The 28 Nosler and 30 Nosler are two of the most popular cartridges for long-range shooting. Both cartridges are based on the same case, the .404 Jeffery, but the 28 Nosler has a slightly shorter case length, and the 30 Nosler has a somewhat longer case length.
Both cartridges offer excellent accuracy and are famous for long-range shooting and hunting. In this article, we find the contrast between this scope.
28 Nosler Vs 30 Nosler – Key Differences
Ballistics & Velocity
The ballistic CoefficientCoefficient 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.
Barrel Length
The 28 Nosler cartridge has a recommended barrel length of 24 inches, while the 30 Nosler cartridge has a recommended barrel length of 26 inches.
Both cartridges can achieve excellent accuracy and velocities with the appropriate barrel length, but the 30 Nosler can reach higher velocities due to its longer barrel length.
In addition, the 30 Nosler can achieve higher velocities with heavier bullets, which can benefit long-range shooting.
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.
The 28 Nosler has a slightly longer case length and a slightly larger case capacity than the 30 Nosler, which helps improve the round’s accuracy.
Magazine Capacity
Regarding magazine capacity, the 28 Nosler has a slight edge over the 30 Nosler. The 28 Nosler has a magazine capacity of 3 rounds, while the 30 has a magazine capacity of 2.
While the difference may seem small, it can make a significant difference when reloading quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the 28 Nosler offers more powder capacity, which may benefit hand loaders looking to maximize performance.
Barrel Life
The 28 Nosler is shorter than the 30 Nosler, which may give it a slight advantage regarding barrel life.
However, the 30 Nosler is designed to be more efficient and can often achieve higher velocities with less powder.
Ultimately, the barrel life of either caliber will depend on the quality of the rifle, ammunition, and the shooter’s shooting habits.
Ammunition Selection
The choice between the 28 Nosler and the 30 Nosler for ammunition selection depends on several factors, including your intended use, shooting preferences, and the specific advantages each cartridge offers. Let’s compare the two cartridges in terms of their characteristics and potential applications to help you make an informed decision:
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 the large game: The high velocity and energy of the 28 Nosler make it well-suited for hunting medium to large-sized game 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
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.
Barrel Twist
The 28 Nosler has a 1 in 8-inch twist rate, while the 30 Nosler has a 1 in 9.25-inch twist rate. This difference in twist rate affects the performance of the two cartridges. The 28 Nosler is better suited for lighter bullets, while the 30 Nosler is better suited for heavier bullets.
This difference in twist rate gives the 28 Nosler a slight edge in terms of accuracy and velocity, while the 30 Nosler has a slight edge in terms of bullet weight.
Terminal Performance
When comparing the terminal performance of these two cartridges, the 30 Nosler has the advantage due to its higher velocities and heavier bullets. At the same muzzle velocity, the 30 Nosler will penetrate deeper and create larger wound channels than the 28 Nosler.
This is due to the fact that the 30 Nosler can launch bullets that are heavier and have higher sectional densities. The heavier bullets will retain their velocity and energy better at long range and cause more damage to the target. The 30 Nosler also has the advantage of being able to launch heavier bullets at higher velocities than the 28 Nosler.
This allows the 30 Nosler to generate more energy and cause more damage to the target.
Muzzle Velocity
The muzzle velocity of a 28 Nosler cartridge is around 3,100 feet per second (fps), while the muzzle velocity of a 30 Nosler cartridge is approximately 3,300 fps.
Both calibers are capable of producing high velocity and long-range accuracy. The 28 Nosler is slightly shorter in length than the 30 Nosler, which allows for a higher muzzle velocity. However, the 30 Nosler has a somewhat larger diameter, which allows for a heavier bullet and more energy at the target.
Powder Capacity
The 28 Nosler has a maximum case capacity of 95.5 grains of water, while the 30 Nosler has a total case capacity of 98.0 grains of water. This difference in powder capacity gives the 30 Nosler a slight edge when it comes to velocity, allowing it to reach higher velocities with the same amount of powder.
The 30 Nosler also has an advantage when it comes to long-range shooting, as the extra powder capacity allows for more consistent velocities and better accuracy at extended ranges.
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.
Accuracy At Long Range
When it comes to accuracy at long range, the 30 Nosler has the edge due to its larger case capacity and higher ballistic CoefficientCoefficient. The 28 Nosler is still capable of producing excellent accuracy, but the 30 Nosler is better suited for long-range shooting.
The 30 Nosler also has a slightly higher pressure limit, allowing for higher velocities and better performance at long distances.
Cartridge Popularity
The 28 Nosler is a 7mm magnum cartridge that is based on the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum case, while the 30 Nosler is a .30 caliber magnum cartridge that is based on the .300 Winchester Magnum case. The 28 Nosler has a slightly higher velocity than the 30 Nosler and is capable of launching bullets up to 3,500 feet per second.
