28 Nosler Ballistic Data Guide: Velocity Charts, Trajectory & Load Comparisons

The 28 Nosler is Nosler’s flagship .284-caliber magnum — a cartridge designed to push heavy, high-BC 7mm bullets faster than any standard magnum while fitting in a standard-length action. Released in 2015, it fills a narrow but important niche: hunters who want 7mm Rem Mag trajectory with .300 Win Mag energy, and long-range shooters who want to stay supersonic past 1,400 yards.

If you’ve been considering a 7mm magnum that delivers more velocity than the 7mm Rem Mag without stepping up to the massive 7mm RUM, the 28 Nosler is the answer. It pushes 175gr bullets past 3,100 fps from a 26-inch barrel, generating over 3,700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. This guide covers the data behind five factory loads so you can see exactly where the 28 Nosler stands.

Looking for 28 Nosler ammunition? Browse our full 28 Nosler ammo selection at Tatted Tacticals.

1. What Is the 28 Nosler?

The 28 Nosler is based on the .404 Jeffery case — the same parent case as the 26 Nosler, 30 Nosler, and Remington Ultra Magnum family. Nosler shortened and necked the case to accept .284-caliber bullets while fitting within a standard 3.340-inch magazine length. The result is a cartridge with roughly 10% more case capacity than the 7mm Rem Mag and similar capacity to the 7mm STW, but in a non-belted, more efficient case design.

Key specifications:

• Parent case: .404 Jeffery (shortened, necked to .284)
• Bullet diameter: .284 inches (7.21mm)
• Case length: 2.590 inches (65.8mm)
• Overall length: 3.340 inches (84.8mm)
• Maximum pressure (SAAMI): 65,000 psi
• Typical barrel length: 26″
• Rifling twist: 1:9″

The 28 Nosler’s case holds approximately 98 grains of water, compared to about 82 grains for the 7mm Rem Mag. That extra 16 grains of capacity translates to roughly 150–200 fps more velocity with equivalent bullet weights. The non-belted case design also improves headspacing consistency compared to the belted 7mm Rem Mag, which benefits accuracy.

The takeaway: The 28 Nosler is a purpose-built overbore 7mm magnum. It trades barrel life for velocity, and that velocity translates directly to flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and more energy at distance.

2. 28 Nosler Ballistic Data — 5 Factory Loads Compared

All velocities from a 26-inch test barrel.

These numbers are impressive across the board. The 140gr AccuBond at 3,500 fps is among the fastest factory 7mm loads available from any cartridge. The 175gr AccuBond LR at 3,125 fps with a .672 G1 BC combines high velocity with excellent aerodynamic efficiency for extreme-range performance.

For hunting, the 162gr ELD-X at 3,275 fps is the standout — it offers the best combination of velocity, BC, and terminal performance across a wide range of distances. For large game requiring deep penetration, the 160gr Partition at 3,250 fps provides proven dual-core construction at velocities that ensure devastating terminal effects.

The takeaway: The 28 Nosler generates 3,750–3,870 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with hunting-weight bullets, and the 140gr load exceeds 3,800 ft-lbs. That’s 500–700 ft-lbs more than the 7mm Rem Mag and competitive with the .300 Win Mag — but with better ballistic coefficients.

3. Terminal Performance and Gel Test Data

The 28 Nosler’s high velocity creates the same bullet-selection challenges as other overbore magnums. At close range, impact velocities exceed 3,000 fps, which can overwhelm standard bullet designs. Premium bullets are essential.

Hornady ELD-X 162gr — Terminal Performance

• Impact velocity at 100 yards: ~3,050 fps
• Penetration depth: 16–20 inches
• Expanded diameter: .530″–.580″
• Weight retention: 60–68%

At 28 Nosler velocities, the ELD-X opens aggressively within the first 2 inches. The InterLock ring prevents core-jacket separation, but expansion is more violent than from slower cartridges. Beyond 300 yards (impact velocity below 2,700 fps), the ELD-X settles into its designed expansion window and delivers textbook performance with 20+ inches of penetration.

Nosler AccuBond 160gr — Terminal Performance

• Impact velocity at 100 yards: ~3,080 fps
• Penetration depth: 22–26 inches
• Expanded diameter: .500″–.545″
• Weight retention: 75–82%

The AccuBond’s bonded construction handles 28 Nosler velocities without coming apart. It expands to 1.55–1.70x caliber and holds together through heavy bone. This is the recommended bullet for elk and large-bodied game at any range.

Nosler Partition 160gr — Terminal Performance

• Impact velocity at 100 yards: ~3,030 fps
• Penetration depth: 20–24 inches
• Expanded diameter: .520″–.570″ (front core)
• Weight retention: 65–72% (front core expands, rear core drives straight)

The Partition’s dual-core design provides a natural limiting mechanism. The front core expands and fragments, creating a wide wound channel, while the rear core continues penetrating regardless of impact velocity. It’s the most reliable bullet design for close-range shots on large game from an overbore magnum.

The takeaway: Use bonded or partitioned bullets for close-range hunting with the 28 Nosler. The ELD-X is excellent at 300+ yards where velocity has dropped to moderate levels. Inside 200 yards, the AccuBond or Partition handles the extreme velocity without over-expanding.

4. Bullet Drop Charts — 100 to 1,000 Yards

Trajectory data assumes a 200-yard zero, 26-inch barrel, and sea-level conditions. Drop values in inches.

The 28 Nosler’s trajectory is remarkably flat. The 175gr AccuBond LR drops only 33 inches at 500 yards and 120 inches at 800 yards. By 1,000 yards, the high-BC 175gr bullet has actually caught up to the faster 140gr and 160gr loads due to its superior velocity retention. That BC advantage compounds at every additional 100 yards of range.

For practical hunting, the 28 Nosler with a 200-yard zero gives you a point-blank range of approximately 330 yards on deer-sized game with the 162gr ELD-X. You can hold center-of-chest and hit vitals without holdover adjustment out to 330 yards — a significant advantage in open-country western hunting.

The takeaway: The 28 Nosler is one of the flattest-shooting 7mm cartridges available. At 500 yards, it drops 5–7 inches less than the 7mm Rem Mag with equivalent bullets. At 1,000 yards, the gap widens further.

5. Barrel Length and Velocity — 24″ vs 26″

The 28 Nosler loses approximately 30–35 fps per inch of barrel. Going from 26 to 24 inches costs you about 65 fps, which is noticeable at extreme range but not a deal-breaker for hunting inside 700 yards. However, like all overbore magnums, the 28 Nosler really needs 26 inches of barrel to burn its powder charge efficiently and deliver the velocity that justifies choosing the cartridge.

A 24-inch barrel produces 28 Nosler velocities that overlap significantly with the 7mm Rem Mag in a 26-inch barrel. At that point, you’re accepting the 28 Nosler’s shorter barrel life without getting its full velocity benefit. If you want a shorter barrel, consider the 7mm Rem Mag or 7mm PRC instead.

The takeaway: Keep the 28 Nosler in a 26-inch barrel. Shorter barrels negate the velocity advantage you chose this cartridge for.

6. 28 Nosler vs 7mm Rem Mag — Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The 28 Nosler delivers 225 fps more velocity and 530 ft-lbs more energy than the 7mm Rem Mag with the same bullet. At 500 yards, it shoots 5 inches flatter and carries 380 ft-lbs more energy. The gap widens beyond 500 yards.

The cost: 22% more recoil and roughly 33% less barrel life. Ammunition is also more expensive and harder to find, though Nosler’s factory offerings are excellent in quality.

The takeaway: The 28 Nosler is worth the upgrade if you regularly shoot past 500 yards or hunt elk-sized game at extended range. Inside 400 yards, the 7mm Rem Mag does 90% of the job with better barrel life and ammo availability.

7. 28 Nosler vs 300 Win Mag — Energy vs Trajectory

The 28 Nosler shoots flatter than the .300 Win Mag and carries more energy at every distance past 200 yards. The higher BC of 7mm bullets (.672 vs .597) gives the 28 Nosler a compounding advantage downrange. By 500 yards, it’s 5 inches flatter and 180 ft-lbs ahead in energy.

The .300 Win Mag’s advantages are practical: vastly more ammunition choices, global availability, and a 60-year track record with every bullet manufacturer on the planet. The 28 Nosler is the better ballistic performer, but the .300 Win Mag is the safer bet for finding ammunition anywhere in the world.

