.358 Winchester barrel

[DeanWinchester]

What is the optimum barrel length for cast loads in .358 Winchester?

I have my eye on an ER Shaw barrel for a savage but its 24 inches. I think that's a waste. Too much weight for little to no gain. So if I were to buy it, what would be the best length to cut it down to? I'm thinking 18-20 inches is plenty. Losing four inches would certainly make it easier to wield.


Thoughts?

[felix]

The kind of gun you are thinking about had best be well balanced. Look at overall length more than anything else. Try your best to guesstimate that configuration before cutting anything. Yes, 24 inches is completely out of the question unless the barrel taper is dramatic, but then you will find the balance will still suck at least psychologically. ... felix

[DeanWinchester]

I'm thinking if I know the OPTIMUM length, I can chop off a half inch at a time as I approach that length. Putting it backin the action each time and feeling the balance. It's easy to cut it off, it's hell putting it back on LOL!

[KLR]

Are you looking at the stainless barrel kit in a magnum contour? That's the one I bought and I cut mine back to 20."

[DeanWinchester]

Yeah, how'd you like it?

[KLR]

It feels great cut back to 20." At that length the barrel weighs almost exactly 3 lbs. I put it on a Savage Model 11 and it's lighter and handier than my Remington 7600 with a 22" sporter barrel. It's my first 358 Win and I've only started to work up loads, but my first group shows promise. This is 24gr of 2400 pushing a 200gr NOE/RCBS at 50 yds @ 1831 fps avg. I'm new at the cast bullet game and just testing powder and lube at this point.

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/305178/179ce539-aea3-4cec-912a-01e892a96716_zps7a28150d.jpg (http://s424.photobucket.com/user/305178/media/179ce539-aea3-4cec-912a-01e892a96716_zps7a28150d.jpg.html)

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/305178/358WinMod11_zpsb21c7019.jpg (http://s424.photobucket.com/user/305178/media/358WinMod11_zpsb21c7019.jpg.html)

[hc18flyer]

DAMN, That looks good KLR! I left mine at 24, till I decide how far to cut it back? Thinkin it will end up at 20 or 21? Hope to get to shoot mine this weekend.
Later, Tom

[KLR]

Thanks, Tom. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Now if I can get a good bullet/lube/powder combo I think I'll have a shooter.

[felix]

It appears from the pictures that recoil is the only enemy. Not the load, per se. ... felix

[alphapredator]

Whats the weight at twenty inches, I've been thinking of doing the same thing?

[KLR]

Whats the weight at twenty inches, I've been thinking of doing the same thing?

3 lbs for the barrel.

[JesterGrin_1]

I will tell you what that E.R.Shaw barrel in there magnum contour is Heavy. If I was going to purchase one I would get one from E.R.Shaw with either straight fluting or spiral fluting. I think the Spiral fluting is neat. Plus E.R.Shaw only makes that barrel in that magnum contour.

As for Length I feel that 20" is perfect for the .358 Winchester. I had one built with the E.R.Shaw Chrome Moly Steel barrel and then coated with Dura Coat. Yea it is a bit WILD lol.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/SHAKERATTLEROLL/Stevens358.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/SHAKERATTLEROLL/media/Stevens358.jpg.html)

As for shooting they are Ok I guess lol. 3 five shot test groups and for some reason I picked the horrid center load group. :) Forgot. BRP 360-225Gr RNFP/GC with Lars45 BAC lube Gator Gas Check in a .358 Winchester case and a Wolf LRP.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/SHAKERATTLEROLL/Savage358Win.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/SHAKERATTLEROLL/media/Savage358Win.jpg.html)

[35 shooter]

How far was that shot at JesterGrin1? Good shooting anyway. I'd go with the center group and load too!:grin:

[JesterGrin_1]

That was 50 yards but I got pretty much the same thing at 100 but I was in a hurry as in just before going hunting. :). But as of yet I have not taken any game with the .358 Winchester darn it.

I may try some loads as Ben here on the site with some 4895 with the same bullet.

