The .358 Norma

[Capebuffalo]

@ Norma USA
A properly loaded Whelen idont far behind the 358 Norma. The 358 Norma is a bit better tho
A,250 grain at 2,700fps out of the Whelen handles everything I've hunted.
It's a pity the Norma isn't loaded with heavier 275 and 310 grainers.
That would make it even better.
Bob

Not factory loaded with those grain bullets, but 280 grains with Swift, 275, and 310 grains with Woodleighs are available for the 358 Norma Magnum to be hand loaded. The 358 Norma is the perfect caliber rifle for hand loaders...with ease, it reaches the magic 5,400 Joules (minimum for dangerous game in Africa in some countries), for each grain bullet you hand load, whether it is the 225, 250, 280, or 310 grainers.....and recoil is way lesser than with any 375. Seems you and I are on the same page with the 35's, Bob!
Take care
Michael

 

[jpr9954]

While searching for .358 Norma Mag ammo, I came across some Norma factory ammo that is 232 grain FMJ. Why would they load it with FMJ bullets? Target shooting is the only thing I could see.

Any other suggestions? The price was right at $40 a box.

 

[lockingblock]

While searching for .358 Norma Mag ammo, I came across some Norma factory ammo that is 232 grain FMJ. Why would they load it with FMJ bullets? Target shooting is the only thing I could see.

Any other suggestions? The price was right at $40 a box.

Its target ammo. I use it for proficiency Fire, working in the optic and bedding, and so on. The hunting ammo is a bit rare and I’m collecting brass to load as the factory ammo options are limited.

It’s becoming a reloaders cartridge.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

While searching for .358 Norma Mag ammo, I came across some Norma factory ammo that is 232 grain FMJ. Why would they load it with FMJ bullets? Target shooting is the only thing I could see.

Any other suggestions? The price was right at $40 a box.

Looks like a great price! Idk but I bet the brass is higher than that

 

[PerH]

Its called JaktMatch, for training, competions , fur game and so . Its not for big game.

 

[Capebuffalo]

Its called JaktMatch, for training, competions , fur game and so . Its not for big game.

Norma Ammo USA also sells the Oryx 250 grain cartridge...already in ammo form...

Norma Oryx .358 Norma Magnum 250gr

www.norma-ammunition.com

 

[Capebuffalo]

While searching for .358 Norma Mag ammo, I came across some Norma factory ammo that is 232 grain FMJ. Why would they load it with FMJ bullets? Target shooting is the only thing I could see.

Any other suggestions? The price was right at $40 a box.

You can also do a phone order at Hendershot Extreme ammo.....they sell Barnes, Nosler and Swift ammo ready to go for the 358 Norma Magnum from 180 grain up to 280 grain

358 Norma Magnum Extreme Custom Ammo

Hendershot's "Extreme" Custom Ammo is your best source for 358 Norma Mag Ammo!We are proud to offer bullets from Barnes, Hawk, Hammer and Norma......If you're looking for premium performance from you 358 Norma, give us a call!

hendershots.net

 

[Capebuffalo]

While searching for .358 Norma Mag ammo, I came across some Norma factory ammo that is 232 grain FMJ. Why would they load it with FMJ bullets? Target shooting is the only thing I could see.

Any other suggestions? The price was right at $40 a box.

Then there are the very fine Woodleigh bullets....although the factory burned down, the reps in the US might still have some to sell...here are the contact details:

HUNTINGTON DIE SPECIALISTS
601 Oro Dam Blvd, OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA, USA, 95965
Ph. 530 534 1210 Fax. 530 534 1212
buy@huntingtons.com
www.huntingtons.com

MIDWAY USA 5875 W Van Horn Tavern Road,
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI, USA, 65203
Ph. 573 445 6363 Fax. 573 445 0863
customerservice@midwayusa.com
www.midwayusa.com

CLASSIC SHOOTING COMPANY
360-143 Independence Rd Rochester, WA 98579
Ph. +1-360-736-0089
jmcgrew@classicshooting.com

 

[Capebuffalo]

If someone would make some high BC 250 grain 35 Caliber bullets, they would sell by the truckload. The main limitation on 35 Cal is that all you can really get is a flat based generic bullet. It's fine...but it could be a lot better with better projectiles.

If Barnes would load or make one of their ELR bullets...game changer.

I haven't used it yet, but I see Hammer bullets in Montana make .35 copper bullets with high BC's of up to 259 grains, called the "shock hammer" and "hammer hunter" bullets. If enough people request heavier they might consider it...but 259-grain copper bullets will already fill a huge need..I think this might be worth pursuing...

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Not factory loaded with those grain bullets, but 280 grains with Swift, 275, and 310 grains with Woodleighs are available for the 358 Norma Magnum to be hand loaded. The 358 Norma is the perfect caliber rifle for hand loaders...with ease, it reaches the magic 5,400 Joules (minimum for dangerous game in Africa in some countries), for each grain bullet you hand load, whether it is the 225, 250, 280, or 310 grainers.....and recoil is way lesser than with any 375. Seems you and I are on the same page with the 35's, Bob!
Take care
Michael

@Capebuffalo
Michael I have just done load development with the 35 Whelen with 275gn and 310gn. Both those develop over the 5,400 joules mark at just over 4,000fpe àt safe pressure in my rifle.
I am not advocating it's use on dg but I would gladly use either load on cape buffalo. Properly loaded the Whelen is an awesome cartridge but load the 358 Norma properly and it is truly awesome.
Bob

