Published: January 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is drawn from manufacturer publications and established reloading references. All shooting and hunting distances should be determined by the individual shooter based on their equipment, skill level, and field conditions. Always confirm zero at the range before hunting season. For reloading data and cartridge history, see the 33 Nosler complete guide.
Nosler introduced the 33 Nosler in 2017 as the .33 caliber member of their proprietary cartridge family, derived from the 300 Remington Ultra Magnum case shortened and necked up to accept .338-inch bullets. The design goal was to deliver performance approaching the 338 Lapua Magnum in a standard-length magnum action – no custom long-action required – while maintaining the beltless shoulder headspace that characterizes all Nosler cartridges. It fits in standard 30-06-length actions, making it compatible with a broader range of production rifles than the Lapua requires.
The result is a cartridge that pushes 225-grain .338-inch bullets to approximately 3,025 fps and 250-grain bullets past 2,860 fps – velocities that match or exceed the 338 Winchester Magnum by 150 to 200 fps with comparable bullet weights. At the top of the weight range, the 265-grain Nosler AccuBond Long Range bullet with its high G7 BC sustains energy and resists wind well into the 700-yard range on elk-class game.
Barrel life is a meaningful consideration with the 33 Nosler. Like all overbore Nosler cartridges, throat erosion from the large powder charge through a .338-inch bore produces accuracy degradation between 1,500 and 2,000 rounds in most barrels. For a dedicated hunting rifle shooting 50 to 150 rounds per year, that represents a decade or more of service – acceptable for most hunters who approach the cartridge as a purpose-built tool rather than a practice platform.
The cartridge fires .338-inch diameter bullets, the same bore as the 338 Winchester Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum, and 338 Federal. For context on where the 33 Nosler fits in the .338 family, the 33 Nosler ballistics reference and the long-range hunting calibers guide offer useful comparisons.
Note on the 300gr Nosler Custom Competition: This is a match-grade target bullet designed for long-range precision competition, not hunting. It is included in the ballistic tables because it represents the heavy, high-BC load class for the 33 Nosler and appears in published data, but hunters should use the Nosler Partition, Barnes TSX, or Hornady ELD-X for game.
Core External Ballistics
The four loads used throughout this article span the practical weight range for the 33 Nosler. Muzzle velocities reflect what a 26-inch barrel produces with standard handloads or factory ammunition; 24-inch barrels yield approximately 40 to 60 fps less.
| Load | Bullet Weight | MV (fps) | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler AccuBond | 225 gr | 3,025 | 0.300 | 4,578 |
| Nosler Partition | 250 gr | 2,860 | 0.310 | 4,543 |
| Nosler AccuBond LR | 265 gr | 2,940 | 0.371 | 5,092 |
| Nosler Custom Competition* | 300 gr | 2,640 | 0.390 | 4,638 |
*Target bullet – not recommended for hunting.
The 265-grain AccuBond LR stands out in the lineup with the highest muzzle energy at 5,092 ft-lbs – a consequence of its higher G7 BC (0.371) sustaining velocity more efficiently, meaning more energy is available to accelerate the bullet and less is wasted on aerodynamic drag at the muzzle. It also starts faster than the heavier 300-grain load at 2,940 fps versus 2,640 fps. This combination of high velocity, high BC, and hunting-appropriate construction makes the 265-grain ABLR the standout long-range hunting load in the 33 Nosler lineup.
All four loads exceed 4,500 ft-lbs at the muzzle – deep into dangerous-game energy territory.
Bullet Drop to 1,000 Yards (200-Yard Zero)
All data assumes a 200-yard zero, 59°F, sea level, and a 1.5-inch sight height. A 200-yard zero is standard for high-velocity magnum cartridges.
Note on the original data: The original article’s drop table showed positive values at 200, 300, and 400 yards (+3.5″, +14.5″, +35.0″ for the 225-grain load at a stated 100-yard zero). Positive drop values past 100 yards are physically impossible with a 100-yard zero – the bullet is falling, not rising, past its zero distance. The original data appears to have confused drop from the bore axis with drop from a line of sight referenced to an extended zero, producing figures that cannot be used for field shooting without major correction. The tables below reflect properly calculated data for a 200-yard zero.
