Understanding the Powerhouse: The 28 Nosler and the 175gr ELD-X
The world of long-range shooting and hunting has seen remarkable advancements in recent years. Among the high-performance cartridges that have captivated shooters is the 28 Nosler. Known for its potent combination of speed, flat trajectory, and substantial downrange energy, the 28 Nosler, when paired with the right components, becomes a truly formidable tool. This article will delve into the intricacies of reloading this cartridge, specifically focusing on load data for the exceptional 175 grain ELD-X bullet, aiming to provide a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced reloaders.
The 28 Nosler, born from the lineage of the 404 Jeffery case, represents a bold step forward in rifle cartridge design. Its creation was driven by the desire for a cartridge that could deliver extreme velocity and exceptional ballistic performance. The end result is a powerhouse that excels in various applications, from hunting big game at extended ranges to precision long-range target shooting.
The heart of any successful load lies in its components. The Hornady 175-grain ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – eXpanding) bullet perfectly complements the capabilities of the 28 Nosler. This bullet is engineered for both high ballistic efficiency and controlled expansion upon impact. The design incorporates Hornady’s Heat Shield tip, which resists deformation due to aerodynamic heating, leading to a more consistent ballistic coefficient (BC) across the bullet’s flight. This translates into flatter trajectories, reduced wind drift, and greater retained energy at longer distances.
The ELD-X bullet’s secant ogive design, coupled with a high BC, helps minimize drag, allowing the bullet to maintain its velocity more effectively downrange. Moreover, the bullet’s construction is designed for reliable expansion at varying impact velocities. This ensures consistent terminal performance, maximizing the bullet’s effectiveness on game and targets. The combination of these features makes the 175 grain ELD-X an excellent choice for hunters pursuing large game animals and for shooters seeking exceptional accuracy at long ranges.
The Foundation of Success: Reloading Components and Safety
Before embarking on the journey of handloading for the 28 Nosler, it is essential to gather the necessary equipment and prioritize safety. Reloading is a rewarding endeavor, but it also requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of the process.
A well-equipped reloading bench is the cornerstone of safe and effective handloading. The essential tools include a sturdy reloading press, reloading dies designed for the 28 Nosler, a precision powder scale, a case trimmer, calipers for accurate measurements, a primer seating tool, and various other essential accessories. Investing in quality equipment can make the reloading process more efficient and also improve accuracy.
Brass preparation is a critical step in reloading. Whether using new or previously fired brass, proper preparation ensures consistency in performance. Start by inspecting the brass for any defects, such as cracks or damage. Cleaning the brass thoroughly is essential to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the loading process. Then, the cases need to be trimmed to the correct length, ensuring uniformity across all rounds. Deburring and chamfering the case mouths are also important to ensure smooth bullet seating and prevent damage to the bullet. Finally, prepare the primer pockets to receive the new primer properly.
The selection of powder is one of the most crucial decisions in handloading. The 28 Nosler thrives on powders that provide consistent performance and deliver optimal velocities. Some of the powders commonly recommended for use with the 175-grain ELD-X bullet include those offering slower burn rates, such as Retumbo, H1000, and Reloder 26. These powders are generally favored because they provide excellent velocities and can fill the case efficiently. It’s always advised to consult multiple reloading manuals and research to find which powder performs best in *your* rifle. Consider the temperature sensitivity of the powder, as this can affect performance in different conditions.
Primers play a significant role in ignition, impacting both accuracy and consistency. For the 28 Nosler, large rifle primers are typically recommended. Different brands and types of primers can slightly alter the load, so it’s crucial to stay consistent with the type of primer you’re using. Some reloaders find experimentation with different primer types to be another avenue to increase their accuracy, though this can be a more advanced technique.