The takeaway: The 28 Nosler outperforms the .300 Win Mag at distance with less recoil (lighter bullets) and flatter trajectory. The .300 Win Mag wins on ammunition variety and availability.

8. 28 Nosler for Hunting — Effective Range by Game Size

The 28 Nosler carries 1,500 ft-lbs of energy past 750 yards — making it an ethical elk cartridge at ranges where most hunters can’t reliably shoot. For open-country western hunting, where shots on mule deer or elk can stretch past 500 yards, the 28 Nosler provides a meaningful energy and trajectory advantage over the 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag.

The takeaway: The 28 Nosler is a premium long-range hunting cartridge. It’s overkill for whitetails in the timber, but for open-country elk, mule deer, and pronghorn where shots can stretch, it’s one of the best options available.

9. The Barrel Life Question

The 28 Nosler is an overbore cartridge, and barrel life reflects that. Most shooters report accurate barrel life of approximately 700–1,000 rounds, depending on how the barrel is managed.

• Hunting-only use (40–60 rounds/year): 12–20 years of barrel life
• Moderate practice + hunting (150 rounds/year): 5–6 years
• Active target shooting (300+ rounds/year): 2–3 years

For a dedicated hunting rifle that fires 40–60 rounds per year including sighting-in and practice, barrel life is a non-issue. You’ll pass the rifle to your grandchildren before the barrel is shot out. For competitive or high-volume shooters, the 7mm PRC or 7mm Rem Mag are more economical choices.

Maximizing Barrel Life

• Never fire more than 3 shots in rapid succession — let the barrel cool between strings
• Clean copper fouling every 20–30 rounds
• If handloading, use temperature-stable powders (like Hodgdon’s Extreme line) to prevent pressure spikes
• Consider a 26-inch barrel with a muzzle brake — the brake reduces felt recoil without sacrificing velocity

The takeaway: Barrel life is the 28 Nosler’s primary limitation. For hunters, it’s irrelevant. For high-volume shooters, it’s a real consideration. Budget $400–$800 for a barrel replacement every 700–1,000 rounds if you shoot frequently.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effective range of the 28 Nosler?

The 28 Nosler carries 1,500 ft-lbs of energy past 750 yards with 175gr bullets, making it an ethical elk cartridge at that distance. For deer, it maintains 1,000 ft-lbs past 1,000 yards. Your practical effective range is limited by your shooting skill and conditions, not the cartridge.

Is the 28 Nosler the same as the 7mm RUM?

No, though they share the same parent case (.404 Jeffery) and fire the same .284-caliber bullets. The 28 Nosler has a shorter case (2.590″ vs 2.850″) that fits in a standard long-action magazine (3.340″ OAL), while the 7mm RUM requires a magnum-length action (3.600″ OAL). The 7mm RUM is slightly more powerful due to its larger case capacity, but the 28 Nosler is more practical from a rifle platform standpoint.

How does the 28 Nosler compare to the 7mm PRC?

The 28 Nosler is about 125 fps faster than the 7mm PRC with equivalent bullets (175gr at 3,125 fps vs 3,000 fps). The 7mm PRC has better barrel life (~1,500 rounds vs ~800 rounds), a faster twist rate (1:8″ vs 1:9″) that stabilizes heavier bullets, and growing ammunition availability. The 28 Nosler hits harder; the 7mm PRC is more practical for high-volume shooters.

Is 28 Nosler ammo hard to find?

It’s less common than .300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag, but Nosler and Hornady both produce factory ammunition. Online retailers like Tatted Tacticals typically maintain stock. The cartridge is popular enough that major manufacturers keep it in regular production.

What rifles are chambered in 28 Nosler?

The Nosler Model 48 was the first commercial rifle in 28 Nosler. Today, Browning X-Bolt, Christensen Arms, Weatherby Mark V/Vanguard, Fierce Firearms, and several custom builders offer rifles in 28 Nosler. Most are long-action bolt rifles with 26-inch barrels.

Ready to step up to the 28 Nosler? Shop 28 Nosler ammunition at Tatted Tacticals — we carry Nosler Trophy Grade and Hornady Precision Hunter loads.