Bullet recommendations for .348 Win
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Very nice rifle and I hope to own one some day myself! As far as loaded ammo, it looks like Buffalo Bore also loads for the fine .348, but as with most of their stuff, it ain't cheap! Another bullet maker that seems to have several bullets for that oddball size is Hawk Precision Bullets (9 different bullets):
http://www.hawkbullets.com/Pricelist.htm
Added: While looking at some other loads, I noticed that Stars & Stripes Ammunition also loads for the .348. They have loads with up to a 270gr bullet (Hawk?)
http://www.starsandstripesammo.com/index2.html
As far as the Improved version, I'd think the original to be powerful enough at the ranges it is practical for on anything short of big bears. Range is somewhat restricted as scoping a M71 is usually not something most want to pursue. The M71 died originally because Winchester brought out the .358 Win a few years earlier and figured the easy to scope M88 in .358 was a better platform for most hunters. If one was wanting to hunt big bears at close range then a conversion to .450 Alaskan would prolly be a better bet, I'd think.
If I am lucky enough to finally get one, I'll simply have to limit my shots to whatever these old eyes will do with a peep sight and at those ranges I figure the original .348 to be plenty for my needs.
Good luck with that great rifle!
I've had mixed feelings re:200gr Hornady bullets for some time. When pushed to accuracy in my 71s they tend to almost explode on close shots in deer....
IF you intend to use 200s and can get accurate under 2400fps, I'd say you're good to go....
My originals, however, enjoy 250s made by resizing .358 250s down to .348" - but I don't enjoy the recoil...
I think you'd do well to avoid the AI version unless BOTH 1) only 250s shoot good; and 2) you want to push the 250s faster....
This is "a lot of gun" in anybody's book. I shoot 200gr Hornadys & 60gr IMR-4350 @2475fps into 2" groups @100yds with the bolt peeps - a receiver peep on yours should reproduce these results. I've killed deer from 15 feet to 250yds & a groundhog @400yds with this load. FWIW....
IF you intend to use 200s and can get accurate under 2400fps, I'd say you're good to go....
My originals, however, enjoy 250s made by resizing .358 250s down to .348" - but I don't enjoy the recoil...
I think you'd do well to avoid the AI version unless BOTH 1) only 250s shoot good; and 2) you want to push the 250s faster....
This is "a lot of gun" in anybody's book. I shoot 200gr Hornadys & 60gr IMR-4350 @2475fps into 2" groups @100yds with the bolt peeps - a receiver peep on yours should reproduce these results. I've killed deer from 15 feet to 250yds & a groundhog @400yds with this load. FWIW....
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I have about 150 rounds left, all of them 200 grains. Strictly an offhand gun for me and never beyond 100 yards, I find that bullet accurate enough for a deer/bear gun at that range and under. Plenty of bullet for me. Getting old enough I don't think I would like the heavier 250 and 270 gr bullets anymore but I am curious about how the 180 grain would work. I need to reload some more anyway, maybe I'll try them for chuckles and giggles.
Come to think of it I didn't like the 250 grain bullets 40 years ago either, I wouldn't admit it back then but they left a nice dark purple spot on my shoulder. Whatever you choose wear a shooting jacket when you shoot it, don't play macho like I used to.
Come to think of it I didn't like the 250 grain bullets 40 years ago either, I wouldn't admit it back then but they left a nice dark purple spot on my shoulder. Whatever you choose wear a shooting jacket when you shoot it, don't play macho like I used to.
Thanks for the comments. Mine already has a Lyman peep sight and I have a .358 and a .356 in other lever rifles so I understand the recoil comments. Was reading an older article last weekend that suggested the AI version significantly reduced bolt thrust in lever guns due to the extreme taper of the original case. Don't think I necessarily need more velocity, just curious about the pros and cons of the AI version.
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Here's one you might consider... generally for those Browning rifles like yours, .349" in cast seems to work best.
BTB .348 Caliber Bullet Selection
Nice rifle, getting hard to come by, congratulations!
BTB .348 Caliber Bullet Selection
Nice rifle, getting hard to come by, congratulations!
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2,453 Posts
Depends on what you're going after. If it's deer, the Hornady's will work fine and shoot well but for bigger stuff, I'd look at the 250 grn Barnes Original or 250 Woodleigh.
