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It's 366 Alaskan
Posted by Kabluewy on Jan 24 2006
Before ordering the 366 Alaskan Dies, I considered the 358 Norma very thoroughly. My choice is not because I dislike the 358 Norma, quite the contrary, but because I think I am going to like the 366 better. It's simply a personal choice, but I have my reasons. For example, I look at the selection of 358 and 366 bullets offered by Midway, which is a good representation of what's generally available.
I disregard the bullets lighter than 200 gr. in 358, because I consider them useless, so generally speaking, the selection for 358 starts at 200 gr., and tops at over 300 gr. Notice in particular that the weights most available hover around 225 – 250 gr. Yes, Swift offers 280 gr. and Woodleigh offers some even heavier. I’m sure there are specialty bullets in varying weights too.
The selection of 9.3 mm bullets is simply more interesting. The selection starts at 250 gr., and tops with the Woodleighs at 320 gr., with the super-thump 300 gr. Swift in there too. In the middle of the pack are the magnificent 285-286 gr. bullets, the weight which made this caliber so popular in Africa, with its sectional density of .305.
So, we can consider the 250 gr (SD .279) to be standard fodder in the 358, and comparably the 286 gr. (SD .305) standard fodder in the 366. If you want a lighter bullet in 358, the 225 gr. is a good choice. The lighter selection in 366 is 250 gr. It doesn’t take much figuring to see that the 366 is in a slightly different class.
Some say that the selection of bullets is better in 358 than in 9.3mm. I just don’t see that. Let’s look at some specific examples. The Barnes .358 TSX tops out at 225 gr, and Nosler offers the Ballistic tip .358 in 225 gr as well, and a partition in 250 gr. Barnes offers the 9.3mm TSX in 250 gr. and 286 gr. Nosler offers the Ballistic tip 9.3mm in 250 gr., and a Partition in 286 gr. There are other fine examples when comparing Swift and Woodleigh bullets in these two calibers. Lapua, and Norma both offer fine 9.3mm specimens in 285/286 gr.
Do I have your attention yet? Based on the above analysis, I am suggesting that the 366 Alaskan is in a different class than the 338 Win Mag, and the 358 Norma. I think the 366 Alaskan is very comparable to the 375 H&H.
I wish I could give you actual performance specs, but unfortunately that will have to wait until you replace the chronograph you shot, so I can borrow it and test this 366 rifle, hopefully in May, when the weather improves. If you show proper respect, maybe I’ll let you shoot it.
Your Bud,
Ashley
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