07 February 2006, 08:08
GAHUNTERWhich North Fork .358 bullet for moose?
I'm thinking about taking a 358 Win. ultra light rifle on a moose hunt to British Columbia next year and would like to use North Fork bullets. The North Fork website says their 225-grain bullet is intended for thin-skinned North American game, and they recommend their 250 grainer for moose.
Is this true? I was hoping to be able to use the 225-grain bullet for the flatter trajectory, as shots could come at distances approaching 300 yards. Would the Nosler Partition or the Swift A-Frame 225s be a better choice?
Hopefully NFmike will see this and respond.
08 February 2006, 01:32
phurley5GAHunter ----- I have shot the 225, 250 and 270 grain North Forks with my .358 STA's for years now. I have shot all the other bullets manufactured in this country and consider the North Forks impossible to beat in my rifles. My STA's have considerable more speed over your Winchester, I sware by the 270 grainer and have taken Elk, Deer and African plains game with it. If I were you I would use either the 225 or 250 grain bullet, whichever shoots better through your rifle. IMO out to 300 yards you will not be able to discern any difference on a Moose size animal, when it gets there it will do it's job.

Good luck and good shooting.
08 February 2006, 03:56
308SakoGAHunter, I appreciate your concern about the trajectory of the heavier bullet, but a Moose is a big target, and the slightly higher midrange adjustment will not cost you to use the heavier bullet. Both will work if placed well, so I would choose the better shooting bullet in your rifle regardless of weight.
Member NRA, SCI- Life #358 28+ years now!
DRSS, double owner-shooter since 1983, O/U .30-06 Browning Continental set.
08 February 2006, 06:32
woody7Personally, I don't see the need for the high dollar bullets in a 358 Win. A 250 grain, or 225 grain, Nosler Partition would do just fine. I shoot Swift A-Frames in my 338 WM and really like them on large game (moose and elk). But a 338 WM has considerable more velocity than a 358 Win and I don't think you would have to worry about a Partition coming apart on impact with the lower velocities in your 358 Win. I have had Nosler Partitions come apart in my 338 WM and 7-Mag, but never in lesser velosity calibers. If the North Forks were considerably more accurate than the Nosler's then I would want the more accurate bullet too, but I would guess that wouldn't be the case.
Woody
08 February 2006, 06:43
vapodogquote:
Personally, I don't see the need for the high dollar bullets in a 358 Win. A 250 grain, or 225 grain, Nosler Partition would do just fine
Good point...well made.
That said I'd still use a premium bullet and prefer the A-Frames.
10 February 2006, 05:44
Alaska Bush ManI have had good sucess on moose and bear with the 350 Mag and 35 Whel....with the Speer 250 Hot Core Spitzer and IMR 4320. No need for a prem bullet at 2400-2500 FPS.