[35 shooter]

Looks mighty good right where it's at Jester. Also looks like that rifle ought to be pretty stable for off hand shooting weight wise....Nice rig! Looks like KLR has it going on too and a nice looking rifle to boot. Dang good shootin guy's! I'm not gonna let my 35 whelen look at those pictures, she's liable to cop an attitude.:wink:

[JesterGrin_1]

35 Shooter you want to know something odd. The first rifle I had built was a .35 Whelen and then the .358 Winchester and that if I had the .358 Winchester built first I would not have messed with the 35 Whelen. The 358 Winchester is that good.

[ballistim]

It feels great cut back to 20." At that length the barrel weighs almost exactly 3 lbs. I put it on a Savage Model 11 and it's lighter and handier than my Remington 7600 with a 22" sporter barrel. It's my first 358 Win and I've only started to work up loads, but my first group shows promise. This is 24gr of 2400 pushing a 200gr NOE/RCBS at 50 yds @ 1831 fps avg. I'm new at the cast bullet game and just testing powder and lube at this point.

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/305178/179ce539-aea3-4cec-912a-01e892a96716_zps7a28150d.jpg (http://s424.photobucket.com/user/305178/media/179ce539-aea3-4cec-912a-01e892a96716_zps7a28150d.jpg.html)

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp330/305178/358WinMod11_zpsb21c7019.jpg (http://s424.photobucket.com/user/305178/media/358WinMod11_zpsb21c7019.jpg.html)

Exactly what I have in mind for my next project when I can find a low cost donor rifle, but don't know yet if I have to limit my choices to the shorter action 110's and which other models will work with the Shaw kit from Midway. I'd also want to put on a quality pillar bedded stock, and replacement trigger if not already an AccuTrigger. I had already decided on a 20" bbl length and Leupold VX 1-4 scope. I'm glad this thread was started and will be paying close attention to see what others have done or have planned.

[RJM52]

A friend of mine had ER Shaw rebarrel a Remington 700SA with a 20" #3 contour....it is almost the weight of a 700LTR I had at the time. For a shooter it is great, but for hunting, especially if you do a lot of walking it is a little much.

I have a Ruger Frontier with a 16.5" barrel in .358 that I have killed one deer with but using the 220 grain Speer jacketed bullet. The balance is great and it is a joy to carry or maneuver in a tree stand. Have some 200 grain RCBS flat points that I'll be loading up soon and have a 225 grain mould on order. Also have some commercially cast 280 grain RN bullets that I want to try.

My favorite length for compact hunting rifles is 18.5-20 inches and as light as possible. Have a Remington Model Seven KS in .350 Remington Magnum with a 20" barrel that is super light and the gun is very accurate.

Bob

[ballistim]

I also considered either a .358 Winchester bbl for either a Yugo 48 or my Model 7 that is 7mm08 and never had respectable accuracy with any of several loads tried, but the Savage 110 seems like it would be the easiest and least expensive way to go.

[JesterGrin_1]

I also considered either a .358 Winchester bbl for either a Yugo 48 or my Model 7 that is 7mm08 and never had respectable accuracy with any of several loads tried, but the Savage 110 seems like it would be the easiest and least expensive way to go.

As for work to be done the Savage would be the cheapest as there is easy information out there to help the person at home do the work themselves. As for a donor rifle I do not think Savage is what they call cheap any longer. But you can also look for a Stevens which is the same thing except in there older design and they do not have that new duel stage trigger. That is what my action is. It started as a Stevens 200 7MM-08 that I found on sale for $179.95 a couple of years ago.

Please feel free to ask questions or do a search as the .358 Winchester Cartridge is loved by many and rightfully so. :)

[ballistim]

Thanks for the info! I will ask questions and appreciate the offer, and have seen other talk of it here and on other forums.

[KLR]

I also considered either a .358 Winchester bbl for either a Yugo 48 or my Model 7 that is 7mm08 and never had respectable accuracy with any of several loads tried, but the Savage 110 seems like it would be the easiest and least expensive way to go.

Just remember that the 110 is the long action. I used a Model 11 which is the short action.

[ballistim]

Good to know! I wasn't sure until I first read your post that the kit worked for that one.

