What´s the best and practical barrel lenght for the .358 Norma Magnum? 24", 25" or 26".
I´m planing to built a rifle next year on the occation of the 50th anniversary of this round.


Martin

I used mine in the bush mainly as a moose rifle.mine has a 24 inch barrel and if I were to build another I would go with something in the 23 1/2 to 24 inches long.

Mine is a sub20" mannlicher. I don't feel you need anything longer than 24 for the 358 Norma

quote:

Originally posted by Big Bore Fan:
What´s the best and practical barrel lenght for the .358 Norma Magnum? 24", 25" or 26".
I´m planing to built a rifle next year on the occation of the 50th anniversary of this round.


Martin

If you want something a little handier, you can go down to 22" with very little loss of velocity.

quote:

you can go down to 22" with very little loss of velocity.

when one is shooting larger bores, he can reduce the barrel length with much less loss in velocity adn it takes huge combustion chambers to hold all the right powder to maintain the pressure......and very few chambers are that large.....one should have at least the 50 BMG size case to use longer barrels.....

Many 358 Norma loads use medium rate powders, IMR 4895, RL15 for ecample, & don't need an overly long barrel to get the best out of them, 24" is as long as I would ever want to go, 22" or 23" would probably be just fine too.
Steve

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
Mine is a sub20" mannlicher. I don't feel you need anything longer than 24 for the 358 Norma

Depends, Paul...
I made one with a 27"tube, which gave well over 3000fps with 250 grs Barnes XFB...
Persomally, I would never make a gun with shorter barrel than 24" on a cartridge with more volume than the 308 family, and there I set the limit at 22", as I only have one pair of ears.

I like a 25" barrel.

I think 24 would be about right.
I reserv 26 in tubes for really hight velocity rounds. For example the .257 weatherby and 7mmSTW.
My model 70 winchester in .338 win has a 26. I think I would like it better with a 24.
...tj3006

I would go 24"

Thanks for replays!
I mean, the 24" will be the best compromise.
I agree with Bent Fossdale, I´m a 24"-Fan and would never select a barrel shorter, for rounds with more volume than the .308, with exception of faster burning powder round´s, like the 9,3x57, 9,3x62 or .450Marlin.


Martin

My Husqvarna has a 26-inch barrel because that is factory original. However, if I were building one, I would also opt for a 24-inch.

Dave

I've had 3 Norma Mags with my present on having a 20" barrel. This one is made for carrying mostly but I'll be darned if there's any noticeable difference in ranging ability or killing power.

Today, got my ordered box of .358Norma Mag rounds. Norma 250grs Oryx. Looking great! Next year I will order the barrel at Lothar Walther.



Martin

My Sako 358 Norma has a 23" Douglas barrel. Given the expansion ratio of this caliber I believe this to be the ideal length for a hunting rifle in this caliber. I get 2950 fps w/225 Paritions and TSX with great accuracy. It's just a really well balanced combination. just my '02.
sbsmith