.27 Nosler Load Data

The .27 Nosler is a relatively recent addition to the high-performance rifle cartridge market, first introduced by Nosler in 2020. Designed as part of Nosler’s growing family of proprietary cartridges, the .27 Nosler was developed to push the boundaries of the classic .270 caliber rifles. It builds upon Nosler’s previously successful large-capacity, high-velocity cartridge designs, such as the .26 and .28 Nosler. The .27 Nosler is based on the robust .404 Jeffery case, necked down to accept .277 caliber bullets, which are a popular choice for both hunting and long-range shooting. Its introduction represented a significant leap in velocity and energy over traditional .270 cartridges, such as the .270 Winchester and the newer .270 WSM, making it highly appealing to precision shooters and reloaders eager for the next evolution in .270 performance.

For application, the .27 Nosler was engineered to deliver extremely flat trajectories and high downrange energies, making it ideal for a variety of shooting disciplines. Hunters quickly recognized its potential for taking medium to large game at extended distances. The cartridge’s impressive speed and energy retention have made it particularly popular in open country scenarios, where long-range shots are more common and bullet performance at distance is critical. As a result, it has become a favorite among western big game hunters in North America, who pursue species such as mule deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Its adaptability also makes the .27 Nosler suitable for benchrest and precision target shooting, as shooters seek the combination of high ballistic coefficients and superior velocity the cartridge offers.

When it comes to target species, the .27 Nosler covers a broad spectrum. Its high-energy performance is well-suited for hunting nearly everything in the continental United States, excluding the largest game like brown bear or bison, though it could be pressed into service in a pinch with premium bullets. Most reloaders gravitate toward using it for deer, elk, black bear, antelope, and even some African plains game due to its effective terminal performance at long ranges. With the right bullet construction, it can humanely and reliably bring down targets at distances far beyond the reach of many legacy .270 cartridges, giving hunters greater confidence in making ethical shots even in challenging terrain or less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Typical bullet weights for the .27 Nosler range from 130 to 165 grains, with the most common choices being 140- to 150-grain offerings for a balance of velocity, ballistic coefficient, and terminal performance. Modern high-BC projectiles, such as the 150-grain AccuBond Long Range or the 165-grain Nosler AccuBond, are frequently selected to capitalize on the cartridge’s long-range potential. The .27 Nosler operates at high pressures, and its large case capacity demands careful load development and attention to detail during the reloading process—especially for those seeking to maximize both velocity and accuracy. Its relatively fast twist rate barrel, typically 1:8.5, allows it to stabilize heavy-for-caliber, high-BC bullets for extended-range applications. For experienced reloaders looking for a new challenge and those passionate about precision and performance in the field, the .27 Nosler stands out as a modern answer to the demands of today’s hunters and long-range shooters.