The 358 Winchester was introduced in 1955 in Winchester's Model 88 lever-action rifle. Based on the 308 Winchester case necked up to take a .358-inch bullet, it was essentially a replacement for the rimmed 348 Winchester. Although not as fast as the 348, it is actually more versatile because all rifles so chambered have box magazines, allowing more aerodynamic bullets; and all rifles so chambered are readily mounted with scopes. Although occasionally chambered to short bolt-actions, it has been primarily a lever-action cartridge, with Browning's BLR the last production 358 Winchester rifle. Depending on bullet choice it is suitable for use to about 250 yards, and is an extremely effective timber cartridge for elk, moose, and black bear. Winchester's remaining factory load features a 200-grain bullet at 2490 feet per second.
