Both cartridges were introduced in 1982 in the then-new Model 94 XTR lever-action rifle.

Furthermore, heavier bullets will need to be seated more deeply than in the .358 Winchester as the cartridge has to function reliably through a lever rifle's feeding mechanism.

The Marlin Model 336ER was offered in .356 Winchester for several years, but was discontinued in 1987.

Olin engineers who developed the .356 Winchester advise against loading it with anything other than flat-nose or Hornady Leverevolution bullets for use in a tubular-magazine lever action rifle.

If being loaded for use in single-shot, double-rifle, or most bolt action rifles, any bullet type could be used.