Thinking of getting into reloading for 358

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thud

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Hi, I was wondering if a BLR in 358 could be reloaded for wolf hunting use. I am imagining 300 yard max for a ethical shot. I will either buy a new gun in an appropriate caliber or preferably buy reloading equipment for my 358. The plan was to reload for the 358 eventually but the question of wolf hunting is pressing the issue.
Thanks
 
thud said:
Hi, I was wondering if a BLR in 358 could be reloaded for wolf hunting use.
Thanks
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So if you feel you can use the 358 appropiately for wolves then reloading will be fine.
What I'm getting at is reloading won't make a mid range heavy hitter 358 into a long range varminter.
 
Don't know why it didn't really catch on. Great brush rifle and open range if need be, lots of power and in the BLR it is a great combination. You can cast cheap bullets for it and practise to your hearts content. It just really never took off and as far as I know only Winchester makes ammo for it. As a reloader and if you cast bullets then you are going to have some fun with it.
 
jeff270; I was thinking of setting up a blind 100yards away from bait. Hopefully shots would be 200 yards or less.
I have never hunted predators before, so I am on a steep learning curve.
Thanks
 
Your Nutzs handle "thud" and the 358win chambering seem to me a good match.
If you own the rifle, why not get set up for loading?
You can open up the 308win brass as this is the parent brass.
The BLR is an accurate rifle as well.
I know mine is.
At least this way you will get to know your Browning and have some fun
shooting it.
I don't think you'll regret doing this.
Keep us posted.
 
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try 180 gr.or 200gr speer flatpoints, or rem. 200 spire points , check out combos with BLC-2.whatever load you find in the 180-200gr. bullet range that shoots consistently, accurately, and tolerably recoil wise will work just fine.The cartridge has it's limits, but if you develop ONE good load with reasonably priced jacketed bullets for hunting uses, and possibly a cast boolit load, plinker, possibly 158 .358 SWC?

This is not what comes to mind when I think "varmint rifle", but I would think that any critter you cared to poke at with it out to 300 yards with some practice may just have something to worry about.There are fellows who used an open sighted 30-30 for years, and regularly killed animals to 300-350, especially coyotes.Just a little Kentucky elevation/ windage and let her rip!
Just an opinion.
 
thud said:
senior; That is my question can I handload the 358 into a viable option for wolves?
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Well you can pick bullets maybe not available in store bought ammo that would give you a slightly extended range.
You can't just dump extra powder in & make it shoot like a varminter.
At the distances you posted, bait at 100yds, your 358 will work fine.
As for max distance I'll let someone else more familiar with that cartridge state max effective hitting distances. I would think 200yds on a wolf is do-able depending on what sites your useing & the practise you've put in.

On the other hand, Sav & other have some nice economy packages & another gun is always a nice option :D I would suggest a 243 to 260 cartridge range for a good wolf gun that'll double nicely as a deer gun, see another reason for a new gun :D
 
Thanks for all the replies.
I will be hunting wolves north of the French river so I believe I am ok for caliber restrictions. And I agree a dedicated rifle in a more suitable caliber would be ideal but this way I get the reloading gear. Now I have to decide on what brand of press, dies and single stage or turrent.
Thanks again
 
thud said:
Thanks for all the replies.
I will be hunting wolves north of the French river so I believe I am ok for caliber restrictions. And I agree a dedicated rifle in a more suitable caliber would be ideal but this way I get the reloading gear. Now I have to decide on what brand of press, dies and single stage or turrent.
Thanks again
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I would suggest for a beginner a basic Lee Turret press. It allows you to get a die set & leave it alone till such time as your more familiar with quick die setting.
For a hunting rifle any die brand will work. Lee's are cheap but for very little more money Hornadys are a nice option.
I would also suggest you but two reloading books.
The Lyman book of reloading gives great pics & good reloading info.
& the Hornady Reloading book gives good reloading info pertaining to the most popular bullet available...Hornadys.
 
I reload for the 35 Whelen, the big brother to the 358. I load 158 gr jacketed pistol bullets for "plinking" and varmint control. I load up 200 and 250 grain jacketed thumpers that will stop anything in North America. Recently I caught the cast lead bug, because of how cheap it is and discovered how accurate the 35 cals are. Be warned, reloading is addictive, but the best way to get the most out of any firearm.

Have fun and be safe.
 
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A few more suggestions.
Here ya go - Hornady 180 SSP bullet. SSP stands for Single Shot Pistol.
3505.jpg

It was designed for deer hunting with a TC pistol in 35Rem. Not too spendy and will fly better than an ash tray 158gr pistol bullet. Should be about as perfect as ya can get for wolves - with a 358Win anyway.

http://www.hornady.com/store/35-Cal-.358-180-gr-SP-Single-Shot-Pistol/
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/reloading/58838-358-win-180-gr-interlock-ssp-bullet.html
2650MV or more would be doable from a 20" barrel I think. Sold my BLR/358 last year but loaded for it for over 16 years. Nice rifle. Never used it on varmints.

Also the tougher old Remington 150 grain spire points are a thing of the past but if old stock could be found they would work well at 3000MV.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/358_wcf.htm


This is a new and spendy bullet but should work on wolves too - 180gr tipped-tsx-bullet.
thumb_TTSX_30889_small.jpg


358" 180 gr Tipped TSX BT .201SD .295BC product#35830
http://www.barnesbullets.com/products/rifle/tipped-tsx-bullet/

I live north of the French. Charge us extra up here to shoot yotes/wolves. Need a tag and limited to two tags only per season. Just a $$$ grab. Look into that.

Good luck.
 
I handload for all my rifles and right now my "GOTO" deer rifle for deer camp/hvy cover is also a BLR .358win. Great little comb and with 200 gr Hornady Spirepoints I get 1.5" 100 yd groups with mine. By all means use it to pound wolves and coyotes. They will never know what hit them.
 
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