358 Norma Magnum

[oso45-70]

I've been thinking of putting togather a 358 norma, Some thing between
the 338 mag and my 375 H&H. I have a bunch of 338 brass and a good Rem 700 action and stock. I have had 35 whelens and liked them but, Just wanted to put something togather that i had not messed with. It's not like i realy need a new rifle. But that's the nature of the brute i guess.
Looking forward to any and all ideas.........Joe.............................

[Con]

Joe,
The 358 Norma is a cartridge I'd also really really really like to play with, and still might mind you... :grin:  The ability to shoot projectiles from 125gr (pistol) through to 300gr, readily available "parent" brass such as the 338WM or 458WM... I keep dithering between building a 358Norma on a Zastava action or a 358Winchester on a M70. Problem is I've a 375H&H and the 358Norma would really walk in its wake for my applications. Projectiles are also an issue (to me) as the most readily available "premium" for me are Woodleigh and the Norma launches all their offerings above the recommended impact velocity. Still, I'm awfully tempted to back you on your choice of this "forgotten magnum".  In my mind, if Remington offered the 358Norma as a Classic offering a rebirth would definitely take place as this cartridge offers a hell of a lot.
Cheers...
Con

[UMFAN1]

oso,
How about building a .358STA? Not alot of those around, thats for sure. I'd like to build one someday. :-)

[Lawdog]

Wife has two brothers, both still live in Alaska.  One likes to carry a .338 Win. Mag. and the other carries a .358 Normal.  I too have considered many times building up one but now I am working on my .35 Whelen first.  Lawdog
 

[oso45-70]

Gentlemen,
My problem is,, I have this rifle i took in on a trade. I had owned this gun
when it was new and sold it to a feller that was going to Alaska, It is a rem 700, 300 win mag, SENDARO with full lenth barrel. When he came back he wanted to trade for another rig, So we traded,,,, Now the rifle has a 20"
barrel. It shoots fine but i have three more 300s WBY, H&H, WIN so i realy don't need another 300. What i had in mind is if i put something in the 35 cal. range with a heavy barrel i would come up with a good brush gun with out having to change the stock. I wouldent mind having a 35 whelen but then i would have to alter the bolt face, Which i don't want to do. I just thought something between my 338 and my 375 H&H would be a good step. I may take it to the next gun show and do some trading with the darn thing. Anyway i've rattled on enough for now so see you all later.
..........................................Joe........................................................

[Bandito]

You could have the barrel rebored and chambered to .358 Norma Magnum. Just a thought.  :wink:   Bandito

[Lawdog]

oso45-70,

If I were you I would go the rebarrel route going with the .358 Normal Magnum.  And to get the most out of the cartridge stay with a barrel of 24 inches.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog
 

[oso45-70]

Lawdog
Yes on the 22" barrel i have the same problem as you with the ears, The guy that i got this rifle back from was a LEO in Alaska and he used it as his car gun. and yes again i would rather get a new barrel than have one
rebored, Have never had much faith in re boring and will more than likely have it cut to 24". Thanks............Joe.................................................

[Judson]

The .358 Norma is really a special cartridge to me.   I have built six or seven of them for customers over the years and all have loved the performance of this cartridge but use good bullets that will stay togther.   Bullets such as the Nosler Partitions or the Barnes X are reasonable priced and will perform fine.  
The big Swede will handle any critter in the world, though in some cases legality over bullet diameter would be a problem.   The .358 Norma is  incredibly easy to load for and a lot of fun!to play with, the recoil is on a par with a .338!!    Build one you will not regret it.    If you need loading info or advice feel free to call me.

[oso45-70]

Judson, Thanks for the reply, Can't make up my mind what i want to do.
I've had quite a bit experience with both the 338 and 35 whelen and i like them both, I have at this time a 338 win but i sold my last 35 whelen so the next size up is a 375 H&H and was wanting somthing in between them
lord only knows why, Its been this way for years. I really don' need another rifle, With the 375 and my 45-70s and the 416 rem. mag what in the world do i need another big bore gun ,,, plus i have three 300s,, I must be nuts. Gotta love it. I have some loading info. on the Norma round
but if i do take the plunge i will call you or PM you and see what we can do to get me started, Back when the 358 Norma came out there were some great reports on it and i considered the round then but must have gotten side tracted either by women or other guns. Thanks again for taking the time to help me out..........Joe.................................................