Published: January 2026 | Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: All load data referenced in this article is drawn from published reloading manuals. The 33 Nosler operates at 65,000 PSI with very large powder charges. Always begin 10% below published maximum charges and work up carefully. Large rifle magnum primers are required. Never exceed published maximums. Monitor barrel temperature during extended sessions.
The 33 Nosler was introduced by Nosler in 2016 as the .338-caliber member of their rebated-rim cartridge family – the same design architecture as the 26 Nosler, 30 Nosler, and 28 Nosler. The case is derived from the .404 Jeffery family, necked to .338 inches with a rebated rim that allows the large-capacity case to feed from a standard long magnum bolt face.
The design goal was to approach 338 Lapua Magnum performance from a cartridge that fits in standard production long-action hunting rifles rather than the dedicated purpose-built platforms the 338 Lapua requires. Nosler accomplished this: the 33 Nosler pushes a 225-grain bullet to 3,025 FPS and a 250-grain bullet to 2,800 FPS from a 26-inch barrel, producing performance that closely approaches the 338 Lapua in a lighter, less expensive rifle system.
Technical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | 0.338 inches |
| Case Length | 2.590 inches |
| Overall Cartridge Length | 3.680 inches (max) |
| Case Capacity | ~106-108 grains H2O |
| Case Type | Rebated rim, non-belted |
| Parent Case | .404 Jeffery family |
| Rim Diameter | 0.534 inches (rebated) |
| Max Avg Pressure (SAAMI) | 65,000 PSI |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 225-300 gr |
| Muzzle Velocity (225 gr) | ~3,025 FPS |
| Muzzle Velocity (250 gr) | ~2,800-2,850 FPS |
| Muzzle Velocity (300 gr) | ~2,550-2,600 FPS |
| Muzzle Energy (250 gr) | ~4,352 ft-lbs |
The rebated rim headspaces on the shoulder – the same design advantage as the 30 Nosler – providing more consistent headspace than a belted case. Full-length size after every firing for reliable chambering. The 33 Nosler requires a shell holder specific to the Nosler rebated-rim family.
33 Nosler vs 338 Winchester Magnum vs 338 Lapua Magnum
This is the essential comparison for any buyer considering the 33 Nosler. Three .338-caliber cartridges spanning the spectrum from standard to ultra-magnum.
| Factor | 338 Winchester Magnum | 33 Nosler | 338 Lapua Magnum |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV (225 gr) | 2,800 FPS | 3,025 FPS | 3,100 FPS |
| MV (250 gr) | 2,660 FPS | 2,800 FPS | 2,900 FPS |
| Recoil (9 lb rifle) | 28-32 ft-lbs | 30-35 ft-lbs | 35-40 ft-lbs |
| Action required | Standard long | Standard long | Long magnum (AICS-type) |
| Case design | Belted | Rebated rim | Rebated rim |
| Factory ammo | Excellent | Limited (Nosler) | Good |
| Rifle selection | Excellent | Limited | Good |
| Barrel life | 2,500-3,500 rds | 1,500-2,500 rds | 1,500-2,500 rds |
| Effective range (elk) | 500 yds | 600 yds | 700 yds |
The 33 Nosler’s position is the middle ground: significantly more velocity than the 338 Winchester Magnum with marginally less than the 338 Lapua Magnum, in a standard long-action rifle rather than the heavier, purpose-built platforms the Lapua requires. For hunters who want .338 magnum-class performance without the weight and cost of a 338 Lapua platform, the 33 Nosler makes the argument.
Recoil
The original article’s 40 ft-lbs figure overstates the 33 Nosler’s recoil in a typical hunting rifle. In a standard 9-pound hunting platform, actual recoil is approximately 30-35 ft-lbs – comparable to the 338 Winchester Magnum in a lighter rifle of equivalent weight.
| Cartridge | Recoil (ft-lbs) | Rifle Weight (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 338 Winchester Magnum | 28-32 | 9.0 | Lighter rifle; same class |
| 33 Nosler | 30-35 | 9.0 | More velocity; similar recoil class |
| 338 Lapua Magnum | 35-40 | 12.0 | Heavier rifle; more power |
| 300 Winchester Magnum | 22-25 | 9.0 | .30-cal reference; less recoil |
A quality recoil pad is essential equipment with the 33 Nosler. Most dedicated builds include a brake or pad. For a hunter who is comfortable with the 338 Winchester Magnum, the 33 Nosler in a rifle of similar weight is manageable.
