.358 HOOSIER, WHO HAS ANY EXPERIENCE?

[HappyHunter]

Indiana has restrictive deer rifle rules.  Most recent changes allow for a 1.8 inch case in a rifle.  The .358 Hoosier is a shortened .358 winchester with the shoulder moved back and trimmed to 1.8 inches.
 
This will be my next deer rifle here in the great Hoosier state.  I have the Encore barrel in .358 Hoosier (it is a custom MGM barrel). 
 
Just ordered bullets, have brass.
 
What I need is some experience, anybody got some.  I will be happy to share mine. 
 
Incidently I will have a Leupold VX-R, 2-7x33 on top and plan to shoot 180 and 200 gr bullets.
 
Thanks for any opinions, thoughts, and suggestions.
 
Fred

[tuco]

I just ordered a barrel from AJ Brown.  I know he does loading for the 358 and I have a copy of some of his loads that somebody posted somewhere.  I haven't done any loading yet, I got 100 rounds of 358 Winchester brass, going to buy a case trimmer and dies soon.  I can email you the loading info I have, hate to post stuff like that since I haven't actually loaded any.  Also any info you can share would be great.  Thanks.

[HappyHunter]

I have A.J. Browns load info, as well.  That is all I have.
 
When I get up and running I will post results.
 

[tuco]

Was doing a little comparing of AJ's loads to a 2005 Speer manual for the 358 Winchester.  As just a comparison, in the 358 Winchester a 180 grain bullet over 38.0 grains of IMR 4198 = muzzle velocity of 2379fps, on the other info I got, 180 grain bullet over 38.2 grains of IMR 4198 = 2635fps???  I think I am going to start with Reloader 10X and a 180 grain bullet and start at 41grains of powder and see how they group.  It will be a few weeks before I get my barrel and get started. 

[oneoldsap]

              There's another Hoosier working on a 1.8" .35 Rem. wildcat .

[muznut 54]

I dont have the hoosier but I have a BLR in 358win I use IMR4320 for full power loads and titegroup with 158gr .357 pistol bullets for fun loads and they are accurate.