Load needed-358 Winchester Pistol

[HEAD0001]

I decided to go with the 358 Winchester cartridge for my Encore pistol. The barrel was made by MGM. It is 12 inches in length, including the muzzle break. Bullet will be a cast, 200 grain, gas checked design. The mold is an RCBS mold. Mold should be here tomorrow, and barrel should be here any day. Bore size is 358. Drop size of bullet is suppose to be 358 with #2. I would have liked for it to drop at 360-but what the heck. Weight is suppose to be 204 grains, we will see.

I am looking for a good accurate load. I am not necessarily looking for a high speed load. Round will be used for shooting and hunting out to 150 yards(Deer and Groundhogs). I am looking for a powder recommendation that will come close to filling the case, a load that will burn in that barrel length, and last but not least, a powder without alot of "THUMP". I think you guys know what I mean. Any suggestions??? Tom.

[denis1112]

I used to have a Contender barrel that was rechambered from a 35 remington with a.358 reamer but the headspace guage was left sticking out .050 so factory ammo would not chamber.Started with 35 I.H.M.S.A. data out Hodgdon's oldno.26 manuel.I could get over 2000fps with 200 gr. hornady's,pointed or roundnose,or sierra roundnose with H322 or IMR 4320.1900 fpswith a 250 gr. RN and AA2520.These loads would be just under the starting loads for a .358 win. in an Encore.If you want to burn the paint off the hood of your pickup try some H335.That load was like lightning flashes at the indoor range,everyone took notice.You may also consider having the barrel ported.Good luck

[pahntr760]

Most of the time, the manufacture's recomend just using rifle data. Start at the min and work your way up. Plus with the muzzle break, the rcoil should be quite managable.