.356 Win. Load Data

Caliber Overview

The .356 Winchester was introduced by Winchester in 1982 as a lever-action rifle cartridge designed for their Model 94 Big Bore. Developed during a period when Winchester sought to modernize its lever-action lineup, this straight-walled cartridge was intended to provide medium-game hunting capability in a compact, fast-handling carbine. Despite its practical design and adequate performance for deer and black bear at moderate ranges, the .356 Winchester never achieved widespread popularity and was discontinued along with the rifles chambered for it, making both ammunition and brass relatively scarce today.

For handloaders, the .356 Winchester presents a straightforward proposition using .358-inch diameter bullets, the same as those used in cartridges like the .35 Remington and .358 Winchester. The straight-walled case with moderate capacity makes it efficient with medium-burning powders, and reloaders can choose from a wide selection of bullets ranging from 180 to 250 grains. Case life is generally excellent due to the cartridge's moderate operating pressure. Finding factory brass can be challenging, though it occasionally appears from specialty suppliers, making it essential for shooters of this cartridge to preserve and reload their cases carefully.