Disgrunted with Nosler Ammunition

[Ridge Runner]

Finally, the weather here gave way for me to get back to the range.

Last week I went to the range to get some shooting time in with my new 44 BFR, 458 Win Mag, and 375 H&H.

My 458 WM reloads have about +/- 60 fps variant: hi: 2105 fps low: 2045 fps.
Thinking and having read all the hoopla about how good factory Nosler ammunition is suppose to be, I bought 7 boxes. Every round dropped 6 to 12 inches below the 12 inch x 12 inch target at 100 yards and only 2 hit the bottom edge of the 12 x 12 inch target at 25 yards.

Set up the chronograph:
Nolser 500 grain solids (factory loads):
1. 2050
2.1970
3. 1965
4. Err
5. 1968
6. 1824

Nosler 500 grain softs/bonded (factory loads):

1. 2067
2. 2014
3. 1975
4. 1914
5. 1960
6. 1943

SO!, What is so great about Nosler factory loaded ammunition?

I even reloaded Nosler Bullets, (Solids, Dangerous Game, 500 grain), based on published Nosler reload Data and after talking with a Nosler for 20 minutes on the phone. My reload results were worse than the factory loaded ammunition.

So what's so great about using Nosler ammunition and reload data and bulltes, when spending thousands of dollars, traveling thousands of miles, for that once in lifetime shot to fall short, because Nosler ammunition and bullets are Suppose to be better(?)?

My next step is to get a box of Swift A frame to test. If the hype about Swift ammunition is anything like the hype about Nosler ammunition. I'm going to stick with the Hornady's and my reloads for my upcoming DG hunt. At least my reloads are more consistent on target.

 

[Dewald]

That is indeed very disappointing to hear. It just proves again that reloading is the way to go. To many glitches with various brands of factory ammo. That said, Federal and Norma still produce very reliable ammunition.

For an upcoming DG hunt load your own Woodleigh Hydros and A-frames and have the peace of mind that it will work.

 

[Dr Ray]

Try reloading using Woodleigh Bullets

 

[Red Leg]

My 7mm Oryx loads perform beautifully at the range and on game.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I neglected to say, according to the Nosler tech I spoke with convinced me that Nosler 458 WM ammo was averaged 2100 +/- fps. None of the 20 rounds I tested reached 2100 fps, only 4 rounds were over 2000 fps, fastest being 2072 fps. Allowing chronograph rating to be 3+/- fps degree of accuracy.

 

[Rocked and Loaded]

I neglected to say, according to the Nosler tech I spoke with convinced me that Nosler 458 WM ammo was averaged 2100 +/- fps. None of the 20 rounds I tested reached 2100 fps, only 4 rounds were over 2000 fps, fastest being 2072 fps. Allowing chronograph rating to be 3+/- fps degree of accuracy.

Aren’t many of the factory velocities for ammo based on tests from longer barreled test rifles? That could account for the tech’s optimistic figures.

 

[MMAL]

I bought two boxes of 458 Lott when that sale was going. I too was excited but got the same results. Box claimed 2300 FPS I believe. I didn’t get above 2050 using a blaser r8. They are in the ammo cabinet for practice only.

 

[bruce moulds]

there has been one on the forum with whom I disagreed about thepotential realities of factory ammo.
I rest my case.
bruce.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Interesting? I bought two boxes of their .458WM Nosler Partition ammo during a BOGO sale awhile ago. My CZ has a 25” barrel. Wonder if that would make a velocity increase difference? If not, maybe I’ll just use them on elk here or camels in OZ if I ever make it past the flying monkeys there?

 

[JimP]

Most ammo manufactures use a special test barrel and not even a rifle to test their loads in. Some will even go as far as using a 26" barrel.

I have never seen the ammo even coming close to what the factory says it will. That is also why they tell you that you need to sight your rifle in with the ammo that you are going to be using if you don't want any surprises.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I’ve never had any ammo be within 100 FPS of what the box says. From 9mm to 30-06

 

[sestoppelman]

I have only ever had Nosler ammo in 9.3x74r that I bought to shoot in a Ruger No.1. It does shoot lower than Hornady at 100 yds, but is still on the paper. It does group very well though.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Aren’t many of the factory velocities for ammo based on tests from longer barreled test rifles? That could account for the tech’s optimistic figures.

