Hello fellas , got lucky today and picked up a ruger 77 hawkeye, in 358. I bought a box of 200 gr hornadys . I have 4064 and 3031 powder. Any suggestions ? I would like to be around or better than factory velocities . I have chrono. Thanks

I've had a custom made 14" T/C in this caliber for a few years and it likes H322 for 180 and 225 grainers and RL7 for the 150's. This handgun loses surprisingly little to the 14" barrel vs published data for 22" rifle barrels.

Funny, I just bought one of these rifles from Gunbroker last Thursday. I can't wait till it comes in. I've always wanted one of these rifles. It's a very underrated caliber, IMO. If you look about 2 threads down from this one, the fella that replied to my thread asking for reloading data recommended I try IMR 4064.

I have a Browning BLR in 358 and it likes IMR4320 and AA2015. The AA2015 velocity is right on with the Sierra manual and I'm getting around an inch with AA2015 and Rem 200pspcl bullets. The 358 hits deer with real authority!

I have 4064 and 3031 powder.

Both of those will work, but I think you'll run out of room with 4064 before you get the velocity you want. I've loaded for a couple .358's over the years, and I've had good luck with both accuracy and velocity using 3031, the 4895's, W748, and H414. 748 & 414 are very good choices for the heavier bullets in the .358, but not so much better than 3031 that I'd go buy some until I tried the 3031 first. 3031 also works great in Whelen loads.

I have been using IMR 4320 in my BLR with 225 gr bullets with good results. Gunwriter Craig Bottington, in an article I recently read likes 4895, so I plan to try this powder also.

I would recommend the 3031 with your 200 grain bullets. In my experience this powder has given me the optimum velocity with that bullet weight (about 2500 fps). It is only lightly compressed as well.

Listed velocity for the 200 grain Win Silvertip is 2490 fps at the muzzle. If I remember correctly the Hawkeye has a 20" barrel. I doubt Winchester is giving this velocity as from that length barrel. With IMR 4064 you should be able to get 2400+ fps out of it. I'd recommend at least trying some loads with it as it has been an excellent performer for me and my 358 and 200 grain bullets. IMR 3031 should give you a little faster velocities but I haven't worked with it and the 200 grn, but it gave me some good velocities with 225 grns so it should give you 2500+ velocities without too many problems.

The Hawkeye comes with a 22" barrel, according to Ruger's website:

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=7128

I stand corrected. I'd be interested to see how much, if any, velocity increase the 22" has over the 20" barrel. Seems to me I've read somewhere that the 358 is not real sensitive to barrel length and your post regarding your Encore seems to reinforce that.

Yeah your not kidding the 4064 fills up the case. I have had great results so far with the 4064 , i`m avering a little over an inch and a quarter , at 100. Chrono says 2,473 fps. Not bad. Wish it was deer season right now , it otta hammer em. Until then i guess chucks will have to do. I will have to try the 3031. Thanks fellas.

It will hammer them!

Dad used IMR3031 and 200 grain hornady roiund noses in his 99 Savage. I can't remember if it has a 22 or 24" bbl. The load is written down someplace if'n you want me to look it up.

RJ

Gents,

Reckon 4064 and 3031 will work, for 200s and 225s, although I am not sure about the 250s. Likely, 3031 would be allright, although I haven't tried it myself.

My 200 grain sweet spot load is a 4064, and while is does fill up the case, it shoots so good I wouldn't dream of switching. I agree it might be a little too slow for the heavier bullets, but with the 200 grainer it is the stuff.

The 225 grain has proven more challenging. Worked up around 10 or so variations for both the BLR and Ruger Hawkeye, and the three that worked that best have been 3031, 4320, and H4895. All gave excellent accuracy and around 2400 fps, although the 4320 load slightly cratered the primer in the BLR. The other powders, some listed, either didn't shoot straight enough or fast enough. I was surprised with 748- The BLR hated it, the Ruger tolerated it, although I was hard pressed to do 2300 fps. Since this had been my go to powder in other cases for heavy bullets- well, like I said, I was surprised.

Good to see you fellows.

Steve

Don't use 748