Introduction
The Nosler Partition is a dual-core bullet designed for hunters who value deep penetration and controlled expansion. Introduced by Nosler, Inc. in 1948, based in Bend, Oregon, the Partition meets the needs of serious big game hunters with its innovative partitioned design.
Renowned for its legendary dual-core performance, the Partition delivers exceptional terminal performance, making it a top choice for ethical hunters targeting big game. Its versatile design ensures consistent results across varied hunting scenarios, from dense forests to open ranges.
- Caliber Range: Available from .224 to .458 inches, supporting cartridges like .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Weight Options: Spans 60 to 300 grains, with popular variants like 100-grain .243, 140-grain 6.5mm, and 180-grain .308.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for deep penetration and reliable expansion, ideal for big game in varied hunting scenarios.
Technical Characteristics
The Nosler Partition is crafted for hunters seeking unmatched precision and durability. Its dual-core construction and innovative features make it a standout in the field.
- Dual-Core Construction: Features a special lead-alloy core divided by an integral partition for superior mushrooming at various impact velocities, ensuring front-core expansion and rear-core retention.
- Fully Tapered Copper-Alloy Jacket: Tapered jacket ruptures instantly at the thin mouth but thickens gradually to control expansion and curl uniformly at high and low velocities.
- Integral Partition: Nosler’s integral partition supports the expanded mushroom and retains the rear lead-alloy core for deep penetration.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 1,800-3,050 fps, effective to 500+ yards with excellent stability.
- Heavy Jacketed Base: Heavy jacketed base prevents deformation during firing and acts as a platform for large-diameter mushrooming.
Reloading demands precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the Partition’s robust design excels in rugged hunts but requires careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.228 to 0.519, the Partition offers strong long-range stability and wind resistance, supported by high sectional density for deep penetration. Field tests show a 140-grain 6.5mm Partition achieving 0.5-0.8 MOA at 300 yards with ES/SD under 15 fps from a 1:8 twist barrel. The 100-grain .243 is ideal for deer and antelope, while the 180-grain .308 excels for larger game like elk or moose, retaining energy to 400 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key Partition variants from Nosler specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Nosler’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.224 | 60 | 0.228 | 0.171 |
| 0.243 | 85 | 0.315 | 0.206 |
| 0.243 | 95 | 0.365 | 0.230 |
| 0.243 | 100 | 0.384 | 0.242 |
| 0.257 | 100 | 0.377 | 0.216 |
| 0.257 | 115 | 0.389 | 0.249 |
| 0.257 | 120 | 0.391 | 0.260 |
| 0.264 | 100 | 0.326 | 0.205 |
| 0.264 | 125 | 0.449 | 0.256 |
| 0.264 | 140 | 0.490 | 0.287 |
| 0.277 | 130 | 0.416 | 0.242 |
| 0.277 | 140 | 0.432 | 0.261 |
| 0.277 | 150 | 0.465 | 0.279 |
| 0.277 | 160 | 0.434 | 0.298 |
| 0.284 | 140 | 0.434 | 0.248 |
| 0.284 | 150 | 0.456 | 0.266 |
| 0.284 | 160 | 0.475 | 0.283 |
| 0.284 | 175 | 0.519 | 0.310 |
| 0.308 | 150 | 0.387 | 0.226 |
| 0.308 | 165 | 0.410 | 0.248 |
| 0.308 | 170 | 0.252 | 0.256 |
| 0.308 | 180 | 0.361 | 0.271 |
| 0.308 | 180 | 0.474 | 0.271 |
| 0.308 | 200 | 0.481 | 0.301 |
| 0.308 | 220 | 0.351 | 0.331 |
| 0.323 | 200 | 0.426 | 0.271 |
| 0.338 | 210 | 0.400 | 0.263 |
| 0.338 | 225 | 0.454 | 0.281 |
| 0.338 | 250 | 0.473 | 0.313 |
| 0.358 | 225 | 0.421 | 0.250 |
| 0.358 | 250 | 0.446 | 0.278 |
| 0.366 | 286 | 0.482 | 0.305 |
| 0.375 | 260 | 0.314 | 0.264 |
| 0.375 | 300 | 0.398 | 0.305 |
Groups of 0.5-0.8 MOA achievable; excels to 500 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The Partition competes with Hornady InterBond (bonded polymer-tipped), Federal Trophy Bonded (premium bonded), and Federal Fusion (bonded soft-point). Its BCs (0.228-0.519) match Fusion (0.300-0.450) but trail InterBond (0.400-0.550) and Trophy Bonded (0.430-0.520). The Partition’s expansion is 5-10% more consistent than Fusion at low velocities (1,800 fps) but similar to InterBond in penetration. Against InterBond 140gr 7mm, the Partition 140gr 7mm drops 5% more at 400 yards; versus Trophy Bonded 180gr .308, it retains similar weight but penetrates 5% deeper. Advantages: legendary dual-core reliability, versatility. Drawbacks: slightly lower BC, more cost ($0.50-$0.80 per bullet).
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Partition | 0.224-0.375 | 60-300 | 0.228-0.519 | Dual-core bonded |
| Hornady InterBond | 0.224-0.338 | 80-220 | 0.400-0.550 | Polymer tip, bonded core |
| Federal Trophy Bonded | 0.277-0.338 | 130-200 | 0.430-0.520 | Polymer tip, bonded core |
| Federal Fusion | 0.224-0.338 | 90-200 | 0.300-0.450 | Bonded soft-point |
Field reports show Partition outperforming Fusion by 0.2 MOA at 400 yards and matching InterBond in penetration consistency.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 60gr .224 for varmints and small game;
- 100gr .243 for deer and antelope;
- 140gr 6.5mm for mid-range elk or bear;
- 150-180gr .308 for moose or large game;
- 300gr .375 for large game like moose.
Delivers 0.5-0.8 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for ethical kills.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Nosler’s reloading manual or website for Partition-specific data, as the lead-core design generates standard pressures similar to other jacketed bullets.
- Starting Charges: Begin at recommended loads for comparable lead bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to maximize accuracy, as the Partition’s profile is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light to medium crimp on the cannelure for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto or high-recoil rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to Partition weight (e.g., 1:12 for 60gr .224, 1:10 for 140gr 6.5mm) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 1,800-2,000 fps for reliable expansion, targeting extreme spreads under 15 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all hunting applications per design.
Conclusion
Nosler Partition is a legendary dual-core hunting bullet, offering a balance of expansion and penetration for big game. Its time-tested design and reliability make it a strong choice for hunters in diverse conditions. Visit official website.
