Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Reloading for .358 Winchester

After perusing the readily available load data on the net (Nosler, Hodgdon, etc.) it looks like all .358 Winchester loads were designed around lever guns @ 52k PSI or so. If the .308 Winchester is rated to 62k PSI then is there any reasonable objection to loading the .358 Winchester to a similar level (60k PSI +) if I intend to use it in a modern bolt action?

I have a feeling I will run out of case capacity with powders like Varget and H4895 before I get into dangerous territory.

I'd run TAC and never look back. Hell, that even rhymed.

I think you're comparing CUP and PSI limits, so the numbers won't match.



Edit: If I have it right, 52000 CUP is comparable to 61000 PSI.

Likely, plus I'm doubting he has the means to measure either so it's all a guess, I guess.

I wish they would just stick to PSI and be done with it. CUP rating is kinda inexact from what I understand of the process and there is no exact way to convert it to PSI other than "eyeballing" it. But it was 48-50k cup on the lower end max loads.

No fully outfitted ballistics lab at my disposal. I am forced stumble forward just like every other mere mortal here.

TAC will help the very real case capacity issue. For 200-gn and under I've also had great results from RL7. It'll make 200's go well over 2600 fps.

How temperature sensitive is TAC? I live and hunt over on the east side of the Cascades so temperatures often vary by as much as 50F over the course of the day. Highs in the 80's are not unheard of during deer season when one wakes up to frost on the ground.

+ about a hundert gozillion.

I'm using Benchmark in my 358 WSSM, about the same case capacity as the 358 Win. I'm using 48.0 to 49.0 grains with the 200 Hornady SP, velocities are 2530 to 2600 fps. FWIW

I don't know! I haven't seen anything wierd shooting it in warmer temps. I doubt I've shot it in temps warmer than 80, maybe 85F tops though. Higher than that is where I've seen powders get wonky.

I've been able to slowly work up loads in my BLR which would be equivalent to "+P" loads without any issues. I have found acceptable loads with the 225gr SGKs with IMR-3031 and W748. The W748 started to show some pressure signs and I backed off a bit. I'm fairly new to this cartridge and plan on expanding my knowledge and improving my results this summer.

I've read a few examples of folks really pushing this cartridge taking advantage of the Hawkeye's generous mag length.

I try to remain somewhat humble and take a cartridge for what it is. The difference between a good load and a hot load may grant you an additional 10 yds of MBPR or an additional 150-200 lbs of energy. Not worth an injury or damaged rifle IMO. A 225gr bullet at ~2435fps or a 250gr bullet at ~2325fps is plenty of mojo for anything under 300 yds.

49 grains of Varget under a 200 grain Hornady RN is a soft load that I have used successfully. It's accurate. It's deadly on game.

Alectoris,

TAC is one of the least temperature-sensitive powders out there. In my tests it's been just as reliable as the Hodgdon Extremes.

That said, the 50-degree temperature range from a little frosty to 80 degrees is nothing to worry about. The drastic effects of temperature sensitivity normally occur in much colder and warmer temperatures.

Thank you JB. When TAC was first mentioned I did a quick Google and found only one other bit of concerning info and given its source(s) I am taking it with a grain of salt. Several different posters claimed TAC was a "dirty" powder. I take this to mean it leaves behind a fair amount of residue necessitating extra cleaning. Any comment on this?

Side note: I just got done reading your book "Optics for the Hunter". Great read and very informative.

There has been alot of recent success using TAC and the heavier bullets, 225 and 250gr. John Barseness did an article in Handloader mag a few years back comparing the 338Fed and the 358Win. He was able to push the 358Win pretty high without any compression issues. Since then I've seen a dozen or so posts from folks claiming excellent results with this powder.

I have a pound on the shelf and some 250gr Hot-Cor, Grand Slams and Partitions bullets in the corral awaiting their demise.

As advised by Steelhead, 51 grs of TAC under the 200 gr TTSX goes into bug holes in my M70 358. The combo will see Africa in a couple of months.

Alectoris,

TAC is one of the cleanest-burning powders around.

The only exception might be when somebody tried to use it in reduced loads. It's designed to be loaded right up around 60,000 psi. A lot of powders burn dirty when they're used at pressures lower than they're designed for.

Glad you liked the optics book. I'm going to publish a new, updated optics book next year.

Anyone have an issue # and article title? This looks to be worth tracking down.

Definately going to give TAC a spin then. Looking forward to an updated optics book - will make sure I have my local library pick up a copy.