We take a quick look at the big but nimble 33 Nosler cartridge.
In 2017, Nosler added its largest round to its family of cartridges—the 33 Nosler. The family was born in 2014 with the introduction of the 26 Nosler, followed by the 28 Nosler in 2015 and 30 Nosler in 2016.
The 33 Nosler shares the same parent case (.404 Jeffery) as the rest of the family but fires .338-caliber bullets. Like other Nosler cartridges, it’s designed with an overall length to function in standard .30-06-length actions. To prevent cross-caliber chambering, Nosler moved the 33 Nosler’s shoulder datum back, so it’s shorter than the 30 Nosler.
The 33 Nosler can propel a 225-grain AccuBond at 3,025 fps … and a 265-grain AccuBond Long Range at 2,775 fps. That’s 275 fps faster than the .338 Win. Mag. in the same length action and 25 fps faster than the .338 Lapua at the muzzle while burning 18 percent less powder.
The 33 Nosler is SAAMI approved and is supported with ammunition and components from Nosler. The water capacity is 94.6 grains, while the case weight is 281.8 grains with a primer installed. It’s chambered in the 26-inch-barrel Nosler Model 48 Patriot rifle.
33 Nosler Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
| Bullet (grains/type) |
Powder | Grains | Velocity | Energy | Source |
| 180 Accubond | RL17 | 79.5 | 3,391 | 4,594 | Nosler |
| 225 Spitzer E-Tip | FL | – | 2,975 | 4,437 | Nosler 40042 |
| 250 Partition | FL | – | 2,750 | 4,197 | Nosler 60134 |
| 300 HPBT Custom | FL | – | 2,500 | 4,343 | Nosler 60031 |
Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt of Gun Digest’s Cartridge’s Of The World.
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