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I have a .new .308 that I thought to rebore to .358 but found it will be cheaper to rebarrel.
Midway has a small shank shaw that will fit. I mostly hunt deer 200 yds.
Anyone try these barrels out?
On a side note, what would a new 24" varmit 5R barrel .308 be worth?
I have been told to leave it .308 because of .358 components being scarce..
Lou
.358 components are no more scarce than .224 components. Bullet selection is lean at best, but there are some excellent bullets out there. At 200 yards, the 308 is a fine choice, not much reason to change away from it but then again, you do have a barrel nut, so adding another chambering to the stable is always good! Look at the 338/08, AKA 338 Federal. There are several more bullet choices out there, and it flat out knocks down deer at 200 yards. Ballistic coefficients are way better in the 338 caliber, and you won't be limited as much in seating depth as you would be in the 358.
The Midway barrels are pretty good.
For deer sized game out to only 200 yards..... a 308 is more than enough......BUT, if you just want a 358 then by all means get one.......just because you want it. ;)
358 is a fine round that is often underrated.
I'm happy with a Midway 35 Whelen barrel. Went with it over the 358 Win due to having a long action.
The advantage of a 35 cal. over a 338 cal. is the selection of cast bullets and the ability to use less expensive 357 pistol bullets for practice and plinking. 338 has a better ballistic coefficient but the 35 cal. makes a bigger hole. Basically a Ford or Chevy decision.
Lots of good press on the 358 W - See Paco Kelly, Ken Waters, etc. Ken Waters gripe on the 35 caliber was removed when the 225 gr. Sierra came out. Then the Nosler Partition and AccuBond was introduced in 35 cal. giving more bullet choices.
I waited a long time for that 225gr Sierra to hit the shelves, and when I finally got my hands on some, wow! My Ruger flatbolt in 350 Remington Mag was shooting one hole groups at 100 with them. I've taken several elk, and a couple of deer with nothing but excellent bullet performance from that combination. Don't think I was knocking the .35, it's my personal favorite, but I think the 338/08 is a better choice than the 358. But that's just my .02. With proper bullet placement either round will do what he's asking for and quite a bit more.
"re15", I built my 358 on a Stevens 200 short action, Stocky's Thumbhole stock, and an A&B barrel I got on sale for $103 from Midway. I could not be happier with it;-). I shoot 225grn Sierra GK's in it and last year I knocked my buck off his feet with it at 165yds. No blood shot meat at all ! It shoots 1 1/4" groups at 200yds. Yes the 338 Fed is a good round, but the 358 is "there" and you better get it before someone else does! You won't regret it! "Just Sayin" ;-) Good Luck-Good Shooting.....Jim
I pm'd him a link to a 338/08 barrel, dies, brass, factory loads, and bullets for an awesome price. If it's still there Friday, I'm bringing it home. He's been extremely quiet...........Quote:
Originally Posted by FW Conch
and Lou, I'd keep that barrel. Get bored with the 358 and you can swap it right back over to the 308. And your question about Shaw barrels? You'll be more than happy with their barrel.
Thanks for the replies.
I have mulled over the choice between .338 and .358. It seems that just about every forum I have found votes for the .358.
I was initially excited about the .338 but over time(in reading posts)it seems to not have the following and bullet construction favors higher velocities. Last I read they changed the deer logo on the ammo to an elk.
On my end, I am willing to reload for any caliber but all I see for the most part is "out of stock with no back order" or "discontinued" on most bullets. Outdoors, Midway, Natchez..
I have used round nose like core lokt and now the few offerings I see are all pointed or tipped. Even most core lokts are psp anymore.
The round nose has been very effective, why is there not more factory offerings for it?
My needs are met within 250 yards or less.
There is a case for .308 as more bullets are out there it seems.(not much in round nose)
Lou
Ballistically, round nose bullets are not very efficient. They don't sell very well so the manufacturers don't produce a lot of them. But they sure work well out west, thanks to all of our brush.