.358 Win loading data

[longshotz]

Contemplating the purchase of a .358 lever-gun so some loading data is requested here. Specifically the new high energy powders like RL-17, Alliant Power Pro 2000 MR etc. which I couldn't find on their websites. Lots of data for the usual powders by either IMR, Hodgdon and Alliant etc. So if anyone has data and willing to share.....great. I prefer the heavier bullets and am leaning toward the 225 gr. bullets of the bonded type. The 200 gr. GMX or TSX are also under consideration as good 2nd choice. One last thing; please give make of rifle and barrel length.
I await the input thanks

[BigSky56]

Per a telephone call I had with a alliant powder guy and RL-17 he said to use IMR 4350 data to work up your loads RL-17 has a similar burn rate but has more velocity. its a real good cold weather powder a friend has 338 RCM and using RL-17 gets the same velocity that the factory loads run with the super performance powder. I would find some IMR 4350 data and start 10% below and work up till you see pressure signs then back off 100 fps working up loads with a new powder & no data requires a crony. danny

[C. Cash]

I would love to see the data on the IMR 4350 Danny. In the cousin 356 Winchester it seems to be a bit slow. RCBS shows 42 grain starting load getting about 1800 fps with a 200 grain cast bullet in 356. It fills the case nearly to the bottom of the bullet. I got unburned powder at the starting load but the best accuracy with a cast bullet to date. IMR 4320 is a bit more zippy.

[earlmck]

Wish I had a leveraction 358 so I could contribute intelligently to the conversation, but I've never had a .358 of any type, though I have dies (just in case one comes my way). I did play with it a bit in "QuickLoad" just to see what you lucky fellows have. QuickLoad shows that 4350 and RL-17 are too slow to be in the running for top velocities, And 4320 too bulky to compete for top velocities although it is the right burn rate. BL-C and 748 look like your best bets, IMR 3031 or 8208, Alliant RL-10X. This was with the 250 grain Hornady spitzer.

If I had one of these to play with I'd be trying Hodgdon's LVR also, just because I have a bunch and I think it might come out the top dog. But there's no loading data for such and QuickLoad doesn't yet cover it. Any of you .358 shooters tried the LVR yet? If it works out it would only be for 250 grain and up I would think, and be a compressed load.

[Hecter]

I have a savage 99 in 358. I shoot 225 and 250 bullets. 3031 is a good choice for top velocities but I like 4320. It has less recoil and more than enough speed. For deer the 200gr. bullet is a good choice. You will notice the recoil with 250gr. top end loads. My shoulders can't take it any more so I back off to loads that are slighty better than 35 remington loads.

[BigSky56]

the newer powders are excellent RL15 is kinda like 4895 and RL17 is kinda like 4350 both are extreme powders if you have cold weather, 15 has a outside coating and 17 has it thru the whole grain, I use both after dismal performance with 4895 & 4350 when I was elk hunting in below 0* weather. 15 works great with any weight bullet and 17 has a tendency for heavy bullets(IMO), in the 358 your better luck might be with 250's. I cant speak to the other powders mentioned in the OP. danny

[Les Staley]

Longshotz, I have two 358s, a Savage 99 and a BLR (Jap manufacture).. both like the 200 gr Hornady FTX.. for deer it works great, a boattail bullet, shoots long for a 358. I'm not home right now, but I have load data for Varget that groups well and gets good velocity. will be happy to share it when I get home and not quoteing from my faulty memory. should be home next week.. Later Les

[Ozzi Bob]

G'day Guy's
I'm in Australia. Just noticed your thread. I've been using a bolt action 358win for years I found using Lapua 308 palmer cases (small rifle primer) and ADI 2206H I'm getting 2640 FPS with 225gn Accubonds & Woodleigh's, been using the same cases for many re-loads its hard to hurt those Palmer cases. 358 win is one of my favorite calibers. I use a 22 rimfire, 6mm Remington, 30-06 & 358 win, that's all I need!
Cheers
Bob

Spent most of my money on Guns, Woman & Booze.The rest I wasted...

[Ozzi Bob]

G'day fella's
Just found your site.
358 win is my favourite caliber here in OZZ I use Lapua palmer brass (small rifle primer) with ADI 2206H powder I'm getting 2640fps with 225 Accubonds in a 22" bolt rifle, love it!
Cheers
Bob