I have a SS Ruger 300 Win coming soon.I would like to make a 358 Norma out of it. What are the pros and cons of changing barrels vs reboring. If I rebarrel, what contour for the 358? If its a heavy contour would fluteing make sense? What length barrel? And what muzzle brake if any? Will use original laminate stock.Will alter barrel channel if needed. Thanks for any help!

I'm not sure of the cost for a rebore now days but, I would bet you can get a new high quality barrel installed for the same money. After a rebore the barrel will not be any better than the factory barrel was to start. I would go with a heavy sporter and not worry about flutes (my preference) I have a 20" on mine in a full stock. Looking at loadtech there is very little gain in a 24 over a 22". So I would think either would work. As to the brake your choice I have one on a 35 Whelen but, normally leave it off and use a thread protector.

I can confirm that with the expansion ratio of this cartridge that you will lose little velocity. I have a 22 inch 358 Norma (used to be a 24 inch).

Forget the damn muzzlebreak! You can handload down a tad if you find the recoil too much, but your hearing will never recover from the damage a break will cause.

Reboring is seldom cost-effective unless the original barrel is special in some way (engraved, quarter rib, etc.). Just swap barrels -- several US barrel makers (I forget which ones right now -- Pac-Nor? Krieger?) make barrels that duplicate factory contours so they will drop right in. And, of course as you note, opening up the barrel channel is not difficult.

The .358 Norma is a real firebreather that also lets you shoot cheap pistol bullets for cheap practice. You can also load some awesome varmint loads (e.g. 125 Hornady hollowpoints (intended for .357 Mag pistol at 1300fps) out of the .358 at 3100fps.

I like my .358 Norma a lot...

jpb

Thanks for the replys. I am thinking Heavy sporter/22" long/no break.