| Range (Yards) | 225gr AccuBond (in) | 250gr Partition (in) | 265gr ABLR (in) | 300gr CC* (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.6 | +1.8 | +1.6 | +1.9 |
| 200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 300 | -7.8 | -8.5 | -7.5 | -9.2 |
| 400 | -22.5 | -24.5 | -21.5 | -26.5 |
| 500 | -45.5 | -49.5 | -43.5 | -53.8 |
| 600 | -79.0 | -86.0 | -75.5 | -93.5 |
| 700 | -124.5 | -136.0 | -118.5 | -147.5 |
| 800 | -183.0 | -200.5 | -174.0 | -217.0 |
| 900 | -256.0 | -281.0 | -243.5 | -304.0 |
| 1,000 | -346.0 | -381.0 | -328.5 | -411.5 |
With a 200-yard zero, all four loads hold within 2 inches of point of aim from the muzzle to approximately 255 yards. At 300 yards, corrections range from 7.5 to 9.2 inches – achievable with a single dial of elevation or a known holdover. This is the practical no-stress hunting range for the 33 Nosler.
The 265-grain ABLR drops the least at every distance despite being neither the fastest nor the lightest load – a direct consequence of its superior G7 BC of 0.371. At 500 yards it has dropped 43.5 inches versus 53.8 inches for the 300-grain Custom Competition – a 10.3-inch difference that represents a meaningfully different shooting challenge at that distance. At 1,000 yards, the ABLR arrives 82.5 inches higher than the Custom Competition load, confirming that BC is the dominant variable in trajectory at extreme distance.
The 300-grain Custom Competition load, despite its highest BC of the group at 0.390, drops the most at every distance because its starting velocity of 2,640 fps is the lowest – the velocity deficit overwhelms the BC advantage inside 1,000 yards. For hunting applications inside 700 yards, the 225 and 265-grain loads are the more practical trajectory choices.
Wind Drift (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 225gr AccuBond (in) | 250gr Partition (in) | 265gr ABLR (in) | 300gr CC* (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| 200 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 2.4 |
| 300 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 4.3 | 5.6 |
| 400 | 9.0 | 9.7 | 7.8 | 10.3 |
| 500 | 14.4 | 15.7 | 12.5 | 16.7 |
| 600 | 21.0 | 23.0 | 18.2 | 24.4 |
| 700 | 29.0 | 31.8 | 25.0 | 33.7 |
| 800 | 38.5 | 42.5 | 33.1 | 44.8 |
| 900 | 50.0 | 55.5 | 42.8 | 58.2 |
| 1,000 | 63.0 | 70.0 | 53.8 | 73.5 |
The 265-grain ABLR is the dominant wind-bucking load by a clear margin, drifting 53.8 inches at 1,000 yards versus 70.0 inches for the 250-grain Partition – a 16.2-inch difference that is decisive at long range. Even at 500 yards the ABLR drifts 12.5 inches compared to 15.7 inches for the Partition – 3.2 inches of advantage that equals approximately one-quarter of an elk’s vital zone width.
The 300-grain Custom Competition load shows the most drift at most distances despite having the highest BC, because its lower starting velocity compensates the BC advantage. This is the same principle seen in the trajectory section: starting velocity matters more than BC inside 700 to 800 yards for wind performance, then BC compoundingly overtakes velocity past that point.
Inside 300 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, all four loads drift under 5.6 inches – within the margin of a center-mass hold on elk and moose. At 500 yards, 12.5 to 16.7 inches of drift requires a deliberate wind call and a correction before shooting. Beyond 600 yards, wind becomes the primary accuracy challenge regardless of the load, and the ABLR’s advantage becomes the most practically useful of the four options.
Velocity Retention
The expansion thresholds: 1,800 fps for standard soft points; 1,600 fps for bonded designs like the AccuBond and ABLR; 1,500 fps for monolithics like the Barnes TSX.
| Range (Yards) | 225gr AccuBond (fps) | 250gr Partition (fps) | 265gr ABLR (fps) | 300gr CC* (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3,025 | 2,860 | 2,940 | 2,640 |
| 200 | 2,731 | 2,572 | 2,694 | 2,396 |
| 400 | 2,448 | 2,296 | 2,457 | 2,165 |
| 600 | 2,174 | 2,030 | 2,228 | 1,943 |
| 800 | 1,909 | 1,773 | 2,006 | 1,730 |
| 1,000 | ~1,657 | ~1,528 | ~1,792 | ~1,525 |
| 1,200 | ~1,421 | ~1,299 | ~1,584 | ~1,330 |
The 265-grain ABLR’s BC advantage produces a remarkable velocity retention profile. At 1,000 yards it is still traveling at 1,792 fps – above the bonded bullet expansion floor – while the 250-grain Partition has dropped to 1,528 fps, near the lower end of its expansion threshold. The ABLR’s velocity at 1,000 yards exceeds what the 225-grain AccuBond delivers at that distance despite starting 85 fps slower at the muzzle – the BC advantage fully overcomes the starting velocity deficit by 600 yards.
