28 nosler

fullthrottle · Dec 7, 2015

Anyone have one? What do you think?

springvilleshooter · Dec 7, 2015

I have one in a Nosler M48. If you want an accurate screamer that shoots factory 160's under an inch at 3300fps, this rifle is great. If you want to shoot VLD bullets, especially 180's and the new 195's, I would look for a longer action. All in all,the rifle feels and shoots great. I think it is very well put together for $1400.00.

As far as the cartridge, I knew it would be a winner when I first saw the 26 announced. I have used the 7 Dakota for over a decade and the 28 Nosler is very similar and more readily available. The case is well designed, well proportioned, and will work on a standard magnum bolt face.

Nosler factory loads with 160 Accubonds chronographed 3302-3325 for a ten shot group that measured right at an inch while cleaning between shots for initial barrel break in. 3 shot groups are .60-.75 while cleaning between groups. The rifle is not bench rest accurate but is very passable for any normal hunting applications.

For someone who doesn't hand load, this is a very impressive option. -----SS

fullthrottle · Dec 7, 2015

Thanks for the response, sounds like you got yourself a pretty sweet rifle. I decided to have a custom built in 28, pretty excited hopefully it turns out to be a shooter.

Togwotee · Dec 7, 2015

To me the 28 Nosler is much more interesting than the 26 Nosler.

In reality the 28 is no better than the 7mmSTW , so I'm not sure why all the excitement but nevertheless it should be a great hunting round.

The barrel buner index indicates the 28 Nosler should have about a 1000 round barrel life, a little less than the STW. not a big deal for most shooters but something to consider if you're an avid shooter.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

springvilleshooter · Dec 7, 2015

Well the 28 and STW have essentially the same case capacity. Given actions of the same length and appropriate chambering, the 28 would have more flexibility to load bullets further out. This is a big plus when shooting big long VLD bullets and case loads of slow burning powder.

While it's too soon for me to make the determination(I have both) I would be willing to bet that case durability is much better with the Nosler. The Nosler is shorter, fatter, straighter, and has sharper shoulders. All of these case design features are improvements in my opinion.

I only wish that Nosler would have built the 28 at 2.5" to provide more room in standard length actions.------SS

Zeke · Dec 8, 2015

SS
You're being too modest when you say 10 shots inside an inch at 100 yards is just "passable" hunting accuracy! Bear in mind most guys can't do that at half the distance with half the ammo. I know, I've seen them shoot. haha
Zeke

Zeke · Dec 8, 2015

LAST EDITED ON Dec-08-15 AT 02:29PM (MST)[p]Oh, and yes, the 28 holds my interest but it'll be down the road for me since I'm just finishing up another 270 WSM and then still have something in 6.5 (on a smaller case) to build.

Too many guns, too little time!
Zeke

springvilleshooter · Dec 8, 2015

My next 28 will be built on a Remington 700 LA RUM. I will have the throat cut long to accommodate long bullets seated out to provide more room for the black stuff that goes boom.

Tried some hand loads with RL 25, RL-33, and Norma 217 today while continuing the break in process. All shot almost identical .7 inch 3 shot groups. Velocity with 160 Accubonds was 3250-3320 with medium-warm book loads.

On a good note, recoil is surprisingly mild. I shot 15 shots today no problem.

If you want all the performance of a custom rifle with tailored hand loads in a package that you can pick up a Sportsman's Warehouse, the M48 and Nosler Trophy Grade ammo are about as close as it gets.------SS

gasman · Dec 17, 2015

You kinda sound like a salesman.

Zeke · Dec 18, 2015

gasman,

We're ALL salesmen!
You've not seen my wife, trophy room and my gun safe, have you?
Damn, I am a good salesman. haha

SShooter certainly does get out there and mix it up with his rifles. He is the poster-child for valuable opinions based on experience!

Remember what I've always said, everyone has an opinion but only those with experience are to be valued.

Zeke

springvilleshooter · Dec 24, 2015

Deep down, Gassy appreciates my salesmanship. -----SS

gasman · Dec 27, 2015

He does put in his time. We're actually good friends. He has me sold on a 28, I'm going to have it built though. Deeper throat so it'll shoot the 195s. Hopefully we can try it out on a stinky this fall.