358 Norma Magnum--First Loads

[DrMike]

Among other activities during the week past, I was able to get out to the range to do some shooting. I had John (my son-in-law) and Noah shooting loads they had crafted for their respective rifles. Noah managed to create and shoot one load that is sub-MOA in his .260 Rem. It is built around a 129 grain Hornady SST. We should be able to get that chronographed and tightened up shortly. John is still working out a load for his .30-06. I did manage to get a couple of pictures of John with his .30-06. It is a Tikka modified to fit him. His LOP was just a skosh over fifteen inches.





I have waited to work with my .358 Norma Magnum and finally got to send a few rounds downstream. I think it will be a keeper. It shot the 280 grain Swift A-Frame into 0.87 inches. Muzzle velocity (ten feet from the muzzle) was 2588 +/- 1. Yeah, I can live with that. However, I think it can be tightened up somewhat.



With the 250 grain A-Frame, I found two loads that gave me decent accuracy and something to work with. H380 gave me two measured groups of 1.10 inches (2626 +/- 27) and 0.94 inches (2755 +/- 28).



I now have something to work with. The scope gave me no further trouble, so I believe I will keep it for the moment.

 

[RiverRider]

Looks like you got a thumper that will really thump!

 

[DrMike]

I do believe it is capable of putting the smack down on game. It does deliver a good thump at either end.

 

[SJB358]

Wow, the 280 Swift at nearly 2600 and the 250 Swift at 2750! Phew we! That's perfect. Accuracy looks plenty good to me Mike to go swat something with it!

Must be were aligned to shoot the big 35's yesterday. I pulled the Newton out yesterday myself, first time since I zeroed it for Oregon.

Shot it at 100 with the 250 PT load



Then after making a couple adjustments I shot a decent group at 200



I thought I was going to leave it home this year but man, I do love that big thumper!

I'm glad you were able to get yours out and some rounds threw it. I know your going to love it.

 

[truck driver]

DrMike@ Scotty those big 35s are addictive and good shooting. I love my 35 WHelen AI though not in the same class as your Magnums, just their little brother.

 

[DrMike]

I should work up a few loads and take the Norma afield just to ensure that it has opportunity to swat something.

 

[SJB358]

I should work up a few loads and take the Norma afield just to ensure that it has opportunity to swat something.

Jeeze Mike, when you say you "should" work a load up I look at your 250 A-Frame load and think it might be hard to not like what that big sucker does to a moose or elk....

 

[DrMike]

Well, I've been carrying the Whelen loaded with 225 grain Sierra Game Kings so far this fall. They are stepping out quite nicely and delivering some great accuracy. Still and all...

 

[SJB358]

Well, I've been carrying the Whelen loaded with 225 grain Sierra Game Kings so far this fall. They are stepping out quite nicely and delivering some great accuracy. Still and all...

Oh yeah... True. Sorry, I'm just sorta excited to see that Norma lay something down. We all know the Whelen works in spades. The Norma is just mo better'er! :lol:

 

[DrMike]

Maybe I'll use the Norma for whitetail. I have a history of using BIG cartridges for whitetail (e.g., the 9.3X64 and the 350 RM :lol: ).

 

[SJB358]

Maybe I'll use the Norma for whitetail. I have a history of using BIG cartridges for whitetail (e.g., the 9.3X64 and the 350 RM :lol: ).

Yeah... It might work on WT's.... Ha. I just might use mine as well.

 

[OU812]

Mike it sure looks like you got a couple of great starting/stopping points, .87 and.94 is fine accuracy in my book.

TD and Scotty what can I say that those groups aren't already saying, can you say accurate?.

 

[SJB358]

When you find the right rifle you'd enjoy a 35 Newton Bill. The Hornady cases are tough and it's a heater. I'm headed out now to shoot mine a little more today. It does let you know the trigger is pressed but it's nowhere near as viscious as a 300 RUM in a light rifle....

 

[OU812]

When you find the right rifle you'd enjoy a 35 Newton Bill. The Hornady cases are tough and it's a heater. I'm headed out now to shoot mine a little more today. It does let you know the trigger is pressed but it's nowhere near as viscous as a 300 RUM in a light rifle....

From what I have seen from your rifle I know I would love a 35 Newton.

 

[longrangehunter]

Nice work Guys, those all look really good. Makes me wonder why I'm selling my 35 Whelen, but honestly I have too many rifles as it is that don't get used enough already.

If anyone might know someone whom might like to buy my M98 35 Whelen, please pass to word along.

 

[preacher]

After the .375 (H&H or Wby) I always felt like the 358 Norma would be great on big critters, even more so than the 338 WM. I'm sure the 340W & 338 RUM could give it a run for its money, but I am a firm believer in bullet frontal area on the thicker skin ( or fat under skin i.e. hogs/bear) to leave a bigger hole.
The reason is back on my first South African plains game hunt. I had taken my 35 Whelen AI/250X/2600fps load. I had already popped a big Blue wildebeest with the Whelen and a Red hartebeest with big exit holes and 20yd death runs. My crazy Afrikaan buddy wanted me to shoot something with his 300WM/180XBT, which is a good one BUT...I shot a zebra around 150yds, standing in the shade. those stripes made him look more broadside than he was. I hit him in the left front shoulder, through the left front lung edge and the bullet did not exit. Long story short, six miles and half a day later I finally killed him with my Whelen AI which I had gone back to. The 30 cal entrance was closed up by that thick skin, and he only bled when he would periodically cough a bit right into the middle of the track. No blood smears on vegetation and the rest of the herd kept spooking. He finally lagged behind and I could mercifully finish him. I was P.O.d at my myself for listening to him as it was my first experience with how zebra appear in the shade and I would have had to pay for a lost animal. The thicker the hide, fat or long hair ( think big hogs too) the more I like my 35 caliber Death Knell! ha
PS I got 2750 with 61gr R15/215M and 250NP out of my Whelen AI for several firings ( I start with new, fireformed cases) I have checked my chrono several times with and it is spot on. I don't use the load as it is pretty hot, even with several firings per case. I'm also of the opinion that the Nosler Partitions give higher velocity for same pressure than more "sticky" bullets, i.e Hawks and Woodleighs. Barnes TSX also give more velocity per pressure, but hey, its all good.