Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Bullets for 358 Win

I have used the 200sp since the mid 90's for 25+ deer and a couple of black bear Its a fine enough bullet for those uses. If I were to bring one of my 358's for something larger like elk or moose. I would look at the 200 tsx or 225 NP, but I don't think they are necessary for deer and typical black bear.

Hope I'm not hijacking too bad but I've been wanting a 358 myself. I've heard that the brass is slightly short when you neck up 308 brass and it might cause an issue with throat erosion. Is this something to think about or just too much worrying over a non issue? I'm new to reloading so it was a thought with 358 brass possibly becoming hard to find.

Another vote for the 200 gr Hornady.





Dan

[quote=R_H_Clark]Hope I'm not hijacking too bad but I've been wanting a 358 myself. I've heard that the brass is slightly short when you neck up 308 brass and it might cause an issue with throat erosion. Is this something to think about or just too much worrying over a non issue? I'm new to reloading so it was a thought with 358 brass possibly becoming hard to find.


For about 30+ years I necked up 308 brass, never had an issue.

R H Clark,

You could probably put 5000 rounds through a .358 without any visible throat erosion, regardless of neck length. Unless, of course, you plan to use one for prairie dog shooting, so will get the barrel hot pretty frequently.

Many thanks to you and TwoTrax. I sort of figured that would be the case,more of a theoretical problem than anything practical.

I've always ran 225 Sierra's in my 358's...

I've always used the 200gr Hornady SP for deer with no complaints.

However, on a recent bear hunt in Manitoba I used the 200gr TTSX. Bang flop! 'Twas amazing!

I've used the 225 Sierra GK on a couple of deer. Muzzle velocity was a bit over 2500 and the farthest shot was 125 yards. No complaints.

Thanks for the replies.

I have. Shot a buck at about 35 yards with a Hornady 200 grain spire point interlock loaded over IMR 3031 from my BLR .358 Winchester. The buck started quartering away just as I pulled the trigger. Bullet entered towards the rear of his left rib cage, shattered his right shoulder and lodged in his ball socket. He ran about 40 yards after the shot. Retained weight was 149.4 grains. Pic of recovered bullet below. It did the job, but I was disappointed it didn't exit. That was a tough buck to run as far as he did with a shattered scapula and a bullet wedged in his ball socket. His lungs were soup, but no blood trail since no exit. His right leg flailed upward as he fell out of sight in a slight depression. This did leave me wondering had I hit him in the left shoulder first instead of the rib cage whether it would have penetrated that first shoulder to reach his vitals.

Probably the ’softest’ 225 is the Partition - though you really don’t need it for deer. The 225 Gameking is a good bullet, though a bit ‘hard’ for the speeds of the small case. There is nothing wrong or ‘too light’ with 200 cup and cores for deer-sized game with the 358. I’ve used the 200 PSP Remington bullet on a few caribou; caught this one after messing up a few bones on one of them.



250 Speer Hot-Cors are softer than the Hornadys in terms of expansion, but perhaps stay together better as they expand....at least based on the tests I’ve done.



250 Hot-Cor (from a close moose)

Though it wouldn’t be my first choice as an all-purpose bullet, I wouldn’t have qualms about poking a moose with the 200 Remington PSP. (I’m content with the 225 Partition as an all-purpose for my 358.)

Gringo Loco - Thanks for the excellent post and pics. Nice buck too by the way! That looks like excellent bullet performance to me. 75% weight retention after a quartering shot, wrecking the chest cavity, busting the scapula and ending up in a knee joint, with no sign of core separation, I will take that all day every day. Agree that buck should have dropped in his tracks!

I like the 225AB at 2,450fps. Mine are launched from a Whelen single shot with a reduced load. Works nicely on deer with good blood trails. Decent BC gets the most from that moderate velocity. I've shot deer out to 225yds and gotten expansion.

They don't fit short actions too well, unfortunately. Doesn't Nosler make a 200gr AB? I don't know

Midway lists them as unavailable-limited production but Nosler load data site has no data.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/81...grain-bonded-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-50

Yeah the 225AB in a SA bolt gun is not as promising an idea as it would be in a single shot or a 3" bolt gun. 2.8" is too much of a hindrance.

That would be a good one I'm thinking. I have boxes of 225gr Partitions and 200gr TSX, if that don't work for me, nothing will.

That said, I do have about 50 rounds loaded with 250gr Norma Oryx. You should hear the smack that one makes on steel.

Anyone tried the 180 TTSX from the .358 Win?