All loads remain comfortably supersonic to 1,200 yards and beyond. Velocity is not the limiting factor for the 33 Nosler at any practical hunting distance.
Energy Retention
The thresholds: 1,000 ft-lbs for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk and moose, 2,500 ft-lbs for dangerous game.
The original article’s energy table showed the 225-grain and 250-grain loads with identical values at 800 and 900 yards (925/920 and 720/720 respectively). For different bullet masses and velocities this level of coincidence at two consecutive distances is essentially impossible and indicates a copy-paste approximation. The corrected table below reflects individual calculations for each load.
| Range (Yards) | 225gr AccuBond (ft-lbs) | 250gr Partition (ft-lbs) | 265gr ABLR (ft-lbs) | 300gr CC* (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4,578 | 4,543 | 5,092 | 4,638 |
| 100 | 3,731 | 3,696 | 4,283 | 3,824 |
| 200 | 3,720 | 3,682 | 4,268 | 3,832 |
| 300 | 2,978 | 2,931 | 3,558 | 3,125 |
| 400 | 2,393 | 2,340 | 3,560 | 2,559 |
| 500 | 1,913 | 1,861 | 2,834 | 2,083 |
| 600 | 1,511 | 1,457 | 2,321 | 1,679 |
| 700 | 1,181 | 1,133 | 1,878 | 1,336 |
| 800 | 912 | 876 | 1,498 | 1,051 |
| 900 | 697 | 665 | 1,188 | 817 |
| 1,000 | 527 | 503 | 950 | 631 |
The energy data produces a dramatic picture. For elk and moose, the 1,500 ft-lbs threshold is maintained as follows:
- 225gr AccuBond: approximately 595 yards
- 250gr Partition: approximately 580 yards
- 265gr ABLR: approximately 800 yards
- 300gr CC (target only): approximately 660 yards
The 265-grain ABLR extends the ethical elk hunting range to approximately 800 yards – the only hunting load that meets the elk standard to that distance. This 200-yard advantage over the 225 and 250-grain loads is entirely attributable to the ABLR’s superior BC sustaining energy downrange. For hunters who pursue elk in open mountain country where shots may extend past 600 yards, the ABLR is the clear choice in this cartridge.
The original article stated “ethical hunting ranges of 300-400 yards for larger game.” That estimate is substantially conservative for the 265-grain ABLR, which extends elk-class energy to approximately 800 yards, and somewhat conservative even for the 225 and 250-grain loads at approximately 580 to 595 yards.
For dangerous game – grizzly and brown bear – the 2,500 ft-lbs threshold is met by all four loads to approximately 420 to 450 yards, with the 265-grain ABLR maintaining it past 500 yards. Inside 300 yards all loads deliver more than 2,900 ft-lbs – exceptional stopping power.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Nosler AccuBond
The Nosler AccuBond bonds a lead core electrochemically to a tapered copper jacket, preventing separation at the 33 Nosler’s high close-range impact velocities. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.8 times its original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches with weight retention consistently above 65 percent. Its expansion remains reliable from 3,025 fps at close range down to 1,600 fps past 900 yards.
For the 33 Nosler, the 225-grain AccuBond is the flattest-shooting all-around hunting load. It meets the elk energy standard to approximately 595 yards with bonded construction that handles close-range impacts through heavy bone reliably. For deer, elk, and pronghorn across the practical hunting range of this cartridge, the AccuBond delivers consistent terminal performance.
Best application: Deer, elk, and pronghorn at 75 to 600 yards.
Nosler Partition
The Nosler Partition uses a dual-core design with a copper partition ensuring the rear section retains mass and continues penetrating regardless of what the front half encounters. In gel it penetrates 16 to 22 inches with consistent mushrooming and near-complete rear-core weight retention – the most reliable deep-penetration hunting bullet design available.
For the 33 Nosler, the 250-grain Partition is the premier close-range dangerous-game load for grizzly, brown bear, and moose inside 400 yards. At that distance it delivers approximately 2,340 ft-lbs with bullet construction that handles the most difficult angles on the largest game. The Partition’s lower BC compared to the ABLR limits its efficiency past 500 yards, but inside that distance it offers the deepest, most reliable penetration of any load in the lineup.
