The 28 Nosler cartridge has gained popularity among hunters and shooters for its exceptional performance and long-range capabilities. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of ballistics for the 28 Nosler, exploring its characteristics, advantages, and considerations for various shooting scenarios.
Understanding the 28 Nosler Cartridge
The 28 Nosler is a relatively new cartridge introduced by Nosler, a renowned ammunition manufacturer. It was designed to bridge the gap between the .270 Winchester and the .300 Winchester Magnum, offering a balance of velocity, energy, and precision.
This cartridge is based on the 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum case, which has been necked down to accommodate a .284-inch bullet diameter. The result is a powerful and versatile cartridge that has quickly gained a reputation for its impressive performance.
Ballistics Performance
Velocity and Trajectory
One of the standout features of the 28 Nosler is its exceptional velocity. It can push bullets to speeds exceeding 3,000 feet per second, resulting in a flat trajectory and excellent long-range accuracy. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters targeting game at extended distances.
The high velocity also contributes to a significant reduction in bullet drop, allowing shooters to engage targets with confidence even at extended ranges. The trajectory of the 28 Nosler is flatter than many other cartridges in its class, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop when aiming.
Energy and Penetration
The 28 Nosler delivers impressive muzzle energy, ensuring sufficient power for taking down large game. Its energy levels remain consistent even at longer distances, making it an effective choice for hunting in various terrains and conditions.
Additionally, the cartridge's ability to launch heavy-for-caliber bullets at high velocities results in excellent penetration. This makes it suitable for hunting thick-skinned game, as the bullets can reliably penetrate deep enough to reach vital organs.
Accuracy and Precision
Accuracy is a key strength of the 28 Nosler. Its design, combined with modern manufacturing techniques, results in a cartridge that is inherently accurate. Shooters can expect tight groups and consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for precision shooting and long-range competitions.
The cartridge's consistency in performance is also notable. Whether using factory ammunition or handloading, the 28 Nosler delivers reliable and predictable results, making it a popular choice among reloaders.
Considerations and Applications
Hunting
The 28 Nosler is an excellent choice for hunters seeking a versatile cartridge. Its performance makes it suitable for a wide range of game, from medium-sized deer and elk to larger species like moose and even African plains game.
The cartridge's ability to deliver quick, ethical kills is a significant advantage for hunters. The high velocity and energy ensure that shots taken within the cartridge's effective range result in clean and humane harvests.
Long-Range Shooting
The 28 Nosler's flat trajectory and precision make it an exceptional choice for long-range shooting. Shooters can confidently engage targets at extended distances, knowing that their shots will be on target with minimal adjustments.
This cartridge's performance in windy conditions is also notable. Its high velocity and relatively small bullet diameter make it less susceptible to wind drift, allowing shooters to maintain accuracy even in challenging wind scenarios.
Handloading
For reloaders, the 28 Nosler offers a world of opportunities. The cartridge's case capacity and ability to handle high pressures allow for a wide range of bullet weights and designs. This flexibility enables shooters to tailor their loads to specific applications and preferences.
Handloading the 28 Nosler can result in significant cost savings compared to purchasing factory ammunition. Additionally, reloaders can fine-tune their loads to achieve optimal performance for their specific firearms and shooting needs.
Choosing the Right Bullets
When selecting bullets for the 28 Nosler, it's essential to consider the intended application. Here are some bullet types commonly used with this cartridge:
- Bonded Bullets: These bullets feature a lead core bonded to a copper jacket, providing excellent penetration and weight retention upon impact. They are well-suited for hunting thick-skinned game.
- Spitzer Bullets: Spitzer-style bullets have a pointed tip, resulting in higher ballistic coefficients and flatter trajectories. They are ideal for long-range shooting and can maintain velocity and energy over extended distances.
- Partition Bullets: Partition bullets have a partition wall separating the front and rear sections of the bullet. This design allows for deep penetration while minimizing expansion, making them effective for larger game.
- Soft Point Bullets: Soft point bullets have a lead core exposed at the tip, resulting in controlled expansion upon impact. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of hunting applications.
Rifle and Barrel Considerations
To fully utilize the potential of the 28 Nosler, it's essential to choose the right rifle and barrel.
Rifle Action
The 28 Nosler is typically chambered in bolt-action rifles, which offer the precision and accuracy needed for long-range shooting. Look for rifles with a strong and durable action, capable of handling the cartridge's high pressures.
Barrel Length and Twist Rate
Barrel length is an important consideration for the 28 Nosler. Longer barrels, typically around 24 to 26 inches, provide more dwell time for the powder to burn, resulting in higher velocities. However, shorter barrels are also viable and can still deliver impressive performance.
The twist rate of the barrel is crucial for stabilizing the bullet in flight. A faster twist rate, such as 1 in 8 inches, is generally recommended for the 28 Nosler to stabilize heavy bullets at high velocities.
Scope and Optics
When setting up a 28 Nosler rifle, selecting the right scope and optics is essential for achieving optimal performance.
Scope Selection
Choose a scope with a high magnification range, typically 3-18x or 4-24x, to accommodate various shooting distances. A first focal plane (FFP) scope is ideal for long-range shooting, as the reticle's size remains consistent across different magnifications.
Look for scopes with excellent optical clarity and low-light performance, as the 28 Nosler's capabilities extend to low-light hunting scenarios.
Reticle Options
The choice of reticle depends on personal preference and intended use. Here are some common reticle options for the 28 Nosler:
- Ballistic Drop Compensating (BDC) Reticle: BDC reticles have hash marks or dots that correspond to specific bullet drop values at different ranges. They allow shooters to quickly adjust their aim without needing to perform complex calculations.
- Mils-Based Reticle: Mil-based reticles use a metric system for ranging and holdover adjustments. They are popular among long-range shooters and offer precise control over shot placement.
- Mildot Reticle: Mildot reticles feature a series of dots with one mil (0.36 inches at 100 yards) spacing. Shooters can use these dots to estimate range and make adjustments based on the known bullet drop at different distances.
Conclusion
The 28 Nosler cartridge offers a compelling combination of velocity, energy, and precision, making it a top choice for hunters and long-range shooters. Its performance, versatility, and accuracy make it an excellent addition to any shooter's arsenal. Whether hunting big game or engaging in long-range competitions, the 28 Nosler delivers exceptional results.
What is the maximum effective range of the 28 Nosler cartridge?
+The 28 Nosler is capable of delivering accurate and ethical shots out to 1,000 yards and beyond, depending on the shooter’s skill and environmental conditions.
Can the 28 Nosler be used for varmint hunting?
+While the 28 Nosler is primarily designed for larger game, it can be effective for varmint hunting when loaded with lighter bullets. However, other specialized varmint cartridges may offer better performance for this specific application.
Are there any downsides to the 28 Nosler cartridge?
+One potential downside is the recoil generated by the cartridge’s high velocity and energy. Shooters may experience increased recoil compared to lighter-recoiling cartridges. Additionally, the cost of factory ammunition for the 28 Nosler can be higher than some other calibers.
What is the best barrel length for the 28 Nosler?
+A 24-inch barrel is commonly recommended for the 28 Nosler, as it provides a good balance between velocity and portability. However, longer barrels can offer slightly higher velocities, while shorter barrels may be more convenient for hunting in tight spaces.
Can the 28 Nosler be used for competition shooting?
+Absolutely! The 28 Nosler’s accuracy and long-range capabilities make it an excellent choice for precision shooting competitions, particularly in disciplines like F-Class and Benchrest.
