.358 Win. Load Data

The .358 Winchester stands out as one of the classic American rifle cartridges, particularly beloved by hunters and seasoned reloaders. Introduced by Winchester in 1955, the .358 Win. was essentially the .308 Winchester case necked up to accept a .358-inch diameter bullet. Its introduction filled a significant niche for woods hunting, especially in the dense forests of North America. The .358 Win. gained a loyal following thanks to its reputation for hard-hitting performance and the ability to deliver heavy, wide-diameter bullets from relatively compact, lightweight rifles. Although it never reached the commercial popularity of its parent cartridge, the .308 Winchester, or its big brother, the .35 Whelen, the .358 Win. still enjoys a dedicated fan base among handloaders who appreciate its blend of versatility and raw stopping power.

Over the years, the .358 Winchester has carved out a niche as an efficient short-action cartridge with enough versatility to handle a range of game. Its manageable recoil, especially compared to larger-bore cartridges, and compatibility with popular short-action rifles have made it a favorite for those who hunt in areas where shots are typically under 200 yards. While factory ammunition is not as plentiful as more common calibers, it is still available, and the cartridge’s popularity among reloaders ensures a robust community and access to bullet and brass suppliers. Its ability to use a range of bullet weights allows reloaders to tailor loads for specific hunting needs—something that has kept the .358 Win. relevant in an ever-changing world of hunting cartridges.

Applications for the .358 Win. are strongly rooted in big game hunting—especially in the thick woods and brushy terrain of North America. The cartridge is renowned for taking down large-bodied game such as elk, black bear, moose, and whitetail deer, with confidence-inspiring authority. Thanks to its efficient use of powder and high-quality bullets, the .358 Winchester offers deep penetration and reliable expansion, even through tough muscle and bone. Its relatively short case design makes it ideal for quick-handling rifles, which are especially useful for close-range encounters often encountered while hunting big game in heavy cover. Reloaders appreciate the flexibility the cartridge offers—in both bullet selection and powder charges—optimizing performance for short, handy lever-actions or bolt-action rifles.

When it comes to bullet selection, the .358 Win. really shines. Typical bullet weights range from 180 up to 250 grains, with the most popular choices for hunting falling between 200 and 225 grains. Lighter bullets in the 180-grain range can be used for smaller game or when reduced recoil is desirable, while 250-grain bullets offer maximum penetration and stopping power for the largest game. Velocity from a standard-length hunting rifle barrel with 200 or 220-grain bullets generally falls in the 2,400 to 2,600 fps range, which is more than adequate for even sizeable game within moderate hunting distances. The cartridge is known for producing deep, straight-line penetration and creating large wound channels. With a wide range of modern bullet designs—such as bonded core, partition, and monolithic options—reloaders can truly optimize the .358 Winchester for specific needs and terrains, making it a practical and rewarding caliber choice for those who enjoy handloading their hunting ammunition.