Barnes used to make X bullets in 200 and 220 grns. I have some of the 200's and kick myself for not picking up some 220's as well. If you see any of those, snap them up, they are excellent bullets in the 348, maybe one day Barnes will bring them back in the TSX and do a run.
Barnes used to make X bullets in 200 and 220 grns. I have some of the 200's and kick myself for not picking up some 220's as well. If you see any of those, snap them up, they are excellent bullets in the 348, maybe one day Barnes will bring them back in the TSX and do a run.
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Marshall, I'd love to try those in my Browning but your foot note says the Browning throats are too short. Will they work if seated deeper?
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That gun is junk. Send it to my house ASAP. I will be more than happy to get rid of your troubles.
Another bullet option is the .350" round ball. Coated with Lee liquid alox lube, with 3 or 4 grains of Red Dot makes a fun plinking or small game round and is very cheap to shoot. I've shot a few grouse with them, they work great. I'm still working on the load to see what gives best accuracy.
Have you noticed any leading problems, what kind of velocity are you getting, do you ever have any ignition problems? I would think that much red dot would not take up much room in the case.
Terry
I havent noticed any leading, but I've only shot a half dozen at a time. I don't know the velocity, but my intention is for low velocity, mainly "enough" to easily reach 30 yards or so for small game shooting, and not too much in that they are pretty quiet to shoot. I've loaded similar rounds for 30-30 and 45-70.
I've had ignition consistancy problems in 30-30 with 3 grs Unique, so I use a very small tuft of Dacron pillow stuffing over the powder. They then worked very well. I read in Greg Mushials site on low vel load developement that they had good results with some powders regarding consistancy with very light loads and no "filler" or dacron fluff, and not so good with others, Red Dot was one of the powders that worked well without any help, so I've been trying some out. I havent really pursued it hard, just loaded a few rounds and went bird hunting after shooting a few shots in the yard. I plan to tinker with the loads a little to see what the most consistant accuracy will be. In an old American Rifleman reloading book I have from the late 50's, they had a piece about extra light loads in various centerfires. They said a small powder change can make a noticeable difference in accuracy. I just haven't taken the time to work with it yet.
I've had ignition consistancy problems in 30-30 with 3 grs Unique, so I use a very small tuft of Dacron pillow stuffing over the powder. They then worked very well. I read in Greg Mushials site on low vel load developement that they had good results with some powders regarding consistancy with very light loads and no "filler" or dacron fluff, and not so good with others, Red Dot was one of the powders that worked well without any help, so I've been trying some out. I havent really pursued it hard, just loaded a few rounds and went bird hunting after shooting a few shots in the yard. I plan to tinker with the loads a little to see what the most consistant accuracy will be. In an old American Rifleman reloading book I have from the late 50's, they had a piece about extra light loads in various centerfires. They said a small powder change can make a noticeable difference in accuracy. I just haven't taken the time to work with it yet.
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As I paid the deposit for a M71 last monday, I have read this discussion with great interest.
The Barnes 250 seems to be the right bullet for moose, but also the Hawk 250 grs would be fine. But there are two other bullets, whick also could work fine, at least theoretically: the heavy Hawk 270 grs and the Alaskan Bullet Works' Kodiak 250 grs. Anyone have experiences and opinions about these?
Pete
The Barnes 250 seems to be the right bullet for moose, but also the Hawk 250 grs would be fine. But there are two other bullets, whick also could work fine, at least theoretically: the heavy Hawk 270 grs and the Alaskan Bullet Works' Kodiak 250 grs. Anyone have experiences and opinions about these?
Pete
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The only one of those I've shot is the Barnes 250, I shot these 5 shot groups at 100 yards with my Browing and a Willams FP peepsight. The powders were H4831 and I think H4350:
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I don't know if you are able to get Handloader magazine, but the latest issue has an article on the 348 Winchester in it. Northfork bullets also make a 230 grain bonded bullet for it.
I don't know if you are able to get Handloader magazine, but the latest issue has an article on the 348 Winchester in it. Northfork bullets also make a 230 grain bonded bullet for it.
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212 Posts
Fine patterns! Yesterday I ordered a box of Barnes 250 grs, which I unexpectedly found at a dealer. Last box - next one will have to be ordered from abroad.
Handloader Magazine checked - they have the article, and there is a online subscription to an affordable price. Thank for the tip!
Pete
Handloader Magazine checked - they have the article, and there is a online subscription to an affordable price. Thank for the tip!
Pete
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