358 Winchester AI [Archive]

yorketransport

11-10-2009, 12:35 PM

Has anyone ever done a 358 Win Improved? I've been thinking about building an 18.5" 358 Win, but an AI version would help make up for the short barrel. Any thoughts?

Andrew

Armed in Utah

11-11-2009, 12:27 AM

I built a 358 Win with a 21" bbl....all you need in a med range rifle.....12 twist spins the heavy 250's just fine....

yorketransport

11-11-2009, 12:46 AM

Your setup sounds perfect, but what's the fun in a practical, highly functional rifle? ;) No fireforming? No searching for load data? No $200 custom reloading dies? Most importantly, with a regular 358 Win, I might run into somebody else at the range with the same caliber. I can't have that. ;D

Plus, I'll bet that a 358 AI would be an awesome looking round.

Andrew

Armed in Utah

11-12-2009, 10:37 PM

Lee will build you the dies for $50....collet & seater.....

I have 260 & 223 AI Savage/Pac-Nors..

Who has the reamer ??

I'll still say the 358 is fine as is.....get a Whelen or someother hotter 35...

But its your $$...... :D

yorketransport

11-12-2009, 11:54 PM

I've never seen a reamer for for it, or found any mention of a 358 AI. But you have to admit, it would be something different. :D

I could go with one of the larger 35 cals, but this is part of my mission to have one barrel for every round based on the 308 case. I figure that an AI is still techincally based on the 308 case, so that counts. Plus I get the cool factor that comes with having something different. ;) More than likely, I'll end up with a standard 358 though. It's just such an interesting and over looked round. I've always wanted one anyways.

Andrew

Russ

12-12-2009, 10:35 AM

Don't beleave the hype about the 358w being a brush gun either. I shoot mine out to 300 yds with no problem. It puts deer down like a hammer. Love that round.
Russ

yorketransport

12-12-2009, 10:03 PM

I've wanted a 358 for years, but I've yet to actually put one together. It just seems like such a versatile caliber. Great up close, but still plenty of gun out past 300yds. Maybe I should just get a standard 358 and be happy. Even with the standard version, it's not like you see one every day. :)

Andrew