Home Forums Reloading Bullet Casting 358 Winchester Cast Bullet Loads

Any suggestions for loads for bullets in the 240-260 grain range?
<br>I think I may start with 35 grains of IMR3031 for a 253 grain bullet I have ( I believe it 358315 or 358318). I'm at work and my memory is not so good. Does anybody have any other suggestions?

I am interested in any and all loads for the .358 Win. I would like a heavy 275 to 300 gr flatpoint mould. I can see super slow plinking and small game loads using just enough red dot to get soft bullets out of the barrel. Then some moderately hot, for cast bullets, loads for deer and pigs. Any data out there? Thanks RZ

You just missed out on the heavy .358 molds. There was a special run of 200 and 260 gr. molds Lee made for us, and Midway handled. You may wish to contact them to see if there is any possibility of another run. Lee really should make these standards, as they didn't have a good flat nosed heavy .358 previously.

Hi all,

I have never even fired cast bullets from a rifle before, but am starting to get very interested in trying to make some for my .358. Any and all suggestions as to how to get a good start at this would be appreciated.

I guess my first question is does shooting cast bullets require that velocity be reduced? If I stay in the 180-200 grn weight range, and I use the bullets for hunting whitetails/hogs, what kind of velocity can I expect to obtain from an 18" barrel?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Clay, usually one gets their best groups from the heavier bullets in any particular caliber. Thus, for 35 caliber 180 or 200 grain bullets may not group very well. I'd cast for something in the 250 gr. range or heavier. The little bit more lead it uses is immaterial and since your belocity isn't iin contention with jacketed bullets, you should be just fine. Casting is very time consuming and frankly, very aggrivating. You soon find that there must be a million variables you will have to contend with by eliminating one at a time. Don't get into casting unless you are very serious about it and after spending time discussing what equipment you'll need from a knowledgable caster. It is rewarding when things work and ....., well, you get the point.

Rolly, what twist are you shooting? That's going to have everything to do with your bullet selection. I recently built a 35 Whelen with a 14 twist bbl that handles the 358009 Imp very well. Your velocity will be dependent on twist and powder selection. I've done several tests using surplus powder in different rifles and found 'sweet spots' while traversing through powder charges and shooting groups. And something else, some cast bullets simply do not work in some rifles, and some work a whole lot better than others. Lots of variables, and LOTS of testing. sundog

Sundog, I believe my 358 Winchester and 35 Whelen are both 1x12 inch twist but am at work and unsure. I too shoot the 358009 Lyman in my 35 Whelen and it shoots super there. I don't use it in my 358 because it is simply too long. Right now I am shooting a Saeco mould number ??? in it. Weights about 245 grains and shoots reasonably well.

I have been using RCBS 35-200 FN for years in my BLR 12" twist and only this spring in a M. 70 14" twist. With a charge of 4895 powder sufficent for speeds of 2050 fps or thereabouts the BLR manages groups of 2 to 2 1/2 inches.
With any given load, the M. 70's velocity is 100 fps faster than the BLR, and so far found the best accuracy in the 1800's with 4895. What is a hoot, however, is Lyman's 358156 HP (150 grains) at 1654 fps using 2400 powder. Holds them all into 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches with only a modest crack and hardly any recoil.- JDL

Generally, cast bullet rifle loads should be kept to 2000 fps or under. Not to say accuracy can't be attained at higher speeds, but there is alot more work involved in proper alloys, heat treating and lubes. Another thing is consistant terminal performance with the harder bullets, which can shatter at high impact speeds, or refuse to upset at lower speeds. With a simple, cheap, gas checked wheelweight bullet, you'll have no problem gettting good accuracy @ 1800-2000 fps, and consistant terminal performance.

I believe the 358 win is one of the best 35 bore's for use with cast bullets, specifically because the case capacity is ideal for driving 250-280 gr bullets 2000 fps. You also don't give up much if any performance over jacketed bullets, as you're opperating at basically the same velocities.

I'm going to have to build a 358 win specifically for shooting the 260 gr lee, as my 350 Rigby has a short throat.

Sundog. What is the average weight of bullets thrown from 358009? And from what alloy? Thanks. RustyZ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Rusty, my 3589 throws round nose bullets at 289 grains, if I recall correctly. I use wheel weights. Mine is a Lyman mould that was originally made to throw hollow points. A previous owner did away with the hollow point feature.

Two more questions. Do you have a Lyman Manual that gives load data for this bullet (3589)? I need data for this one. Also for those without the time, skill, or equipment, at Mt. Baldy Bullets Company in Cody Wyoming you can purchase 280 gr WLN style bullets. Great people to deal with. I'm having problems with my case necks being too tight and no "M" die to use. Don't want to ruin the bases of the 280 grainers. They are gas checked among other considerations. Made an order to Midway so I could get the M die and forgot that item but bought four others!?!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Getting old? Anyone with data for the old Lyman? I would like to compare book data with anyone's personal data. Thanks to Rolly and others for your thoughts and info. Rusty Z <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

rustyzipper,
The 3589 is supposed to be about 280gr, and all the Lyman manuels I've got don't go over a cast 247gr bullet in 358 Winchester. The loads they do show are all shotgun powder with velocity at the 1300fps range. One source I do have shows 250gr cast loaded with 40gr of 4895. As far as M dies are concerned, most experienced casters just use the needle nose pliers method. Just stick the pliers into the case neck and spin it pack and forth a few times with a little pressure you've got a perfect flair without the cost and time of using those extra M dies. Sounds simple, and it is. ....Geo

Zipp, you might try a pistol expander die for a 38/357. The expander in this set should work for you just fine. I have never used the plyers trick, but it sounds like it may work too, if a bit imprecise. I'd buy another M die personally as they are so cheap. If I remember I'll look up my Lyman 3589 loads and post them tomorrow.

Zip, here is the data from my 3589 mould. I see I have not used it in my 358 Winchester as it is too long. I have used it in my 35 Whelen. IMI 3031--35 thu 39 grains. Bullet weight 292.5 39 grains yielded 1979 muzzle velocity and the groups were 1" to 2 " at 100yards. The bullets had been sized to .359 and heat treated. I use a tuft of dacron over the powder and Remington 9 1/2 primers. My cases are Winchester Western made from 30-06.

Thanks for all the info guys. I find data in the #45 Lyman handbook for the discontinued Hornady RN at 275 gr. All max loads were close to 2000 fps and some almost 2100 fps. All this in the 358 WCF. I still think if I could find a Lyman handbook old enough I may find a load for the 3589. I would be interested in purchasing one from one of you guys as long as it was readable. A Lyman #42, #43, or #44 and a Sierra # 10 are in my wish list. Any one want to clean off a shelf for some newer books? I would pay the mailing costs. PM me if you are interested. Rusty Z <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I made up two dummy loads with the 280 gr WLN last night. It will only work with the bullet back into the powder space. I won't do that because of the ppossibility of losing the gas check and the leading. Will have to save it for the 350 RM project. Thanks again for the thoughts guys. Rusty Z <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />