358 Winchester AI

**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