.27 Nosler Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.27 Nosler: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Long-range hunting, Target shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2020 |
.27 Nosler: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent long-range performance
- ✔ High velocity and flat trajectory
- ✔ Improved ballistics over .270 Winchester
- ✔ Versatile for various game sizes
- ✔ Good balance of power and recoil
Cons
- ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
- ✘ Higher cost compared to more common calibers
- ✘ Increased barrel wear due to high velocity
- ✘ Recoil may be challenging for some shooters
- ✘ Requires specialized reloading equipment
.27 Nosler: A Powerful Long-Range Cartridge
The .27 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge introduced in 2020 by Nosler, Inc. It was designed to offer superior ballistics and long-range performance in the .277 caliber class. The .27 Nosler provides magnum-level velocities while maintaining manageable recoil, making it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and precision shooting applications.
Development and Design
The .27 Nosler was developed to bridge the gap between the .270 Winchester and larger magnum cartridges. It is based on the .404 Jeffery case, necked down to .277 caliber. This design allows for high powder capacity and efficient burning, resulting in impressive velocities and energy retention at long ranges.
The cartridge was engineered to work with long, high-ballistic coefficient bullets, which contribute to its excellent long-range performance. It can push a 150-grain bullet at velocities exceeding 3,300 fps, outperforming many existing .277 caliber cartridges in terms of both velocity and energy.
Performance and Applications
The .27 Nosler excels in long-range hunting scenarios, offering flat trajectories and high retained energy at extended distances. It is particularly effective for medium to large game, including deer, elk, and similar-sized animals. The cartridge's high velocity and energy also make it suitable for long-range target shooting and competitions.
Despite its high performance, the .27 Nosler produces recoil levels that are manageable for most experienced shooters. This balance of power and shootability contributes to its growing popularity among hunters and long-range enthusiasts.
Timeline of .27 Nosler Development:
.27 Nosler Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .27 Nosler cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .277 inches (7.04 mm) Compatible with existing .277 caliber bullets |
| Case Length | 2.590 inches (65.79 mm) Based on the .404 Jeffery case |
| Overall Length | 3.340 inches (84.84 mm) Designed for standard long-action rifles |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,300+ fps with 150-grain bullets Varies based on specific load and barrel length |
| Effective Range | 1000+ yards Suitable for long-range hunting and target shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .27 Nosler loads.
.27 Nosler: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .27 Nosler ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Range Hunting | 0-800 | Excellent for medium to large game at extended ranges |
| Target Shooting | 0-1200 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Precision Rifle Competition | 0-1000 | High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain energy at long distances |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .27 Nosler is known for its exceptional long-range performance and flat trajectory. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .27 Nosler
The .27 Nosler's high-performance characteristics make it suitable for specific long-range applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .27 Nosler's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .27 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .27 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .27 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .27 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .27 Nosler
The .27 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge introduced in 2020. It offers excellent ballistics and is designed for long-range hunting and target shooting.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .27 Nosler | 150 | 0.279 |
| .27 Nosler | 165 | 0.307 |
| .270 Winchester | 150 | 0.279 |
| 6.8 Western | 165 | 0.307 |
| .270 WSM | 150 | 0.279 |
Note: The .27 Nosler offers high sectional densities, particularly with heavier bullets, contributing to its excellent long-range performance and penetration capabilities. It outperforms many traditional .270 caliber cartridges in terms of velocity and energy retention.