I now own a Ruger Mark I that has been converted to .358 Norma. Does anyone know which cases to use for sizing? .458, 338, 300WM? Also, what is the preferred bullet for elk and moose? I am getting really excited to use this rifle this year and want to develop my own handloads for it. Thanks guys!

get the cases from Norma.... Midway has them.

You can also form them from 458 win mag cases and 300 win mag but the 338 is a tad short for it. but why?...when you can get the real thing.

Any 250 grain bullet in that thing will do for you.

I use norma brass so the headstamp is correct. A 338wm is a neck up and a touch short. Never tried a 458. A 300wm is a neckup, shoulder move and trim and will be the right length.

anneal the cases, and you MIGHT be able to crush them in the die.

Thanks for the Midway link! Also, I think that the 250gr Partitions look like just the ticket. Any pet loads that anyone would like to share to get me on the right track?

I only use the Norma cases for my 358 Norma Magnum. Wish I could help you with the Nosler Partitions, but I only reload the 225 grain Swith A-Frames in mine. Killed a Kodiak browie with this setup this spring.

Never loaded the 250Pt but I tried RL19 and H414 with my 250 Woodlieghs. The H414 is about 50fps faster but the RL19 is more accurate in my rifle and that is what I use.

quote:

Also, what is the preferred bullet for elk and moose?

The 358 Norma is an immensely powerful round similar to the .375 H&H and should be loaded with bullets that will stand the heat.

Look to TBBCs or Northforks or A-Frames or other heavy constructed or bonded bullets.

I\m soon getting a 358 and good bullets will be used in it. I doubt if ill use regular soft nose bullets for hunting but for practice they`ll be fine, but Woodleigh,swift, TBBC and others will be very fine for it.
the 310 grain Woodleigh soft/solid can be loaded to the same velocity as the .375 H&H and there is the big game load .

The 250 Grain Swift or Partition can be loaded with a good powder charge so it shoots almost as flat as the .270, But A-Square has its lion load in 275 grain for it aswell so it`s an versatile cartridge allright.

It's been my experience that Norma brass is soft. Maybe they have changed things since I tried it last (about five years ago). I use 338 brass and fireform. Yes, it will be a tad short but it will grow into the proper length after a few firings.
I've used 250 Partitions, Kodiak 250's, Swift 280's and X bullets. I've settled on 225 Partitons because I wanted better ranging, I could never get the X's to shoot acceptably well in my rifle.
I've got several loads you might be interested in, just email me. The 358 Norma is a GREAT cartridge, you'll like it.

The stupid thing about the 308 and the 358 was that they was never put in a M-70 or a 700, that was due to the of the of the bosses there didnt see that that US was a very large market for a rifle and good ammo. After he left Ã…motfors,he was the Norma marketing director in the US....


the bullets they used originally was the Alaska bullet that was originally made for .358 Winchester and that led to meat ruining and bullets that fragmented upon impact, i have a friend who helped his father butchers several elg after that bullet and it was a good deal destroyed meat.

If the Nosler 250 grain had been used the history had been different.

But fortunately their load now is with 250 grain Swift and before that they used the 250 grain Woodleigh RN.
Hopefully it will be finished soon and it will be a treat of a rifle.

Thanks for the replys everyone!

Gentlemen ----- If you are shooting a .358 caliber rifle with speed and don't try the North Fork bullets, you might be passing up the best bullets for your rifle. They come in 225, 250 and 270 grains and are the most accurate tough bullet I shoot with my .358 STA's. With their solid copper rear shank they cannot come apart, which someday may be very important, if you should face dangerous game. Good shooting.

As far as elk moose bullets, a Barnes TSX or North Fork in 225 or 250 gr will do the ticket.

I shoot a 350 Rigby, and it likes 66 gr of Varget over a 250 gr for 2700 fps, the Norma should be within a grain or two of that for the same speed.

225gr sierra game kings

jeffe

Wouldn't those be a little too soft though?

The 225grs Sierra would be splendid for long range work, but it will have a muzzle velocity at about 2900-3000 f/s, and that is to much speed for that bullet close up. The one bullet my customers keep coming back to is the .250 grs Barnes X.

I am on my second 358 Norma, and love the round. If it can't be done with a 250gr Partition over 74-ish grains of H4350, then it can't be done with the big Norma.

Norma brass has been routingely excellent, in my experience with this round. 338 Win Mag brass will work in a pinch, but it ends up a bit short.

I have some 225gr. and 250gr.Partitions. Now it is time to develop the right loads! Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by duikerman:

quote:

Also, what is the preferred bullet for elk and moose?

The 358 Norma is an immensely powerful round similar to the .375 H&H and should be loaded with bullets that will stand the heat.

Look to TBBCs or Northforks or A-Frames or other heavy constructed or bonded bullets.

Wile I'll agree that the 358Norma is "powerful"
I think saying "enormously powerful" is going a bit far.

the 358Norma isn't materially different in power or ballistics from a 338winchester

As for Forming brass, Yeah I've done it to feed mine, but when real virgin brass is available
at Cabela's and Midway, why bother?

Yes, I agree Norma brass is "soft", but for the number of times you are likely to actually fire it?

AllanD

Jabs-
When I say Norma brass is soft I mean it will not take the pressure as well as fireformed 338 Winchester brass. In my experience, I've loaded my 358 Sako (23" bbl) right to the limit with 250's (75.5 gr. H4350, 2810fps) and 225's (69.5 gr. H4895, 2980, 2972fps chronographed this morning). Norma brass will not let me get near those velocities in my rifle. Just my .02

I'l be shooting some loads made with fomed 458WM brass today. I am still waiting for Midaway to get me my properly headstamped brass. I will run them side by side and let you guys know if there is difference.