.33 Nosler
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
.33 Nosler: At a Glance At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, Long-Range Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2016 |
.33 Nosler: At a Glance Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ High ballistic coefficient for excellent long-range performance
- ✔ Superior energy retention compared to similar calibers
- ✔ Versatile for various big game hunting scenarios
- ✔ Flatter trajectory than many other .33 caliber cartridges
- ✔ Designed to work with standard-length actions
Cons
- ✘ Relatively new cartridge with limited firearm options
- ✘ Ammunition can be expensive and less readily available
- ✘ Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
- ✘ May be overpowered for smaller game animals
- ✘ Requires careful handloading due to high operating pressures
.33 Nosler: A Powerful and Versatile Cartridge
The .33 Nosler is a high-performance rifle cartridge introduced by Nosler in 2016. It was designed to offer magnum-level performance in a standard-length action, providing hunters and long-range shooters with a powerful option that combines flat trajectory, high energy retention, and manageable recoil. The .33 Nosler is based on the .404 Jeffery case, necked down to .33 caliber, and is capable of pushing heavy bullets at impressive velocities.
Development and Design
The .33 Nosler was developed by Nosler, Inc. as part of their family of proprietary cartridges. It was designed to bridge the gap between the .30 caliber magnums and the larger .338 caliber offerings. The cartridge utilizes a rebated rim design, allowing it to function in standard .30-06 length actions while providing magnum-level performance.
The .33 Nosler uses a .338 inch diameter bullet, which offers an excellent balance of sectional density and ballistic coefficient. This combination results in high retained energy at long ranges and deep penetration on large game. The cartridge is capable of pushing 225-grain bullets at velocities over 3,000 fps from a 26-inch barrel, outperforming the .338 Winchester Magnum while producing less recoil than the .338 Lapua Magnum.
Performance and Applications
The .33 Nosler excels in long-range hunting scenarios, offering flat trajectory and high energy retention at extended distances. It is particularly effective for large game such as elk, moose, and bear. The cartridge's ability to maintain high velocities with heavy bullets also makes it suitable for long-range target shooting and competitions.
Compared to other .33 caliber offerings, the .33 Nosler provides superior ballistic performance in a more compact package. It outperforms the .338 Winchester Magnum in both velocity and energy, while being more manageable in terms of recoil than larger options like the .338 Lapua Magnum or .338 Remington Ultra Magnum.
Timeline of .33 Nosler Development:
.33 Nosler Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .33 Nosler cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .338 inch (8.59 mm) Uses .338 caliber bullets |
| Case Length | 2.590 inches (65.8 mm) Based on the .404 Jeffery case |
| Overall Length | 3.340 inches (84.8 mm) Fits standard .30-06 length actions |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,025 fps (225-grain bullet) From a 26-inch barrel |
| Muzzle Energy | 4,579 ft-lbs (225-grain bullet) Provides excellent stopping power for large game |
.33 Nosler: Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .33 Nosler loads.
.33 Nosler: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .33 Nosler ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-800 | Excellent for large game like elk, moose, and bear |
| Long-Range Shooting | 0-1200 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| African Game | 0-600 | Suitable for most African plains game |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .33 Nosler is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent long-range performance. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .33 Nosler
The .33 Nosler's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for a range of hunting and long-range shooting applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .33 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 .33 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .33 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .33 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .33 Nosler with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison
Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration and energy retention.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density | Relative SD |
|---|---|---|---|
| .33 Nosler | 225 | 0.281 |
|
| .338 Winchester Magnum | 225 | 0.281 |
|
| .338 Lapua Magnum | 250 | 0.313 |
|
| .338 Remington Ultra Magnum | 250 | 0.313 |
|
| .340 Weatherby Magnum | 250 | 0.313 |
|
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration, but other factors like velocity and bullet construction also play significant roles in overall performance. The .33 Nosler offers similar sectional density to other popular .33 caliber cartridges, providing excellent penetration capabilities for large game hunting.