New Cartridge: .33 Nosler
Nosler has introduced a new rifle cartridge – the .33 Nosler. This is another cartridge of their .404 Jeffery based cartridge line. Earlier Nosler released .26 Nosler, .28 Nosler and .30 Nosler cartridges in 2013, 2015 and 2016 respectively. Nosler calls this new cartridge “the patriarch of the family”.
The new cartridge shoots .338 caliber projectiles and claims to deliver the same performance as the .338 Lapua Magnum. Particularly, it launches a 225 gr AccuBond bullet at 3025 fps and 265 gr AccuBond at 2775 fps. The advantage over .338 Lapua is that .33 Nosler fits standard (long) rifle actions. Below is the ballistic data comparing .33 Nosler to .338 Lapua Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum:
As in the case of other members of this cartridge family, Nosler has also launched a separate website dedicated to the .33 Nosler. The new cartridge will be SAAMI approved in the first quarter of 2017.
Nosler will also offer the following products related to the new cartridge:
Ammunition
- Trophy Grade (225 gr AccuBond)
- Trophy Grade LR (265 gr AccuBond)
- Match Grade (300 gr AccuBond)
Brass Cases
Rifles
Model 48 rifle in Custom, Liberty and Heritage configurations.
To me, the .33 Nosler looks to be a promising new cartridge because of its capability to duplicate the .338 Lapua Magnum in a much shorter package. However, as with all new cartridges, only time will show if it will catch up and become popular or will be completely forgotten.
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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The 33 Nosler is based on the same case as the 338 RUM, but is .26 of an inch shorter. I fail to understand the excitement unless action length is an issue.
Look up the "338 Abe Express" Randy Selby of Cody WY. built me a .338/404 30 years ago. I have killed at least 10 bull elk with it and several deer. 250 gr. Partition at 3,000 FPS. Great cartridge.