Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 358 Win Pre-64 Fwt

This featherweight gets sweeter with every new photo, re-install that rear sight, and you're there...
Great thread DF.

CD

I found the box for the big 2.5-10x50 Firefly. It goes to my son tomorrow, EBay fodder.

Don’t need it.

DF

Done deal. Just got in from the shop.

Thanks,

DF

Now you are cooking with gas with a fine combination!

Good stuff DF, I have two old pre-64 FWT's [243/270], both wear 2-7 Leupolds in Weavers, as you said, they just look right, function just fine too.

DF, found you some ammo





Since I am late to the 358 Winchester game, what was the concensus on this particular ammo back in the day?

From everything I've read, the old Silvertip has been a good bullet in the .358, as has the Rem Core Lokt.

Not sure I'd want to pay that for a vintage box. I'm a bullet shooter, not a bullet or ctg. collector

I had 100 W/W cases ordered from Graf and Sons along with some bullets. They were going to be 7-9 days getting the order filled, so I cancelled it.

I have over a hundred formed cases from .308 and .243 brass that I'm using. It's just too easy to form .358 brass from just about any .308 case or .308 family of cases.

I have a number of bullets to use, including 180 Speer flat point, 180 TTSX, 200 Horn SP, 200 Pro Hunter, 225 SGK, plus pistol bullets, like the 170 Gold Dot and 180 XTP.

So, I don't need to wait for Graf. I have all types of powder I would ever need for this round.

All I need now, is some time.

DF

Bushnell Elite 4200 is made by Light Optical Works (LOW) in Japan.

LOW makes a number of premium scopes like NF, tactical Bushnells and others. Google them.

Probably one of the top glass makers anywhere.

DF

Pretty cool company with a long long history

Found this funny from the stereotyping standpoint



Also found this earlier as well, another factory 358 load is good

Sorta English. But with an Oriental slant....

DF

I see what you did there...

They make scopes a lot better than they translate. Top notch company.



DF

now that's funny...

Son and I were checking out the big scope. He shined a light thru the ocular, lit up the Firefly. It didn’t take long and it glowed pretty bright, even after all these years.

He’s good at presentation on eBay, takes great pictures, full descriptions, etc. That sets an eBay seller apart from the competition. I don’t see any other Firefly scopes for sale there. So who knows. We’ll see what he gets.

DF

No lie. That auction will likely time out before anyone bids on it. I still have two cartridges left from a vintage box just like it I picked up from a gun store over ten years ago. Only shot paper with them though. Been doing the killing with handloaded 200 gr IL's. At the ranges I've been nailing them, I could probably mix these last two Silvertips in with the handloads and not see enough change in POI to make a difference though.

DF, remember the .358 takes to cast bullets like a duck to water and they are very deadly.

Ya got any pet combos, suggestions?

I’ve been thinking about that. Infinite variables. almost too many possibilities. Need somewhere to start.

DF

That is a sweet hunting rifle. Having a FWT in 358 is pretty unique.

Yep.

An original one is pricey.

DF


Edited to add, JES has converted a bunch. I gather they shoot about as well as an original. Will find out.

I feel for you guys living back east. Here you can find a damn nice rifle for a great deal sometimes. Just have to be patient and the right one will surface. You can always have your buddy in Lyle keep an eye out for you too. Like the one I snagged at that gunshop for $475.00...