Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet Review

First Impressions of Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet – the very name evokes images of long-range accuracy, deep penetration, and the decisive taking of game. This bullet, a classic from Nosler, promises controlled expansion and weight retention, making it a favorite among serious hunters and marksmen who demand consistent performance. For years, I’ve relied on various projectiles, but the allure of the Partition’s legendary reputation and the need for a truly reliable .338 caliber bullet for an upcoming elk hunt drew me to explore its capabilities.

I was looking for a bullet that could deliver consistent terminal performance on large game at varying distances. I needed a projectile that wouldn’t disintegrate on closer shots, nor fail to expand at longer ranges. I’ve always believed in the Nosler brand, but had primarily used their AccuBond line.

Upon receiving the box of Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullets, I immediately noted the clean, consistent appearance of each projectile. The exposed lead tip and the signature partition line are visually distinct, speaking to the bullet’s unique construction. Holding one in my hand, it felt substantial, reassuringly solid.

I’ve used Hornady ELD-X and Barnes TSX bullets extensively in the past. The ELD-X excels in long-range accuracy but can sometimes be too explosive on closer shots. The TSX offers excellent penetration but can sometimes lack expansion, particularly at lower velocities. The Nosler Partition seemed to offer a balanced compromise between these two extremes.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Nosler Partition has a long and storied history, but I needed to see for myself if it lived up to the hype. It felt like a premium bullet, and I was excited to get to the range and, ultimately, into the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet at my local range, a facility with distances out to 500 yards. The weather was fairly typical for late fall – cool, with a slight breeze and intermittent drizzle. I wanted to see how they performed across a spectrum of distances.

The bullets loaded smoothly into my .338 Winchester Magnum, and the initial shots at 100 yards were promising, grouping within an inch. Moving out to 300 yards, the groups opened up slightly, but still held within 2 inches, which is more than adequate for my hunting needs. The consistency was what impressed me most.

I didn’t experience any issues during the first range session. There were no failures to feed or extract. The bullet seemed to perform as advertised right out of the gate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of range sessions and load development, I had put approximately 200 rounds of Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullets downrange. They consistently delivered excellent accuracy and predictable trajectory. I also tested them in simulated hunting scenarios.

I’ve noticed no signs of degradation or changes in performance over time. The bullets have remained consistent in their accuracy and terminal performance. I’ve kept them stored in a cool, dry place, and they show no signs of corrosion or other issues.

Maintenance is essentially non-existent with bullets themselves. Cases and the rifle barrel require cleaning, but the projectiles themselves are ready to load and shoot. Compared to my experiences with some cheaper bullets that exhibited inconsistent weights and dimensions, the Nosler Partition has been a dream to work with.

Breaking Down the Features of Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet

Specifications

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet is a time-tested design known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration. It features a flat base spitzer bullet design, a classic profile that enhances stability and accuracy. The bullet weighs 250 grains and is designed for use in .338 caliber rifles.

The partitioned core is the key feature, separating the front and rear lead cores. This design ensures that the front core expands rapidly upon impact, creating a large wound cavity, while the rear core remains intact to provide deep penetration. The fully tapered jacket controls expansion at various velocities. This allows the bullet to perform consistently on game at both close and extended ranges.

Performance & Functionality

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet excels in delivering controlled expansion and deep penetration, making it ideal for large game hunting. At close range, the bullet expands rapidly, transferring significant energy to the target. At longer ranges, the bullet still expands reliably, while maintaining sufficient momentum to penetrate deeply.

The strengths of this bullet lie in its consistency and reliability. It performs predictably across a wide range of distances and impact velocities. However, it’s not necessarily the most accurate bullet on the market for pure target shooting; other designs might offer slightly tighter groups at extreme ranges. Still, the trade-off for consistent terminal performance is well worth it for hunting applications.

The Nosler Partition more than meets expectations for a hunting bullet. It delivers the balanced performance of both expansion and penetration that I was looking for. It has become my go-to bullet for large game in my .338 Winchester Magnum.

Design & Ergonomics

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet has a traditional bullet design, with a flat base spitzer profile that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The materials are high-quality, with a consistently formed copper jacket and lead core. The bullet’s weight is consistent within a very tight tolerance.

The design is inherently user-friendly. There’s no complex loading procedure or special considerations required. It is very suitable for reloaders of any skill level.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that the Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet is a consumable projectile, durability isn’t a primary concern in the traditional sense. However, the robust construction ensures that it holds together during loading and firing, minimizing the risk of damage or deformation. In storage, these bullets are designed to last for years without degrading.

The lack of maintenance is one of the biggest appeals. Simply store them properly and they are ready to use whenever you need them.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet is compatible with standard reloading equipment and components. No specific accessories are required to load and use them effectively. However, optimal performance depends on selecting the right powder, primer, and case combination for your rifle.

There are no specific “customization options” for the bullets themselves. Handloaders can experiment with different seating depths and crimp pressures to fine-tune accuracy. The bullet is designed to work with a wide range of .338 caliber rifles and twist rates.

Pros and Cons of Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet

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Who Should Buy Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet?

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters who demand reliable terminal performance on large game. These projectiles are ideal for elk, moose, bear, and other similar-sized animals. They are also a good choice for hunters who may encounter shots at varying distances and need a bullet that will perform consistently.

Hunters primarily focused on varmint hunting or extreme long-range target shooting might find other bullets better suited to their specific needs.

A quality reloading setup, including a reliable scale, powder measure, and seating die, is essential for achieving optimal accuracy and consistency with these bullets.

Conclusion on Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet

The Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet is a classic for a reason. It delivers the balanced performance of expansion and penetration that serious hunters demand. Its time-tested design and high-quality construction provide consistent results in the field.

While not the cheapest option on the market, the reliability and terminal performance of the Nosler Partition justify the price for those who prioritize a clean, ethical kill. I’ve had great success with this bullet.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Nosler Partition .338 Caliber 250 Grain Rifle Bullet to any hunter seeking a reliable and consistent projectile for large game. Load them up, head to the range, and then get out there and fill your freezer! You will not be disappointed.