Opinions on .358 Win for deer?

rommelrommel

rommelrommel

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
478   0   0
I'm looking for a BLR in either .308 or .358, and there are a lot of .308's around, but I may have to go new if I want a .358. I've shot the .308 and liked it, didn't think it was too much recoil even with some fairly hot handloads, although it was about at the point that much more recoil would make follow up shots a little slow.

Would the .358 be that much more recoil, say with factory loads, or minimum handloads? I want a gun that I'm also comfortable taking for moose/elk, and that in an emergency would do well against a bear. I think the .308 might be a bit marginal.
 
For whitetails, there is nothing a 358 will do that a 308 won't. IMHO, the 308 is the perfect whitetail calibre except on the open plains where shots can be really long.

Now if you fancy a 358 buy one of each and see for yourself.
 
Yeah, I know I don't need the 358 for deer, but I need both a deer and moose gun for this fall, and two guns isn't in the budget. And, I'm a sucker for big bores.

I guess I could get the 358, and if I find it too much gun for whitetails I could get a 308 next year.
 
In the BLR, the recoil from a 358 is hardly different from a 308. I speak from experience, I have owned both. The 358 is a fun cartridge, but the 308 is entirely adequate for any NA game except for the really big bears. Accuracy (which depends on the shooter, not the cartridge) usually trumps horsepower.

If you don't handload, that brings even more points down on the side of the 308.There is a huge variety of factory stuff available, while the 358 is limited to quite a narrow choice of off-the -shelf stuff.

That being said, go with the one that you figure will be the most fun.
 
I think the .358 makes lots of sense. It's sometimes slagged by the "the .35 Whelen is better because it's more powerful" crowd, but what the .358 will do is provide an easier-shooting big bore that will be entirely adequate for your needs. Plus it has cool factor. One of the few guns I regret not buying when I had the chance is a Savage 99-358. Go for it.
If Browning were chambering it in the BLR, I think the .338 Federal is a great idea on paper; I haven't tried one out, though.
 
I dont find the bullet selection for the 358 to be very appealing. If Browning chambered the BLR in 338 Federal, that would be the one I'd go with if I was wanting a BLR
 
Opinion on .358win for deer? I'll let you know this Fall.;):D

I have a new .358win that I will be using primarily this season, but I also have a .308win that I have used on quite a few deer. No chances for moose yet, but like it has been mentioned, either one will work, but for the big stuff, the heavier bullets usually get the 'nod'.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.


James
 
I have been using the 358 Win for the last three years, it is perfect for your needs. The bullet I use for deer is the 200 Hornady Sptz, I believe I would use a heavier bullet if moose hunting but for deer I can't fault it's performance, It will zip through any size deer when fired from the 358, even when fired from my 350 RM or 35 Rem they have zipped right through. The odd thing with the 35's is that they put game down quick. I can't explain it.
bigbull
 
Billy The Kid said:
Why not?:confused: There are lots of good 35 cal projectiles available.

Or do you mean ammunition selection?:)
Click to expand...

no, I am looking at handloading options. speer flat noses? no thanks. sierra 225 grain boat tail - in a 358? - no thanks. hornady 200 grain spitzers maybe...Barnes TSX 200 gr maybe...two options, whoopee! :p
 
Hornady also makes a 200gr round nose and 250gr bullets in both round nose and spitzer (also a 180gr spitzer) in 35 cal. The trajectory with the 250's isn't that impressive, but plenty of energy. For me it would come down to the distances I expect to use it at. Under 150yds I'd go with the 358, just because its not a (boring) 308 Win. Realisticaly the 308 would be the more practical choice if you can only have one.
 
Last edited:
Bullet choices for reloading

225gr Accubond
225 and 250 gr Partition
200 and 225gr TSX's
225, 250 and 280gr A-Frames
Hornady has 5 bullet choices

Thats 13 choices plus numerous others from Sierra and Speer to make it more than interesting to reload for....
 
todbartell said:
thats where the new 338 federal splits the difference and is the best of both worlds :popCorn:
Click to expand...

But the 338 Fed is currently not available in a lever action. The original question was BLR in 308 or 358. IF you could get a BLR in 338 Fed, then it might be a better choice than the 358. Realistically, the 308 would STILL be the better choice if you could only afford one.
 
mylesrom said:
Bullet choices for reloading

225gr Accubond
225 and 250 gr Partition
200 and 225gr TSX's
225, 250 and 280gr A-Frames
Hornady has 5 bullet choices

Thats 13 choices plus numerous others from Sierra and Speer to make it more than interesting to reload for....
Click to expand...

Ive never handloaded for the 358, but Id doubt the 225 grain Accubond, 250 partition, 225 TSX, 250 & 280 gr Aframes, and 250 grain hornady interlock spitzer would be good fits in the small 358, when loaded @ 2.8" OAL. those are some pretty long bullets. Nosler doesnt even reccomend loading 250 grainers in their manual, as the 358 barely makes enough speed to expand a partition at the muzzle

:onCrack:
 
todbartell said:
Ive never handloaded for the 358, but Id doubt the 225 grain Accubond, 250 partition, 225 TSX, 250 & 280 gr Aframes, and 250 grain hornady interlock spitzer would be good fits in the small 358, when loaded @ 2.8" OAL. those are some pretty long bullets. Nosler doesnt even reccomend loading 250 grainers in their manual, as the 358 barely makes enough speed to expand a partition at the muzzle

:onCrack:
Click to expand...
Ask the guys from the Yukon like WhyNot? & River Rat. They use 250s in the 358 all the time.

If I owned another 358, my 1st choice for bullets would still be the 250 Speer. The one I had before was a 760 (rechambered from 35Rem). I had not problem getting 250s into the .308 mag I used.

.
 
I think guys the thing to remember is at he velocities of the 358 win, any old bullet will work. I expect i would be a ery bullet friendly calibre, no need for premium.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom