28 Nosler load data normally includes specific bullet weights, tested powder charges, overall cartridge length, and recorded velocity figures. Published data commonly represents bullet weights ranging from mid-weight 150 grain hunting bullets up to heavy, high ballistic coefficient 185 grain and 195 grain target projectiles. Major component and powder manufacturers such as Nosler, Hornady, Berger, and Hodgdon publish verifiable baseline data for this overbore 7mm cartridge. Published data will always vary depending on the specific bullet’s bearing surface, the powder burn rate, the primer used, the brass manufacturer’s internal capacity, and the specific test barrel length.
28 Nosler Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source | Test Barrel |
| Nosler Partition / AccuBond | 175 gr | Hodgdon H1000 | 72.8 gr | 77.5 gr | 3182 fps | Hodgdon 2023 Manual | 26″ |
| Hornady ELD Match / ELD-X | 175 gr / 180 gr | Hodgdon H1000 | 73.0 gr | 77.5 gr | 3100+ fps | Hornady Manual | 26″ |
| Berger VLD | 180 gr | Hodgdon H1000 | 74.8 gr | 79.6 gr | Data Restricted | Hodgdon 2023 Manual | 26″ |
| Barnes TTSX BT | 140 gr | IMR 7828 | Data Restricted | Data Restricted | 3626 fps | Nosler Load Data | 26″ |
| Hornady A-MAX | 162 gr | Alliant RL-25 | Data Restricted | Data Restricted | 3373 fps | Nosler Load Data | 26″ |
Understanding The Load Data
When interpreting published 28 Nosler reloading data, it is critical to understand the specific testing environment used by the manufacturer. The starting load represents a safe baseline charge that ensures reliable ignition while remaining well below maximum pressure limits. The maximum published load is the absolute highest powder charge the manufacturer tested before encountering pressure signs or reaching the cartridge’s 65,000 psi maximum average pressure limit.
The reported velocity is specific to the test barrel length, often 26 inches for the 28 Nosler. Your actual velocities will differ based on your rifle’s barrel length, chamber tolerances, and the exact components you use. Because case capacity varies between brass manufacturers and different primers ignite powder columns differently, two reputable sources testing the exact same powder and bullet weight may publish slightly different maximum charges. Published data is completely specific to the exact components and conditions listed by the source.
28 Nosler Bullet Weight Load Data
The 28 Nosler is a versatile 7mm cartridge that handles a wide range of bullet weights, provided the barrel twist rate can stabilize them.
- 150 grain bullets: Typically used for deer and antelope hunting. Nosler publishes factory ammunition data for their 150 grain Expansion Tip, reporting a muzzle velocity of 3,250 fps.
- 160 grain and 162 grain bullets: A middle ground for hunters who want both flat trajectories and high kinetic energy for elk and medium game. Nosler publishes data for the 160 grain Partition and AccuBond, generally achieving 3,250 to 3,300 fps.Hornady’s Precision Hunter line utilizes the 162 grain ELD-X at a published 3,275 fps.
- 175 grain bullets: This is where the 28 Nosler excels for long range target work and big game. Nosler offers factory 175 grain AccuBond Long Range loads pushing 3,125 fps.
- 180 grain to 185 grain bullets: The standard for extreme long range competitive shooting. Bullets like the 185 grain Nosler RDF and 180 grain Berger VLD require fast barrel twist rates. Reputable sources regularly report factory velocities around 2,950 fps for 185 grain projectiles, offering incredible wind deflection characteristics.
28 Nosler Powder Data
Selecting the proper powder burn rate is essential. Data published by reputable manufacturers highlights very slow burning rifle powders for this high capacity overbore cartridge.
- Hodgdon H1000: Frequently published by Hodgdon and Hornady for heavy 175 grain and 180 grain bullets.
- Hodgdon Retumbo:A staple for the 28 Nosler, providing excellent case fill and high velocities for 168 grain and 175 grain projectiles.
- Alliant Reloder 25 (RL-25):Featured in Nosler’s published data for 162 grain Hornady A-MAX bullets, yielding up to 3,373 fps.
- IMR 7828:Tested by Nosler for lighter 140 grain Barnes TTSX bullets, reaching extreme velocities over 3,600 fps.
Do not assume that 28 Nosler powder data for one bullet weight or profile can automatically be transferred to a different bullet of the same weight. A bullet’s bearing surface drastically alters internal pressure.
Bullet And Powder Compatibility
The exact pairing of bullet and powder dictates the safety and efficiency of the load. A bullet’s construction and bearing surface play a massive role in building pressure. Two 175 grain bullets from different manufacturers may require entirely different powder charges to reach the same pressure due to one having a longer bearing surface.
Furthermore, seating depth and case capacity must match the published recipe. The 28 Nosler relies on high quality brass and large rifle magnum primers to ignite large columns of slow burning powder. If you switch component brands, you risk severe pressure spikes. Because of these variables, published data from one manufacturer cannot be safely transferred to a different component combination.
