Finding accurate 28 Nosler load data is essential for harnessing the extreme velocities and massive kinetic energy of this premier, beltless magnum cartridge.
This guide compiles comprehensive 28 Nosler reloading data to help you safely develop the perfect precision round for your custom hunting or long-range rifle.
Whether you are loading lightweight 140-grain expanding projectiles or heavy 183-grain long-range match bullets, always cross-reference these published figures before charging your cases.
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28 Nosler Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Nosler E-Tip | 140 gr | IMR 7828 | 76.0 gr | 80.0 gr | 3,150 – 3,350 fps | 26″ / Universal Receiver | Nosler |
| Barnes LRX BT | 145 gr | Retumbo | 76.5 gr | 81.4 gr | 3,077 – 3,222 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Barnes Bullets |
| Hornady ELD-X | 162 gr | Reloder 25 | 74.0 gr | 79.0 gr | 3,050 – 3,250 fps | 26″ / Universal Receiver | Hornady |
| Berger VLD | 168 gr | H1000 | 71.7 gr | 76.3 gr | 2,883 – 3,023 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Barnes Bullets |
| Nosler AccuBond LR | 175 gr | Retumbo | 72.0 gr | 76.0 gr (65,000 PSI) | 2,950 – 3,182 fps | 26″ / Universal Receiver | Nosler |
28 Nosler Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Barnes TTSX BT | 140 gr | IMR 7977 | 76.6 gr | 81.4 gr | 3,104 – 3,315 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Barnes Bullets |
| Nosler Partition | 160 gr | Ramshot Magnum | 78.4 gr | 85.8 gr | 2,900 – 3,200 fps | 26″ / Universal Receiver | Sierra Bullets |
| Sierra MatchKing | 175 gr | US869 | 87.9 gr | 94.0 gr | 2,700 – 3,000 fps | 26″ / Universal Receiver | Sierra Bullets |
| Barnes LRX BT | 168 gr | Reloder 33 | 82.5 gr | 87.8C gr | 2,968 – 3,118 fps | 24″ / Universal Receiver | Barnes Bullets |
| Sierra HPBT Match | 183 gr | Retumbo | 73.1 gr | 78.0 gr | 2,625 – 2,825 fps | 26″ / Universal Receiver | Sierra Bullets |
Understanding the 28 Nosler Reloading Data
Reading 28 Nosler reloading data requires a thorough understanding of the cartridge’s massive internal capacity. Introduced in 2015 as part of Nosler’s proprietary line of beltless magnums based on the .404 Jeffery case, the 28 Nosler is significantly overbore. The tables above provide a baseline for load development using massive powder charges that often exceed 80 grains. Because of the vast volume of slow-burning powder, you must pay careful attention to compressed loads—indicated by a “C” next to the charge weight—to ensure proper bullet seating depth.
28 Nosler Bullet Weight Reloading Data
The 28 Nosler utilizes 7mm (.284 caliber) projectiles, taking advantage of the high ballistic coefficients inherent to the caliber. While you can load lightweight 120-grain or 140-grain bullets to staggering velocities, the cartridge was specifically engineered to dominate with heavy-for-caliber projectiles ranging from 160 grains to 185 grains. These heavy match and hunting bullets require a fast twist rate, typically 1:8 or 1:9, to properly stabilize during supersonic flight across extreme distances.
28 Nosler Powder Reloading Data
Powder selection for the 28 Nosler is strictly limited to the slowest-burning magnum rifle propellants on the market. Powders like Retumbo, H1000, US869, Reloder 33 (RL-33), and Ramshot Magnum are universally recommended. These extremely slow powders are necessary to safely ignite and push the bullet down the bore without causing an instantaneous, catastrophic pressure spike inside the massive casing. Attempting to use medium-burn-rate powders in this cartridge will result in dangerous overpressure conditions.
28 Nosler Bullet and Powder Combinations
Pairing the right bullet with the appropriate powder is critical for achieving the 28 Nosler’s legendary ballistic performance. When loading 160-grain to 168-grain hunting bullets like the Nosler AccuBond or Barnes LRX, Retumbo and H1000 are widely considered the absolute gold standards for balancing extreme velocity with temperature stability. For the heaviest 175-grain and 183-grain bullets, reaching for ultra-slow powders like US869 or Reloder 33 allows reloaders to safely achieve 100% case fill density and maximum kinetic energy.
28 Nosler Velocity From Published Data
Published velocity figures for the 28 Nosler firmly place it among the most powerful 7mm commercial cartridges ever created, comfortably outperforming the 7mm Remington Magnum. It can push a 160-grain bullet past 3,200 fps and drive a massive 175-grain bullet over 3,100 fps. This incredible muzzle velocity ensures that the heavy projectiles remain supersonic at distances well beyond 1,500 yards, providing top-tier wind deflection resistance.
