Reliable 28 Nosler reloading data can be found in official manufacturer manuals and online databases published by industry leaders such as Nosler, Hodgdon, Hornady, and Sierra.Published data typically covers bullet weights from 140 grains up to 195 grains, detailing starting and maximum powder charges, muzzle velocities, chamber pressures up to SAAMI maximum limits of 65,000 PSI, cartridge overall length, and test barrel specifications.Because the 28 Nosler is an overbore magnum cartridge utilizing a high-capacity, beltless case derived from the .404 Jeffery, minor component variations in brass brand, large magnum rifle primer selection, seating depth, and firearm barrel length can significantly alter pressure and velocity outcomes.
28 Nosler Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Nosler AccuBond | 160 gr | Hodgdon H1000 | 75.5 gr | 81.4 gr | 3,100 to 3,250 fps | 26″ / Test Barrel | Nosler / Hodgdon |
| Hornady ELD-X | 162 gr | Hodgdon Retumbo | 77.8 gr | 85.3 gr | 3,150 to 3,275 fps | 26″ / Test Barrel | Hornady / Hodgdon |
| Berger Hybrid Target | 175 gr | Hodgdon H1000 | 73.1 gr | 79.8 gr | 2,950 to 3,100 fps | 26″ / Test Barrel | Nosler / Berger |
| Nosler AccuBond LR | 175 gr | Alliant Reloder 26 | 73.6 gr | 80.3 gr | 3,000 to 3,125 fps | 26″ / Test Barrel | Nosler / Alliant |
| Sierra HPBT Match | 195 gr | Hodgdon Retumbo | 71.4 gr | 78.3 gr | 2,750 to 2,900 fps | 26″ / Test Barrel | Sierra / Hodgdon |
Understanding The 28 Nosler Reloading Data
Working up 28 Nosler load data requires careful evaluation of technical parameters due to the high energy and extreme velocity potential characteristic of the cartridge:
- Starting Load: The conservative minimum charge weight recommended by testing laboratories to ensure safe ignition and clean propellant combustion.
- Maximum Published Load: The absolute peak pressure threshold established by testing facilities. Exceeding this value can result in dangerous overpressure events and accelerated throat erosion.
- Velocity: Quantified in feet per second at the muzzle, indicating how efficiently a given powder charge accelerates a specific projectile weight.
- Pressure: Measured in PSI. SAAMI establishes a Maximum Average Pressure limit of 65,000 PSI for the 28 Nosler cartridge.
- Case Capacity: Holding approximately 98 grains of water, the beltless case requires slow-burning magnum propellants to achieve high fill density and consistent ignition.
28 Nosler Bullet Weight Reloading Data
Published 28 Nosler load data spans several distinct projectile weight classes tailored for long-range target shooting and big game hunting:
- 140 to 150 Grain: Lightweight options designed for ultra-high velocity, frequently achieving muzzle speeds exceeding 3,300 to 3,500 fps for flat trajectories.
- 160 to 168 Grain:The popular balance point for hunting, offering high velocity, flat trajectories, and excellent terminal energy retention on big game.
- 175 to 185 Grain:Heavy-for-caliber options featuring exceptional ballistic coefficients (such as the 175-grain AccuBond LR), making them ideal for extended-range precision.
- 195 Grain: Ultra-heavy match projectiles that maximize wind resistance and retention of energy at extreme distances.
28 Nosler Powder Reloading Data
Selecting the correct 28 Nosler powder involves matching slow-burning magnum rifle propellants that maximize efficiency inside an overbore case:
| Powder | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source |
| Hodgdon H1000 | Nosler AccuBond | 160 gr | 75.5 gr | 81.4 gr | 3,100 to 3,250 fps | Nosler / Hodgdon |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | Hornady ELD-X | 162 gr | 77.8 gr | 85.3 gr | 3,150 to 3,275 fps | Hornady / Hodgdon |
| Hodgdon H1000 | Berger Hybrid | 175 gr | 73.1 gr | 79.8 gr | 2,950 to 3,100 fps | Nosler / Berger |
| Alliant Reloder 26 | Nosler ABLR | 175 gr | 73.6 gr | 80.3 gr | 3,000 to 3,125 fps | Nosler / Alliant |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | Sierra HPBT | 195 gr | 71.4 gr | 78.3 gr | 2,750 to 2,900 fps | Sierra / Hodgdon |
28 Nosler Bullet And Powder Combinations
Because the 28 Nosler generates intense thermal and mechanical stress, exact component selection is critical:
- Cartridge Overall Length (COL):Standard specifications require an overall length typically set around 3.340 inches to ensure reliable feeding through standard long-action magazines.