[KLR]

I've posted this before, but I reduced costs by selling the original barrel and barrel wrench that came with the kit. I also saved $20 off at Midway by using a coupon code I found on the net. I worked the trigger to a crisp 2.5 lbs, and cut the barrel to 20" myself. After selling off the unused parts I have $445 in my rifle excluding scope. I should be able to sell the headspace gauges and cheap factory scope and subtract another $35. So, total will be $410 including all taxes and shipping costs.

308 barrels sell fast on the savageshooters forum.

[ballistim]

You have given me a lot of useful information and ideas, and I will check out the savageshooters forum and keep my eyes open. I already have the NOE version of the 200gr. RCBS mold I bought for my .357 Max Contender and on the waiting list for another GB in planning for this project, along with a lot of .308 brass to make up cases so I'm really wanting to get started on this one. I appreciate how much you and others have shared with your builds and hope to do the same.

[richhodg66]

Wow, you guys have me inspired with those tight groups. Today was the second range trip for my new to me Savage 99. Haven't done any serious loading for it yet, just some light loads, but soon, load development will begin in earnest.

[35 shooter]

35 Shooter you want to know something odd. The first rifle I had built was a .35 Whelen and then the .358 Winchester and that if I had the .358 Winchester built first I would not have messed with the 35 Whelen. The 358 Winchester is that good.

Jester if i was building a short action rifle to hunt anything anywhere it'd be the .358 winny. My story is kind of the reverse of yours though, I was looking for a .358 bbl. for my Encore and couldn't find one before hunting season but did find a 35 whelen bbl. that was a perfect fit on my frame and it wound up being a shooter for sure so alls well. Still would like to have a winny to go with it though.
One thing's for sure, that .358 of yours doesn't look like a Steven's 200 anymore!:wink:

[JesterGrin_1]

35 Shooter yep a few things were changed. :) I call it kickstand of which I think is pretty obvious why lol. I made my handle a bit long lol.

[Shakey Jakey]

Good thread, I may need one of these.

[GLynn41]

I have a 18.5'' and a 22'' -- do not think the cast boolits care from what I can tell, about the length -- the 18.5'' Ruger is a smooth operator in the woods -- but does lose vel. with JSP -- with cast boolits should not be a problem -- the 22'' is a Weatherbye Vanguard but the action is longer, so feels different-it does gain about 175 fps+ and it too does well with cast although I have not really tried too hard with either one -- did kill a doe with the 18.5'' and a 245 gr cast-- personally I like the 20'' or with 22'' especially with the smaller Ruger action-- I once had a chance at a 22'' Ruger M-77 358 but no funds but really wanted that one -- still ''Roy" is my favorite

[sawzall]

Here's mine built on a Savage 10 action. It's a 20" McGowen barrel, Timney trigger and bedded in a Bishop stock. Burris FFII 3-9x40mm perched on top in Leupold bases and rings. Shoots under 1" @ 200yds with 180gr Hornady SSP jacketed over a stiff charge of Ramshot TAC lit with a Federeal magnum match lr primer. I forget the velocity, but iirc it's just over 2900fps so a shorter barrel isn't necessarily a detriment to speed. Can't wait to do some boolit shooting. I have an RCBS 35-200 nowand an NOE 359-190-RF ranch dog style mold that should be delivered tomorrow. Just need to cast some up. Carries and handles nice, isn't too bad for weight and the barrel profile looks similar to the one being discussed here. I love this thing!

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/823/1bim.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/mv1bimj)

[TXGunNut]

Nicely done, sawzall. Methinks I need to try it out on a few Texas piggies and whitetails, would you mind letting me borrow it for a year or three? ;-)

[sawzall]

Wow, I managed to keep my size 14 feet and fat gut out of the picture and my kid got his toes in it :lol:


Nicely done, sawzall. Methinks I need to try it out on a few Texas piggies and whitetails, would you mind letting me borrow it for a year or three? ;-)

Sure, I'll send it to you for load development and then you can send it back with a whole bunch of boolits ready to load! ;)

[TXGunNut]

Sure, I'll send it to you for load development and then you can send it back with a whole bunch of boolits ready to load!-sawzall

Seems I have a RD 359-190 and a 360-230 Thor on hand and a NOE 360318 on the way. No brass or dies but I think I have some powders and primers that will work, lol. Not sure I can get some of my almost-famous Italian sausage (made from wild pork) back across the border but we could try.

