Ok, I had this smithed by Ray Romain a number of years ago but haven't shot it until recently because I've been working on other projects. It loves the Sierra 225 Gameking and doesn't really like the 225 Nosler Partition. Using Reloder 22 I get 3150fps with no signs of pressure.

98 Mauser (Weatherby Southgate)
Mcswirly Olive, Black and Gray
Barrel is a Douglas 26 inch 1-14 twist
Leupold VX-III 4.5-14x40 with CDS
Weight is just under 9 pounds ready to go, I wouldn't have it any lighter.



I have used the 225 Gameking on a large black bear about 10 years ago and got full penetration so I did a milk jug test today. From about 50 yards away it destroyed four milk jugs and lodged in the 5th. Here is what it looked like



Accuracy has been outstanding here was my first group with it at 100 yards. The gamekings are on the left the nosler partitions are on the right.



So I tried accuracy at 200 yards. The three shots on the bottom are gamekings and three above are partitions.



Can't wait to take it out, look forward to hearing from some other 358 STA fans.

I like your rifle alot! I always wanted a big 35. I have a 358 Winchester, 35 Remington, and the 35 Whelen. I figured I needed a big 35 to round out the .358's.

My buddies had my old 338 Win Mag rebored to 35 Newton. Mine is bobbed at 20.5" and I topped it with a Leupold 2-12.

It'll run 225 AB's at 2950 and I am currently running 250 PT's at 2810.






I really like the big 35's. Yours is the king, but I am having a blast with the Newton.

Beautiful rifle. Where was your POA on the green target? Looks like the first group was way low and to the left. Or Is there that much deviation in POI between the different bullets? Beretz, that Newton is too cool too buddy..

Yeah, it's worth saying twice, that 358STA is a beautiful rifle and a smasher of a cartridge. I know the big 35's don't get a whole lotta love, but they are impressive hunting cartridges.

Actually I had just gotten the rifle onto paper so that was my first group without establishing zero yet. A 35 Newton definently is probably the coolest 35 caliber a person can own. I just always wanted a 358 STA after reading Layne Simpsons article those years ago.

I know what you mean. I am really loving the Newton. I read alot about Newton's stuff as a young lad and found a set of old RCBS dies for next to nothing.

After I developed the load, I have been doing nothing but shooting from the ground, prone, sitting or kneeling and the rifle is just shooting well for me.

I shot the 1st three with the sling, proned out on the deck. They were just under the bull.



I added 5 clicks of elevation (200 yards) and shot the next 5. I let one slip out, but I am very happy with the load and rifle.

Not to derail your post at all, cause you have the king of 358's. I couldn't have dreamed up a better set up than what you have.

I remember reading those shooting times Alaskan articles and shooting times westerner write-ups. I probably still have the magazines. Very good reads, those guys really liked the big cartridges back then. Boddington was pushing them hard and so many guys building cartridges off of the 404 J. I'll bet that STA is a hammer. It looks great too. Good luck on your hunts with it.

Nice rifle! I've always been intrigued by the 358 STA cartridge as well, but I got a Model 70 358 Norma Mag in the safe that has kept me from having an STA built.

Damn, 358 Norma. What more could you want

I had a STA built on a M70 after reading Laynes articles many years ago. 250grs at 2950fps from a 23in barrel makes an impression on both ends. I have used it on many hunts and have shot many animals with it. Deer, Caribou, Mnt Goat, Moose, Wolf, Bear. Can't say it's a favorite but it sure has gotten a lot of use.

If I was building today, I doubt I'd do the STA. A 358-375 Ruger is probably the route I would go.














The last pic it is wearing an MPI Hamilcar stock. Great for shooting but not so much for carrying.

I built one on a Rem 700 action for myself when I got into this biz.. Was hopin' I'd get a chance to use it on a large animal - but it wasn't in the cards.

That was a good article by Layne. Made me drool...

Congratulations on a fine rifle in a great cartridge. To be a little different, I went with the same case in .338 for my big wildcat and big critters in AK and Zim have absolutely HATED it, to death....

