.28 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
.28 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 | 2015 |
.28 Nosler: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional long-range performance
- ✔ High ballistic coefficient for better wind resistance
- ✔ Flatter trajectory compared to similar calibers
- ✔ Excellent energy retention at extended distances
- ✔ Versatile for various big game hunting scenarios
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
- ✘ Ammunition can be expensive and less readily available
- ✘ Barrel life may be shorter due to high velocities
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game or shorter range hunting
- ✘ Requires a magnum-length action
.28 Nosler Ammo: In Depth
The .28 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range hunting and shooting. Introduced in 2015 by Nosler, it offers exceptional ballistic performance in a standard-length action. The .28 Nosler is known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and impressive energy retention at long distances, making it an excellent choice for big game hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts.
Development and Characteristics
The .28 Nosler was developed as part of Nosler's proprietary line of cartridges, aimed at maximizing performance within standard action lengths. It is based on a necked-down .404 Jeffery case, providing a large powder capacity relative to bullet diameter. This design allows for high velocities with heavy-for-caliber bullets, resulting in excellent long-range performance.
The cartridge is designed to push 7mm (.284 caliber) bullets at velocities exceeding 3,300 fps with 160-grain projectiles. This combination of bullet weight and velocity results in a cartridge that maintains energy well downrange and resists wind drift better than many other popular long-range cartridges.
One of the key advantages of the .28 Nosler is its ability to achieve this performance in a standard-length action, making it more versatile and easier to handle than some magnum cartridges that require longer actions. This characteristic has contributed to its growing popularity among hunters and long-range shooters who desire magnum performance without the increased recoil and rifle weight associated with larger cartridges.
Applications and Performance
The .28 Nosler excels in long-range hunting scenarios, particularly for medium to large game. Its high velocity and energy retention make it effective for taking animals like elk, moose, and large deer species at extended ranges. The cartridge's flat trajectory also simplifies shot placement at varying distances, a valuable attribute in open country hunting.
In long-range target shooting, the .28 Nosler has gained a following due to its ability to deliver consistent accuracy at extreme distances. The cartridge's high ballistic coefficient bullets and velocity contribute to reduced wind drift and drop, allowing skilled shooters to engage targets effectively beyond 1,000 yards.
While the .28 Nosler offers impressive performance, it does come with some trade-offs. The cartridge generates significant recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters to manage, especially in lighter rifles. Additionally, the high velocities and pressures can lead to accelerated barrel wear, a factor that serious shooters should consider.
Timeline of .28 Nosler Development:
.28 Nosler Performance
The .28 Nosler offers exceptional ballistic performance, particularly for long-range shooting and hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,300-3,400 fps (160-grain bullets)
3,100-3,200 fps (175-grain bullets) Measured from a 26-inch barrel |
| Energy | 3,800-4,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (160-grain bullets) Provides excellent terminal performance on large game |
| Trajectory | Approximately 36 inches of drop at 500 yards (160-grain bullet) Assumes a 200-yard zero |
| Effective Range | 1,000+ yards Maintains supersonic velocity beyond 1,400 yards with appropriate loads |
| Recoil | Significant, comparable to .300 Winchester Magnum Can be mitigated with muzzle brakes or heavier rifles |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .28 Nosler loads.
.28 Nosler: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .28 Nosler ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Range Hunting | 0-1000 | Excellent for large game at extended ranges |
| Target Shooting | 0-1500 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Precision Rifle Competition | 0-1200 | 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 .28 Nosler is known for its exceptional long-range performance and flat trajectory. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .28 Nosler
The .28 Nosler's high-performance characteristics make it suitable for specific long-range applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .28 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 .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .28 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .28 Nosler
The .28 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range capabilities. This table compares the sectional density of various .28 Nosler loads.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .28 Nosler | 160 | 0.305 |
| .28 Nosler | 175 | 0.333 |
| .28 Nosler | 185 | 0.352 |
| .28 Nosler | 195 | 0.371 |
| .28 Nosler | 200 | 0.381 |
Note: The .28 Nosler offers excellent sectional density values, contributing to its superior penetration and energy retention at long ranges. The cartridge's high sectional density, combined with its high velocity, makes it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and target shooting.