28 Nosler Reloading Data by Barrel Length
To fully realize the ballistic advantage of the 28 Nosler, published load data is almost exclusively gathered using heavy 26-inch test barrels. The large columns of slow-burning powder require significant barrel length to achieve a complete burn. If you are shooting a rifle with a shorter 24-inch barrel, you can expect a velocity loss of roughly 30 to 50 fps per inch removed. Running this cartridge in anything shorter than 24 inches will result in severe muzzle blast and a tremendous loss of ballistic efficiency.
28 Nosler Energy and Ballistics
The 28 Nosler generates punishing kinetic energy, frequently exceeding 3,800 foot-pounds at the muzzle. Because it fires highly aerodynamic 7mm projectiles at extreme speeds, the bullet retains its energy downrange much better than larger .30-caliber magnums. The incredibly flat trajectory requires fewer holdover adjustments at extended ranges, making it an extraordinarily forgiving cartridge for misjudged distances in open country.
28 Nosler Hunting Applications
The 28 Nosler is a premier, dedicated long-range hunting cartridge. It is highly favored by western big game hunters and mountain hunters targeting elk, moose, mule deer, and bighorn sheep across sweeping canyons where shots frequently exceed 400 yards. Due to the massive hydrostatic shock and deep penetration delivered by premium 160-grain to 175-grain bonded or monolithic bullets, it provides devastating knockdown power on the toughest North American game.
Manufacturer Data vs. Independent Testing
Because the 28 Nosler burns enormous volumes of powder and produces intense throat erosion, relying on official manufacturer data is crucial for safety and barrel life. Independent forum testing often features reloaders chasing velocities that push chamber pressures past safe limits, which can rapidly scorch a barrel in fewer than 600 rounds or cause case head separation. Always use verified manufacturer load data to establish a safe baseline and maximize the lifespan of your expensive rifle barrel.
28 Nosler Pressure and Safety
The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the 28 Nosler is an intense 65,000 PSI. Because you are igniting over 80 grains of powder, small changes in bullet seating depth, brass thickness, or ambient temperature can cause dramatic, dangerous pressure spikes. Always visually inspect your fired brass for stiff bolt lift, ejector marks, and flattened primers. Furthermore, never begin load development at the published maximum charge.
Best Sources for 28 Nosler Reloading Data
The most reliable sources for load data are the printed manuals and digital databases provided by Nosler, who designed and standardized the cartridge. The Nosler Reloading Guide offers the most comprehensively tested data tailored specifically to the chamber. Additionally, the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center and the Barnes Bullets online data hubs provide excellent, pressure-tested recipes for the modern slow-burning powders required to feed this magnum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find 28 Nosler reloading data?
You can find accurate 28 Nosler reloading data in the official Nosler Reloading Guide, the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, and digitally on the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.
What powders are listed in published 28 Nosler data?
Commonly listed powders are strictly ultra-slow magnums, including Retumbo, H1000, US869, Reloder 33, Reloder 26, IMR 7828, IMR 7977, and Ramshot Magnum.
What bullet weights are covered in these tables?
These tables primarily cover heavy-for-caliber 7mm (.284 caliber) bullets ranging from 140-grain expanding projectiles up to 183-grain long-range match bullets.
Does barrel length affect 28 Nosler velocity?
Yes, shooting from a 24-inch barrel instead of the standard 26-inch test barrel will typically result in a velocity loss of approximately 30 to 50 feet per second per inch.
Can I use standard rifle primers for 28 Nosler?
No, you must strictly use Large Rifle Magnum primers (such as the Federal 215M) to ensure the reliable ignition of the massive, 80-plus grain columns of slow-burning powder.
What is the difference between 28 Nosler load data and reloading data?
There is no practical difference; both terms refer to the exact recipes of powder charges, bullet weights, and primers required to safely assemble the cartridge.
Why do published velocity figures differ between sources?
Velocity figures differ because testing facilities use varying specific test barrels, environmental conditions, brass lot capacities, and primer types during their distinct testing protocols.
Should I use the maximum published load?
You should never start with the maximum published load; always begin with the minimum recommended starting charge and carefully work up while monitoring for pressure signs.
Can I use data from one bullet manufacturer for another bullet?
You should only use data specifically designed for the exact bullet you are loading, as variations in bullet bearing surface length, jacket thickness, and overall profile dramatically alter chamber pressures.
Where should I verify 28 Nosler load data before reloading?
You should strictly verify all load data against an official, recently published manufacturer manual or a powder company’s official online database before assembling any ammunition.