My new 358 Winchester

[jaysouth]

Last month, I bought a CVA Hunter in 35 Remington from Buds.  One day sale only, $216 delivered to my dealer.

 

There being no 35 Rem ammo or brass available, I solved the ammo problem with a chambering reamer.  I now have a 358 Winchester in a 5-something pound single shot with a 20" barrel.  I have only had it to the range twice now.  However, accuracy is trending in the right direction.  

 

I have only two bullets to play with,  A commercially produced 180 cast wide flat point and the iconic RCBS 200 gr.fp.  The 180 is tumble lubed and the RCBS lubed in Ben's Red in a LAM II with Hornady Gas check.

 

 

 

In this photo, there is the 180 WFT inadvertently loaded upside down, and the 200 gr. RCBS in resized LC 12 LR brass.

 

Here is the 180 showing the meplat

Here is the first groups that I shot.  Not very good at 50 yards.  Scope used for load development is a Redfield Revolution 3-9X40.  When loads get resolved, the little gun will wear a new Weaver K-4.

 

Here is a light load that get better.  

Here is a load that has a lot of thump to it and would be OK for whitetails where I hunt.

 

Here is a load that show a lot of promise with H-4198.  This may be too stiff a load.  Perhaps dialing it down will improve accuracy.

 

My goal is a one inch group at 50 yards, which is about my entire field of vision where I hunt.  I have not yet tried 3031, which seems to be a universal favorite for the 358.  I also have a large lot of 158 JHP and cast pistol bullets with which to develop a plinking load.

 

I look to more range fun developing my ideal load and will keep your posted.

 

By the way, if you want a single shot rifle AND can find a CVA in the caliber you want, it beats H&R hands down.  However, they are hard to find and do not offer a lot of caliber selection.  The Hunter model I bought is the bottom of their line.  But out of the box, it has a trigger that beats the $125 trigger job I have on another Handi.  It come with DNZ scope rings and base and a hammer extension spur.

Edited February 8, 2015 by jaysouth

[Caster]

Ooooooo :)
Ahhhhhhh :)

[Caster]

How about some 230g Thor cast from copper enriched babbit/COWW alloy?
Since our chambers are theoretical twins, I think you'll like this one.

Swing by shop next week. Edited February 8, 2015 by Caster

[jaysouth]

As most of you know, "Caster" is a very shy and reticent person.  I did not mention him as the expert operator of the chambering reamer or the source of the 200 gr. RCBS cast bullets.

 

Now that the cat is out of the bag,  Thank ye ol son!  I really appreciate your good work.  Someday I will come up with a tall tale that beats his tall tales.

 

If anyone has any issues to be resolved about casting or loading, PM caster.  He will talk you through it.

[Caster]

 Someday I will come up with a tall tale that beats his tall tales.
 

Next time you stop by remind me to show you my autographed copy of The Bible.

[Jct1911]

Those are 2 of the most classic loads for just about any cast boolit rifle from 30-30 and up. I had a similar rifle, except rebored by JES. Was a shooter but prefer my RemMax for cast.

[jaysouth]

JCG1911.

 

I assume that you are talking about the .357 Remington MAX.  I have a handi rechambered to .357 Max.  It is a screamer, but only with jacketed bullets.  I cannot shoot a cast bullet out this particular gun faster than 1100fps.  

 

I have my eye on a Remington 7600 in 7-08 for possible rechambering to .358.  But that is on hold, no more than one custom gun in quay at any  time for me.  I am supposed to have a commercial FN Mauser action being redone to, 358, of course.