Hi,
Just wanted to share my good fortune. My uncle just gave me his Custom .358 Norma Magnum! It's built on a 1903a3 action (glass bedded) with a 24" free floating Douglas Supreme barrel. It has a Myrtle wood "Rollover Sporter" stock that he made. Can't wait to get out and shoot it (might need to beef up that recoil pad a touch)!!
Paul

Very nice. Mine's on an FN 98 Mauser. - Dan

Thanks Dan! Any pictures of yours??

VT, If he is looking for dies for the norma, I've got a set for sale, pm me for info, GREAT round, and a fine looking rifle too

DP, THanks! My uncle is sending me his dies as we speak. This thing is pretty much going to be reload only for me. I bought one box of factory 250gr to get started, but at $2+ per pop it would get real expensive in a hurry! Thanks again!

Several months ago I bought loaded 358 Norma ammo from www.grafs.com for $23 a box. That was only $2 more than brass. They had it on close out. I just looked at their site and they don't list it but, it wouldn't hurt to contact them.

WOW ----- What a gorgeous rifle. I am a .358 nut with a couple of STA's. The bullet choice is unlimited as opposed to very limited in the past. Enjoy and good shooting.

That's a beautiful rifle. You will love the cartridge, it's a thumper.

Mine is on a M70 classic stainless action, with a Pac-Nor 23 1/2" barrel and a Brown Precision stock. Made by Bill Leeper, it's a real racehorse, but it looks very plain next to yours! Enjoy.

Thanks for all the nice comments- I sure do feel lucky to have it! Its a bit overboard for the game here in the southeast US, but that won't stop me from trying it! Besides, it'll give me a good excuse for a western hunting trip (when $ and the wife allow!). Anyone got any pictures of their .358?

Wow,

Neat gun in a neat caliber.

Steve

I received the RCBS dies from my Uncle yesterday. The original receipt for the dies from 1985 was in the box -- $15.77 for the 2 die set! I believe that they are special order only from RCBS now...and just a bit more expensive!
Any ideas for a slightly more effective recoil pad? I like the looks of the current one but could use a bit more cushion between me and the rifle. I was thinking about just getting a PAST shield for the bench and not worrying about it in the woods --don't seem to notice it much there.
Any scope suggestions (on a budget) would be appreciated as well --I was thinking about a low end Leupold or Burris 2-7x. Any ideas? Thanks, Paul

DECELERATOR

vtforester

Go for a Pachymahr decellerator (good, damage resistant) or a Kick-eez (better recoil absorption, some have found them easier to tear).

I have a .358 Norma mag too -- you will want a better pad for sure! It is a thumper on both ends!

jpb

Paul, a third vote here for the 1" decelerator. That's what my 358 Norma wears as well.

For a scope, I recently bought one of Leupolds new VX-II 2-7X33's. It would be perfect on your 358. For about $250 US if you shop around a bit, it's a nice scope with multi-coating and click adjustments. If you need more info about getting a good price on this scope send me a private message.

What a coincidence!



I bought a Husqvarna 1651 in 358 Norma Magnum about two weeks ago here in Sweden. Still waiting for the license though (thus the rifle is still at the dealer). It would take "at least a month" to get the license according to the lady at the police handling license applications.



The 358 Norma Magnum is a very special caliber as I guess most of you already know (and most likely know more about than me). Being "dead" for such a long time, it's making it's way back now. Even good 'ol Craig Boddington says so in his suberb book "Safari Rifles". I really hope he's right about that. There is no other magnum in .358 (except 350 Rem Mag with a minuscule case) and there's no reason not to go for the Norma. It's sound and it offers case capacity etc. just like any other "normal" magnum.



I already have a box of 250r Hornadys and a box of 250gr Woodleigh PP's waiting for this baby. I also bought RCBS dies - they cost me about $200



Oh, what the heck!

JPB, exabit,
Glad to see the .358 is still in favor with the Swedes. I have a particular interest in this round and its origin as my family on my father's side came from Sweden (3 generations ago). My last name in fact came from a small village near Orebro. Small world. Happy hunting!
Paul

exabit (and others interested in Woodleigh bullets in the .358 Norma).

See my post at another AR forum

Although it deals with the 310gr Woodleigh bullets, the situation is the same with the 250gr Woodleigh bullets. The .358 Norma can drive them a LOT faster than Woodleigh recommends.

Woodleigh bullets are good, but at Norma velocities they expand too quickly and don't penetrate.

Save the Woodleigh's for the 35 Whelens and see my recommendations in my other other post (or try Barnes X bullets which can't be driven too fast either).

Cheers from Sweden,
jpb

Nice rifle. I own a 358 Norma Mag as well that was built by David Van Horn on a classic Model 70 action. Hands down, my favorite rifle.

I'll get some pictures and post them here or start a new thread.

Hey Guys,

Good to see all these 358 Norma fans out there. I have a pre-64 Winchester that I converted from 30-06 to 358 Norma. Took it to South Africa last year where I shot a Kudu, Blesbok and a Bushbuck with it ( 250 gr Speer Grand Slam). Even though all shot were once shot kills, I had some problems with the performance of the Grand Slams I used, see Grand Slam Link
So I'm still looking for that perfect bullet.

I dont know why I get giddy about hand-me-down rifles from family, I guess it just makes a hunt with them all the more memorable for me. Congrats on the new rifle.

For what it is worth, Norma is now loading factory .358s with 250 gr. Swift A-frames. You can order them from Cabela�s. CP.