[sawzall]

Seems I have a RD 359-190 and a 360-230 Thor on hand and a NOE 360318 on the way. No brass or dies but I think I have some powders and primers that will work, lol. Not sure I can get some of my almost-famous Italian sausage (made from wild pork) back across the border but we could try.

I'm pretty sure we would have a lot more luck sending the sausage across the border than the rifle and boolits! Now you're making me hungry for sausage!

[TXGunNut]

I'm pretty sure we would have a lot more luck sending the sausage across the border than the rifle and boolits! Now you're making me hungry for sausage!

My top-secret recipe is in the cooking section. :-) All kidding aside, that is one handsome rifle. I've known there is a Savage build in my future but until this thread I hadn't realized what the chambering would be. Had some stupid idea about .223 but I've gotten over it.

[JesterGrin_1]

My top-secret recipe is in the cooking section. :-) All kidding aside, that is one handsome rifle. I've known there is a Savage build in my future but until this thread I hadn't realized what the chambering would be. Had some stupid idea about .223 but I've gotten over it.

A .223 in TEXAS what are you going to hunt Squirrels lol.

[TXGunNut]

A .223 in TEXAS what are you going to hunt Squirrels lol.

I honestly don't know. I think it was something along the lines if a very accurate sporter-type target rifle. I have a Contender bbl that outshoots most .223 rifles with any reasonable load and it hasn't been out of the safe in 20+ years so I obviously wasn't thinking clearly.
I hunt squirrels with a 45-70 BTW. They think they're pretty smart when they run around to the other side up the tree, lol. ;-)

[JesterGrin_1]

Hey I won a bet like that lol. A 10" Mesquite Tree and a Hog with 1 Shot from a little tiny Mouse round from a 45-70 lol.

[TXGunNut]

Back to the OP I wonder if Savage made a 10 in .308 with a heavy barrel? A rebore by JES would be a good option if that was the case.

[JesterGrin_1]

Back to the OP I wonder if Savage made a 10 in .308 with a heavy barrel? A rebore by JES would be a good option if that was the case.

I do not know but you could probably request one directly from Savage. I have heard that Savage will do a few things on request for customers.

As knowing what I know now that is probably what I would have done is have a re-bore done by Jess. As for money it would have saved me some but not a whole lot on my conversion. But it would have saved me a great deal of weight. As I think I mentioned my E.R.Shaw barrel in .358 Winchester only comes in 1 Contour of which is the Magnum Contour or to say HEAVY lol.

For the base for my .358 Winchester I used a Stevens 200 in 7MM-08 as it is the same as the old style Savage and built by Savage. As they were on Sale at the time for $179.95 at Academy of which I also posted the same on this very forum. :).

[sawzall]

Savage makes lots of heavy barrel versions of the model 10. I wish there was an option in Canada like JES for reboring a barrel quick and reasonably priced! I would love a 35-30 rebore for a couple hundred bucks!! I also think a .358 Winchester M14 would be the cat's @ss!

[Shakey Jakey]

Mine is a model 10, was a 243 sporter, bored and chopped by JES. Almost done, I'll have pics up in a couple of weeks. I went that way as it is the only practical way I could find to avoid the varmint barrel. The savage sporter barrel has more than enough meat to bore 358.

[TXGunNut]

Sounds good, SJ. Looking forward to pics. How's the stock?

[Shakey Jakey]

I bought a walnut Boyds platinum with wrap around checkering.

[TXGunNut]

Boyds makes a great stock, good value as well, IMHO. Used one on my 35 Whelen project.
Are you going to bed it? I figured out the model I bought was designed to be bedded, most of the woodwork for bedding was already done.

[Shakey Jakey]

Yes, aluminum pillars and Devcon bedding compound.

[TXGunNut]

Yes, aluminum pillars and Devcon bedding compound.


Cool, may have to consult with you next time I get brave enough to bed another rifle.
I maxed out my glassbedding abilities relieving a bit of wood around the front screw and filling the hole for the front lug to the correct level. Took a few months to build up the courage to do that.

