.358 Win Improved?

[Foz]

Hey all,

Does anyone know of a .358 win being improved in an Ackley fashion ie: 40 deg shoulder and body taper reduction?
I have a .308 Ruger 77II stainless which cries out for some foolin around.
Any thoughts or suggestions of a larger cal alternative for the short action?

[ogre6br]

I know I own a .358 BLR already
but
what about a 338 Federal improved- should get you near a 338/06

or a .375/08- Con has one AFIR

or maybe something based on the 284 Winchester round

I know there is a 375/284 and a 416/284

Really depends on how much room you can free up in you magazine length

Later
p

[Con]

Foz,
The 308Win case is effectively as improved as you'll get ... your just adding expense by getting a 40deg shoulder and other such crap.

Your easiest 'power upgrade' is the 284Win case ... 35/284, 375/284, 338/284 ... still talking custom dies although there are some cheats by reaming out a set of Lee 284Win dies.

Easiest option with great factory ammunition ... 338Federal. If your a reloader ... 358Win.
Cheers...
Con

[Foz]

Hey thanks guys,
Cool to have such a knowledge base at the proverbial finger tips.
The mag length is the real test with any .284 derivative aint it. Must ensure that there is enough for seating the heavier and thereby longer projectiles otherwise the resulting powder capacity reduction will of course eat up any benefits and make it a waste of time.
The .338 Fed is a good little round and easily available now days for factory ammo if that is your thing but the splat factor of the 35 cal may be superior.
So, Con, what is the .375 /08's performance like?

[Wiz]

I know I own a .358 BLR already
or a .375/08- Con has one AFIR

Had... It's in my hot little hands now

[250-3000]

Pat

Let me know when you want to sell me your BLR

[Con]

I know I own a .358 BLR already
or a .375/08- Con has one AFIR

Had... It's in my hot little hands now

But the barrel is still mine until you wear it out!

Foz,
Magazine box length is an issue in some actions, less so in others. A Ruger SA will handle 2.925", M70 closer to 3.1", Rem700 around 2.8". You can then fiddle with calibre ... a 250gr 338 is longer than a 35cal which in turn is longer than a 375cal.

The 284Win case is still your best bet and then make use of todays superior projectile technology. Imagine a 375/284 with a 235gr TSX ... diameter, trajectory and penetration. The 338Federal does the same with its 185gr TSX. From memory ... a 300gr Hornady RN comes in at just under 2.9" when seated to the cannelure in the 375/284 so its still usable. The 375/284 with a 260gr Accubond would be great, likewise Woodleigh's 235gr, Sierra 250gr, Hornady 270gr RN ... all workable. Better yet the 35/284 ... 225gr Woodleigh RN solid for buff, lots of well shaped 200gr - 250gr pills as well for other duties.
Cheers...
Con

[Foz]

Wow Con, you sure know your stuff. Cool.
The 35 also has the range of pistol slugs in the 150 range for some speedier plinking.
I will look more into the 35/.284 option as it sounds just like the good allrounder for the large medium stuff.

Which barrel?

Which dies?

and the biggy....

Who can recommend a smith who is not two years behind in their work?

[ogre6br]

Who can recommend a smith who is not two years behind in their work?

thats a big question

later
P

[malcolm]

Gidday Foz, can I trouble you to look closely at the magazine box of your 308 Ruger and tell me if it has the small square section at the back of it like the one in this photo ?
I, also love the old Rugers.
Good luck with your wildcat----- I always thought a 338 on the 284 case would be a corker.
Cheers Malcolm

[Foz]

Yeah Pete, it is a big question. Generally speaking the ones with no work are (like all tradies) no good or just starting out.

Malcolm, mate i don't have my Ruger at hand so i will have a gander when i get the chance but i don't recall one being there. I did'nt know there was a difference, what does it mean?

Enjoy the weekend

[malcolm]

Foz, different calibers require different length magazine boxes to support the rounds while they are in the rifle. The mag box in the photo is of a 220 Swift. The Swift has an overall cartridge length of 2.68 inches.
A 308 or 7mm /08 has an overall length of 2.8 inches. Ruger would have used the same action, but different mag boxes when they produced the rifles from new.
I want to change my Swift to either a 308 or 7mm /08.
Cheers Malcolm

[Foz]

Malcolm,
The more i think about it the more i reckon it is not there, but i will check for you anyway. It makes sense for manufacturing efficiency.
Who are you considering as a 'smith to do your work?

[ogre6br]

Pat

Let me know when you want to sell me your BLR

Sorry mate
only just got it- will be a few years before it's on the market- if at all
next door neighbour will prolly snaffle it when I snufF it.
later
p

[ogre6br]

Malcome
why not just buy KJD's 7/08 Ruger and keep the 220Sw as is

later
P