The most important aspect of reloading is safety. Always wear appropriate eye protection when reloading. Handle powders and primers with care. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the build-up of fumes. Before starting to load any cartridges, consult multiple reloading manuals to verify safe starting loads. Always start with the lowest recommended powder charge and gradually increase it, carefully monitoring for pressure signs. Pressure signs can include flattened primers, hard bolt lift, or case head expansion. If you observe any signs of excessive pressure, stop immediately and reduce the powder charge. Accurate measurements are critical; always use a reliable powder scale to measure each powder charge precisely. Never overload a cartridge, as this can cause dangerous overpressure.
Crafting the Load: A Path to Excellence
Developing a safe and accurate load is a step-by-step process that requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. There is no substitute for safe practices.
Begin the loading process by carefully selecting your components and preparing your brass. With brass properly prepared, load a small batch of cartridges using the starting powder charge recommended in your chosen reloading manual or data source. It’s advisable to load a minimum of five rounds for your initial test.
Before firing any rounds, ensure you have a safe and controlled environment. Once you are at the range, carefully fire the initial batch of cartridges, paying close attention to any signs of pressure, such as flattened primers or hard bolt lift. Observe the target for group size and point of impact. If everything looks good, use a chronograph to record the velocity of each shot.
Based on the results of the initial test, adjust the powder charge as needed, increasing it in small increments, for example, half a grain. Repeat the shooting and observation process for each incremental charge, carefully noting changes in group size, point of impact, and velocity. Continue this process until you find the powder charge that produces the most accurate groups without showing any signs of excessive pressure.
Understanding the Numbers: Ballistics and Performance
The 28 Nosler, paired with the 175-grain ELD-X bullet, delivers impressive ballistic performance. Understanding the trajectory, wind drift, and retained energy is critical for making accurate shots at various ranges.
The ELD-X bullet’s high ballistic coefficient helps it to resist wind drift, giving shooters more confidence when shooting at longer ranges. Retained energy is another crucial factor. The 28 Nosler, with its velocity and the design of the bullet, retains a substantial amount of energy at longer distances, making it highly effective on game animals.
To fully appreciate the performance potential, let’s look at an example. With a muzzle velocity of approximately fps, a 175-grain ELD-X bullet launched from a 28 Nosler can still deliver a significant amount of energy at yards. The bullet drop is also remarkably flat, making it easier to compensate for the bullet’s flight path. Wind drift is also something to take into consideration, however the ELD-X bullet will minimize the effect of the wind.
These characteristics make the 28 Nosler with the 175gr ELD-X a powerful combination for hunting and long-range target shooting.
Beyond the Range: Hunting and Application
The 28 Nosler, with the 175-grain ELD-X bullet, offers hunters a potent tool for taking down big game animals. The bullet’s high ballistic coefficient ensures a flat trajectory, while its expanding design provides consistent performance upon impact. The high retained energy ensures sufficient penetration, even at extended ranges.
This combination is ideally suited for hunting various species, including elk, mule deer, and other large game animals. However, it is essential to select the appropriate bullet weight and construction based on the size and toughness of the game being hunted. Hunters should always prioritize ethical shot placement and understand the limitations of their equipment. Before going on a hunt, it’s advised to practice and to know your rifle and load extremely well.
Putting it All Together: Conclusion
Reloading for the 28 Nosler with the 175-grain ELD-X bullet provides shooters with a truly remarkable combination of accuracy, velocity, and long-range performance. By understanding the nuances of the cartridge, the capabilities of the bullet, and the intricacies of safe reloading practices, shooters can unlock the full potential of this exceptional pairing.
Remember that reloading is a process that requires meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to safety. Always consult reputable reloading manuals and data sources. Approach the development of your loads with patience and persistence. The rewards of a properly developed load include exceptional accuracy and the satisfaction of knowing you have crafted a load that is perfectly tailored to your rifle and your specific shooting or hunting needs.
Additional Advice:
Always start low, and work up in small increments. This is the golden rule of reloading.
Be sure to properly seat your primers.
Be sure to consult at least three reloading manuals for load data.
Enjoy the process, and embrace the journey of mastering the 28 Nosler.