[dougader]

I made the decision years ago to pick the 338-06 over the 35 Whelen for a few reasons. I like 210 - 225 bullets for elk here.

But I think the 358 Winchester in a short action bolt gun is a real winner. I'd like to build one as a dedicated cast boolit rifle, and your builds have really made me want to do it all the more. You guys have some GREAT rifles!

[TXGunNut]

Yes, they do, dougader. I think a 358W/Savage 10 might just make it to my project list. 20" JES rebored bbl, Boyd Classic checkered walnut stock, Timney trigger, Leupold 2-7 scope (?) in Burris Z-rings, Weaver bases. Haven't given it much thought, of course. Last thing I need is another rifle! ;-)

[JesterGrin_1]

Yes, they do, dougader. I think a 358W/Savage 10 might just make it to my project list. 20" JES rebored bbl, Boyd Classic checkered walnut stock, Timney trigger, Leupold 2-7 scope (?) in Burris Z-rings, Weaver bases. Haven't given it much thought, of course. Last thing I need is another rifle! ;-)


Once you get the .358 Winchester you may have Less Rifles around as after shooting the .358 Winchester you may wonder why you wasted so much time on the others. :)

[TXGunNut]

Once you get the .358 Winchester you may have Less Rifles around as after shooting the .358 Winchester you may wonder why you wasted so much time on the others. :)

I feel that way about my 35 Remington 336 already, 45-70 Guide Gun is rock-solid as well. Ol' Ugly is family and the rest aren't going anywhere anytime soon. I'll take the risk that a 358 will make them all obsolete, could be fun. Seems to me I don't have a short action bolt gun, trying real hard to leave no niche unfilled. ;-)
I'm not wasting my time, figuring out these rifles is good therapy and keeps me out of trouble. After a rough day like today I lubed & sized 50 ea 314008 and 452255 boolits, the sized and sonic cleaned a big handful of rifle brass. Brass is drying in the oven, lubed boolits are stashed in the loading bench. Wasn't such a bad day after all. :-)

[35 shooter]

Yes, they do, dougader. I think a 358W/Savage 10 might just make it to my project list. 20" JES rebored bbl, Boyd Classic checkered walnut stock, Timney trigger, Leupold 2-7 scope (?) in Burris Z-rings, Weaver bases. Haven't given it much thought, of course. Last thing I need is another rifle! ;-)

You may have just described a future rifle for me too. Yea... i can tell you haven't put much thought into it.;-) Sounds goooooood!

[JesterGrin_1]

This will sound Bad especially since you have probably seen me post this very thing before lol. And That is.

If I would have had the .358 Winchester built first I would never have had the 35 Whelen built. :). It is that GOOD.

And since you already have the 35 Remington. I feel you probably have a couple of the best Cast Boolit cartridges out there when you add the .358 Winchester. The only downside to the .35 Remington over the .358 Winchester is Brass availability. As I am sure you know that .358 Winchester brass is easy to make from .308 Winchester brass. And thus I really do not see a huge shortage of finding .308 Winchester brass.



I feel that way about my 35 Remington 336 already, 45-70 Guide Gun is rock-solid as well. Ol' Ugly is family and the rest aren't going anywhere anytime soon. I'll take the risk that a 358 will make them all obsolete, could be fun. Seems to me I don't have a short action bolt gun, trying real hard to leave no niche unfilled. ;-)
I'm not wasting my time, figuring out these rifles is good therapy and keeps me out of trouble. After a rough day like today I lubed & sized 50 ea 314008 and 452255 boolits, the sized and sonic cleaned a big handful of rifle brass. Brass is drying in the oven, lubed boolits are stashed in the loading bench. Wasn't such a bad day after all. :-)

[JesterGrin_1]

You may have just described a future rifle for me too. Yea... i can tell you haven't put much thought into it.;-) Sounds goooooood!

I will tell you what I went darn near Blind reading everything I could on the 35 Whelen and the 358 Winchester. Probably over a year of research on them and I still had the 35 Whelen built first lol. And I am sure you read my post above lol.