Twist Rate
| Twist Rate | Optimal Bullet Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1:9 | 250-300 gr | Best for heaviest hunting and competition bullets |
| 1:10 | 225-265 gr | Standard; handles main hunting weight range |
| 1:12 | 225-250 gr | Adequate for lightest loads only |
Most Nosler M48 production rifles use 1:10, which handles the 225-265 grain practical hunting range. For hunters who want to run 270-300 grain heavy bullets, 1:9 is preferable. A 26-inch barrel is the standard; the 33 Nosler’s very slow powders benefit from adequate barrel length.
Ballistics and Field Performance
Trajectory
| Distance (yards) | Velocity (FPS) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,800 | 4,352 | -1.5 |
| 50 | 2,716 | 4,093 | +0.4 |
| 100 | 2,634 | 3,849 | +1.1 |
| 150 | 2,553 | 3,615 | +0.9 |
| 200 | 2,474 | 3,395 | 0.0 |
| 300 | 2,321 | 2,994 | -5.8 |
| 400 | 2,174 | 2,627 | -17.5 |
| 500 | 2,032 | 2,294 | -36.2 |
| 600 | 1,897 | 1,997 | -63.2 |
| 800 | 1,641 | 1,494 | -149.0 |
250-grain hunting bullet, BC 0.550, 2,800 FPS muzzle velocity. 59°F, sea level, 1.5-inch sight height, 200-yard zero.
At 600 yards the 33 Nosler delivers 1,997 ft-lbs – well above the threshold for elk and moose. At 800 yards it is at 1,494 ft-lbs, still adequate for elk with quality bonded bullets and precise shot placement. The 33 Nosler’s practical elk hunting range extends to 600 yards with confidence, and to 700-800 yards in optimal conditions.
Reloading the 33 Nosler
Primers
Large rifle magnum primers are required. The large case volume with very slow powders demands maximum ignition energy.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | Top choice; hottest standard primer; slow powders |
| Federal GM215M | Large Rifle Magnum Match | Precision competition; lowest SD |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | Reliable; consistent; widely available |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Large Rifle Magnum | Dependable; good for hunting loads |
| Winchester WLRM | Large Rifle Magnum | Consistent; works with slow powders |
Cases
Nosler is the primary source. Norma produces .33 Nosler brass when available.
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nosler | Primary manufacturer; factory equivalent; good quality |
| Norma | Premium quality; available from specialty dealers |
The rebated rim requires a 33 Nosler-specific shell holder. Standard .338-caliber shell holders grip at a different rim dimension and will not position the case correctly.
Trim to 2.580 inches after each firing. Shoulder bump 0.001-0.002 inches for consistent headspace. Anneal every 3-4 firings. The large case at 65,000 PSI works brass hard.
Bullets
The 33 Nosler’s .338-inch bore accesses the same bullet library as the 338 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua Magnum. The practical hunting range is 225-265 grains.
| Bullet | Weight | Type | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler AccuBond | 225 gr | Bonded BT | Elk, large deer | Bonded; the lighter 33 Nosler option |
| Hornady ELD-X | 230 gr | Polymer Tip | Elk at range | High BC; controlled expansion |
| Nosler AccuBond Long Range | 225 gr | Bonded BT | Long-range elk; the Nosler reference load | High BC bonded; designed for 33 Nosler |
| Nosler AccuBond | 250 gr | Bonded BT | Elk, moose; standard hunting | Good BC; bonded; recommended for elk |
| Nosler Partition | 250 gr | Partition | Moose, bears; tough game | Maximum penetration; controlled expansion |
| Sierra GameKing | 250 gr | SBT | Elk, moose; general hunting | Accurate; reliable expansion |
| Hornady ELD-X | 270 gr | Polymer Tip | Large game at range | High BC; excellent retained energy |
| Barnes TTSX | 225 gr | Copper HP | Lead-free; tough game | Deep penetration; lead-free |
| Nosler Partition | 265 gr | Partition | Bears; dangerous game | Heavy; maximum penetration |
| Berger VLD Hunting | 300 gr | VLD | Long-range hunting | Highest BC option; 1:9 twist required |
Use bonded construction for all elk and larger game at 33 Nosler velocities. At 3,025 FPS with 225-grain loads, standard cup-and-core bullets can fail at close-range impact before achieving adequate penetration.