Velocity Comparison
To establish safe expectations, here is a comparison of published 28 Nosler velocities from reputable sources.
| Bullet Weight | Bullet | Powder/Type | Published Velocity | Barrel Length | Source Type |
| 140 gr | Barnes TTSX BT | IMR 7828 | 3626 fps | 26″ | Nosler Reloading Data |
| 150 gr | Nosler E-Tip | Factory Ammo | 3250 fps | Not Listed | Manufacturer Ammo Spec |
| 160 gr | Nosler AccuBond | Factory Ammo | 3300 fps | Not Listed | Manufacturer Ammo Spec |
| 162 gr | Hornady ELD-X | Factory Ammo | 3275 fps | 24″ | Manufacturer Ammo Spec |
| 162 gr | Hornady A-MAX | Alliant RL-25 | 3373 fps | 26″ | Nosler Reloading Data |
| 175 gr | Nosler AccuBond LR | Factory Ammo | 3125 fps | Not Listed | Manufacturer Ammo Spec |
| 175 gr | Nosler Partition | Hodgdon H1000 | 3182 fps | 26″ | Hodgdon Reloading Data |
| 185 gr | Nosler RDF | Factory Ammo | 2950 fps | Not Listed | Manufacturer Ammo Spec |
Barrel Length And Published Data
Barrel length significantly alters the real world velocities you will see over a chronograph. Most ammunition manufacturers and reloading manuals test the 28 Nosler using 26 inch universal receivers to maximize the slow burning powders. Because the 28 Nosler is a highly overbore cartridge, it requires a long barrel to fully utilize the heavy powder charge.
If you shoot a 24 inch barrel, you should expect a velocity reduction of roughly 30 to 40 fps per inch of barrel lost compared to a published 26 inch test barrel. Never add more powder to a maximum published load in an attempt to reach a 26 inch barrel velocity using a shorter barrel; this will result in dangerous over pressure scenarios.
Pressure And Safety
Load data should only ever be sourced from reputable, established publishers. The 28 Nosler operates at a maximum SAAMI pressure of 65,000 psi, and exceeding maximum published powder charges is highly dangerous.
Component substitutions carry major risks. Changing your brass manufacturer can reduce internal case volume, causing an otherwise safe charge to suddenly exceed maximum pressure limits. Seating a bullet deeper into the case also decreases the available combustion volume, causing a rapid spike in pressure. Because of these variables, published data from one manufacturer should not automatically be transferred to another component combination. Do not use forum recipes or calculated estimates in place of verifiable manufacturer load data.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
- Manufacturer Load Data: Developed using highly controlled universal pressure testing barrels and piezo electric sensors to measure exact chamber pressure. This is the primary, authoritative reference for safe reloading.
- Independent Chronograph Testing: Conducted by shooters using off the shelf rifles. While helpful for establishing expected real world velocities, these tests do not measure pressure accurately and should not be used to establish safe maximum powder charges.
- Ballistic Calculator Estimates: Software predictions based on mathematical models. These are theoretical tools for advanced reloaders and are not substitutes for physical, pressure tested manufacturer data.
- User Generated Load Reports: Forum posts and social media load recipes. These are the least reliable sources. A load that is safe in one user’s custom chamber may catastrophically fail in yours.
Best Sources For 28 Nosler Load Data
If you are seeking safe, verified data, consult these authoritative sources:
- Nosler: As the creator of the cartridge, Nosler’s reloading manual and online load data center provide the most comprehensive baseline for 28 Nosler powder charges and velocities.
- Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: Provides current, verifiable 28 Nosler load data for a vast array of powders including H1000, Retumbo, and IMR series powders.
- Hornady: Hornady’s published data provides excellent benchmarks for their specific ELD-X and ELD Match projectiles.
- Berger: Publishes valuable, lab tested data specifically detailing loads for heavy for caliber 180 grain and 195 grain target bullets.
Common 28 Nosler Load Data Questions
Where can I find 28 Nosler load data?
Reliable 28 Nosler reloading data can be found in the Nosler Reloading Guide, the Hodgdon online Reloading Data Center, and the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading.
What bullets have published 28 Nosler data?
Data is widely available for bullets ranging from 140 grains up to 195 grains, with heavy focus on 160 grain, 162 grain, and 175 grain match and hunting projectiles.
What powders are published for 28 Nosler?
Published sources frequently test very slow burning powders, heavily favoring H1000, Retumbo, IMR 7828, and Reloder 25 depending on the bullet weight.
What bullet weights have the most published data?
Because of its target and long range hunting applications, the 160 grain to 175 grain bullet class currently has the most comprehensive focus among precision reloading manuals.
Why does 28 Nosler load data vary between sources?
Sources use different case brands, primers, seating depths, and specific test barrels. Since every bullet has a unique bearing surface, pressure builds differently even if two bullets weigh the same.
Does barrel length affect published 28 Nosler velocity?
Yes. Published data generally utilizes a 26 inch barrel. Shooting the exact same 28 Nosler powder charge out of a shorter 24 inch barrel will result in a lower velocity.
Can load data for one bullet be used with another bullet?
No. Different bullet designs have different bearing surfaces and construction profiles, which dramatically alter how pressure builds in the chamber.
What is the difference between starting and maximum published loads?
The starting load is a conservative powder charge designed to ensure safe ignition without approaching pressure limits. The maximum load is the highest charge the manufacturer deemed safe in their specific test equipment.
Why should manufacturer load data be followed exactly?
Manufacturers test their specific component combinations with laboratory pressure sensors. Altering any component during 28 Nosler load development can cause an unpredictable and potentially catastrophic pressure spike.
Where can I find pressure tested 28 Nosler data?
Major reloading manuals from Nosler, Hornady, and the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center base their 28 Nosler load data charts on strict laboratory pressure testing rather than guesswork.
Final Verdict
The most reliable source for 28 Nosler reload data is a dedicated manufacturer’s reloading manual or an official web based reloading data center, such as Nosler’s official data or Hodgdon’s digital database. When comparing sources, readers must pay strict attention to the brass, primer, seating depth, and exact bullet design used in the published test. Because the 28 Nosler is a highly overbore, high performance cartridge, following exact, component specific published data is the only way to ensure safe and successful load development. Never use forum recipes or calculated estimates in place of verifiable manufacturer load data.