From what I gather as far as individual ammunition factories testing their ammo for ballistics:

They use various manufacturers' firearms to test various calibers o f ammunition being produced.

Barrel length also varies by caliber being tested. Generally: "big bore" and long range calibers are tested using 22 to 24 inch barrels. Also depending on caliber whether a bolt, single, double, semi auto or multiple types of actions are used during testing.

Quantity of ammunition can also vary from 10+ rounds to 100+ rounds to get an average.

 

[BeeMaa]

My 7mm Oryx loads perform beautifully at the range and on game.

OP is talking about Nosler.
Oryx is made by Norma.

It has been my experience that Norma is putting out a better loaded product than Nosler.

 

[Red Leg]

OP is talking about Nosler.
Oryx is made by Norma.

It has been my experience that Norma is putting out a better loaded product than Nosler.

Duh. You are correct. Not sure when I last fired any Nosler.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Interesting? I bought two boxes of their .458WM Nosler Partition ammo during a BOGO sale awhile ago. My CZ has a 25” barrel. Wonder if that would make a velocity increase difference? If not, maybe I’ll just use them on elk here or camels in OZ if I ever make it past the flying monkeys there?

CoElkHunter
I don't know if Skinnersblade told you we don't have a problem with flying monkeys in OZ because the sabre tooth field mouse keeps them under control but as CBH Chris said you do have to watch the drop bears and spending time with Bundy bear is likely to result in Headaches (hangover)
Cheers mate Bob

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Not quite reaching the advertised velocity is one thing. The extreme spread is what would bother me more. As someone else mentioned, time to load your own. Or have one the custom ammo manufacturers work up a load for you.

 

[Neale]

That is an extreme spread. Are you sure your chrony is working OK.
Mine plays up a bit on sunny days as the shades are not large enough.
Test with a packet of 22 bullets that have the published velocity on them. I find that 22 data is usuall pretty good.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Finally, the weather here gave way for me to get back to the range.

Last week I went to the range to get some shooting time in with my new 44 BFR, 458 Win Mag, and 375 H&H.

My 458 WM reloads have about +/- 60 fps variant: hi: 2105 fps low: 2045 fps.
Thinking and having read all the hoopla about how good factory Nosler ammunition is suppose to be, I bought 7 boxes. Every round dropped 6 to 12 inches below the 12 inch x 12 inch target at 100 yards and only 2 hit the bottom edge of the 12 x 12 inch target at 25 yards.

Set up the chronograph:
Nolser 500 grain solids (factory loads):
1. 2050
2.1970
3. 1965
4. Err
5. 1968
6. 1824

Nosler 500 grain softs/bonded (factory loads):

1. 2067
2. 2014
3. 1975
4. 1914
5. 1960
6. 1943

SO!, What is so great about Nosler factory loaded ammunition?

I even reloaded Nosler Bullets, (Solids, Dangerous Game, 500 grain), based on published Nosler reload Data and after talking with a Nosler for 20 minutes on the phone. My reload results were worse than the factory loaded ammunition.

So what's so great about using Nosler ammunition and reload data and bulltes, when spending thousands of dollars, traveling thousands of miles, for that once in lifetime shot to fall short, because Nosler ammunition and bullets are Suppose to be better(?)?

My next step is to get a box of Swift A frame to test. If the hype about Swift ammunition is anything like the hype about Nosler ammunition. I'm going to stick with the Hornady's and my reloads for my upcoming DG hunt. At least my reloads are more consistent on target.

Man are sure that chrono is working properly? I have heard of some issues with some factory ammo from time to time but the variances in velocities you have listed seem extreme to me.

Maybe I have been lucky? I would say to date all factory ammo I have used has performed pretty much flawlessly, from 308 to 458 Lott and I have never seen variances as you have mentioned when I have seen factory ammo velocities tested. And in some cases I have actually seen higher than advertised velocities.

Did you suggest to Nosler you want them to test the velocity of the rest of the ammo you have and you want your money back?

 

[Hogpatrol]

An option would be to adjust the scope and see if they're accurate. Ammo made on a machine shouldn't have that much spread. I question the chrono numbers. What brand and type was used?