There are a few changes I would have made to the .358 Winchester I had built. And that was I should have probably found a good doner rifle and had Jes Re-Bore the rifle to save weight and or looked harder at barrel contours or maybe have had the barrel re-contoured by someone like Goodsteel here on the forum. As the factory Contour by E.R.Shaw is a Mag Contour and to say it is HEAVY is an understatement for a Hunting rifle. But other than that I am ecstatic with its performance. And I also feel the 20" barrel length is Perfect for a .358 Winchester. :)

[dougader]

I will tell you what I went darn near Blind reading everything I could on the 35 Whelen and the 358 Winchester. Probably over a year of research on them and I still had the 35 Whelen built first lol. And I am sure you read my post above lol.

There are a few changes I would have made to the .358 Winchester I had built. And that was I should have probably found a good doner rifle and had Jes Re-Bore the rifle to save weight and or looked harder at barrel contours or maybe have had the barrel re-contoured by someone like Goodsteel here on the forum. As the factory Contour by E.R.Shaw is a Mag Contour and to say it is HEAVY is an understatement for a Hunting rifle. But other than that I am ecstatic with its performance. And I also feel the 20" barrel length is Perfect for a .358 Winchester. :)

I'm trying to locate a good donor rifle right now and can't make up my mind which would be best... nothing is cheap anymore.

[Shakey Jakey]

Every time I build something based on a Savage I wish I would have splurged on an FN Winchester. Not hating on Savage, they make a decent gun, just wish I would have not been so cheap. I wouldnt even think about one of the super cheap rifles everyone has been forced to make, I'm apposed to basing a project on one of those. I'm sure there is a proper place for the breed. I have 5 Savage based project rifles so easy on the flames.

[Shakey Jakey]

I'm trying to locate a good donor rifle right now and can't make up my mind which would be best... nothing is cheap anymore.I just accidentally picked up a stainless model 11 on GB for about 300. It has the detachable mag, anybody have any experience with those?

[Shakey Jakey]

This is getting a bit off topic but I also picked up a long action 30-06 Savage 110 with a Bushnell 3200 Elite scope for 217.00. The PO had tried to paint a camo pattern on it with what looks like canary yellow and brindle **** brown krylon. I picked it up for my son. Its just a few ounces of lacquer thinner, a good set of bases, and a trip out to JES from being a decent 35 Whelen. You need to be diligent and they will turn up.

[Shakey Jakey]

Heres one right here, $250 to JES, a scope, and you are good to go.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=412525067

[35 shooter]

I will tell you what I went darn near Blind reading everything I could on the 35 Whelen and the 358 Winchester. Probably over a year of research on them and I still had the 35 Whelen built first lol. And I am sure you read my post above lol.

There are a few changes I would have made to the .358 Winchester I had built. And that was I should have probably found a good doner rifle and had Jes Re-Bore the rifle to save weight and or looked harder at barrel contours or maybe have had the barrel re-contoured by someone like Goodsteel here on the forum. As the factory Contour by E.R.Shaw is a Mag Contour and to say it is HEAVY is an understatement for a Hunting rifle. But other than that I am ecstatic with its performance. And I also feel the 20" barrel length is Perfect for a .358 Winchester. :)

Jester i have considered letting Bellm's TC's make up a .356 win bbl. and also cut the counter sink for the 358 win. in the same bbl. for my Encore. How's that for cheap? Two different 35's in one bbl. lol. I may get around to it one day. Got a 360 280 rn mould coming from NOE (358009 clone), so i gotta play with that in the Whelen first.[smilie=w:

[JesterGrin_1]

I'm trying to locate a good donor rifle right now and can't make up my mind which would be best... nothing is cheap anymore.

dougader Here are my thoughts on the Subject after having two Rifles built. One a .35 Whelen AI and the other a .358 Winchester.
I would first consider if there is any chance at all of YOU selling the rifle down the road. As in you will get a better return
if you build the Rifle from something everyone perceives as a very good action. Such as a Remington 600 or 700 action.
Plus with a Remington Action there are tons of aftermarket parts available to you. But for someone to work on a Remington
600 or 700 action and do it right is not cheap. That is as far as replaceing the barrel with a good quality one. Or save some
probably big bucks by having Jes do a Re-Bore on it for you. And as far as Barrels are concerned for the price it will cost
you to have the barrel replaced and or any other work performed on the rifle will be far more than the cost difference between
a run of the mill barrel or a high quality barrel. So I would take the time to pick a good Barrel Manufacturer as well as the
contour of the barrel and length that you wish to use.

