Looking for info on .358-338 Winchester-wildcat

[Slooshark1]

I'm thinking about possibly necking up the .338 Winchester Magnum to .358. I'm sure that I'm not the first person to do it and I was just wondering if I could hear from someone who has, or has any information on it.

Best regards,

Slooshark1

 

[K98]

According to the book "Cartridges of the world" the wildcat 35-338 is nearly identical to the 35 Ackley belted short magnum and the 358 Norma Magnum.

 

[Why not?]

Just get it chambered for the 358 Norma mag and use 338 brass to form cases!

That way, when it comes time to sell it, and it will, you will not have nearly as much trouble finding a buyer.

Ted

 

[Slooshark1]

Yes but .338 cases and .358 Norma Mag cases do not have the same dimensions do they? Does anybody make .358 Norma Magnum brass or ammunition?

 

[SuperCub]

I'm thinking about possibly necking up the .338 Winchester Magnum to .358. I'm sure that I'm not the first person to do it and I was just wondering if I could hear from someone who has, or has any information on it.

Best regards,

Slooshark1

Hope you have deep pockets. The dies alone will cost about $150 and if the gunsmith doesn't have a reamer, you buy that as well, not to mention the cost of a new barrel and installation.

Better off to go for the 358Norma or a 338Win or 375H&H.



SC............................

 

[Why not?]

Yes but .338 cases and .358 Norma Mag cases do not have the same dimensions do they? Does anybody make .358 Norma Magnum brass or ammunition?

They are not the same dimensions, but use the same basic case.

Just neck up to 35 and fireform. The belt controls the headspace for the first firing. I have made plenty of 358 Norma from 338 brass.

Have even seen River Rat do it using 7mm Rem Mag brass!

Ted

 

[Slooshark1]

How do you fireform a .338 case to .358 Norma magnum?

 

[358]

Size a 338 in a 358 die, put in a 158gr. pistol bullet with 15 gr. blue dot and pull the trigger. I got a bunch of 7mag. brass from my dad and formed it to 375 Taylor. Lost a few but not that many. I use these fireforming loads to practice offhand shooting.
I too would vote for the 358Norma. A lot of power in a short case.Mark

 

[dan belisle]

You end up with slightly short cases by fireforming from 7mm or 338 brass, but they work fine. Just get a 358 Norma Mag and go, great cartridge. - dan