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Originally posted by MileHighShooter:

What would the results be like with the 358 Norma in a short barrel though?.......I DO need a 18-21" barrel rifle though

Found an older article in Big Bore Rifles and Cartridges" by Jon R Sundra titled The Big Swede, 358 Norma Magnum. He gives velocities in a 22 inch barrel, and notes only losing 17 fps per inch cutting from 24 to 22 inches. Notes that the Norma cartridge isn't overbore. Looks like a shorter barrel should give good velocities.

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FWIW, I just got back from some Texas hunting - two whitetail saw the flash from my .350 RMag. The results were devastating. 200 grains of Hornady IL over 62.0gr of Tac for 2,800 fps.

Think "Hit by the Bus". The second deer had an exit hole behind the shoulder large enough to stick my fist into. The first lost most of the off shoulder (misplaced that shot by about an inch...).

Neither deer took a step.

Thanks 86! That's some good info right there. However, I do believe I'm going to scrap this barrel and move on in another direction. I got the article from Paul (thanks again!!!) on the 35BW...its a lot of work, and a longer barrel then I want, to get a minimal gain. On a 24"+ barrel I would see some improvement over the Whelen, and about 100-150fps over the AI, but not likely in my application.

My new plan involves a bigger bullet, a smaller case, and lots of fun