.30 Nosler Load Data

Introduced by Nosler in 2016, the .30 Nosler is a relatively new entry into the ever-popular realm of .30 caliber cartridges. It was designed to deliver magnum-level performance from a standard-length action, combining high velocity and flat trajectory for long-range applications. The cartridge draws upon the company's experience with previous high-performance rounds, namely the .26 and .28 Nosler, using a beltless, rebated-rim case based on the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum. The goal behind the development was to provide a cartridge that could outperform the .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum, and even rival the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum, but in a more efficient, modernized package with less powder consumption and bolt face standardization.

Thanks to its design, the .30 Nosler has found a strong following among discerning shooters and reloaders looking for both exceptional velocity and precision. This round is highly regarded for long-range marksmanship, where its superior ballistics and energy retention give it an edge over other .30 caliber options. It is a cartridge well-suited to both benchrest and practical field applications, proving itself in long-range shooting competitions and tactical scenarios. For reloaders, the .30 Nosler offers excellent case life and is forgiving in terms of neck tension and seating, facilitating consistency and reliability in custom loads without the belt found in earlier magnum designs.

In the hunting realm, the .30 Nosler’s versatility shines. Its powerful ballistics make it ideal for North American game up to and including elk and moose, while still providing the accuracy and punch required for ethically taking smaller game at greater distances. Reloaders often pair it with premium hunting bullets for deer, black bear, and even pronghorn, pushing the limits of effective range with confidence that on-target performance will be decisive. Importantly, this cartridge’s flat shooting nature allows hunters to confidently engage targets at extended ranges with reduced need for complex holdovers, making it especially appealing for those pursuing game in open country or mountainous terrain.

Typical bullet weights for the .30 Nosler generally range from 150 to 210 grains, with 180 and 200 grain projectiles being particularly popular among reloaders seeking the best balance of ballistic coefficient, retained energy, and terminal effect. Heavier bullets maximize the cartridge’s long-range potential and knockdown power, while lighter options deliver blistering speeds and flatter trajectories. The cartridge boasts a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi per SAAMI specs, and achieves velocities exceeding 3,200 fps with a 180 grain bullet in many factory loads. Designed for use in rifles with standard long actions, the .30 Nosler case is 2.555 inches in length and features a 35-degree shoulder angle, optimizing powder capacity and feeding reliability. Overall, the .30 Nosler has quickly built a reputation as a cutting-edge choice for reloaders who demand magnum power without excess size, weight, or recoil.