The 33 Nosler, introduced in 2016, is renowned for its high velocity and powerful performance in a rebated rim cartridge. Developed by Nosler, this cartridge was designed to provide ballistics rivaling the 338 Lapua Magnum but in a standard long-action platform by necking up the 300 Remington Ultra Magnum case to 0.338 caliber. It excels in long-range hunting for large game such as elk, moose, and bear, while also serving well in precision sport shooting scenarios. Its versatility stems from the efficient case design, which allows for high muzzle energies without excessive bolt thrust. This guide covers the caliber’s description, technical characteristics, twist rates, recoil, comparisons to similar calibers, applications, ballistics, reloading practices, and practical considerations, including comparisons to the 338 Federal and 338 Lapua Magnum.
Caliber Description
The 33 Nosler features a bullet diameter of 0.338 inches and a case length of 2.590 inches. Bullet weights typically range from 225 to 300 grains, with configurations suited to various purposes.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Used for training and target practice, offering reliable feeding and minimal expansion.
Hunting (Soft Point, Ballistic Tip, Hollow Point): These provide controlled expansion for ethical harvests on game animals.
Match-Grade: Designed for precision in competitive shooting, emphasizing accuracy over expansion.
This caliber utilizes slow-burning powders to achieve muzzle velocities around 3025 feet per second with 225-grain bullets. Compatible rifles include the Nosler Model 48, Christensen Arms Ridgeline, and custom builds on Remington 700 actions.
Advantages: High energy delivery for large game, flat trajectory for long-range shots, and compatibility with standard actions for reduced costs.
Disadvantages: Significant recoil that may challenge some shooters, limited factory ammunition availability, and higher component costs.
Comparison: Compared to the 338 Federal, the 33 Nosler offers higher velocities and energy but requires longer actions. Versus the 338 Lapua Magnum, it provides similar performance with less recoil and in lighter rifles.
Technical Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter (inches) | 0.338 |
| Case Length (inches) | 2.590 |
| Bullet Weight (grains) | 225-300 |
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2800 (250 grain) |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 4352 (250 grain) |
Twist Rate Overview
The 33 Nosler typically uses twist rates from 1:9 to 1:12, influencing bullet stabilization based on weight and barrel length. A 1:10 twist stabilizes lighter bullets effectively for long-range hunting, while faster twists like 1:9 accommodate heavier projectiles for maximum penetration.
| Twist Rate | Optimal Bullet Weight (grains) | Recommended Barrel Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 1:9 | 250-300 | 26-28 |
| 1:10 | 225-265 | 24-26 |
| 1:12 | 225-250 | 22-24 |
Recoil
The 33 Nosler generates approximately 40 ft-lbs of recoil energy in an 8-pound rifle, using the formula: recoil energy = (rifle weight in pounds / 64.34) * (recoil velocity in fps squared). This level is stout but manageable for experienced shooters, though it may fatigue novices during extended sessions.
Recoil Comparison:
Lower Recoil: The 338 Federal produces about 25 ft-lbs, making it more suitable for lighter builds or youth hunters.
Higher Recoil: The 338 Lapua Magnum yields around 50 ft-lbs with similar rifle weights, offering more power at the cost of increased kick.
This balance positions the 33 Nosler as a versatile option for those seeking performance without excessive punishment.
Recoil Comparison Table
| Caliber | Recoil (ft-lbs) | Rifle Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 33 Nosler | 40 | 8 |
| 338 Federal | 25 | 8 |
| 338 Lapua Magnum | 50 | 8 |
Caliber Comparison
Compared to the lighter 338 Federal, the 33 Nosler offers higher velocity and energy for extended ranges but with increased recoil. Versus the harder 338 Lapua Magnum, it provides similar ballistics in a standard action, though the Lapua excels in extreme long-range with higher pressures.
| Caliber | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Effective Range (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 Nosler | 250 | 2800 | 4352 | 600 |
| 338 Federal | 200 | 2630 | 3074 | 400 |
| 338 Lapua Magnum | 250 | 2900 | 4673 | 800 |
For more details, see 338 RCM and 338 Winchester Magnum.
Applications and Practical Use
Hunting: Ideal for large game like elk with 225-grain bullets, and bigger species such as moose with 265-300 grain options.
Sport Shooting: Excels in long-range competitions due to its flat trajectory.
Military/Self-Defense: Rarely used, as its power exceeds typical needs and may overpenetrate.
Recommendations:
Hunting: Opt for bonded bullets like the Nosler AccuBond for deep penetration.
Sport Shooting: Match-grade projectiles for consistent groups.
Training: Use economical FMJ rounds for practice.
Ballistics and Performance
For a 250-grain bullet:
Muzzle Velocity: 2800 fps
Energy: 4352 ft-lbs at muzzle, 3700 at 100 yards, 3120 at 200 yards.
