Without cartridges, a gun is essentially an inert piece of machinery. So if you need safe and reliable firing then better cartridges are mandatory.
The 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler are two of the most popular cartridges for long-range shooting. Both cartridges offer excellent accuracy and are famous for long-range shooting and hunting. In this article, we find the contrast between these cartridges.
28 Nosler
The 28 Nosler cartridge, introduced in 2015, is a high-performance magnum round celebrated for its outstanding ballistic qualities.
With remarkable velocity, a flat trajectory, and impressive energy, it has become a preferred choice for long-range shooters and big-game hunters.
This cartridge’s reputation for accuracy and versatility makes it a standout option in the world of firearms.
28 Nosler Advantages
- Higher muzzle velocity and flatter trajectory: The 28 Nosler typically offers higher muzzle velocities and a flatter trajectory than the 30 Nosler. It can be advantageous for long-range shooting scenarios where bullet drop and wind drift are critical factors.
- Lower recoil: The 28 Nosler tends to have slightly less recoil compared to the 30 Nosler, which can contribute to more comfortable shooting and quicker follow-up shots.
- Suitable for medium to large games: The high velocity and energy of the 28 Nosler make it well-suited for hunting medium to large-sized games at extended distances.
Applications:
- Long-range target shooting: The 28 Nosler’s flat trajectory and high velocity make it an excellent choice for precision shooting at long distances.
- Hunting: It’s particularly effective for hunting situations that require shots at varying ranges, including open country and mountainous terrain.
30 Nosler
The 30 Nosler cartridge is a powerful and versatile magnum round known for its exceptional long-range performance and stopping power.
Introduced in 2016, it has quickly gained popularity among hunters and precision shooters.
With its high velocity, flat trajectory, and impressive energy, the 30 Nosler is well-suited for a wide range of shooting applications.
This cartridge’s reputation for accuracy and effectiveness makes it a top choice for those seeking performance and versatility in their firearms.
30 Nosler Advantages
- Heavier bullets: The 30 Nosler can accommodate heavier bullets than the 28 Nosler, making it better suited for larger game species.
- More comprehensive bullet selection: Due to its .308 caliber, the 30 Nosler offers a broader range of bullet options, including those optimized for hunting large game.
- Versatility: The 30 Nosler can perform well across a variety of hunting scenarios, from close-range brush hunting to longer shots in open terrain.
Applications:
- Big game hunting: The 30 Nosler is a solid choice for hunting big game animals where heavier bullets and higher energy levels are desired.
- Versatile hunting environments: If your hunting environment varies from dense cover to open plains, the 30 Nosler’s versatility may be an advantage.
28 Nosler Vs 30 Nosler – Key Differences
Ballistics & Velocity
The ballistic Coefficient of the bullets used in the 28 Nosler tends to be high, contributing to its excellent long-range performance. And 30 Nosler Ballistic Coefficient Like the 28 Nosler, the 30 Nosler’s bullets often have high BC values, aiding in downrange performance.
The 28 Nosler can have up to 3,400 feet per second, while the 30 Nosler can reach up to 3,600 feet per second. Both cartridges can shoot accurately at long ranges and are popular among hunters and target shooters.
Cartridge Dimensions
The 28 Nosler has a maximum overall length of 3.340 inches, while the 30 Nosler has a total length of 3.600 inches. The 28 Nosler has a shoulder angle of 30 degrees, while the 30 Nosler has a shoulder angle of 35 degrees.
The 28 Nosler has a neck length of 0.335 inches, while the 30 Nosler has a neck length of 0.365 inches. The 28 Nosler has a base diameter of 0.535 inches, while the 30 Nosler has a base diameter of 0.547 inches. The 28 Nosler has a rim diameter of 0.532 inches, while the 30 Nosler has a rim diameter of 0.543 inches.
Reloading Components
Regarding reloading components, the 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler cartridges are relatively easy to refill. Both cartridges use the same type of brass cases, bullets, and primers to be reloaded with the same equipment. The only difference is the size of the powder charge and the size of the primer.
The 28 Nosler is a 7mm cartridge with a short action length, making it ideal for hunting in tight spaces. The 30 Nosler is a .30 caliber cartridge with a flatter trajectory and higher velocities than the 28 Nosler.
However, the 30 Nosler case is slightly larger and has a thicker wall than the 28 Nosler case. The 30 Nosler case is more durable and can withstand higher pressures.
The 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler also use the same type of bullets. However, the 30 Nosler bullets are slightly larger in diameter, requiring a more significant powder charge to achieve the same velocities as the 28 Nosler. The 30 Nosler also requires a more considerable primer than the 28 Nosler.
Recoil
The 28 Nosler has a lower recoil than the 30 Nosler, making it a better choice for recoil-sensitive shooters. The 28 Nosler is also an excellent choice for long-range shooting, as it has a flatter trajectory and better wind drift performance.
The 30 Nosler is better suited for hunting, as it has more energy and a heavier bullet.
