28 Nosler vs 300 Win, Christensen Ridgeline....

[Milhouse58421]

Just looking for some opinions, I'm in line for a new Christensen, probably going to go with the Ridgeline. I'm a southpaw, FWIW, and have it narrowed down to either a 28 Nosler, or a .300 Win Mag. I may hunt elk with it someday, will definitely hunt whitetails with it, sometimes need to stretch out to some distance.... there's probably not an animal alive that one would realistically hunt with either caliber that would know the difference between them. Someone talk me into, or out of one or the other. It will get used more for whitetails or antelope a lot more than for an elk. I'm leaning towards the 28....I have handloading/ reloading equipment, but it's more for emergency situations. I pefer to just shoot premium factory ammo.

 

[huntnidaho]

More factory ammo options in 300 win. Longer barrel life too if you shoot a fair bit. The 28N is cool, but I think the 300 is a better option in your case. If you like a 7, why not the 7rm? Plenty for deer/antelope far out and mid distance on elk. Lots of factory ammo choices, better barrel life (than the 28), less recoil, etc. I have a ridgeline in 7rm and it's been a good rifle. Shoots 175/180s at 2950fps. Good performance even though it can't match a 28N. Nothing i've shot with it has gone further than 40-50 yards. Good luck with the decision and enjoy gun shopping!

 

[TNKnoxville]

Well I have both! My Browning XBolt Max Long Range in 300 Win Mag is a tack driver. Shot an elk this year. So I saw a Western Hunter Xbolt on a RMEF auction so I got it! I shot my first elk with a 28 Nosler and really liked it, could not find one in stock anywhere so I jumped on this one.

Don't need both but happy to have both....lol

Just waiting for the 28 N to ship so I can start breaking it in!

Splitting hairs on which is better! Better ammo selection with 300, less drop with 28 N. Good luck!!!!!!!

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

How far are you wanting to kill game (assuming skill set or working towards developing it)? There's more commercial options for ammo for the 300 WM than the 28 Nosler. What is your tolerance for recoil? The 28 Nosler will have about 16% more recoil in the same weight rifle. The 28 Nosler will also have a shorter barrel life which may or may not be an issue.

300 WM:
210 gr ABLR will hit 1800 fps @ 825 yards with 1514 ft-lbs.
200 gr ELD-X will hit 1800 fps @ 800 yards 1437 ft-lbs.
178 gr ELD-X will hit 1800 fps @775 yards 1272 ft-lbs.

28 Nosler:
175 gr ABLR will hit 1800 fps @ 1050 yards with 1256 ft-lbs.
162 gr ELD-X will hit 1800 fps @ 1025 with 1163 ft-lbs.

None of these values have been adjusted for environmentals nor a specific rifle.

 

[Milhouse58421]

All good points. I'm not a noob to any of this, I am aware the 28 will have a shorter barrel life.... and opinions vary on that. I would hope 1000 rounds would be within the realm of possibility, in a well taken care of barrel. That's a lot of shooting. It would easily get me through 20 years. By no means an only rifle, I currently own 6.5 cm, 243 win, 7-08, 270 win, 300blk, lots of 223/5.56, and have previously owned 7 rem mag, and 300, win mag.... along with a 416 ruger, that I never shot, regrettably. The 28 intrigues me, but I know the 300 would do whatever I would personally ask of it. To me, 500 ish yards is a pretty sensible limit on game animals. Most of my shots lifetime have been under 350.

I am in the firearms business, so I know all too well about ammo availability..... we're currently out of both. I'm usually going to be first in line when ammo is available though.

 

[Forest]

I just went with through the same decision. Not sure there is a right or wrong answer. I really wanted to go with the 28nosler but somewhat limited factory ammo was the deal breaker for me. It is getting better as it continues to gain popularity. If/when I start reloading my own and decide to do a build (so I can get the twist rate I want) ill do the 28n in a heartbeat. Factory twists and factory ammo led me to the 300 this time.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk

 

[FullValue]

Sounds like you are familiar enough in regards to different firearm/calibers ballistics etc. I've gone through the same thought process as you. I've had calibers that have intrigued me over the years and I have usually owned those calibers. I really liked the 300 RUM/7MM RUM and a few others. I reloaded my own bullets and killed animals and enjoyed the experience. That being said I have sold most of those and currently shoot 300win and 7mm along with smaller calibers. I own a couple Christensen Arms and for me they shoot really well. I still reload but they make some awesome factory ammo anymore so it is nice to be able to do either depending on my current circumstances. I know there are a lot of opinions on why you should choose one caliber over the next but in my experience when it comes to large calibers like you are talking about, it probably won't change your hunting abilities or outcome as long as you understand your equipment's capabilities. That being said I'd get what you want and make yourself happy. If you'll regret spending the extra money on factory 28 ammo and it pisses you off every time you have to buy it, I'd go the 300. But 300 quality ammo aint cheap either . Good luck.

 

[MThuntr]

For whitetails and antelope, I think you could really drop way down in "boom" factor and accomplish the same results and even have a longer lasting barrel.

I really like the idea of 28N but since you're preferring factory ammo that can be basically non-existent and lacking in bullet choice while 300WinMag has bases covered from light to heavy. Although right now is a terrible time to be ammo shopping.

Premium reloading components for the 28N are double or triple the cost of the 300WinMag. IMO, most guys aren't capable of shooting out to the ranges that the 28N outcompetes the 300Win and many will argue against the potential ethics but that's a conversation a shooter has to have with themselves.

 

[Laramie]

Based on your current arsenal, you don't "need" anything so why not get the cool new gun? The .28 really intrigues me as well. I limit myself to 500 so I don't need one but shooting steel at 1000+ sure is fun.

 

[SDHNTR]

the .300win is just so much more practical.

 

[Milhouse58421]

Yes, there is no "need factor" involved. I already own a Ridgeline in the 6.5, and it shoots better than I can. I just want something in another "class" from my current inventory. Being a newer caliber would normally concern me, and I usually stick with more traditional favorites. But 28 Nosler sales are getting big, at least around here.... and if that's any indication, which it usually is, ammo won't be an issue..... if the current situation rights itself any time soon. 300 Win has always been a strong seller, and does have a wide range of ammo available. I really think the 28 nosler market is going to take off. I have a hard time keeping them on the rack.

 

[davsco]

lefty here also, great that christensen has a decent variety of lefty's in other than super-basic calibers!!! i'm also trying to talk myself into the 28nos. i do have a tikka in 300wsm so there would be some duplication/overlap.

sure 28 ammo is more expensive but i can prob spend $500 on ammo and have it last me a lifetime. ammoseek shows a small but decent selection out there. but if you forget your ammo, prob won't find 28nos at the local walmart near your hunting spot...

if you or anyone buys a ridgeline in 28 nos, please report back with what ammo it likes (or doesn't).

good luck, other than ammo availability out in nowheresville, either cal will be good.

 

[danrobles1987]

I had a similar dilemma went with a 300 win mag as ammo is currently in short supply found it easier to get my hands on 300 win than 28 nosler.