358 Norma with a 1 in 16" twist?

preacher · May 26, 2016

My 35 WAI does fine with the 16" twist. If I have this rifle converted to the 358 Norma Mag or 35 Newton, will it work with heavier than 225? I would think it would. I can live with the 225 grain, but I sure like this 310 Woodleigh. My rifle has a 22" barrel, the Remington long throat.

gerry · May 27, 2016

I would think it will handle the same bullets as your 35 Whelen AI, not sure if the 310 gr Woodleigh will work. Maybe someone can send you a couple to try once you get it converted. Honestly, with bullets like the 200 gr TTSX, 225 gr AccuBond, TSX and Partition or pretty much any 250 gr bullet you would be covered well.

SJB358 · May 28, 2016

250 Partitions shoot really well in my 16 twist Whelen.

DrMike · May 28, 2016

Either of those rounds would work in the field, Scotty. Partitions have always given me far better accuracy than I expected.

truck driver · May 28, 2016

Preacher; I think you should keep the 35 Whelen AI and drop back to a safe powder charge. Speed isn't everything and a .358 Magnum will get you more recoil then you already have. Besides the game you would shoot won't know the difference. I may be wrong but I think someone here gave up a 35 Whelen for a .358 Norma and got rid of the Norma because of recoil issues or something like that.

preacher · May 28, 2016

I considered that Uncle Rodger! However, all my loads have given me 358 Norma starting load velocity and kills. I just don't think I could go back...besides, I have no problem with recoil, expecially since the eye DR told me it was no problem for my repaired left retina. I feel I can do the same thing with my 30-06 and the 200-240 bullets that a standard Whelen could do for me. So, its really more of wanting to try a different cartridge than "need".

I can always load the 358 Norma down, as you know, if I really need to. No, I've spent almost as much time with the 35 Whelen AI as I have the 30-06 in my life...which is on the back side of middle age now (shooting for 120, ha!) Thanks though...would you be interested in my new, unfired 35 Whelen brass?