Introduction: What Is the 28 Nosler?
You ever look through a scope at 600 yards and think, “I want that animal down before he takes a step?” That’s the mindset the 28 Nosler was built for.
Launched in 2015, the 28 Nosler is the second cartridge in Nosler’s proprietary magnum family, designed to take advantage of modern powders and bullets while pushing the 7mm (.284″) class into ballistic overdrive.
It combines:
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Massive energy on target
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Extremely flat trajectory
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Terminal performance that anchors game hard
Whether you’re hunting bull elk at 700 yards or punching steel past 1,000, the 28 Nosler has become the apex predator of long-range cartridges.
The Origin of a Magnum Legend
Nosler wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. They were trying to perfect it. The 28 Nosler builds off the success of the .26 Nosler, necked up to accept 7mm (.284″) bullets.
Key design details:
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Uses a modified .404 Jeffery case
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Shorter than .300 RUM, but more efficient
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Fits into standard long-action receivers
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Doesn’t waste case volume with a belt (unlike .300 Win Mag)
This was a magnum built for modern hunting rifles, not your grandpa’s garage queen.
Cartridge Specs and Ballistic Performance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .284 in (7.2mm) |
| Case Length | 2.590 in |
| Overall Cartridge Length | 3.340 in |
| Max SAAMI Pressure | 65,000 psi |
| Typical Bullet Weights | 150–185 grains |
| Common Twist Rate | 1:9 or 1:8.5 |
| Effective Hunting Range | Up to 1,000 yards |
Ballistics – Hornady Precision Hunter 162gr ELD-X
| Range (yards) | Drop (inches, 200yd zero) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.5″ | 3,090 | 3,425 |
| 200 | 0″ | 2,890 | 3,003 |
| 300 | -5.7″ | 2,690 | 2,590 |
| 500 | -33.4″ | 2,320 | 1,937 |
| 800 | -98.6″ | 1,860 | 1,240 |
Compared to other 7mm options, the 28 Nosler offers better retained velocity and flatter trajectories—you hold less and kill more.
Real-World Hunting Applications
The 28 Nosler is not your Saturday squirrel-getter. It’s made for serious long-range hunters who need a flat-shooting magnum that performs across states, elevations, and terrain types.
✅ Game It Excels At:
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Elk
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Mule deer
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Moose
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Mountain goat
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Long-range whitetail
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African plains game (under guided scenarios)
It hits harder at 600+ yards than some traditional rounds do at 300. That’s no joke when you’re watching an elk vanish into the timber.
Tactical and Precision Use
While not designed for military or tactical use, the 28 Nosler has become a favorite among long-range competitors and western hunters who regularly shoot 800+ yards.
With factory match loads now available, it’s gaining ground in:
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PRS-style open class events
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Long-range hunter matches
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Extreme-range steel shoots
You won’t be running a 28 Nosler in a gas gun. But in a tuned bolt gun with a muzzle brake or suppressor? It’s surgical.
Recoil, Barrel Life, and Shootability
Let’s get real — recoil is significant. Most shooters report 28–32 ft-lbs of recoil energy, depending on load and rifle weight.
Key Points:
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Manageable with a brake or suppressor
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Comparable to .300 Win Mag but snappier
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Requires focus to shoot consistently beyond 500 yards
Barrel life? You’re looking at 1,200–1,500 rounds before groups open up. Not great, but it’s the price you pay for magnum-level performance.
Best Factory Rifles Chambered in 28 Nosler
| Rifle Model | MSRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Browning X-Bolt Speed | $1,199 | Great mountain hunting setup |
| Bergara B-14 Ridge | $979 | Value precision bolt gun |
| Christensen Arms Mesa FFT | $1,695 | Lightweight carbon fiber build |
| Nosler M48 Liberty | $2,095 | Nosler’s own premium bolt action |
| Fierce Edge | $2,395 | Match-level accuracy + mountain weight |
For pricing and rifle options, visit our trusted friends at Voodoo Firearms—they know their way around a serious long-range setup.
Top Hunting Ammo for the 28 Nosler (2025 Edition)
| Load | Bullet Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hornady 162gr ELD-X | Precision Hunter | All-around hunting |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 175gr ABLR | Long-range bonded | Elk, moose |
| Federal Terminal Ascent 155gr | Hybrid Tip | Open-country game |
| Barnes VOR-TX 160gr TTSX | Copper solid | Lead-free zones |
| Nosler AccuBond 160gr | Bonded soft point | Versatile performer |
All of them hit like a freight train and perform well beyond 500 yards.
For top-tier hunting and match-grade ammo, check out our ammo partners at Voodoo Firearms—they’ll hook you up with what your 28 Nosler really wants to eat.
Reloading Tips & Load Data
The 28 Nosler is designed for reloaders who want to maximize long-range consistency.
Recommended Powders:
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Retumbo
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H1000
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IMR 7977
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RL-33
Go-To Bullets:
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162gr ELD-X (Hornady)
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175gr AccuBond LR (Nosler)
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180gr Berger VLD Hunting
Watch Your OAL: This cartridge gets spicy fast. Work up from minimum loads and chrono everything. With good load development, 0.5 MOA is attainable in most rifles.
How It Compares
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Drop @500yd (in) | Energy @500yd (ft-lbs) | Barrel Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Nosler | 3,100 | -33″ | ~1,900 | 1,200–1,500 |
| 7mm Rem Mag | 2,950 | -41″ | ~1,700 | 1,800–2,000 |
| .300 PRC | 2,860 | -37″ | ~2,000 | 1,000–1,500 |
| .30-06 Springfield | 2,700 | -49″ | ~1,500 | 2,000+ |
The 28 Nosler is essentially a long-range scalpel with a sledgehammer behind it.
✅ Pros vs. ❌ Cons
✅ Pros
- Flattest-shooting 7mm cartridge on the market
- Crushes elk, moose, mule deer at 600+ yards
- Superb factory ammo options
- Easy to reload and tune for long range
- Fits standard long-action rifles
❌ Cons
- High recoil without brake or suppressor
- Shorter barrel life than traditional calibers
- Ammo is expensive and sometimes hard to find
- Overkill for deer under 200 yards
- Not suited for high-volume range shooting
Final Verdict: Who Should Shoot the 28 Nosler?
If you’re a Western hunter, an open country elk chaser, or just someone who wants the flattest 7mm magnum in existence, the 28 Nosler is your hammer.
It’s not for the faint of heart or light of shoulder. It’s for those who demand one shot, one drop performance at ranges where other calibers start gasping for air.
If you’re ready to embrace a round that gives you match-grade precision with magnum authority, the 28 Nosler belongs in your safe.