If you wanted a .358 Win

[taylorce1]

Would you settle for an identical rifle in .338 Federal for a lesser price? I was going to buy a new Ruger AW in .358 Win, but can't get the same deal as my FFL's distributor is out of stock and they are about $100-200 more than I was going to pay on GB. I was contacted today by a guy willing to sell me the Fed for $550 shipped. That will put me at $570 out the door, not quite as good of a deal as my FFL could have scored me but about ½ way between the lowest GB rifle.

I'm thinking I should hold out for the .358 Win, but I realize nothing I'd shoot would know the difference. BTW I already own two Whelens, a .358 Win and a .338-06 so it isn't like I need to fill a gap with either rifle. I was just thinking this would be a great SE Alaska black bear rifle.

 

[DrMike]

I have had several .358s and still have a Ruger Hawkeye chambered in .358. I now have a Winchester Featherweight chambered in .338 Federal. I like each cartridge. Truthfully, either will serve you well, especially for black bear. In reality, there are no flies on either of these cartridges.

 

[FOTIS]

Flip a coin as to performance.

Can YOU live with it?

 

[JD338]

Both rounds are what you would call a big stick in a small bundle.
I would say get the one you want and don't look back.

JD338

 

[onesonek]

I agree with all the above,,,and fwiw.
I really could see owning a .358 Win., in a Savage 99.

 

[DrMike]

I really could see owning a .358 Win., in a Savage 99.

Without a doubt!

 

[Silent Sam]

Add the cost of brass and dies.

 

[PJGunner]

I agree with all the above,,,and fwiw.
I really could see owning a .358 Win., in a Savage 99.

Problem is they ain't cheap. I really should sell mine but not sure what to ask. 'll have to look around and see what they're going for. I have too many .358's as it is so I'm thiking of clearig a few out. Ever since I got the .35 Whelen, the .358's have more or less been safe queens.
Paul B.

 

[SJB358]

I agree with all the above,,,and fwiw.
I really could see owning a .358 Win., in a Savage 99.

Problem is they ain't cheap. I really should sell mine but not sure what to ask. 'll have to look around and see what they're going for. I have too many .358's as it is so I'm thiking of clearig a few out. Ever since I got the .35 Whelen, the .358's have more or less been safe queens.
Paul B.

You aren't kidding Paul. I have wanted a M99 358 Win FOREVER! That is one awesome rifle!

AS for picking between the 358 vs 338, I kinda like the lighter bullets for the 35. Just personal though!

 

[taylorce1]

I agree with all the above,,,and fwiw.
I really could see owning a .358 Win., in a Savage 99.

I do own a 99A in .358 Win, I like the rifle just don't hunt with it. I've never been able to get it to group better than 2" which I know will kill plenty of game, but when I have several rifles that shoot better than it, I tend to leave it in the safe.

 

[PJGunner]

I agree with all the above,,,and fwiw.
I really could see owning a .358 Win., in a Savage 99.

I do own a 99A in .358 Win, I like the rifle just don't hunt with it. I've never been able to get it to group better than 2" which I know will kill plenty of game, but when I have several rifles that shoot better than it, I tend to leave it in the safe.

That looks exactly like mine. 8) I'm surprised yours doesn't shoot better than that. Mine is just a hair over one inch and my BLR does one inch after I did some tinkering with the forend. The two Ruger M77s just refuse to do any better than 1.5" so they just sit and gather dust. I just might take then to the next gun show if I decide to get a table. Then again, maybe not. :roll:
Problem is I haven't messed with them for a couple of years now. Some many projects, so little time, not to mention money. i'm thinking that if I do pick up where I left off, that the 200 gr. AccuBond just might be the ticket.
Paul B.

 

[DrMike]

A Model 99 in .358 Win; what's not to like. Great pictures. Paul, you'd better post a few as well.

 

[FOTIS]

Man that is a rare one!

Did you decide on the 338 fed?

 

[taylorce1]

Man that is a rare one!

Did you decide on the 338 fed?

Didn't get the .338 fed and may not do it at all. I've got my eye on another Ruger AW in .358 and a M70 Classic .243 SS that may become a future donor for a .358 Win. I'm kind of leaning toward the Winney right now, I like the M70 more than the Ruger.

Did those 105 Berger's ever shoot for you?

 

[FOTIS]

Never tried them yet. No time and antelope season is 2 weeks away

 

[taylorce1]

Never tried them yet. No time and antelope season is 2 weeks away

Man wish I could say that! I'm going to have to pretty much live vicariously for this years hunting season. I only drew a speed goat tag back home in Colorado, but I'm currently residing in Lubbock and don't know if I'll make it home to fill my doe tag.

However my hunting buddies have a good start on the season. One of them just took this beast yesterday, but the other two were with him. I don't know the details but I'm pretty sure he used his .325 WSM A-Bolt. He has spent several weeks scouting this area and found this billy about a week before season opened yesterday. One day and done!

 

[DrMike]

What a fine way to ruin the season! :grin: Very nice goat your pardner took.

 

[SJB358]

Wow! Great goat!

 

[PJGunner]

A Model 99 in .358 Win; what's not to like. Great pictures. Paul, you'd better post a few as well.

Mike, I would if I could but I can't. I have some on the computer and when I try to get them into an E-mail things go all to hell. I'm still trying figure it out.
Paul B.