Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 358 norma versus 375-338

Mr. Howell, through your posts I have came to respect your knowledge and would appreciatte any insight that you could provide.
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<br>I am in the process of deciding my next rifle. I currently shoot a 338 WM and want something larger in caliber. I have been looking at building a 358 Norma Magnum and have been questioning what kind of ballistic advantage that would give me over the 338 WInchester Magnum. I consider this similar to the 338-06 versus the 35 Whelen arguement.
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<br>The rifle I plan to use is a 1950's commercial FN Mauser action. It is currently a 7mm Magnum which in my opinion is a waste of the rifle. ( I have a 30-338 and 300WM which will do anything better than the 7mm Remington ).
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<br>The question is wether the 358 Norma is sufficently different than a 338 in power? Are there bullets available which are heavier than 250Grs for the .358 caliber. What are the pro's and con's of the 375-338 in comparison to the 358 Norma Magnum.
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<br>The purpose of this rifle is to provide substantial knock down power over a 338WM for shots out to 300 yards in standard size action.
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<br>I would appreciate any input you could provide me on this subject.
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<br>Respectfully
<br>James Ruby
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This is almost like picking fly specks out of pepper. Of the two options you've listed, I'd go with the .358 Norma Magnum.
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<br>In preference to either of these -- since your action has a "magnum" bolt face -- I'd prefer the .375 Howell (.404 Jeffery case shortened to 2.5 inches, with body 2.000 inches long and 25� shoulder). With the 300-grain Sierra spitzer boat-tail -- a flying fool of a bullet that goes 100 ft/sec just sitting in the box -- you'll get up to .375 H&H velocities with about five grains less powder (IMR-4350).

If you really want a noticeable increase in knockdown in a std length action, then move up to a 416. They shoot plenty flat with 325 gr bullets.

James
<br>I can tell you I am very impressed with my 358STA. Anything the 358 will kill, the 338 will certainly kill also. It just seems to me the 358 has a more impressive effect than the 338 on animals smaller than the big bears. This may just be my bias toward the 35 caliber though. It may also have to do with the increased velocity. My hunting load is a little over 2950fps with a 250gr partition. I use this load for everything.
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<br>I think bullet selection is great for 35 calibers. For heavy bullets you have a 310gr woodleigh, 280gr swift A-frame, and the 275gr A-square triad. The A-squares are a bit hard to find, but available. Speer makes a good 250gr bullet for practice. For long range shooting, there is the 225gr ballistic tip. For off season varmit hunting, there are quite a few 180-200gr bullets that are cheap and accurate. I'm sure there are quite a few of the custom bullet makers that make 358 bullets. Seems like Kodiak Bullets make a 275gr. Don't know much about them though.
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<br>My main hunting calibers right now are .284, .358, and .458. A 358 just fits in perfectly. I couldn't imagine a better caliber to go between the other two.

How long of a cartridge will that action handle without spending a fortune? If it's just the "long" at 3.3" then a .458 Win would round out the battery if standard cartridges are considered. If the action is of "magnum" length then the obvious choice is the .375 H&H Magnum. It's the queen of them all and makes you ready for any continent.
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<br>If your not adverse to wildcats and the action is a long then the .375 Howell that Ken suggested sounds good as long as it's legal in Africa.
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<br>Ken, What case do you make them out of? The .375 Rum?
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<br>I suppose a .375 Rum would be something on a magnum action but I think it's a waste of powder. Better to go up in bore dia for whatever.

"Ken, What case do you make them out of?"
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<br>The .375, .416, and .450 Howell are all .404 Jeffery cases shortened to 2.500 inches.

To all, thank you for the thoughts which are greatly appreciatted. I am definitely not adverse to wildcats. Here are some of my thoughts, 1) I would prefer to stick with a regular short magnum case. I have plenty of 338, 7mm magnum remington cases. 2) Iwould prefer not to have to alter the action and if so a minimum. 3) I would like to find the components at a local firearms store so that I can enjoy shooting it. 4) I would like to be able to hit at 250's yds reliably, providing I do my part.
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<br>I have came to the conclusion that the reason of wanting something is often sufficent. I have really been thinking about a 458 WM simply because with 350's it would meet my requirements and I cannot imagine a need to ever go bigger. I figure I could have a rifle that would duplicate a 45-70 in all respects and have a bit more horse power if I ever win the lottery. The 416 Taylor also looks good.
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<br>Respectfully
<br>James Ruby

Go with the 458 win mag. IMHO, Winchesters screw up was not offering a 350 gr @ 2500 fps load for NA. Those loads are plenty for all NA game, out to 250 yds, and are most importantly very shootable.
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<br>The real downside of the 416 is a minimal choice of inexspensive bullets. With the 458, you can load it down to 45 colt pistol levels, 45-70, and full patch 458, and there are lots of bullets to choose from.