I have decided I am buying a Nosler M48 Liberty in either 26 or 28nosler. I am having a hard time deciding which direction I should go. Mostly deer and black bear hunting with possible elk hunting down the road. I will be reloading for them so factory ammo won’t be a problem. What is the recoil like between the two? I am a little recoil sensitive and don’t want to run a brake, with that being said I’m worried about the 28. I am not worried about barrel life it will be a hunting rifle shot maybe 20-40 times a year after load development. I want to shoot 140gr Accubonds in the 26 and 160 in the 28. What’s everyone’s experience with these two rounds?

Side note seems the 28 is more popular than the 26 is that correct?

Thanks

Between those two, if elk were a possibility, I’d go with the 28.

Calibers aside, unless Nosler has changed the stocks they use on the 48, I'd look into other options. IMHO, the stock on the Nosler 48 feels like a club YMMV

And to answer the question of 26 or 28 Nosler - 28

If given the choice, I’d go with a .284 projectile 9 times out of 10.

For deer and blackbear? 140gr at 26 Nosler velocities is more than enough, and will shoot flatter, and will have less recoil than the 28 Nosler. While not ideal, A 26 Nosler will work just fine for elk, too.

How likely is that elk hunt? Personally, I wouldn’t step up to the recoil of a 28 Nosler just for a speculative elk hunt. Especially if the alternative is a 26 Nosler.

JMHO

28.

I have been putting in for the PA elk hunt lottery a couple of years now. Definitely would like to go out west for elk also. Will only be a few times in my life though. Mule deer and pronghorn are way more likely with family in Texas and New Mexico.

The 28 Nosler is wasted in a Nosler action. The magic happens with ultra high BC bullets like the 195 EOL seated long. Nosler’s actions won’t accommodate much more than SAAMI spec COALs.

The Classic Stock profile of the M48 produces a “snappy” recoil. If you’re sensitive to recoil, it’s not a stock you’ll enjoy. I own a M48 Liberty in 270 Beaver...Felt recoil of either a 26N or 28N will be more. 😎

7mm-08, 7mm RM, 28 Nosler- 195 EOL @ 3.78” COAL

I’ve had a 270 weatherby mag and 300wsm in the past so I’m assuming recoil on the 26 won’t be much different. 28 will definitely be a jump IMO.

74?

Yup!

👍

Nosler builds a crap excuse of a 28 Nosler it is an epic goat phuuck from the start
Great cartridge but they have not a clue as to how to package it in a rifle

I'd suggest finding a couple different chamberings for what you are looking for

I do have an older Remington 700 bdl 30-06 that I want to rebarrel to 35 Whelen. With that in mind the 26 is where I’m leaning for my go to deer rifle.

Lean towards the 6.5 Creed for your deer rifle....you have been led chose to drink if you like

Was able to handle the Nosler Liberty and Christensen arms Mesa at Cabela’s today. Nosler fits me better. If I had to complain the wrist area is a little large, but not a big deal. Christensen seems way to thin in the wrist and forend for my liking, but definitely a solid rifle. Going to call my local shop tomorrow and order a Liberty in 26.

You won't regret the 264 diameter, unless you mentally overthink things.

I have a 26 Nosler in the Nosler TGR Patriot. It is a killer with long range but it sure can ruin meat. I would advice you to center on the 28 Nosler as it is less destructive on tissue. I have a Fierce Fury Edge in a 28 Nosler and it causes less blood shot meat.

I like my 26, no more recoil than a 7 mag.

That’s what I wanted to hear. What rifle do you have it in?