My fast 33 pushes 225gr TTSX's out the snout at 3100fps backed with a case full of IMR 7828SSC lit by federal 215M's.

But just wait, the little men and thier little cartridges will be along any minute with some chit about BC's and Boolits and placement trumps headstamps and all of thier campfire PC crap. Yeah, BC is good, and placement is critical, but sometimes pure horsepower is useful, too. And FUN! An idea lost on too many here.

If you are going to make a hole, make it a hole to REMEMBER!

There should be an award for the campfire's slowest learner.

Little, non magnum cartridges? Not for me or THIS hunt.....
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...ttle_non_magnum_cartridges_N#Post8739685


redside,
Fantastic rifle. And, I'm in agreement on the weight - any lighter and touching that one off would be akin to chewing tinfoil.

To me this has been my experience with hunting big game. All calibers work. But I've just had many more bank flops using the bigger bores .338 and above then I have had using the .270/7mm and below. They all die but I know typically they are going to run a little further when shot with my .270 on average.

My STA, just back from the blueing company.
Model 70 Classic action
Lilja 24 inch barrel
Winchester Super Grade take off stock
Williams Oberndorf style bottom metal
Just over 9 pounds as is with the Swarovsky scope, which will probably get replaced with a Leica

Beauty!

Wow, now that is beautiful! What a rifle!

Kurt, I bet a guy with a M70 300 RUM could make a beauty of a 358 STA, Newton or Norma!

Beautiful rifle in an excellent caliber.

A few hundred more rounds and my 300WM will be re-barreled in 358 STA.

Easiest way is one that was originally 300WBY or STW. Just rebarrel and rock on!

At one time I had three 300 Weatherbys. Now one is a STA, another is a 375 Weatherby and the most accurate one is still a 300.

And thanks for the comments!

I built it for African plains game...now if it would just cool off enough to get to the range to finalize loads...225 TSXs and H4350 looks good!

Now THAT'S a rifle!!! OUTstanding...

THAT... It's why I've stockpiled a few STWs...just in case one has the need..

Here's a factory original (Custom Shop item):







One of only 90 made... Every time I open the box I gotta wipe the drool off my face..

Redneck built mine a bunch of years ago. M700 in a Bansner Sheephunter stock & Douglas #3 countour 24" barrel. Around 7.5 lbs including scope, sling, 3 in the belly. 92gr of RL22 and 225 NP is current go-to load but have some Barnes blue tips loaded to try.

And detached retinal insurance is how much? Sounds like something I would do.... Good on ya'...

W

Redneck, those photos make me green with envy every time you post them! Absolutely beautiful rifle.

Ya, same here neighbor, gotta go hang my drool soaked shirts across the damn fence every time I see Rednecks rife, pure sweetness.

Pretty sure the guy with said .300 RUM already has plans for something else with it, starting with ".404" and ending in "Jeffery"! That would be nearly as cool as a Newton!

If I ever find a couple of 7 RM or .300 WM donors, one will surely end up at Lee's to be turned into a .340 (the other a Mashburn).

beautiful rifle!

McCray and Redneck, WOW, what wonderful rifles in both of your cases. Just perfect!

VERY Nice rifles!!!
I have always had a love affair with the 35 cal. The STA eludes me as I have a Norma on a 700 and on a 98 action. At this point I don't see a need for the extra 150fps of the STA. But given a chance to do it over again, I think the 700 would be made into an STA!!

I no longer see the need for the speed of the STA either. I now run mine around 2850fps regardless of bullet weight. Its extremely inefficient at those speeds but it sure is more fun to shoot. Unless pushing the 280gr A-frames or 310gr woodleighs, I just don't see the need to run it full bore anymore.

Just ran some 200gr Barnes thru it last night. I weigh about 50lbs less than when I started with it 10+ years ago and was only wearing a light shirt and fleece. Got my butt walloped. Gonna stick to the 225gr partitions as they are more accurate.

Oh, c'mon, man up... Heavy recoil's good for the soul..

Yea, I know. Don't want to lose my man card from whining.

I wonder how something lightweight would compare, like a .325 necked up to 35 caliber in the Kimber Montana

YES