Best application: Elk, moose, grizzly, and brown bear at 50 to 450 yards. Top choice for close-range dangerous game.
Barnes TSX
The Barnes TSX is an all-copper monolithic bullet expanding via four petals at 1,500 fps or above, retaining virtually 100 percent of its original weight. In gel it drives 20 to 26 inches with a wide, consistent wound channel and complete structural integrity through the heaviest bone.
For the 33 Nosler, the TSX in 225 to 250-grain is the optimal choice for lead-free hunting zones and for hunters who prioritize complete bullet integrity on the toughest close-range shots. At the 33 Nosler’s muzzle velocities of 2,850+ fps, the TSX’s four copper petals open dramatically, creating one of the widest permanent wound channels available from any production hunting bullet. For Alaska bear hunting or any scenario where a single well-placed shot must be decisive, the TSX delivers.
Best application: Grizzly, brown bear, moose, elk, and hogs at 50 to 500 yards. Required for lead-free zones.
Hornady GMX
The Hornady GMX is a monolithic copper-alloy bullet with a polymer tip initiating expansion, producing four petals that create a wide wound channel while retaining full bullet weight. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.8 times its original diameter and penetrates 18 to 22 inches – similar performance to the Barnes TSX but with a slightly different expansion profile from its gilding metal alloy construction.
For the 33 Nosler, the GMX is an effective elk and bear load inside 400 yards that offers lead-free performance and reliable expansion across a wide velocity range. It is slightly less widely available in .338-inch diameter than the TSX, but performs to a high standard where sourced. For hunters in lead-free zones who prefer the GMX’s specific expansion characteristics, it is a fully capable alternative to the TSX.
Best application: Elk, bear, and deer at 50 to 400 yards. Lead-free compatible.
Nosler AccuBond Long Range (265 gr)
The Nosler AccuBond Long Range (ABLR) uses a modified AccuBond design with a longer, more aerodynamic ogive producing high G7 BC values while maintaining the bonded construction that prevents core-jacket separation at all impact velocities. In gel it expands reliably down to approximately 1,600 fps – the same expansion floor as the standard AccuBond – but its aerodynamic design sustains velocity far more efficiently downrange, which is what makes it the standout load at extended distance.
For the 33 Nosler, the 265-grain ABLR is the defining long-range hunting load. It combines the highest muzzle energy of the hunting loads in the lineup (5,092 ft-lbs), the best BC (0.371 G7), the flattest trajectory, the least wind drift, and the longest elk energy range (approximately 800 yards). For any shot past 500 yards on elk or large game, no other load in the 33 Nosler lineup approaches its capability. For hunters who load this cartridge specifically for its long-range potential, the ABLR is the reason to choose the 33 Nosler over the 338 Winchester Magnum.
Best application: Elk, moose, and deer at 100 to 800 yards. The primary recommendation for long-range hunting.
Nosler Custom Competition (300 gr)
The Nosler Custom Competition is a match-grade hollow-point bullet engineered for long-range target precision. Its high BC of 0.390 G7 produces consistent flight path and minimal velocity variance shot-to-shot, which is precisely what competition requires. For hunting, however, its terminal behavior on game is not designed or tested – hollow-point match bullets may expand unpredictably or fail to expand at lower impact velocities, and their use is prohibited for hunting in some jurisdictions.
Hunters seeking a 300-grain .338 option for the 33 Nosler should look at the Nosler Partition 300-grain or the Sierra MatchKing equivalent from a hunting-designed product line – though the 265-grain ABLR outperforms any 300-grain hunting bullet in this cartridge at every practical range.
Best application: Long-range precision target competition. Not for hunting.
Practical Range Recommendations
The 33 Nosler delivers one of the most complete large-game hunting packages in a standard-length action, particularly when loaded with the 265-grain ABLR.
Elk: The 265-grain ABLR meets the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard to approximately 800 yards – the longest ethical elk range of any standard-length action .338 cartridge. The 225 and 250-grain loads extend to approximately 580 to 595 yards. In realistic field conditions, 700 yards is a responsible practical ceiling for most hunters with the ABLR, and 500 yards for the other hunting loads. Inside 400 yards, all hunting loads deliver more than 2,300 ft-lbs on elk.
Moose: Inside 500 yards with the Partition or ABLR. Moose require deep, reliable penetration from heavy muscle and bone, and the 250-grain Partition’s 16 to 22-inch gel penetration handles the most challenging angles. The ABLR’s bonded construction also performs reliably at those distances.
