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.358 Norma Mag – My all-round favorite

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31 July 2002, 22:18
.358PCAK
.358 Norma Mag – My all-round favorite
For almost 10 years now, Iv been using the .358NM for Norwegian midsize and big game. It has to be one of the most efficient cartridge ever made. I achieve 2830 ft/sec with a 250 grs Swift. That is with 81 grs RP15(Not RL 15. RP 15 is very similar to Norma MRP).

I guess the NM is very suitable for big game all over the world. Experiences and opinions?

Pete
01 August 2002, 01:28
Moremonte
I have & used this round to take several elk in late 80's and early 90's.My load was 250gr Hornady RN and 77grs 4350 @2850fps.Worked like magic.
01 August 2002, 02:38
steve y
Taking mine on its first elk hunt in a couple of months, with 280gr. Swifts.

Glad to see here it's enough gun for elk. [Smile]

Going to chrono the load this weekend. It's Hornady book max for the 290gr. and shoots 1.25 MOA.

Mine's a Mauser conversion and has been some trouble to get feeding right. I tried to get an in-line conversion mag from Brownell's but they are factory discontinued. I had to work on the left side quite a bit and ramp it, but now the rounds stay put even with hard racking and severe blows with the bolt open.

My next just-for-kicks ( [Smile] ) project, a lightweight BLR in .358 Norma. (Maybe a BAR Stalker .338 to .358 Norma but the rebarrel might be pricey with the gas system.)

[ 07-31-2002, 17:42: Message edited by: steve y ]
01 August 2002, 02:40
<phurley>
I am a .358 fan. I shoot a .358 STA and get excellent results with 225 gr, 250 gr, and 270 gr. North Fork bullets. Good shooting.
01 August 2002, 03:28
dan belisle
Well, it's certainly enough gun for anything on his continent. I really like mine. That 358 BAR idea sounds interesting. Perhaps a re-bore would work with the gas ports. - Dan
01 August 2002, 20:16
<Mads>
Well I've always dreamed of a schultz and Larsen model 68 in .358 Norma Magnum - but it still stays with the dream!

Pete could you tell something more about the RP15 powder?

Regards

Mads
02 August 2002, 09:58
<458Wby>
Hey .358PCAK.
I belive you'll be standing ready, in the store, when the new issue of "Vaapentidningen" comes out!
Have you seen what one of the headlines is?? [Big Grin]
01 August 2002, 23:12
.358PCAK
Mads, the RP 15 is mostly sold to people whom shoot a whole lot(competing). The powder is cheaper than other powder, but the burning speed/density can various a little from lot to lot. Therefor I use to buy 3 � 6 kg a time from the same lot, and �climb the ladder� to get loads for those kilos bought. By the way, I have to say that I haven�t found any big differences between different lots. I use the RP 15 in my 6,5 x55 too, and there I get exactly the same velocity/pressure with RP 15 as I get with Norma MRP.

Arild, do you say there is an article about the Norma Mag in latest issue of �Vaapentidningen� [Eek!]

Pete

[ 08-01-2002, 14:13: Message edited by: .358PCAK ]
02 August 2002, 08:33
270Model70
Mads,

It's too bad you're on the other side of the pond. I have 2 Schultz and Larsen Model 65DL's in 358 NM and one of them is for sale. Hopefully someone over here in the states will recognize what a great gun the S&L is.

Brian
02 August 2002, 19:54
<Mads>
Brian: Yes that is a shame.

How much will you sell the rifle for in the States?

Regards

Mads

[ 08-03-2002, 16:40: Message edited by: Mads ]
03 August 2002, 03:47
snowcat
Can you maximize this round's potential with a 22" barrel or do you need to go to a 24"? Seems alot of .338 Wins are factory 24's but with the larger bore/case capacity it seems like the shorter barrel might not cost as much velocity. Real interested in the caliber.
03 August 2002, 06:16
<458Wby>
Hi Peter.
The latest issue they've tested the 9,3x62, but the next issue (not out yet) have the 358 NM as a headline!! [Wink]