Shooters Forum banner

Reloading .356 Winchester

12K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Sawfish 
#1 ·
I have a .356 Winchester in a Winchester 94AE Big Bore rifle. When looking at the "specs" of the case dimensions, it appears that it is the very same as the .358 Winchester even though it has a "rim". It appears that "trim pilots" and other case "prep" tools would work "interchangibly" for either caliber. I checked with Lee Precision and noticed they did not have a "Factory Crimp" die for this caliber, although they had one for a .358 Win. (I know the .358 "sizing" die will work on the .356 Win. satisfactorily.)
When I inquired with Lee Precision's service department (by e-mail)whether the .358 die would work because of the same dimensions, they wrote back saying "their Factory Crimp dies were caliber specific based on dimensions of the case". In other-words, they didn't really answer the question; since they don't list a .356 one could assume it cannot be used.
I now ask of those who have loaded this caliber and used the Lee Factory Crimp die, will the .358 Winchester Factory Crimp die work satisfactorily for the .356 Winchester? If not, why not? Thanks.
 
#7 ·
The 356/358 are basically the same case, but one has a rim. 356 loading data is generally more conservative than 358 due to the differences in bullet profiles, cartridge OAL limits due to the M94AE feed design, and the strength of that gun. I have an RPM XL Hunter in .358 Win that I had rechambered to .356 Win for the advantage of a rim in the single shot pistol. I use the same loading data for the .356 that I used for the .358, and get the same results. The 225 Accubond is my bullet of choice, but you cannot use that in your 94AE unless it is single loaded.
 
#8 ·
This thread is 4+ years old, but there are a few serious 356 fans out there.

I always heard that the 356 cases were of thicker construction, reducing their internal capacity, which meant you were wise to use less powder in them. I've always heard others say that's hogwash and don't really know the truth of the matter.

How much longer will you be able to use the Accubond in CA? Aren't they going to lead-free bullet regulations?
 
#9 ·
Like you said, this is an old thread. I just found it again and saw your post. Sorry. CA has been on a slow course to non lead, and is supposed to have its plan for phase in formulated by 2015. Although, I have not seen this in print, I think part of the delay is the difficulty inherent in enforcement i.e. Fish & Game will have to carry a list of all "approved" no lead ammunition and bullets. Like that is not going to change almost daily. In addition, they will have a list of "approved" bullets for reloading. I guess this means that the enforcement branch will have to be able to recognize all approved reloading bullets by sight, or require the officer to carry an inertia bullet puller???? Another anti-hunting bill disguised as a do-gooder conservation measure! :mad:
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top