358 Norma Magnum

[filmjunkie4ever]

We all have our several lists of desired rifles shooting desired cartridges but my newest addition to the list is a Swede from Norma and is spawned from my desire for both a 338 Win Mag and a 375 Mag. Why not just split the difference I asked myself this afternoon while drooling uncontrollably over a Custom 1917 Enfield chambered in 358 Norma Mag!?!

Yeah that sounds like a kick @$$ cartridge. Could one make ammo out of 338 Win Mag cases? It seems like all I need is a donor rifle, good barrel, and a set of dies. Sounds like a good project for 2012, hopefully I will have all of the materials assembled at that time. If that enfield wasnt nearly 900 dollars, I would've put some cash down on a layaway.

But wow what a bad@$$ looking cartridge. Anyone have one of these? Whats the kick like? Would definately put one of the new 3x Leupy's on top and make sure it was a heavier rifle built on a Mauser, Springfield, or Enfield action for sure. Some nice figured and shaped walnut for a handle and we have a BIG GUN! :twisted:

 

[SJB358]

We all have our several lists of desired rifles shooting desired cartridges but my newest addition to the list is a Swede from Norma and is spawned from my desire for both a 338 Win Mag and a 375 Mag. Why not just split the difference I asked myself this afternoon while drooling uncontrollably over a Custom 1917 Enfield chambered in 358 Norma Mag!?!

Yeah that sounds like a kick @$$ cartridge. Could one make ammo out of 338 Win Mag cases? It seems like all I need is a donor rifle, good barrel, and a set of dies. Sounds like a good project for 2012, hopefully I will have all of the materials assembled at that time. If that enfield wasnt nearly 900 dollars, I would've put some cash down on a layaway.

But wow what a bad@$$ looking cartridge. Anyone have one of these? Whats the kick like? Would definately put one of the new 3x Leupy's on top and make sure it was a heavier rifle built on a Mauser, Springfield, or Enfield action for sure. Some nice figured and shaped walnut for a handle and we have a BIG GUN! :twisted:

FJ, I have said the same thing 1 million times to myself. I have a 300WM Ruger M77 in my safe right now I don't use that is quickly gaining traction for a 358N, 35-375 Ruger or 9.3-375 Ruger. All three of them would be hammers.

I believe the 300 Win Mag Cases are used in order to make proper 358 Norma cases. The shoulder for the Win Mag fits a little tighter and a 338WM case leaves a little room for growth during firing forming I believe. Makes sense to me, looking at case drawings.

I can't imagine the recoil is any worse than a 338WM and it a decently heavy rifle, I wouldn't find it brutal I don't believe. Especially with a proper recoil pad.

I would have had one awhile back if I didn't already have a 338WM in the safe. Not sure how long I will be able to hold out though. I love the 358 calibers and those big PT's or 225gr AB's would be just about Heaven on big elk. Hope you find the right rifle for the rechamber. I don't think you would ever be disappointed. They carry some serious HP. Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

The 358 Norma is great!
For me I would go with the 358 STA. :wink:

 

[BK]

So quick question... how heavy would you build a Norma? 9 lbs.? 9.5 lbs.?

 

[SJB358]

The same weight I would build a 338. About 8.5-9lbs all finished with scope. I don't think a 358N would kick you out from under your hat with a good stock and recoil pad. Scotty

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

I think with a military action like I am wanting to use, for personal reasons of nostalgia mostly, it would be probably 9lbs at least when scoped and loaded. I want to put a 24" sporter weight tube on it and a walnut stock. I have hefted heavier rifles than that around all day and while 9lbs is quite a bit more than most would like to carry, I really don't plan on taking it places where there will be too much hiking. That is what my 300 WSM and 30-06 are for!

Where we hunt elk is not too bad for steepness and the hunts usually don't last more than 2 or 3 hours anyways. I was thinking of it as something that I could use for the occasional elk but then when I save up my dinero enough to go to Alaska, I would take the 358 Norma Mag with me! A rifle I would already have built, worked up ammo for and would be familiar shooting. Thinking that 3x or a 4x Leupold would be a welcome scope on that rifle as I wouldnt be shooting too much further than 250-300 yards with it on larger North American game. Plus as I mentioned at the outset, I want to be able to satisfy my 338 and 375 cravings with one rifle that is the half way point between them. Plus right now the only 35 I own is a 357 Rem Mag in a T/C Contender. Need a 35 rifle for sure I am thinking.

 

[FOTIS]

So quick question... how heavy would you build a Norma? 9 lbs.? 9.5 lbs.?

Same as a 338 Win mag. They are almost twins, really.

 

[SJB358]

Need a 35 rifle for sure I am thinking.

I like where you head is at FJ! Sounds like it would be a sweet rifle. A nice 1.5x6 would add alot of versatility to your combo as well. Might be nice to have some low end tromping through brush and such. Don't sell the 35's short, they are thumpers out pretty far as well. Scotty

 

[Guest]

I've always wanted a matched set of mauser actioned Normas. One in 308NM, and one in 358NM. I imagine the recoil would be a little more than the 338, but not much. Maybe a pound or two more recoil overall.

I'd build them both around 9-9.5lbs scoped, loaded, and ready to hunt. And I'd scope them both with either 3-9x40 or the Minox 1.5-8x40. Or maybe a 3-9 on the 308, and a 1.5-8 on the 358, just for variety. I used to want the 2.5-8 Conquest on the 358, but it isn't made anymore. And I'd build them with wood handles, too. It would be a lot of fun to build them, and even more fun to haul them out to the range or the woods. Of course, I've got about ten rifles in my head that I haven't built yet, and those two are in the middle of the list. Maybe one day...

 

[velvetant]

9.25 pounds shown.
Shilen #5 countour 26" barrel
Leuopold 3.5x-10x-40mm with B/C reticle

 

[SJB358]

Randy, your rifle looks perfect. I would be my Ruger M77 weighs about that much right now, at least. That is why I wanted to ditch it, too heavy for a 300WM but probably just about right for a 35 mag of one variety or another. Scotty

 

[BK]

9.25 pounds shown.
Shilen #5 countour 26" barrel
Leuopold 3.5x-10x-40mm with B/C reticle

Dang, you keep pounding that picture into my head and I might have to start looking for a donor!

 

[velvetant]

9.25 pounds shown.
Shilen #5 countour 26" barrel
Leuopold 3.5x-10x-40mm with B/C reticle

Dang, you keep pounding that picture into my head and I might have to start looking for a donor!

I keep doing it to drag Sotty to the dark side, But the more the merrier.

 

[SJB358]

I'm already there Randy and I love it. I have just about decided to keep the rifle and use it for building purposes. It is a tank and will make a proper 35 magnum I think. Scotty

 

[bullet]

But wow what a bad@$$ looking cartridge. Anyone have one of these? Whats the kick like?

.358 Norma Mag
Firearm: Enfield
Bullet Dia (in): 0.358
Case Length (in): 2.520
Case Volume (gr H2O):
84.1 Muzzle velocity (ft/sec): 2880
Bullet Wt (gr): 250
Charge Weight (gr): 79
Barrel Length (in): 24
Firearm Weight (lb): 8.00
Free recoil energy is 45.8 ft-lb. (62.1 Joule)

Firearm Weight (lb): 9.00
Free recoil energy is 40.7 ft-lb. (55.2 Joule)