The 28 Nosler is a high-performance modern magnum cartridge designed to deliver devastating velocity and flat trajectories for long-range hunting and shooting!Developed by Nosler and introduced in 2015, it utilizes a shortened and necked-down case derived from the massive 404 Jeffery family lineage to accept 284-thousandths-inch bullets!By offering belted-magnum performance in a non-belted, rebated-rim design that fits inside standard long actions, the 28 Nosler has become a premier choice for open-country big game hunters!
28 Nosler Case Dimensions Overview
| Dimension Property | Specification (Imperial) | Specification (Metric) |
| Parent Case | 404 Jeffery lineage | 404 Jeffery lineage |
| Bullet Diameter | 284 thousandths in | 7 mm and 21 hundredths mm |
| Case Length | 2 inches and 590 thousandths | 65 mm and 80 hundredths |
| Case Trim Length | 2 inches and 580 thousandths | 65 mm and 53 hundredths |
| Overall Length (COAL) | 3 inches and 340 thousandths (Max) | 84 mm and 84 hundredths |
| Rim Diameter | 534 thousandths in | 13 mm and 56 hundredths |
| Rim Thickness | 50 thousandths in | 1 mm and 3 tenths |
| Base Diameter | 550 thousandths in | 14 mm |
| Shoulder Diameter | 528 thousandths in | 13 mm and 4 tenths |
| Neck Diameter | 320 thousandths in | 8 mm and 1 tenth |
| Shoulder Angle | 35 degrees | 35 degrees |
| Case Capacity | Approx 94 grains water | 6 cubic cm and 8 hundredths |
| Maximum Average Pressure | 65-thousand psi | 450 megapascals |
Understanding the 28 Nosler Case Dimensions
- Parentage:Derived from the large 404 Jeffery case architecture, sharing its design ethos with the Nosler magnum family to maximize powder volume;
- Rebated Rim Design:Features a rebated rim measuring 534 thousandths in paired with a larger 550 thousandths in base diameter, providing magnum performance without requiring a belted case;
- Sharp Shoulder Geometry:Incorporates a steep 35-degree shoulder angle that ensures clean headspacing and uniform powder ignition under high pressure cycles;
- Action Compatibility:Engineered with a maximum overall length of 3 inches and 340 thousandths, allowing it to cycle smoothly through standard long-action receivers!
28 Nosler Case Dimensions in Inches and Millimeters
| Measurement Point | Max (Inches) | Min (Inches) | Max (Millimeters) | Min (Millimeters) |
| Case Length | 2 and 590 thousandths | 2 and 540 thousandths | 65 and 80 hundredths | 64 and 52 hundredths |
| Trim-To Length | 2 and 580 thousandths | None | 65 and 53 hundredths | None |
| Rim Diameter | 534 thousandths | 524 thousandths | 13 and 56 hundredths | 13 and 31 hundredths |
| Base Diameter | 550 thousandths | 545 thousandths | 14 mm | 13 and 84 hundredths |
| Shoulder Diameter | 528 thousandths | 523 thousandths | 13 and 4 tenths | 13 and 28 hundredths |
| Neck Diameter | 320 thousandths | 315 thousandths | 8 and 1 tenth | 8 mm |
| Bullet Diameter | 284 thousandths | 282 thousandths | 7 and 21 hundredths | 7 and 16 hundredths |
| Overall Length (COAL) | 3 and 340 thousandths | 3 and 150 thousandths | 84 and 84 hundredths | 80 mm |
28 Nosler Case Length
The maximum case length of the 28 Nosler is 2 inches and 590 thousandths (65 mm and 80 hundredths), with a recommended trim-to length of 2 inches and 580 thousandths (65 mm and 53 hundredths)! Because it operates at a maximum pressure of 65-thousand psi and pushes heavy bullets at extreme velocities, brass stretching can occur after multiple firings! Handloaders must regularly measure and trim cases to prevent neck binding in tight chamber throats!
28 Nosler Base and Rim Dimensions
The 28 Nosler utilizes a unique rebated rim architecture that maximizes powder capacity while fitting standard magnum bolt faces!
- Rim Diameter:534 thousandths in (13 mm and 56 hundredths)
- Base Diameter:550 thousandths in (14 mm)
- Rim Thickness:50 thousandths in (1 mm and 3 tenths)
This geometry allows the cartridge to work seamlessly with standard magnum bolt actions while packing a massive powder column comparable to older belted magnums!
28 Nosler Shoulder and Neck Dimensions
- Shoulder Angle:A steep 35 degrees provides reliable headspacing and efficient combustion characteristics;
- Shoulder Diameter:Measures 528 thousandths in at the shoulder junction;
- Neck Length & Diameter:Features a neck diameter of 320 thousandths in, engineered to provide secure neck tension on long, high-BC 7mm projectiles!
28 Nosler Case Capacity
The internal case capacity of the 28 Nosler averages roughly 94 grains of water, giving it exceptional powder volume for a standard-length cartridge! This vast capacity pairs best with slow-burning magnum powders like Retumbo, H1000, and Reloader 26, pushing high-BC bullets past 3-thousand fps with ease!
28 Nosler Dimensions vs Similar Cartridges
| Cartridge | Bullet Diameter | Case Length | COAL | Max Pressure |
| 28 Nosler | 284 thousandths | 2 and 590 thousandths | 3 and 340 thousandths | 65-thousand psi |
| 7mm Remington Magnum | 284 thousandths | 2 and 500 thousandths | 3 and 290 thousandths | 61-thousand psi |
| 7mm STW | 284 thousandths | 2 and 850 thousandths | 3 and 600 thousandths | 65-thousand psi |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | 308 thousandths | 2 and 620 thousandths | 3 and 340 thousandths | 64-thousand psi |
| 26 Nosler | 264 thousandths | 2 and 590 thousandths | 3 and 340 thousandths | 65-thousand psi |
Chamber and Case Dimensions
Chamber dimensions for the 28 Nosler feature generous throats designed to accommodate long, ultra-aerodynamic 7mm match and hunting bullets without eating up internal powder space! Handloaders should carefully verify their specific rifle throat clearance and seating depths to maximize accuracy and maintain safe operating pressures!
Common Questions
- Can I form 28 Nosler brass from other cartridges?No! Because of its unique rebated rim and specific base dimensions, 28 Nosler brass is produced directly by specialized manufacturers and cannot be easily formed from standard belted cases!
- What twist rate is ideal for 28 Nosler dimensions?A fast 1 in 8 or 1 in 9 twist rate is strongly recommended to properly stabilize heavy, high-BC 7mm bullets ranging from 160 grains to 195 grains!
- Does the 28 Nosler require a magnum action?No! Its overall length of 3 inches and 340 thousandths allows it to fit neatly inside standard long-action receivers, saving weight and offering a shorter bolt throw than traditional full-length magnum platforms!