Browning BLR- .308 or .358 Win

[bkordon]

Good morning, I am looking to find/order a Browning BLR and the question is the following: .308 or .358 Win? I am thinking more of a timber rifle.

.308 is not new to me. I know the capabilities/limitations. I like the flexibility to load lighter or heavier and options are endless.
.358 Win is intriguing partly because of some of the posts I've seen, and want to keep the option of a short action. I know there is a more limited projectile offering, but the BLR would at least allow for a box fed magazine as opposed to a tube. I am also not concerned with adding a new caliber to the stable. Going this route would also not force me to track brass between a semi-auto, bolt and lever action.

I would love to hear some insight from those more familiar than I am with the .358 Win.
Thanks, Ben

 

[JD338]

I have had a 35 Whelen since 1988 so I have some experience.
The 35 cals hit hard. I'd go with the 358 Win.

JD338

 

[gerry]

The 358 will have the same contour barrel as the 308 so will have less steel. Other than that it's going to be the same. Lots of great 180-200 gr bullets will work well in the 358 and for 225's Sierra BTSP and the 225 gr Partition are awesome to use. You can use 250's but I don't think you will gain anything using them. They will go pretty slow in a 20" barrel. I really liked IMR 3031 and had some good success with H 4895 and IMR 8208.

 

[bkordon]

Thanks for the insight to both of you. I love the idea of a 35 caliber. I have my bases overly covered in the magnum category and I like tinkering with new projects. Much appreciated.

 

[DrMike]

I've owned 3 BLRs chambered in .358 and none chambered in .308. Obviously, I'm biased. Each time I got rod of a BLR, I'd start looking for another. >358 is my choice.

 

[Blkram]

While the 308 is a good cartridge in a BLR for timber hunting...the 358 has that extra punch on large game such as moose, elk and bears that is reliable and gratifying.
While the shorter barrel will lose some velocity, the performance of 200/220/225 cup and core bullets from the 20" barrel have proven effective on moose, elk and grizzly bear, with quick, clean kills. None have seemed to notice the difference due to the lower velocities!

 

[rjm158]

+1 to what the other posters have said. I used the 200 gr Hornady spire point to kill a whitetail doe 2 years ago and it was very decisive.

If you elect to go with the 358, 3 or 4 months ago Midsouth Shooters Supply had a run of Hornady 358 brass.

Ron

 

[bkordon]

Midway has some in stock as well. I believe they also have Starline, which would not be my first choice.

With all of the great feedback from the forum, the .358 seems to be the better direction. You all reaffirmed my thinking, so thank you all.

 

[SJB358]

Another BLR 358 Win guy. I love the way the 35’s work in my deer hunting. Big holes and most don’t get outta sight, lotsa good bullets for bucks and some more good ones for bigger animals. No bad deal with a 308 either, I’ve just come to like the 358/348/35 Whelen for my deer hunting. Most all advantages are in between my ears, but I can say it’s been real good.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

358 and you can make brass from 308.

 

[Thebear_78]

Really hard to go wrong with the 358 win. The BLR is an excellent platform for the cartridge.

 

[bkordon]

Beautiful rifle. I do think finding one available may be the challenge. I'm going to check with my guy this morning and go from there.
Again, thanks to all for the replies to this thread. The info has been extremely helpful.

 

[PJGunner]

Beautiful rifle. I do think finding one available may be the challenge. I'm going to check with my guy this morning and go from there.
Again, thanks to all for the replies to this thread. The info has been extremely helpful.

I have one just like the one in the photo. I just might be talked out of it. I can't do much hunting anymore due to a bad wreck so am thinking of liquidating most of what I have. Besides, I have four rifles in .358 and they've been safe queens ever since I got a .35 Whelen.
Paul B.

 

[bkordon]

Paul,
Thanks for the heads up. I sent you a DM.
Thanks, Ben