Been using Barnes TTSX and TSX with 52 gr Tac and Mag primers. I have an itch to try Speer Hot cors can anyone recommend a pet load?
The most accurate loads in my Remington 700 358 Win and my Remington 600 350 Rem Mags are: 250 grain Speer Hot Core and 250 grain Hornady Inlterlock. The difference in group size is infinitesimal.
I like H4895 in these cartridges, but Mule Deer did some comparison between 338 Federal and the 358 Win in Hand-loader or Rifle, I can't remember. He used TAC to get what I consider to be probably the best load in the 358 -- if your rifle likes the load, that is. The following was what he used. I do not remember the brass he used, but I suspect it might have been Winchester (guess). I have a large amount of military 308 brass, I believe the military brass has less capacity than most factory brass, especially Winchester. I would not just go out and use anyone's maximum loads, especially when changing components.
Brass can make a big difference in top loads, work up to maximum, don't use someone else's maximum - that is start at least a couple of grains low. Bullet jackets also make a difference -- I do not know what MD was shooting in that article. Same with primers.
In a bolt-action Ruger 77 Hawkeye - 48 grains of TAC 48 250 grain bullets.
There's lever actions such as Savage 99, Winchester 88 that in my opinion should not be loaded as warm as bolt action rifles.
I had a 358 in a BLR, I sold it - though it was a nice rifle. I never loaded "top loads" in it and it didn't seem to make much difference on game.
I have used the 250 gr Hornady Interlock RN and it kills and shoots very accurate in my gun, it doesn't expand much on deer though with a double lung.
I asked a similar question about using the 180 gr. Speer Hot Cor in my .35 Whelen. Those who responded advised that the bullet was designed for .35 Remington and to keep velocity in that range in order not to have the bullet blow up on game. I have since developed a load for my .35 Whelen using the Hornady 200 gr. RN, I used Ken Waters data using 54 gr. of IMR 3031 I am getting outstanding accuracy. 3 shot groups you can cover with a dime, 5 shots which can be covered by a quarter. You'd have to reduce your charge for the .358 but I believe you'll be pleased with the powder/bullet selection.
I have also used 3031 and 200 gr hornady spire points or round nose bullets in my .358 win. Load came right of Ken Water's Pet Loads book. Very accurate in my BLR and deadly on deer and hogs.
I can't remember the exact powder weight but it is a half grain less than the book maximum of H-335 (as taken from the yearly Hornady powder magazine, not book). I used it in a steel frame Browning BLR on two black bears and a handful of deer. They all died quickly as expected and the exits on the Bears had decent sized holes which left an adequate blood trail to follow. I haven't used them in several years as I bought too many 250 gr Hornady bullets on clearance.
Someone mentioned decreasing the powder weight for the 88 and 99 and I would agree. I tried the Speers in a 99 and the extractor or ejector broke in a couple of shots. I was told that wasn't uncommon when one began to push the limits on pressures the gun was designed for. I ended up decreasing the powder charge by another grain for that gun.
I asked a similar question about using the 180 gr. Speer Hot Cor in my .35 Whelen. Those who responded advised that the bullet was designed for .35 Remington and to keep velocity in that range in order not to have the bullet blow up on game. .
Check this sight out. It makes the 180 & 220 sound like they're on the hard side for the .35 Rem and may be better suited to the .358Win.
http://www.suitorsgarage.com/gunstuff/35remington/35rempart2.html
Very helpful, thanks guys!
Another good site for information on .358 bullets is: 35cal.com.