Trajectory Drop: 1.5 inches at 100 yards (zeroed at 200), -6.5 at 300, -19.0 at 400.
Ballistic Coefficient (BC): 0.550
This setup ensures effective performance for hunting out to 600 yards. For a deeper analysis, see Ballistics of 33 Nosler.
Basic Ballistics Table
| Distance (yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Drop (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2800 | 4352 | – |
| 100 | 2600 | 3700 | 1.5 |
| 200 | 2410 | 3120 | 0 |
| 300 | 2230 | 2700 | -6.5 |
| 400 | 2060 | 2320 | -19.0 |
| 500 | 1900 | 1980 | -38.0 |
Note: Data for standard conditions: 59°F, sea level, sight height 1.5 inches, zeroed at 100 yards, 24-inch barrel.
Long-Range Performance
At 1000 yards:
Velocity: 1400 fps
Energy: 1080 ft-lbs
Drop: -350 inches
Wind Drift: 40 inches in 10 mph crosswind
These figures highlight its capability for extreme distances, rivaling larger magnums.
Factors Affecting Performance
Several elements influence the 33 Nosler’s ballistics.
Atmospheric Conditions: Higher altitudes reduce drag for increased velocity, while cold temperatures densify air and slightly decrease performance.
Powder Type: Slow-burning options like Retumbo optimize velocity without excessive pressure.
Barrel Length: Longer barrels (24-28 inches) enhance muzzle velocity by allowing complete powder burn.
Trajectory Calculation: Use the formula for drop: d = (1/2) * g * t^2, where g is gravity (32.2 ft/s²) and t is time of flight; for example, at 300 yards, drop approximates 6.5 inches when zeroed at 200.
Reloading
Reloading the 33 Nosler is economical given the availability of components and the potential for customized loads. Always adhere to SAAMI specifications for safety, starting at minimum charges and monitoring for pressure signs like flattened primers or sticky extraction. This caliber benefits from magnum primers to ensure consistent ignition with large powder charges. Case preparation involves trimming to 2.580 inches after resizing, and annealing every few firings to maintain neck tension. With proper techniques, reloaders can achieve velocities matching or exceeding factory loads while tailoring bullets for specific applications, such as varmint or big game hunting. Consult reliable manuals like those from Hodgdon or Nosler for data, and use a chronograph to verify performance. Additionally, due to the rebated rim, ensure dies are compatible to avoid feeding issues.
Primers and Cases
Primers for the 33 Nosler are typically Large Rifle Magnum types to handle the high-pressure loads. Cases are rebated rim brass, often from Nosler or Norma, with capacities supporting slow powders.
| Component Type | Common Brands/Markings | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | Federal 215M | Magnum loads |
| Primer | CCI 250 | Heavy charges |
| Case | Nosler | Factory equivalent |
| Case | Norma | High quality reloads |
Bullets
Popular bullets for the 33 Nosler include options from Nosler, Barnes, and Sierra, suited for hunting and precision.
| Bullet Brand/Model | Weight (grains) | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler AccuBond | 225 | Bonded | All-purpose |
| Barnes TTSX | 225 | Copper | Hunting |
| Nosler Partition | 250 | Partition | Deep penetration |
| Sierra GameKing | 250 | Soft Point | Big game |
| Hornady ELD-X | 270 | Polymer Tip | Long-range |
| Berger VLD Hunting | 300 | VLD | Precision hunting |
Powders
Suitable powders for the 33 Nosler focus on slow-burning types for optimal velocity with 225-300 grain bullets.
| Powder Brand/Marking | Suitable Bullet Weights (grains) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Retumbo | 250-300 | Heavy bullets |
| Hodgdon H1000 | 225-265 | High velocity |
| Alliant RL33 | 225-250 | Accuracy |
| IMR 7977 | 250-300 | Consistent loads |
| Vihtavuori N570 | 265-300 | Long-range |
| Ramshot Magnum | 225-250 | Versatile |
| Alliant RL26 | 225-265 | General use |
| Hodgdon H4831SC | 250-300 | Big game |
| Accurate Magpro | 225-250 | Hunting |
| Norma MRP2 | 265-300 | Precision |
Practical Considerations
Barrel Wear: High velocities accelerate erosion, so select stainless steel barrels and clean regularly.
Optics and Setup: Pair with high-magnification scopes (e.g., 4-16x) featuring ballistic turrets for precise adjustments at distance.
Conclusion
The 33 Nosler stands out for its versatility in hunting and sport shooting, offering high velocity and energy that excel on large game. Its advantages in long-range performance outweigh limitations like recoil and costs for dedicated enthusiasts. As cartridge technology advances, this caliber remains relevant for reloaders and hunters seeking power without magnum actions. Future developments may enhance its efficiency further.