- Primer Selection: Most verified recipes call for robust large magnum rifle primers (such as the Federal 215 or Winchester WLRM) to ensure complete and uniform ignition of large powder charges.
- Neck Tension and Resizing: Consistent neck tension is vital for maintaining low standard deviations (SD) in velocity across string shots.
28 Nosler Velocity From Published Data
Manufacturer velocity figures are typically generated using test barrels measuring 26 inches in length to fully burn slow propellants. For example, pushing a 175-grain bullet with maximum charges of Reloder 26 or Retumbo achieves velocities near 3,125 fps. Real world results from custom hunting rifles featuring shorter 24-inch tubes will experience a minor drop of roughly 50 to 70 fps. Handloaders should always distinguish laboratory chronograph measures from unverified estimates.
28 Nosler Reloading Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length directly influences final velocity outputs in large magnum rifle cartridges. While standard testing utilizes 26-inch barrels, specialized lightweight hunting rifles featuring shorter 24-inch barrels trade minor velocity for maneuverability. Shooters must account for these speed variations when generating drop charts.
28 Nosler Energy And Ballistics
When reviewing ballistic performance data for a standard 175-grain heavy hunting load exiting a 26-inch barrel at roughly 3,125 fps:
- Muzzle Energy:Approximately 3,790 ft-lbs, offering massive kinetic transfer for large game.
- 500-Yard Metrics:Retains high velocity and flat trajectory, minimizing holdover requirements for long-range engagements.
- 1000-Yard Metrics: High ballistic coefficient profiles maintain supersonic stability and energy well past standard hunting distances.
28 Nosler Hunting Applications
The 28 Nosler data profile is optimized primarily for big game and long-range shooting:
- Big Game Hunting: Exceptional performance on elk, moose, mule deer, and large African plains game when paired with premium bonded or high-BC monolithic bullets.
- Long Range Steel Target Shooting: High-BC match bullets driven by temperature-stable powders provide unmatched wind bucking capability in PRS and ELR contexts.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
Official laboratory data uses piezoelectric pressure barrels to record exact chamber metrics under controlled conditions. Independent chronograph testing by private reloaders reflects real world performance from unique factory firearms, which may introduce variations due to throat wear or bore dimensions. Official manufacturer data should always serve as the primary reference baseline.
28 Nosler Pressure And Safety
The 28 Nosler operates at a high maximum average pressure ceiling of 65,000 PSI. Because of its overbore design, safety precautions are mandatory:
- Never exceed published maximum loads or attempt to compress unverified powder charges.
- Monitor throat erosion carefully, as high-velocity overbore magnums can experience accelerated throat wear over hundreds of rounds.
- Reduce charges by 10 percent when changing component lots, brass brands, or primer types.
Best Sources For 28 Nosler Reloading Data
The top references for reliable data include:
- Nosler Reloading Guide: Provides comprehensive data optimized specifically for Nosler cartridge lines and bullet weights.
- Hodgdon Online Reloading Center: Offers extensive, pressure-tested recipes covering top-tier powders like H1000 and Retumbo.
- Sierra and Hornady Manuals:Feature detailed velocity tracking and accuracy nodes for .284 caliber projectile lines.
Common 28 Nosler Reloading Data Questions
Where can I find 28 Nosler reloading data?
Reliable data is available through official online portals and print manuals published by Nosler, Hodgdon, and Hornady.
What powders are popular for 28 Nosler?
Top performing propellants include Hodgdon H1000, Retumbo, Alliant Reloder 26, and Reloder 33.
What bullet weights are supported?
Published data accommodates weights ranging from 140 grains up to 195 grains.
Does barrel length affect velocity?
Yes. Shorter barrels reduce muzzle velocity, requiring adjustments to long-range drop calculators.
What primers should I use for 28 Nosler?
Most recipes specify large magnum rifle primers like the Federal 215 or Winchester WLRM to ensure clean ignition of heavy powder charges.