Congrats! You’ve discovered our in-depth look at 28 Nosler ballistics from various ammo manufacturers.
Browning Ammunition Ballistics - 28 Nosler
Browning BXS Solid Expansion 28 Nosler 139 grain Polymer Tip Ballistics Chart
Browning Long Range Pro 28 Nosler 160 grain TMK Ballistics Chart
Browning Max Point 28 Nosler 140 grain Polymer Tip Ballistics Chart
Browning Silver Series 28 Nosler 175 grain SP Ballistics Chart
Choice Ammunition Ballistics - 28 Nosler
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 150 grain TTSX Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 160 grain AccuBond Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 175 grain AccuBond LR Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 162 grain ELD-X Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 175 grain ELD-X Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 168 grain LRX Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 168 grain VLD Hunting Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 180 grain VLD Hunting Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 175 grain TSX Ballistics Chart
Choice Handloaded 28 Nosler 195 grain EOL Ballistics Chart
Federal Ammunition Ballistics - 28 Nosler
Federal 28 Nosler 155 grain Terminal Ascent Ballistics Chart
Hornady Ammunition Ballistics - 28 Nosler
Hornady Precision Hunter 28 Nosler 162 grain ELD-X Ballistics Chart
Nosler Ammunition Ballistics - 28 Nosler
Nosler 28 Nosler 150 grain Expansion Tip Ballistics Chart
Nosler 28 Nosler 160 grain Ballistic Tip Ballistics Chart
Nosler Custom Competition Match Grade 28 Nosler 168 grain HPBT Ballistics Chart
Nosler Trophy Grade 28 Nosler 160 grain Partition Ballistics Chart
Nosler Trophy Grade 28 Nosler 175 grain AccuBond LR Ballistics Chart
Weatherby Ammunition Ballistics - 28 Nosler
Weatherby 28 Nosler 150 grain Swift Scirocco Ballistics Chart
Weatherby 28 Nosler 163 grain Hammer Custom Ballistics Chart
Weatherby 28 Nosler 180 grain VLD Hunting Ballistics Chart
Administrative Note: The information above comes from the manufacturer. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data were unavailable, ballistics were calculated using a ballistics calculator.
28 Nosler Trajectory Chart
A bullet’s trajectory is its flight path to the target. Shooters measure the elevation change in inches of bullet drop, though it can also be measured in minutes of angle (MOA).
A flat trajectory is preferable for long-range shooting because it requires the shooter to make fewer adjustments to compensate for the bullet drop. The 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent example of a flat-trajectory standard cartridge, which is why it’s popular among long-range shooting enthusiasts and hunters.
The 28 Nosler’s high ballistic coefficient projectiles allow it to maintain a flat trajectory and resist wind drift, maximizing its accuracy for big game hunting over longer ranges.
The 28 Nosler offers long-distance shooters super-magnum performance in a non-belted standard-length cartridge. It has a flatter trajectory than the fan-favorite 6.5 Creedmoor, dropping only 30” to 35” at 500 yards, depending on which round you’re firing.
Below is a sample 28 Nosler bullet drop chart that gives you a general idea of the 28 Nosler trajectory.
Note: The chart above is an example of one 28 Nosler load. Actual ballistic performance may vary depending on bullet weight, lot, barrel length, and environmental conditions while firing.
28 Nosler Velocity
Muzzle velocity is the rate at which the bullet exits the rifle barrel. It is measured in feet per second (fps). Typically, a longer barrel length produces a higher muzzle velocity, as it gives more time to exert its energy against the projectile’s base.
It’s reasonable to expect a muzzle velocity of 3,000 to 3,300 fps from most factory-loaded 28 Nosler ammo. You can achieve higher velocities by reloading and handloading while following the load data recommended in your reloading manual.
The 28 Nosler centerfire rifle cartridge excels at conserving its velocity downrange. A 28 Nosler 175 grain hunting bullet can hit 500 yards at ~2,410 fps.
28 Nosler Kinetic Energy
A projectile’s energy is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Muzzle energy is the amount of force a bullet possesses the instant it exits the barrel.
Heavier bullets tend to have higher muzzle energy, but velocity also matters. For instance, the 223 Remington 77 grain bullet typically has a muzzle energy of about 1,642 ft-lbs. In contrast, the 28 Nosler 150 grain bullet typically has a muzzle energy of about 3,530 ft-lbs.
At 500 yards, the 28 Nosler 150 grain bullet will still have more energy than the 223 Rem at the muzzle.
A lower muzzle energy usually indicates the round has less recoil (a muzzle brake will also reduce the recoil of a round), which is the case when comparing the 223 Rem and 28 Nosler. But what about when you have two rounds that are a better comparison in terms of recommended SAAMI powder charges, case length, case capacity, bullet diameter, and overall length?
Check out how the 26 Nosler and 28 Nosler stack up against each other in our in-depth article.
28 Nosler Effective Range
When the 28 Nosler was a new cartridge, it and other Nosler cartridges were touted for pushing the limits of long-range big-game hunting because they could reach distances that only magnum cartridges were thought to reach while ethically harvesting game animals.
In the hands of a capable marksman, the 28 Nosler has a maximum effective range of over 1,000 yards. The average shooter’s maximum range is typically 800 yards out of their Savage bolt-action hunting rifle.
How Do 28 Nosler Ballistics Compare to Other Long-Range Rifle Cartridges?
As a long-range hunting cartridge with excellent versatility, the 28 Nosler is comparable to rounds like the 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 PRC, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 30 Nosler, 404 Jeffery, 7mm Remington Magnum, and other 7mm cartridges.
We’ve compared a few below to help you better understand the ballistic performance of the 28 Nosler.
28 Nosler vs. 300 Win Mag Ballistics Chart
28 Nosler vs. 7mm Rem Mag Ballistics Chart
28 Nosler vs. 27 Nosler Ballistics Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
The team at Ammo.com has gathered and answered several commonly asked questions regarding 28 Nosler ballistics.
What is a 28 Nosler equivalent to?
The 28 Nosler is equivalent to the 7mm Remington Ultra Mag, although shorter. It’s also comparable to the 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 30 Nosler, and other 7mm cartridges.
What is the effective range of a 28 Nosler?
The effective range of a 28 Nosler is 800 to 1,000 yards, depending on the cartridge and the shooter’s skill level.
What is the drop of the 28 Nosler at 800 yards?
The drop of the 28 Nosler at 800 yards is -119.9” when firing a 175 grain Accubond Long-Range bullet and zeroed at 200 yards.
Is the 28 Nosler too much for deer?
No, the 28 Nosler is not too much for deer, as long as you use a lighter bullet and appropriate bullet style.