The .358 Norma Magnum is a high-powered rifle cartridge developed by the Swedish ammunition company Norma in the late 1950s. It's designed for big game hunting and performs exceptionally well in this role due to its ability to fire heavy bullets at high velocities. The cartridge typically propels a 250-grain bullet at speeds around 2,800 feet per second, generating substantial energy suitable for large and dangerous game, such as moose, bear, and African plains game.
The cartridge case is based on the .300 H&H Magnum, necked up to accept a .358-inch diameter bullet. It features a belted, bottleneck design, which contributes to its robust performance and reliable feeding in bolt-action rifles. Because of its power and recoil, it is favored by experienced hunters who require long-range accuracy and stopping power.
Ballistic performance, versatility with bullet weights, and superior terminal ballistics make the .358 Norma Magnum a robust option for serious big game hunters. However, it is less commonly encountered than some other magnum cartridges, and ammunition can be more challenging to procure.