28 Nosler best powder

[Detour]

Recently purchased a Fierce firearms 28 Nosler . I have 40 rounds down the barrel, did break in exactly as suggested by MFG. Now I'm looking to start load development. This gun will be used for hunting elk out to 800 yards. My goal is to get a good hunting round (168 - 175 grn) shooting 1/2 MOA or less at 3100 fps or greater. I currently have some Nosler 168 ABLR, Hornady 175 ELD-X, and soon some 175 ABLR. For powders I have RL 33, Norma 217 and US869 (retumbo and H1000 are hard to find in my area, no stores have in stock currently). I don't have the time to go perform a ladder test on all the different powders and bullet combination. I'm looking for suggestions on what people are seeing for the best powder for bullets in this weight range. This will be my first attempt at the ladder test to find the best powder charge. Also how will temperature affect a ladder test on these powders? I will be doing this in 30 degree heat range, if I'm hunting in 60 degree range will the load totally change?
Thanks in advance for advice!

 

[Len Backus]

Moved to RELOADING forum.

 

[Dmagna]

Use re33, my advice is to stick to one combination and find the best load. If you mess around you will burn the barrel off of it before you find the load you want. I burn 87 grains of re33 with 195 Bergers. I use that load in two 28s I own.

 

[rld346]

I know you said you can not find H1000, but my hunting load with the Nosler 175 ABLR is 77.2 gr H1000. They were pushing 3050 fps. I've also had good results with Retumbo, which is also hard to find now.

 

[Jud96]

IMR 8133 and RL33 will do you well. IMR 8133 is temperature stable and very close to Retumbo in burn rate. RL33 is a little temperature sensitive but gives a little more speed over other powders.

 

[Kmccord]

I have not used anything below 180 gr bullets in my 28, but be very careful when using what others mention for there rifle, example dmanga mentioned 87 gr of RE33 in his with a 195 Berger, that combo will Pierce a primer in mine, it all depends on the throat you have. My combo for the 195 is 84.5 of RE33, that is the top side. I will also say RE33 is the most accurate in my rifle, check out Alliant page to see what they recommend for a bullet of your size.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I would look at a heavier bullet too. 180, 184, 195.
I use RL33 in the 28s I load for. Factory rifles can reach 3080 w. 195s fairly hot, but customs can get 3150+ w. 195s and more powder.

 

[JJMoody]

I am able to run a 180 at 3200 with Retumbo. Or a 143 HH at a mild 3500 with h1000. N565 could be another route to check out.

 

[Mram10us]

Here is a 3 shot group at 300. 175eh with r33. N570 is my powder for the 195s

 

[257Tony]

Never tried us869 or Norma 217 in mine, but rl33 was not temp stable at all. Gave great velocity and accuracy, but stiff bolt lift above 80 degrees.

If you can find h1000 or retumbo, id try 8133 next.

 

[7mmTikkaShooter]

No experience with the 28 Nosler but having used RL22, Retumbo, IMR 7977, and IMR 8133 developing loads for a 7RM and the 175 NABLR over the last few years, my first choice would be IMR 8133. Though all powders were able to generate good accuracy and velocity, my favorite has been the 8133. Showed the highest velocities, lowest e.s., and best temp stability. My temp testing is more anecdotal but there were certainly more noticeable velocity swings with the RL 22. However the 8133 and 7977 I have shot over a chrono in 85 summer temps and in the low 30's in the Fall with little discernible velocity variation. Have been able to put together sub 1/2 MOA groups with all of those powders. Like I said, if I was going to start a load development with a 28 Nosler I'd start at 8133 if you can find it.

 

[Detour]

Thank you for the advice and real world experiences. Giving me somethings to consider.

 

[gator378]

Here is a 3 shot group at 300. 175eh with r33. N570 is my powder for the 195s
View attachment 177866

That small enough shoot flies at 100.

 

[Josebigsky]

In my 28 I use RL33, 88gr with 175 Berger Extreme Hunters. I live in MT and hunt within the ranges you are stating.

Shot a bull last year with it. Effective terminal performance as well. Speed is 3150 with Magneto.