28 Nosler vs 300WSM for Elk

[rootacres]

If you reload there is no denying the ballistics of a 28 Nosler are damn good. If you don't ammo costs would be substantial. That said I still went with a 300 WSM. I can load up a 168gr TTSX for deer, 180gr Accubond for elk and 200gr+ if/when I go after moose. I just like the idea of using a 30 cal on elk.

 

[Dust Rider]

I had over 30 rifles at one time, collecting and just like long guns. I bought a Kimber Montana 300wsm about 10 years ago. Since then I have harvested elk, deer and antelope with the 300wsm. My long gun collection is now down to about 10 rifles. I sold off lots that didn't get used anymore due to that one rifle. Its hard to beat a 30cal and one that drops elk in their tracks at long range.

 

[DRUSS]

I just got a 28 Nosler but do own a couple different 300s. I stick to the old mantra of real elk guns start with a "3 ".
Please dont take this as nothing else is adequate. As I elk hunt with a bow a lot. so that should be understandable.
Any reason is a good reason for a new rifle though!

 

[fwafwow]

I've been looking at the Noslers, but do think about the ammo availability issue. Looks like it's Nosler only, other than Hornady for 162 grain 28 Nosler. Any word on possible other ammo manufacturers?

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[BurdockLeatherwood]

Well it’s decided, I’m going to pass on a new rifle and spend some money on what I have. I wish there were more options for aftermarket X-Bolt stocks, nice to see that Timney now makes a trigger assembly for them though. Thanks for the input everyone, you all helped me make up my mind and save me some cash that I can use for tags!

 

[BurdockLeatherwood]

If you reload there is no denying the ballistics of a 28 Nosler are damn good. If you don't ammo costs would be substantial. That said I still went with a 300 WSM. I can load up a 168gr TTSX for deer, 180gr Accubond for elk and 200gr+ if/when I go after moose. I just like the idea of using a 30 cal on elk.

I do reload my own ammo, been using 165gr SGK Hollowpoints and they do some serious damage! I have some Accubonds and TTSX’s on the shelf, will work on a load for them this winter. Do you mind sharing what powder you prefer to use with the 180’s?

 

[rootacres]

I do reload my own ammo, been using 165gr SGK Hollowpoints and they do some serious damage! I have some Accubonds and TTSX’s on the shelf, will work on a load for them this winter. Do you mind sharing what powder you prefer to use with the 180’s?

Not a problem. The 180s liked 60gr of RL17 and 62gr of H100V. I took my RL17 reloads to WY and took a muley with them. I came back and began working on a load with H100V. Both shot sub 3/4" @ 100 yds. Im sure with the right shooter that would be better. This was my first year investing a lot of time on the shooting bench (archery has been my main focus for years). The H100V yielded faster velocities that I will want for a trophy elk hunt I am going on in NM for 2020.

 

[BurdockLeatherwood]

Thanks for the info and good luck in NM, that’s on list of applications as well, maybe this will be the year!

 

[DRUSS]

I have had good luck with RL-22 and RL-17 in my 300wsm 180 accubonds/ballistic tips. my hunting budy uses H4350 with good groups 190gr berger. I am planning to try RL-16 as soon as it arrives. supposed to be more stable than 17/22.
Not sure which stock companies you have talked with but usually Oregunnsmithing (Wayne York) can make a stock for your rifle. I have a couple stocks from him, also MPI does a lot of specific builds.

 

[unclericco]

What is the correct answer? I love rifles and hunting, and I’ve built several rifles and beat myself up about “do I really need to build this rifle?”. The answer is always no at this point, but I enjoy load development and shooting my rifles and this is my hobby so I figured why not have every caliber I want? I have a couple of rifles I use strictly for elk, and couple that are strictly for deer and antelope. And a few that are strictly varmint rifles. So I say if you want a 28 then buy it? Don’t let someone else decide what you need

 

[unclericco]

I’ll also add that I have a 28 Nosler and that thing is a beast. Packing around a rifle looking for elk that will toss 195 Bergers at 3000-3100 FPS is a good feeling

 

[Forest]

I am in a similar situation. Buy another 300wm or give the 28 a try. Don't need either, but who doesn't want another gun. Always loved the STW and this would be virtually the same thing. Extremely flat shooting and enough power to knock anything down with good bullets. Not a lot of good heavy bullets out there that really would do this round justice though in my opinion. I am not a fan of the ABLR or bergers. Best options I see for it are 177 hammers, 168 LRX, or drop down to the 160gr accubond. Obviously endless options with the 300's. I might wait until I can get the new bergara in 28nos in my hands and see what it is like before making my decision....

 

[rootacres]

Thanks for the info and good luck in NM, that’s on list of applications as well, maybe this will be the year!

I just did some more testing and my rifle really liked 63grs of H100V behind the 180gr accubond. I averaged 2952 fps. The bullets were loaded to 2.830".

 

[Vinootz]

Since you already have a 300 WSM that you like and shoot well, stick with it. There is far too much overlap between these two calibers inside of 750 yards to make it worthwhile. That is unless you want to shoot elk and other animals even further.

Went through this myself over the past couple of months. I have a 300 Win Mag that flat out rocks but I want a new rifle. I looked at the 28 Nosler but couldn't do it as there was too much overlap with my 300 Win Mag. Also, I have a 6.5x284 for Coues and looked at the 6.5 PRC. Too much overlap there so that idea got scrapped.

If I was starting from scratch and wanted an elk gun, the 28 Nosler would be on my short list.

Overlap? 99% of the cartridges out there are over lap. Take a 30-06, .223,12 gauge and a 22LR and all that’s left is overlap.

 

[snowcamoman]

I've got serveral .300's and also the 28. I handload and my long range hammer is the 28. 195 Bergers at around 3200fps isn't a bad place to be sitting, unless it's in the crosshairs.

 

[J Dubaya]

Following...
Have 300 WSM B A-bolt and wanting CA Ridgeline Titanium in 28 Nos... Just hate to spend the doe if I will end up not being happy with it...

 

[AaronPage]

Following...
Have 300 WSM B A-bolt and wanting CA Ridgeline Titanium in 28 Nos... Just hate to spend the doe if I will end up not being happy with it...

I’m in a similar situation, currently shooting 300wm and looking into 28 nosler

 

[Runningwater]

Really no appreciable difference to an elk. Pick whichever is chambered for the rifle you like best.

 

[Jimss]

I use my 300 WSM for every species I hunt including deer, elk, mtn goat, moose, sheep, and antelope. Not sure why you would need anything else?

 

[hodgeman]

I love my 300WSM...if there's a downside, it's that it worked so well I quit looking at other guns.