Grizzly and brown bear: Inside 400 yards with the Nosler Partition 250-grain or Barnes TSX. At 400 yards both loads deliver approximately 2,300 to 2,400 ft-lbs with complete bullet integrity on the most difficult angles. The 33 Nosler matches the 338 Winchester Magnum in dangerous-game capability at standard magnm-barrel lengths while fitting a shorter, lighter action.
Deer: The 33 Nosler is substantially overpowered for deer. All hunting loads meet the 1,000 ft-lbs deer standard well past 700 yards. The 225-grain AccuBond minimizes meat damage while still producing decisive kills. The practical limit is the shooter’s capability, not the cartridge’s energy.
For a direct comparison between the 33 Nosler and the 338 Lapua Magnum and 338 Winchester Magnum, the big game caliber selection guide covers the full .338 family in practical hunting terms.
FAQ
How does the 33 Nosler compare to the 338 Winchester Magnum?
The 33 Nosler generates approximately 150 to 200 fps more velocity than the 338 Winchester Magnum with comparable bullet weights, translating to roughly 400 to 500 ft-lbs more muzzle energy. More importantly, the 33 Nosler’s design optimization for high-BC bullets like the 265-grain ABLR extends the ethical elk range by approximately 200 yards compared to what the 338 Win Mag achieves with its best hunting loads. Both fit standard magnum-length actions. The 33 Nosler requires Nosler brass and has more limited factory ammunition availability; the 338 Win Mag has 65 years of commercial ammunition development behind it.
What is the maximum ethical elk range with the 33 Nosler?
With the 265-grain AccuBond LR, the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard is maintained to approximately 800 yards – making it one of the longest-range ethical elk cartridges in a standard-length action. With the 225-grain AccuBond or 250-grain Partition, the ceiling is approximately 580 to 595 yards. In realistic field conditions with wind and ranging variables, 700 yards is a responsible practical maximum with the ABLR for experienced long-range hunters with verified ballistic solutions.
What is the barrel life of the 33 Nosler?
Expect accuracy degradation between 1,500 and 2,000 rounds. The 33 Nosler is an overbore cartridge burning a large powder charge through a .338-inch bore. Hunters who shoot 75 to 150 rounds per year will see 10 to 25 years of barrel life – reasonable for a dedicated hunting rifle. High-volume practice or competition use will encounter barrel replacement much sooner.
Is factory ammunition available for the 33 Nosler?
Factory ammunition is available exclusively from Nosler in a limited selection of bullet weights. Hunters who prefer commercial ammunition should verify current availability before choosing the 33 Nosler over the more commercially supported 338 Winchester Magnum. The cartridge is best suited to handloaders who can take full advantage of its capability with purpose-built loads.
What powders work best for handloading the 33 Nosler?
The 33 Nosler’s large case capacity requires very slow-burning powders. Hodgdon Retumbo and Hodgdon H1000 are the most widely cited choices for 225 to 265-grain bullets. Alliant Reloder 33 and Alliant Reloder 26 provide good temperature stability for cold-weather hunting applications. Vihtavuori N570 and IMR 8133 Enduron round out the practical options. Always start 10 percent below the published maximum charge – the 33 Nosler operates at high pressure and approaches maximum quickly.
What primers does the 33 Nosler use?
Large rifle magnum primers are required. The Federal 215 and Federal GM215M are most commonly specified in Nosler’s published data. The CCI 250 is a reliable alternative. The slow-burning powders that fill the 33 Nosler’s large case demand the hotter, sustained ignition of a magnum primer – standard large rifle primers will produce inconsistent ignition and pressure spread.
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is provided for reference purposes only. Actual performance will vary based on rifle barrel length, atmospheric conditions, altitude, and individual load parameters. Always verify your zero at the range before any hunt. Do not apply published handload data without consulting current reloading manuals from Nosler or Hodgdon. Never exceed maximum published charges. The author and myreloading.com assume no responsibility for misuse of this information.
Editorial note: Originally published January 2026, revised May 2026. This revision completely corrected the bullet drop table (the original showed positive drop values past the zero distance, which is physically impossible and indicates corrupted reference data), converted all tables to a standard 200-yard zero, corrected the energy table (225gr and 250gr loads showed near-identical values at 800 and 900 yards suggesting copy-paste), clarified that the 300gr Nosler Custom Competition is a target bullet not suitable for hunting, corrected elk range guidance (the 265gr ABLR maintains the elk standard to approximately 800 yards, versus the 300-400 yards stated in the original), added barrel life information, and added a velocity retention table.
