Has the 30 Nosler lived up to the hype?

[atl5029]

Now that the 30 Nosler has been around for a little while, I'm curious as to whether it has lived up to the hype or not. In a standard (24") barrel, does it really equal or exceed the muzzle velocity of the 300 Weatherby or 300 RUM, or is it really just more of a beltless 300 Win Mag? I'm considering the round for a future build (which I'll post about in the near future) and am wondering where the 30 Nosler really falls in the 30 cal magnum spectrum from 300 WSM to 300 RUM. I'm especially interested in how it performs with 200+ grain bullets.

And while we're on the subject, now that the 33 Nosler is out, is there any indication whether it really can match 338 RUM or Lapua velocities?

 

[Methow Packer]

Now that the 30 Nosler has been around for a little while, I'm curious as to whether it has lived up to the hype or not. In a standard (24") barrel, does it really equal or exceed the muzzle velocity of the 300 Weatherby or 300 RUM, or is it really just more of a beltless 300 Win Mag? I'm considering the round for a future build (which I'll post about in the near future) and am wondering where the 30 Nosler really falls in the 30 cal magnum spectrum from 300 WSM to 300 RUM. I'm especially interested in how it performs with 200+ grain bullets.

And while we're on the subject, now that the 33 Nosler is out, is there any indication whether it really can match 338 RUM or Lapua velocities?

What I've heard and read is the 30Nosler is better than 300 WM in several areas. Not to say the 300WM is poor. I love the cartridge. I own a good one. The 30 Nosler holds 4+ grains more powder. Depending on who you talk to. Has a very efficient powder column as does the 28 Nosler and the WSMs. People are reporting 3100FPS and more with the 215 Berger Hybrids. it has a more preferred neck length and seats on the shoulder like the RUM. It's stated that the case is more forgiving with powder choices. Inherent accuracy maybe. I'm building one myself. I had a hard time talking myself in to thinking that the 300 WM is similar. Splitting hairs maybe but there sure are some great reviews on the 30 Nosler.

 

[RedSnake]

Building one now too. Will report back

 

[adam32]

Broz did a good side by side review with a .300 winny...I don't believe he'll be selling his .300 winnys for the Noslers...

 

[atl5029]

I believe I read that a while back. That's why I'm asking now that it's been out a little while longer. I'm wondering if there is any more first hand evidence that it is way out ahead of the 300 Win Mag, or if his assessment still holds.

 

[WeiserBucks]

I shoot with a guy that had a nosler built .His rifle is a full custom , Defiance, Proof Research, Manners . It's everything you could ask from a 30 , but my WM leaves nothing to be desired, we shoot side by side at the range. Last time out , I had 3 hits on steel at 1127 vs his zero. It'll be a learning curve for him and I'm sure the results will justify the expense, but it's not enough for most to dump their WM'S .

 

[Deleted member 46119]

not enough for most to dump their WM'S

That is the thing to take away from this.

If you have a WM, there is no reason to change.

If you are looking for something in that class then the Nosler is worth considering. The WM is worth considering the WSM is worth considering. I think the RUM is too much of s step up to be in the same class.

I have a Wby instead of a WM and a WSM and a 30/26-Nosler and a RUM. Which is my favorite? What this week, last week or next week. I love them all for what they are.

 

[HARPERC]

Equal ballistics.

Supply side favors the Win-Mag.

Wouldn't jump over a good one of either, to get to the other.

 

[Gord0]

You may get an extra 50fps out of the 30 Nosler...MAY. if you size a win mag correctly it headspaces off the shoulder, not the belt. Brass is better, and in better supply for the win mag. You will be able to seat a nosler out farther with a shorter OAL so if you have a short magazine it may be worth it to you.

 

[sable tireur]

we shoot side by side at the range. Last time out , I had 3 hits on steel at 1127 vs his zero.

Maybe he needs a little more practice at shorter ranges? Some folks don't shoot larger capacity cartridges as well as slightly milder cartridges. I see this frequently.

Of course there's more in the supply line for the .300 Win. Mag. It's had 50+ years of development while the 30 Nosler has had what, 2 years?

The difference between these cartridges is what works for the shooter. I've been using the Win. Mag. for a couple of decades in 3 or 4 different variations depending on what configurations the military came up with. When the rifle and the shooter are up to it, it will perform admirably. Change either one and the potential goes down.

I have shot the .300 Weatherby for nearly as long as the .300 Win. Mag. I have one rifle which I favor, chambered for this cartridge for hunting. It performs like it's an extension of me.

I have skipped the 30 Nosler in favor of the .300 Norma Magnum. Yes, it has a larger diameter rim and body. No, I didn't like the 20-degree shoulder so I had another reamer made with a 30-degree shoulder instead. No, I don't dislike the Nosler, it just came late to the party.

I also shoot the .300 H&H in a Classic Mauser hunting rifle.

I have built and shot the .300 RUM which is a fine cartridge if someone would make some great brass for it.

Currently, I'm working with a .300 WSM in a short action, lightweight rifle for some hunting in difficult terrain.

Do I have a favorite? Nope.

Regards.

 

[HARPERC]

....I also shoot the .300 H&H in a Classic Mauser hunting rifle.....

Which will still launch 200 grain bullets 2900 +

 

[atl5029]

You may get an extra 50fps out of the 30 Nosler...MAY. if you size a win mag correctly it headspaces off the shoulder, not the belt. Brass is better, and in better supply for the win mag. You will be able to seat a nosler out farther with a shorter OAL so if you have a short magazine it may be worth it to you.

I'm curious as to how you size belted brass to headspace off the shoulder. Please elaborate.

 

[cape cove]

Do the same as you would for a non belted case. Adjust your sizer die down until it pushes the shoulder back appx ,002 -.003 and it will then headspace off the shoulder and not the belt. Hornady makes a good tool to measure this.

 

[Gord0]

Do the same as you would for a non belted case. Adjust your sizer die down until it pushes the shoulder back appx ,002 -.003 and it will then headspace off the shoulder and not the belt. Hornady makes a good tool to measure this.

This. I've been neck sizing lately and am on my 5th reload running the 200gr eldx at 2925 with no issues chambering. Eventually I'll have to fl size and then I'll bump it .002