Both cartridges are excellent choices for different applications, and the decision of which to use will depend on the shooter’s preferences and needs.
Hunting Performance
The 28 Nosler is a 7mm cartridge designed to provide excellent long-range performance with minimal recoil. It can launch 180-grain bullets at up to 3,500 feet per second with a muzzle energy of 4,000 foot pounds. It makes it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and shooting.
The 30 Nosler is a .30 caliber cartridge that offers superior performance at close and medium ranges. It can launch 200-grain bullets at up to 3,000 feet per second with a muzzle energy of 4,300 foot-pounds. It is an excellent choice for hunting medium-sized game animals like deer and antelope.
Accuracy
The 28 Nosler and the 30 Nosler are both known for their accuracy. Both cartridges have a long, efficient powder column and a sharp shoulder angle, which help to create a very consistent burn and a flatter trajectory.
They are both fairly accurate and will do competitive shooting or hunting at 800+ yards just fine.
Barrel Wear
The 28 Nosler has a slightly greater case capacity than the 30 Nosler, and as a result, it produces somewhat higher pressures. It can lead to a faster rate of barrel wear when compared to the 30 Nosler.
Additionally, the 28 Nosler has a slightly larger bullet diameter, which can also contribute to faster barrel wear.
Brass Quality
When it comes to brass quality, both the 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler use high-quality brass that is strong enough to handle the high pressures of these cartridges. Both cartridges are known for their excellent accuracy and consistent performance.
The 28 Nosler is available from multiple manufacturers, while the 30 Nosler is only available from Nosler. Both cartridges use the same bare brass, although the Nosler brass is known for its superior quality.
Overall, both the 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler cartridges offer excellent brass quality and performance.
Brass Life
The 28 Nosler is known for its high velocity and performance, which typically translates to higher pressures. Cartridges with higher pressures tend to cause more stress on brass cases, potentially leading to shorter case life. However, modern brass is generally designed to handle these pressures and can offer reasonable case life with proper care.
On the other hand, The 30 Nosler, while also capable of generating high velocities and pressures, may have a slight advantage in terms of brass life due to its larger case volume and slightly lower pressures than the 28 Nosler. The larger case capacity can distribute the pressure more evenly, contributing to longer brass life than cartridges with smaller case volumes and higher pressures.
Thermal Stability
The 28 Nosler has a higher operating temperature than the 30 Nosler, making it more thermally stable.
This means the 28 Nosler will maintain its accuracy and performance under higher temperatures than the 30 Nosler. As a result, the 28 Nosler is better suited for shooting in hot climates or during the summer months. The 30 Nosler, on the other hand, has a lower operating temperature than the 28 Nosler.
It means that the 30 Nosler is more thermally stable at lower temperatures. It makes it a better choice for shooting in colder climates or during the winter months. Overall, the 28 and 30 Nosler cartridges offer outstanding performance and accuracy.
However, regarding thermal stability, the 28 Nosler is the better option for shooting in hot climates or during the summer months, while the 30 Nosler is the better choice for shooting in cold temperatures or during the winter months.
Primer Quality
Regarding primer quality, the 28 Nosler is superior due to its larger primer pocket diameter, allowing for a more significant primer and consistent ignition. The 30 Nosler, however, has a smaller primer pocket diameter, which can lead to inconsistent ignition and potential misfires.
28 Nosler Vs 30 Nosler – Similarities
The 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler are high-performance cartridges designed for long-range shooting. They use the same case, the .404 Jeffery, and have similar overall dimensions.
Both cartridges have a rebated rim, meaning that the edge is slightly smaller than the base diameter of the case. The 28 Nosler has a shorter overall length than the 30 Nosler, but the two cartridges are similar in size.
The two cartridges also have similar performance characteristics. The 28 Nosler has a slightly higher muzzle velocity than the 30 Nosler, but the difference is not significant. Both cartridges are capable of producing excellent accuracy and long-range performance.
In summary, the 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler are very similar cartridges. They use the same case, have similar dimensions, and have identical performance characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both cartridges suitable for reloading?
Yes, both cartridges are suitable for reloading. However, as with reloading, it’s essential to follow proper practices, use appropriate load data, and pay attention to safety.
Which cartridge is better for long-range shooting?
The 28 Nosler is often favored for long-range shooting due to its high velocity, flatter trajectory, and excellent ballistic performance at extended distances.
Are there factory ammunition options available for both cartridges?
Yes, both cartridges have factory ammunition options from Nosler and other manufacturers.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, they are identical cartridges in terms of appearance and the size. Despite having a similar length and height, they don’t necessarily share the same amount of grain or the type of grain.
If you are after extremely long-range shooting, both of them will do just fine. They are both suitable for long-range and big-game hunting as well. Depending on your preference and budget, you can opt for one over the other.
Either way, they are both the correct options. That’s all for now. Hopefully, this guide was able to help you point towards the right direction. Hope to see you again soon. Take care and have fun.
