small tool box for travel, and even load .375 H&H on it. Haven't found a down side yet in hunting ammo, even travelled with one. ;)
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I used to pack one along with a small ammo can filled with scale, components, dies and tools out to camp(work) in a past life. It sure helps pass the boredom and I didn't waste any days off reloading. Ive had similar results, capable of producing great ammunition. Would never replace my presses but an excellent tool in the tool box.
 
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Ardent said:
They're actually fantastic and all I use anymore Greg! All fits in a small tool box for travel, and even load .375 H&H on it. Haven't found a down side yet in hunting ammo, even travelled with one. ;)
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Yeah, I use them at the hunt camp, when necessary... but not the way I would spend my money getting set up for reloading.
 
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