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Common uses: Hunting, Big Game
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 200gr Winchester Super-X Power-Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 2490 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2754 ft-lb |
| Stored G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.195 |
| Case length | 51.2 mm |
| Overall length | 2.80 in |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2490 | 2753 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2062 | 1888 | 0 |
| 200 | 1681 | 1254 | -6.8 |
| 300 | 1362 | 824 | -26.1 |
| 400 | 1130 | 567 | -64.4 |
| 500 | 993 | 438 | -129.8 |
At 1,000 yards, .358 Win. (200gr at 2490 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 108.1 MOA / 31.4 MIL, retaining 684 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1362 | Supersonic | -26.1 | 8.3 | 2.42 |
| 400 | 1130 | Transonic | -64.3 | 15.4 | 4.47 |
| 500 | 993 | Subsonic | -129.7 | 24.8 | 7.20 |
| 600 | 905 | Subsonic | -230.2 | 36.6 | 10.66 |
| 700 | 838 | Subsonic | -373.2 | 50.9 | 14.81 |
| 800 | 781 | Subsonic | -565.8 | 67.6 | 19.65 |
| 900 | 730 | Subsonic | -815.8 | 86.6 | 25.18 |
| 1000 | 684 | Subsonic | -1131.5 | 108.1 | 31.43 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Published BCs depend on a reference drag model and stated velocity conditions. A source review does not independently measure a BC. Understanding BC sources
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .358 Winchester is prized as a short-action thumper for close-to-moderate range hunting in timber and brush, where its heavy .35-caliber bullets deliver deep penetration and decisive terminal performance on large-bodied game. It is well suited to black bear, elk, moose, and big whitetails, and its short case makes it a natural fit for handy carbine-length rifles and lever guns. Its main limitations are a rainbow trajectory and rapid velocity loss at distance, which restrict practical use to a few hundred yards, and factory ammunition and rifle availability have always been scarce, keeping it largely a handloader's cartridge. Recoil is stout for the platform's size but manageable, and admirers value the blend of heavy-bullet authority in a compact, quick-handling package.
Winchester introduced the .358 Winchester in 1955, formed by necking up the .308 Winchester case to accept .35-caliber bullets. It was chambered in the Model 70 bolt-action and the Model 88 lever-action, the latter's box magazine allowing it to feed pointed spitzer bullets that traditional tubular-magazine lever guns cannot. Conceived as a compact, hard-hitting woods cartridge, it never achieved wide commercial popularity but earned a lasting following among big-game hunters and handloaders.
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