It is also capable of producing flatter trajectories and less wind drift than the 30 Nosler. The 30 Nosler is slightly more efficient than the 28 Nosler and is capable of launching bullets up to 3,500 feet per second as well.
Both cartridges offer excellent performance and accuracy, but the 28 Nosler is the more popular choice for long-range hunting and target shooting due to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
Barrel Cleaning
Regarding barrel cleaning for 28 Nosler vs. 30 Nosler, the two cartridges have similar cleaning needs. Both cartridges require a thorough cleaning after every range session. A standard cleaning rod with a brush and patch for both cartridges should be used to remove fouling from the bore.
It is essential to use a good quality bore solvent or copper remover to remove any copper fouling.
Additionally, a bore guide should be used to ensure that the cleaning rod does not damage the rifling.
After the cleaning, a light coating of gun oil should be applied to the barrel to protect it from corrosion.
Recoil Management
Regarding recoil, the 28 Nosler has the edge with a milder recoil impulse.
The 30 Nosler has a higher muzzle velocity and generates more energy. However, it also has a heavier recoil.
The 28 Nosler is the better choice for recoil management when comparing the two cartridges. Its milder recoil impulse allows for faster follow-up shots and less fatigue on the shooter.
Additionally, the 28 Nosler has a slightly higher ballistic coefficient, which helps with long-range accuracy.
In conclusion, the 28 Nosler is the better choice for recoil management. It has a milder recoil impulse, higher ballistic CoefficientCoefficient, and is better suited for long-range shooting.
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 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.
Cartridge Versatility
The 28 Nosler is a 7mm magnum cartridge that offers excellent accuracy and performance at long range, while the 30 Nosler is a .30 caliber magnum with outstanding performance and accuracy at both short and long range. Both cartridges can take down large game animals and be used for precision shooting.
The 28 Nosler has a slightly higher velocity and energy than the 30 Nosler, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting. The 30 Nosler is more versatile, offering better performance at short range and better accuracy at long range. Both cartridges offer excellent performance and can be used for hunting, competition shooting, and other shooting sports.
Case Capacity
The case capacity of the 28 Nosler and the 30 Nosler are similar.
- The 28 Nosler has a case capacity of 95.5 grains of water, and the 30 Nosler has a case capacity of 97.5.
- The 28 Nosler is slightly shorter than the 30 Nosler, with an overall length of 2.850 inches compared to the 30 Nosler’s 2.940 inches.
- The 28 Nosler has a larger base diameter than the 30 Nosler, with a base diameter of 0.535 inches compared to the 30 Nosler’s 0.530 inches.
- The 28 Nosler also has a slightly larger shoulder diameter than the 30 Nosler, with a shoulder diameter of 0.534 inches compared to the 30 Nosler’s 0.532 inches.
Expansion Performance
The 26 Nosler and the 30 Nosler are cartridges developed by Nosler, Inc. to provide superior performance for long-range shooters and hunters. Both cartridges are based on the same case, but the 30 Nosler is slightly longer and has a slightly larger capacity than the 26 Nosler. As a result, the 30 Nosler can generate higher velocities and more energy than the 26 Nosler, allowing it to reach out farther and hit harder.
The 30 Nosler can also launch heavier bullets than the 26 Nosler, giving it an advantage in long-range accuracy and terminal performance. Additionally, the 30 Nosler can use a more comprehensive range of bullet weights than the 26 Nosler, giving it an advantage in specific applications. Ultimately, the 30 Nosler offers superior performance over the 26 Nosler, making it the better choice for long-range shooters and hunters.
Thermal Stability
The 28 Nosler has a higher operating temperature than the 30 Nosler, making it more thermally stable.
It 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
The main difference is the bullet diameter; the 28 Nosler uses a 7mm bullet, while the 30 Nosler uses a .308 caliber bullet. Both cartridges offer excellent performance on medium to large games, with the 30 Nosler having slightly better ballistics and energy at long range.
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.
Availability
The 28 Nosler was released in 2015, and the 30 Nosler was released in 2017. Both are available in a variety of factory-loaded ammunition, as well as components for hand loaders. The 28 Nosler is available from various manufacturers, including Nosler, Hornady, Federal, and Remington, while the 30 Nosler is only available from Nosler. Both cartridges are available in a wide range of bullet weights, from light varmint to heavy-for-caliber hunting bullets.
Regarding availability, the 28 Nosler has a slight edge, as it is available from more manufacturers.
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Are there factory ammunition options available for both cartridges?
Yes, both cartridges have factory ammunition options from Nosler and other manufacturers.
Final Words
The 28 Nosler offers a slightly flatter trajectory and higher velocity, while the 30 Nosler offers marginally more energy and a somewhat heavier bullet. Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges comes from personal preference and the desired application.
