200 gr TSX in .358 Win?

[grayghost]

Although the .358 Win has ample foot pounds for the game your asking about, I would consider it a little shy on the distance you are apt to encounter. You may get lucky and have shots under 200 yards, but more than likely you would encounter longer ranges where accuracy plays a role. It was introduced as a "short to medium range" cartridge in 1955. I do not have any data on the 200gr bullet but looking in the latest Speer manual, I find the 180gr bullets can be max'd at 2628 fps to 2732 fps. 220gr bullets @ 2481 fps and 250gr bullets @ 2333 fps. These are muzzle velocities and are maximum recommended loads. Before heading to Africa, it was recommended to me, that I zero my guns out to 300 yards. I went with a 200 yard zero. Next year I will be at 300 yards as I had many more opportunities at 300 plus yards. Things worked out OK with the 200 yard zero but I really would have been better off with a longer POI. Take into consideration that the animals you are asking about would rank as larger plains game. Greater Kudu can exceed 650 pounds; Gemsbok can weigh in the mid 400s; Hartebeast (Red) 350 pounds; Waterbuck in the mid 500s. Most Zebra weigh less than they appear and the Common Eland hits 1200-1400 lbs. These are just average weights, and I've found no plains game with layers of fat. Most were very healthy but lacked the fat we sometimes find on our Deer. One thing about African Plains game: all are very tenacious and tough animals. They can absorb a lot more than many of our animals. Shot placement is paramount to getting a quick kill. Good hunting, grayghost