Powders
The 33 Nosler’s 106-108 grain case requires the very slowest available rifle powders. This is the same powder range as the 30 Nosler and the 300 Norma Magnum.
| Powder | Bullet Weight | Start Charge | Max Charge | Approx Velocity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H1000 | 225-250 gr | 88.0 gr | 98.0 gr | ~3,070 FPS | Top choice; excellent consistency; most data |
| Hodgdon H1000 | 250-265 gr | 86.0 gr | 96.0 gr | ~2,880 FPS | Good with heavier hunting bullets |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | 250-300 gr | 89.0 gr | 99.0 gr | ~2,870 FPS | Very slow; best case fill with heaviest bullets |
| Hodgdon Retumbo | 225-250 gr | 90.0 gr | 100.0 gr | ~3,050 FPS | Good with lighter hunting bullets |
| Alliant Reloder 33 | 225-265 gr | 89.0 gr | 99.0 gr | ~3,020 FPS | Temperature stable; top competition and hunting alternative |
| Alliant Reloder 26 | 225-250 gr | 88.0 gr | 98.0 gr | ~3,040 FPS | Temperature stable; good velocity |
| Vihtavuori N570 | 265-300 gr | 88.0 gr | 98.0 gr | ~2,840 FPS | Premium consistency; heaviest bullets |
| IMR 7977 Enduron | 225-265 gr | 88.0 gr | 98.0 gr | ~2,980 FPS | Temperature stable Enduron; reduced copper fouling |
| Hodgdon US 869 | 250-300 gr | 90.0 gr | 100.0 gr | ~2,840 FPS | Ball powder; excellent metering; very slow |
| Accurate MagPro | 225-250 gr | 87.0 gr | 97.0 gr | ~2,980 FPS | Ball powder; good metering; consistent |
| Norma MRP | 265-300 gr | 87.0 gr | 97.0 gr | ~2,820 FPS | Natural European pairing; good consistency |
All charge weights are reference figures. Verify against current Nosler, Hodgdon, or Alliant published data before loading. Begin 10% below listed maximums. Work up in 0.5-grain increments. Monitor barrel temperature during extended sessions.
Hodgdon H1000 is the starting point for 33 Nosler load development with 225-250 grain bullets. It fills the case well, produces consistent velocity, and has the most published data for this cartridge. Alliant Reloder 33 is the temperature-stable alternative for hunters who develop in one climate and use in another.
Practical Hunting Applications
Elk at Extended Range
The 33 Nosler’s 225-grain load at 3,025 FPS delivers approximately 2,000 ft-lbs at 600 yards – above the threshold for ethical elk hunting at that distance with quality bonded bullets and precise shot placement. For open-country elk hunters who routinely encounter animals at 400-600 yards, the 33 Nosler’s energy retention provides meaningful margin over the 338 Winchester Magnum.
Use the Nosler AccuBond Long Range 225-grain or Nosler AccuBond 250-grain – both designed to perform across the velocity range from close shots at 3,000+ FPS to 600-yard arrivals below 2,400 FPS.
Moose and Large Bears
With a Nosler Partition 250 or 265-grain at 2,800-2,850 FPS, the 33 Nosler is formidably capable on moose and large bears. The combination of heavy bullet weight and .338-inch bore diameter provides the penetration that North America’s largest game animals require. For brown and grizzly bear encounters inside 200 yards, the 265-grain Nosler Partition provides maximum penetration insurance.
Conclusion
The 33 Nosler fills a specific and defensible niche: .338 magnum-class performance that exceeds the 338 Winchester Magnum meaningfully and approaches the 338 Lapua Magnum closely, from a standard long-action hunting rifle rather than a dedicated precision platform.
For hunters who want the 338 Winchester Magnum‘s bore class with more velocity for longer-range elk and moose hunting, and who accept the constraints of Nosler-only factory ammunition and dedicated brass sourcing, the 33 Nosler makes its case. For hunters who can access the 338 Winchester Magnum‘s broader availability and find its performance adequate to 500 yards, the established cartridge remains the more practical choice.
For related reading, see 33 Nosler ballistics, 338 Winchester Magnum complete guide, 338 Lapua Magnum complete guide, and 30 Nosler complete guide.
Disclaimer: All load data in this article is for reference purposes only. Verify all charges against current published reloading manuals before loading. Large rifle magnum primers are required. Never exceed published maximum charges. Always begin 10% below listed maximums and work up while monitoring for pressure signs. Monitor barrel temperature during extended sessions.
Editorial note: This article was originally published in January 2026 and revised in April 2026. The revision corrected the recoil figure (original 40 ft-lbs overstated; actual 30-35 ft-lbs in a 9-lb rifle), added a three-way comparison table across 338 Winchester Magnum, 33 Nosler, and 338 Lapua Magnum across eight factors, corrected the ballistics table to 200-yard zero per site standard with data to 800 yards, the rebated rim shell holder requirement noted, a complete powder table with 11 powders and charge weight ranges, expanded bullet selection with 10 bullets and close-range bonded requirement at high velocity, and honest positioning relative to 338 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua Magnum.
