.358 Win
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.358 Winchester: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Especially Big Game |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1955 |
.358 Winchester: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent stopping power for big game
- ✔ Good balance of power and recoil
- ✔ Versatile for various North American game
- ✔ Flat trajectory for medium ranges
- ✔ Works well in short-action rifles
Cons
- ✘ Limited ammunition availability compared to more popular calibers
- ✘ Higher recoil than smaller calibers
- ✘ Not ideal for long-range shooting
- ✘ Relatively expensive ammunition
- ✘ Less suitable for smaller game due to excessive power
.358 Winchester: A Powerful Medium-Bore Cartridge
The .358 Winchester is a versatile medium-bore rifle cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1955. It was designed to offer magnum-level performance in standard-length actions, making it an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game at moderate ranges. The cartridge is known for its hard-hitting power, flat trajectory, and ability to penetrate thick brush, making it popular among hunters in densely wooded areas.
History and Development
The .358 Winchester was developed in 1955 as a response to hunters' demands for a more powerful cartridge that could be used in standard-length actions. It was created by necking up the .308 Winchester case to accept .358 inch diameter bullets. This design allowed for the use of heavier bullets while maintaining the compact size of the .308 case.
Initially, the cartridge was chambered in the Winchester Model 70 and Model 88 rifles. Its introduction coincided with a growing interest in medium-bore cartridges for hunting in North America. The .358 Winchester quickly gained a reputation for its effectiveness on large game such as elk, moose, and bear, particularly in dense forest environments where shots were often at closer ranges.
Despite its impressive performance, the .358 Winchester never achieved the widespread popularity of some other cartridges. This was partly due to the introduction of other powerful cartridges and the trend towards magnum cartridges in the following decades. However, it has maintained a loyal following among hunters who appreciate its balance of power, accuracy, and moderate recoil.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the .358 Winchester among handloaders and custom rifle builders. Its efficient design and versatility have made it a favorite for those seeking a powerful, yet manageable cartridge for a wide range of hunting applications.
Ballistic Performance
The .358 Winchester typically fires bullets weighing between 180 and 250 grains. With a 200-grain bullet, it can achieve muzzle velocities of around 2,490 fps and muzzle energy of 2,750 ft-lbs. This combination of bullet weight and velocity results in excellent penetration and energy transfer, making it highly effective for medium to large game.
The cartridge's relatively flat trajectory allows for accurate shooting at ranges up to 300 yards, though it truly excels at closer ranges in heavy cover. Its ability to drive heavy bullets through brush without significant deflection is one of its key advantages in densely wooded hunting environments.
Timeline of .358 Winchester Development:
.358 Winchester Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .358 Winchester cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 180-250 grains Most common loadings use 200-220 grain bullets |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,490 fps (with 200-grain bullet) Velocity varies with bullet weight and barrel length |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,750 ft-lbs (with 200-grain bullet) Provides excellent stopping power for large game |
| Effective Range | Up to 300 yards Optimal performance at closer ranges in heavy cover |
| Recoil | Moderate Manageable in standard-weight rifles |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .358 Winchester loads.
.358 Winchester: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .358 Winchester ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-300 | Excellent for deer, elk, and bear in heavy cover |
| Target Shooting | 0-400 | Suitable for medium-range target shooting |
| Self-Defense | 0-100 | Powerful at close range, but significant recoil |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .358 Winchester is known for its hard-hitting power at medium ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .358 Winchester
The .358 Winchester's power and versatility make it suitable for several applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .358 Winchester's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .358 Winchester with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .358 Winchester with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .358 Winchester with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .358 Winchester with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .358 Win
The .358 Winchester is a rifle cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1955. It offers good performance for medium to large game hunting.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .358 Win | 200 | 0.250 |
| .358 Win | 225 | 0.281 |
| .358 Win | 250 | 0.312 |
Note: The .358 Winchester offers excellent sectional density values, particularly with heavier bullets, contributing to its effectiveness for hunting medium to large game. The cartridge's performance is enhanced by its ability to deliver these high sectional density projectiles at respectable velocities.