This rifle and cartridge were/are a bit of an enigma to me. It hasn't shot factory ammo well at all. I've gotten 2-3" groups or worse from offerings in 160AB, 175LRAB and 162gr ELD-X.

Today I loaded up some 168gr LRX and 175 ELD-X to mag length and went to the range.

The LRXs keyholed. Barnes recommends a 1 in 8 twist and this rifle is 1 in 9...bummer. I knew this prior, but thought I'd check it and see if I could get lucky.

The 175gr ELD-Xs were much better than anything I had seen before from this rifle.

86gr of RL33 - 1" group
77gr of H1000 - 5/8" group
81gr of H1000 just a hair over an inch

I had my chrony setup but there was some fog rolling in and didn't get reliable readings. At least one shot from each of the best groups with each powder were in the mid 30--s, but unreliable with fog and flattening light.

I'm interested in what others have experienced with the Nosler rifles in 28 Nosler. Has anyone else had similar bad luck with factory ammo?

I likely won't chase speed in front of more H1000 until I can find more bullets, but it is intriguing.

How do these ELD-Xs perform on critters?

That group is closer to 3/4". I was going to write send it back to Nosler but that group shows promise. I was shooting one rifle and said mentally to myself G-dang the bullet holes aren't even touching how the hell can I sight in my rifle. On closer inspection it was a 1/4" group and I pronounced it good to go.

The bigger the case the less chance of hitting a good load on the first try IMO, I would try some slower powders and then tweak the seating depth. Or check seating depth first and then try some slower powders. But you could just stop where your at and be fine.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...true/my-divorce-from-nosler#Post15689017

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...-look-like-a-problem-or-not#Post15311876

For what it’s worth, my STW has shot its best groups with 7828 or RL26 with both 140 and 160 Accubonds. Both bullets shot sub moa with excellent velocity (it has a fast barrel). I’d try some different powder before calling the H1000 load good to go, particularly if velocity is not what you seek. Also, my Sako didn’t shine with factory ammo either.

My Nosler Liberty was a picky bastard too, though it’s chambered in 26N. Finally found a load but it’s the last M48 I’ll ever own. Hope you have better luck

I made some changes this week using 81gr of H1000 with 175gr ELD-Xs.

I seated deeper in increments of 0.015 and found some improvement. Speed was in the 3170s - 80s.



Next trip I'll stretch these out and see what happens at distance.

My goal is to make this rifle work with heavier bullets. If it won't, then my 280 Rem can shoot 140s plenty fast enough for what I would send them at.

I have some 175gr TSX loaded up that I was going to test yesterday, but ran out of time. The BC on those leave a little to be desired, but we'll see what happens.

Looking good!