Wanted Norma New Old Stock .358 Norma Magnum Ammunition

[jpr9954]

I am searching for ammo for my new-to-me .358 Norma Magnum. I stumbled across this on one of the auction sites. My only concern is the age of the ammunition. It is listed as "new old stock" and I'm wondering if anyone could give me an approximate date based upon the box design. I know it is not the current Norma ammo labeling.

Along these same lines, would Norma 250-grain soft point be appropriate for plains game?

Thanks

 

[Muskox]

I'd buy it, and if it didn't shoot use a bullet puller and dump out the old powder. Soak the primed cases in a pot of water and then deprime them while they are wet.

You could then resize the cases and reprime them with fresh powder and primers (once they were dry).

I have done this on old Weatherby ammo just to get the cases. Had a hang fire or two and gave up on the ammo and recycled the way I suggested above.

 

[gbflyer]

I’d buy them and shoot regardless of age. They will go bang no problem.

 

[jpr9954]

The seller responded to me and said the ammo was from 1990. I know Norma says not to shoot stuff over 15 years old but I'm thinking it would still be viable.

The question then is whether you would use it for practice and then reload it or would you use it for actual hunting in Africa.

 

[Muskox]

No I would not use it for hunting in Africa or anywhere else.

I have had failure to fires on animals on multiple rifles. Many different companies and brands of ammunition, as well as my own handloads.

We now live in the desert and it rarely ever happens. But when I lived in a more humid environment it wasn't uncommon.

I say blast it and reload it and move on.

 

[Ray B]

Age has little to do with it - How it was care for is what matters. If it was stored where it didn't get above 80 degrees it would be fine. I have ammunition form the 60s that is still safe to shoot and velocity/accuracy is right along with the newer stuff.

 

[Muskox]

Why would you risk an African safari on unproven ammunition?

 

[jpr9954]

Why would you risk an African safari on unproven ammunition?

Umm, no. Which is why I was asking.

 

[Shootist43]

Dittos on how it was stored. I suspect they will go bang just fine. I still get sub MOA groups from 30-06 ammo I loaded in the mid 1980(s). But you should be shooting more than 100 rounds in preparation for your hunt. Use this ammo for that purpose and reload it prior to going to Africa.

 

[jpr9954]

Dittos on how it was stored. I suspect they will go bang just fine. I still get sub MOA groups from 30-06 ammo I loaded in the mid 1980(s). But you should be shooting more than 100 rounds in preparation for your hunt. Use this ammo for that purpose and reload it prior to going to Africa.

That is what I was thinking of doing. I also planned to resize some other brass to .358 and use pistol bullets with reduced loads just to get a feel for working the bolt quickly and efficiently. Another member here suggested that.

 

[Muskox]

That is what I was thinking of doing. I also planned to resize some other brass to .358 and use pistol bullets with reduced loads just to get a feel for working the bolt quickly and efficiently. Another member here suggested that.

Fantastic idea, you could do a lot of point shooting and build a load that works at 50-100 yards to shoot gophers with. Turn that big Viking into a pussycat and then when it is time to bring out Thor's hammer you can go with big Woodleighs or Swifts and smash big things with it.

 

[Muskox]

What kind of 358 Norma did you get?

I have been looking for a Fn 98 commercial mauser in good shape to convert to one for a while, but I have everything I need in a Blaser R8 barrels, I just wish they made one in 358 NM.

The reason for the FN 98 desire, is that I have a Harry Lawson thumbhole stock that is inletted for a 98, and I think it would make a nice 358.

 

[jpr9954]

What kind of 358 Norma did you get?

I have been looking for a Fn 98 commercial mauser in good shape to convert to one for a while, but I have everything I need in a Blaser R8 barrels, I just wish they made one in 358 NM.

The reason for the FN 98 desire, is that I have a Harry Lawson thumbhole stock that is inletted for a 98, and I think it would make a nice 358.

It is a custom rifle built on a 1917 Eddystone action with a 26" barrel. I got it in an auction and I'm still waiting for it to arrive from the auction house. It has a 3-9 Simmons scope on it but that is going. I'll be putting either a Burris FourX 1.5-6 or a Meopta 2-10x42 on it.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Nice rifle.

 

[jpr9954]

Nice rifle.

Thanks. I hope it shoots as nice as it looks.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I am searching for ammo for my new-to-me .358 Norma Magnum. I stumbled across this on one of the auction sites. My only concern is the age of the ammunition. It is listed as "new old stock" and I'm wondering if anyone could give me an approximate date based upon the box design. I know it is not the current Norma ammo labeling.

Along these same lines, would Norma 250-grain soft point be appropriate for plains game?

Thanks

View attachment 394865

@jpr9954
Mate those 250 grainers will knock the snot out of any plains game If'n you hit it right.
I load my Whelen to 2,700 fps with 250 grainers and I can assure it WORKS.
When you get some empty cases try 225 grain accubonds @ around 3, 000 fps or some Woodleigh 275s or Aframe 280s
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

It is a custom rifle built on a 1917 Eddystone action with a 26" barrel. I got it in an auction and I'm still waiting for it to arrive from the auction house. It has a 3-9 Simmons scope on it but that is going. I'll be putting either a Burris FourX 1.5-6 or a Meopta 2-10x42 on it.

View attachment 395017

@jpr9954
Go the Meopta mate.
If'n you load the beast with 225 grain accubonds @3,000 fps you will need the extra power.
What I like about the big Swede is load it with 158s for practice, mid range loads for whitetail and pigs or full power 300 grain loads that will shake up the 375.
The Swede and Whelen are great for that. Ing you want more still you could run a 358 STW reamer thru it.
Bob

 

[Natashasolomon1989]

If you're still interested, I have 2 bullets short of 7 boxes .358 ammo. 6 have the silver, one with the copper. All are in original boxes stored in dry conditions.

 

[RAVEN ROCKS PRECISION]

If you end up deciding to load your own, we have a little bit of the 358 Norma Mag brass in stock and 250gr bullets. (It's all new production from the last few years):

Raven Rocks Precision

Raven Rocks Precision is an online store for all your shooting and reloading needs. We offer a wide selection of products, including rifle brass, projectiles, and hunting ammo.

ravenrocksprecision.com

 

[jpr9954]

If you end up deciding to load your own, we have a little bit of the 358 Norma Mag brass in stock and 250gr bullets. (It's all new production from the last few years):

Raven Rocks Precision

Raven Rocks Precision is an online store for all your shooting and reloading needs. We offer a wide selection of products, including rifle brass, projectiles, and hunting ammo.

ravenrocksprecision.com

I bought a load of brass from you when you first had it available. That and .308 Norma Mag.