 

[Capebuffalo]

@Capebuffalo
Michael I have just done load development with the 35 Whelen with 275gn and 310gn. Both those develop over the 5,400 joules mark at just over 4,000fpe àt safe pressure in my rifle.
I am not advocating it's use on dg but I would gladly use either load on cape buffalo. Properly loaded the Whelen is an awesome cartridge but load the 358 Norma properly and it is truly awesome.
Bob

That is great to hear, Bob! How awesome would it be if these two cartridges can get the recognition it deserves! If you can achieve that in your Whelen at safe pressures then you are on the right track. You really did a lot for this cartridge to get it on the map for the new generation, I am sure your name will show up in future history records! However, I am sure you would agree that the ease with what the 358 NM gets over that 5,400J mark just puts confidence in any hunter to use the NM in some difficult circumstances.....I read so many times about the "coolness" of the NM...I think the ease with what it gets the job done give it that coolness...

 

[sestoppelman]

5400J is 3982 ft/lbs of energy, so since the Whelen can surpass that as can the .338 Win, the .358 N should do so quite easily.
Its an interesting round, just wish there were more rifles for it floating around waiting to be snagged.

 

[Capebuffalo]

5400J is 3982 ft/lbs of energy, so since the Whelen can surpass that as can the .338 Win, the .358 N should do so quite easily.
Its an interesting round, just wish there were more rifles for it floating around waiting to be snagged.

I agree Sestoppelman! The 338 WM is knocking on the door too! I am shooting a 338 WM as well, and for a 338 to compete in a bigger bore class is already an achievement, to knock on the door to be accepted as a dangerous game cartridge all over the world shows what a remarkable cartridge it really is. This is exactly the reason why some African countries didn't implement the .375 minimum limit for dangerous game, but have a rather more open-mindedness regarding this issue...

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

That is great to hear, Bob! How awesome would it be if these two cartridges can get the recognition it deserves! If you can achieve that in your Whelen at safe pressures then you are on the right track. You really did a lot for this cartridge to get it on the map for the new generation, I am sure your name will show up in future history records! However, I am sure you would agree that the ease with what the 358 NM gets over that 5,400J mark just puts confidence in any hunter to use the NM in some difficult circumstances.....I read so many times about the "coolness" of the NM...I think the ease with what it gets the job done give it that coolness...

@Capebuffalo
The Whelen as good as it is when loaded properly doest leave much room for error. The 358NM takes the worry away a bit.
It would be interesting to see what the 310s will do in in the big Swede. The Whelen can manage 2,400fps.
Bob.

 

[Capebuffalo]

@Capebuffalo
The Whelen as good as it is when loaded properly doest leave much room for error. The 358NM takes the worry away a bit.
It would be interesting to see what the 310s will do in in the big Swede. The Whelen can manage 2,400fps.
Bob.

A statement well made, Bob! I haven't tested it myself, but Nathan Foster of Terminal Ballistics has, and according to him the 358 Norma Magnum can do around 2600 ft/sec with the 310 grain Woodleigh.

 

[Capebuffalo]

A statement well made, Bob! I haven't tested it myself, but Nathan Foster of Terminal Ballistics has, and according to him the 358 Norma Magnum can do around 2600 ft/sec with the 310 grain Woodleigh.

The 375 H&H does the same speed numbers with a 300-grain bullet, however, the Ruger 375 does it with 3700 ft/sec. That puts the light heavyweight 358 NM between the two 375 heavyweights, but with the 310-grain bullet!
With the 270 grain, it is the same trend. The 358 Norma Magnum does 2700 ft/sec with a 275-grain bullet, and the 375 H&H does 2700 ft/sec with a 270-grain bullet, whereas the Ruger 375 does it with 2800 ft/sec.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

A statement well made, Bob! I haven't tested it myself, but Nathan Foster of Terminal Ballistics has, and according to him the 358 Norma Magnum can do around 2600 ft/sec with the 310 grain Woodleigh.

@Capebuffalo
2,400fps with a 310 is a bucket load of hurt. At 2,600fps it's a whole heap more hurt.

 

[Capebuffalo]

@Capebuffalo
2,400fps with a 310 is a bucket load of hurt. At 2,600fps it's a whole heap more hurt.

I agree with you, Bob. Barrel twist rates become more and more important, type of bullet/ammo, and type of gun powder keep on improving,.... and it all develops towards better performance! So we can expect that cartridges that were looked down upon in the past can become more relevant again and cartridges whose performances were denied will get the necessary recognition. Just my take on it.

 

[PerH]

Norma you could contact Jens E Perto about his exellent article regarding the .358 . He used his on many number of game world wide, 250 NP, and 310 on the top.

Hope you make a better ,358 Oryx bullet quality, it gabe me much grief on a hunt once ,so i got almost enough of the dear fine noble lady .358 NM.

That was factory i used ,and it was brittle and toomsoft . I dtill fesl bad about that night,

 

[sestoppelman]

The 375 H&H does the same speed numbers with a 300-grain bullet, however, the Ruger 375 does it with 3700 ft/sec. That puts the light heavyweight 358 NM between the two 375 heavyweights, but with the 310-grain bullet!
With the 270 grain, it is the same trend. The 358 Norma Magnum does 2700 ft/sec with a 275-grain bullet, and the 375 H&H does 2700 ft/sec with a 270-grain bullet, whereas the Ruger 375 does it with 2800 ft/sec.

Pretty sure you meant 2700 fps for the Ruger, not 3700 fps.