If you are not too worried about what you will get in return if you decide to sell such a rifle then also as mentioned
the Savage and or Stevens would be the way to go. You can also usually pick up a Stevens for much cheaper than
there name brand Savage. But also remember that with a Stevens you will most likely wish to change the stock. As
the factory plastic stocks on the Stevens rifles are pretty much Rubber lol. As in they are weak and twist every which way lol.
Plus for the Savage,Stevens since they have been used forever for building many different things from aftermarket parts are
easy to find and usually will not break the bank. And again if you pick the right caliber from the start you can simply have a Re-Bore
done by Jes or get an aftermarket barrel from say Midway from E.R.Shaw or order direct from E.R.Shaw. But before doing so
take into account that the E.R.Shaw barrel is a Magnum Contour or to say Heavy. But I would probably contact Goodsteel
here on the forum and talk with him about what he may charge you for the work and he also might be able to re-contour
the barrel for you to save some weight. But depending on what he may charge to do a barrel re-contour you might be
better off spending a bit more to get the barrel length and contour you wish to have from the start.

A good company to get a stock from that will not break the bank is BOYD's Stocks. But I would still add pillars to the stock
and bed it as well. If you decide to go with a Magnum Contour barrel or larger and also decide to go with a BOYD's stock
I would suggest using the BOYD's FT or to say Thumb Hole Stock as it gives more meat in the barrel channel to make room
for a Magnum Contour barrel or a bit larger.

But as said there are many good actions and or donor rifles to choose from. But before picking anything I would first
look into parts availability and also a good gunsmith that can do good work for a reasonable price.

Like one of my builds is a 35 Whelen AI built from a Marlin XL-7 of which is a very nice rifle. Except since Marlin Sold
out to Remington parts availability is pretty much Zilch.

Well I hope this is not too long and makes some since. Sorry if it does appear a bit confusing as it is way too late for me
and I might not be making sense lol. But if you have a question please by all means please feel free to ask. As to have
a rifle built is no cheap or quick endeavor. :)

Sorry I just had to add. That for myself and if I could afford it and even be able to swallow modifying a Rifle for a .358 Winchester I would use a Remington MoHawk 600 as the Donor Rifle. I really feel that would be SLICK. :)

[JesterGrin_1]

Jester i have considered letting Bellm's TC's make up a .356 win bbl. and also cut the counter sink for the 358 win. in the same bbl. for my Encore. How's that for cheap? Two different 35's in one bbl. lol. I may get around to it one day. Got a 360 280 rn mould coming from NOE (358009 clone), so i gotta play with that in the Whelen first.[smilie=w:

Well I for one will be looking forward to your work on the 35 Whelen and the 358009. I have that mold and I have to say that is one Impressive looking BOOLIT.

[Djones]

I just accidentally picked up a stainless model 11 on GB for about 300. It has the detachable mag, anybody have any experience with those?

My 358 win started life as a Savage 11 308. I really like it. Mine is blued with a walnut stock and non detachable mag.

I had JES rebore it. I like the 358 since 308 brass is so easy to find.

[Shakey Jakey]

Djones, Did you get a chance to try the 35 Rem/Lee collet die trick yet?

[Djones]

No I ran across a used hornady 35 cal neck sizing die I'm using for my 358 win and 358 Hoosier. I do like my collet die for my 35 rem though.

[KLR]

Djones, Did you get a chance to try the 35 Rem/Lee collet die trick yet?

What trick is that?

[Shakey Jakey]

What trick is that?You can use a 35 REM Lee collet neck sizer die for a 358 WIN by using a .090 washer between the shell holder and the die. Just a large enough hole to slip over the top of the cartridge. A taller spacer will also make it work for the 35 Whelen. Just do the math. Nice thing about the 35 REM die is the cost of about $12.00.

[KLR]

Thanks for the info.