Three years ago Don and I built two 6 1/2 lb (scopes included) 358s for elk hunting here in Az. We have a favorite north facing slope that is perfect for slow stalking. These rifles will be in our hands without slings attached as we ooze around.
We have waited three years for our next tags, have cow tags this year.
Originally I loaded up some 225 Sierras. They shot well. Don's rifle is all set to shoot them. I later loaded up some 225 TSX but the velocities were slow at just over 2300 due to the long bullet seated deeply into the case.
I was given some 358 components from an estate of a friend. There were three boxes of 225 Nosler partitions. Did you know Nosler says the BC of these bullets is .430? It seems hard to believe. I seated some .010" off the rifling and added RL-15. Worked up to 50 grs with no pressure signs 90 degrees, had to be drop tubed and it fit with some compression. 49.5 grs was the most accurate. Man oh man this IS the load for our elk hunt! 2550 fps. It sure whips the barrel up when fired from the bench but very tolerable.
FYI the overall length of these 225 partitions is identical to the 225 Sierra.
