FAQ

Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

AccuBond® and AccuBond® Long Range share similar names and the same bonding technology, yet they are in fact two very different bullets designed for different applications.

The standard AccuBond® is designed to be a highly-accurate big game hunting bullet suitable for use on a wide variety of game. The AccuBond® Long Range is designed with the same purpose in mind, but we completely re-designed the AccuBond® Long Range to optimize Ballistic Coefficient and allow the bullet to expand over a much broader range of impact velocities than the original AccuBond®. Where the AccuBond® is designed to reliably expand at a minimum impact velocity of 1800 fps, the AccuBond® Long Range is designed to expand at a minimum impact velocity of 1300 fps. This allows the AccuBond® Long Range bullets to provide effective game-taking performance at ranges beyond which the AccuBond® would no longer reliably expand. It is important to note that the advantages of the AccuBond® Long Range don’t begin to play a role until the range begins to exceed 500 yards or impact velocity drops below 1800fps.

For applications where shots will range from zero to 400-500 yards, the AccuBond® is an excellent choice, but for applications where shot distances are beyond 500 yards, the higher Ballistic Coefficient and the enhanced expansion characteristics of the AccuBond® Long Range offer significant advantages.

The AccuBond® and Partition® are very similar in terminal performance, but they differ greatly in internal structure. The Partition® bullet is the original, controlled expansion, design created by John A. Nosler over 65 years ago. Long before the invention of bonding technology, the dual-core, partitioned jacket design of the Partition® bullet created the perfect blend of controlled expansion and deep penetration. The AccuBond® bullet was designed to mimic the on-game performance of the Partition® in a sleeker, more aerodynamic design by taking advantage of modern impact-extruded jacket design and bonding technology. Internally, where the Partition® features separate front and rear lead cores separated by an integral partition, the AccuBond® features a heavily tapered jacket and a single lead core which is permanently bonded to the jacket. Externally, the Partition® has a flat base and lead nose while the AccuBond® has a boat tailed base and a white polymer tip.

Both bullets are designed to be general-purpose hunting bullets suitable for all game animals. Both bullets are designed to expand into consistent mushrooms while retaining 65-70% of their original weight with proven performance over a wide range of velocities and game. Partition® users will not see a gain by switching to AccuBond® unless their particular firearm shoots them more accurately.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

AccuBond® and AccuBond® Long Range share similar names and the same bonding technology, yet they are in fact two very different bullets designed for different applications.

The standard AccuBond® is designed to be a highly-accurate big game hunting bullet suitable for use on a wide variety of game. The AccuBond® Long Range is designed with the same purpose in mind, but we completely re-designed the AccuBond® Long Range to optimize Ballistic Coefficient and allow the bullet to expand over a much broader range of impact velocities than the original AccuBond®. Where the AccuBond® is designed to reliably expand at a minimum impact velocity of 1800 fps, the AccuBond® Long Range is designed to expand at a minimum impact velocity of 1300 fps. This allows the AccuBond® Long Range bullets to provide effective game-taking performance at ranges beyond which the AccuBond® would no longer reliably expand. It is important to note that the advantages of the AccuBond® Long Range don’t begin to play a role until the range begins to exceed 500 yards or impact velocity drops below 1800fps.

For applications where shots will range from zero to 400-500 yards, the AccuBond® is an excellent choice, but for applications where shot distances are beyond 500 yards, the higher Ballistic Coefficient and the enhanced expansion characteristics of the AccuBond® Long Range offer significant advantages.

Because of the long ogive and soft nose of the AccuBond® Long Range bullets, standard seating stems in certain dies may leave a ring indentation at the nose after being seated. In some cases, it may even cause rippling in the nose and/or bullet run-out (banana shape) which causes inaccuracy. Forester, Redding and RCBS all provide specially designed seating stems that accommodate long ogive bullets such as the AccuBond® Long Range.

Nosler recommends starting load development with the AccuBond Long Range bullets at a depth that would result in a cartridge's SAAMI established maximum overall length. These bullets have a smooth junction of their bearing surface to the ogive. This tangent ogive design provides good accuracy without the need to be at or near the lands. Often, ABLR’s actually prefer at least .050” jump before making contact with the lands.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

The polymer tip contained in Nosler’s AccuBond®, AccuBond® LR, Ballistic Tip®, E-Tip® and Varmageddon® bullets have three main functions. First, it is meant to maintain sharp tip shape and not deform which is common on lead tipped bullets. Second, because of this sharp spitzer nose, the ballistic coefficient is improved for better long range accuracy. Third, the polymer tip acts as a wedge upon bullet impact which initiates expansion as the bullet penetrates; maximizing dependable and reliable would channel destruction. The tip does not melt away from the bullet while traveling through the barrel or before terminal impact. Based on a bullet traveling 3000 fps, it only takes 1/15000th of a second for a bullet to travel through a 24” barrel so there is little time for heat to affect the integrity of the bullet in any way. Most often, the tip “washes” away along with a partial amount of the nose of the bullet during expansion. 

The only thing different about the new Ballistic Tip® hunting bullet line is indeed, the new packaging. The bullet has not been redesigned so internal, external and terminal ballistics of Ballistic Tip® bullet performance will remain the same.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

All Nosler® Rifles are hand assembled at the Nosler® manufacturing plant located in Bend, Oregon using the finest components.

There currently are about 170 powders available to reloaders of which probably 30+ are suitable for any given load combination. We try to combine several well established powders with some of the newer introductions in our publishing of 10 powders per bullet weight.

Nosler® uses minimum spec. test barrels which are equivalent to the best custom barrels. These barrels produce maximum pressures and velocities so the data will be safe in any barrel. Factory production barrels are generally slightly looser and may or may not generate the same velocities at equal pressure. We have seen identical factory barrels vary as much as 150fps with the same load. Also, it is common for us to use 26” barrels (especially in magnum cartridges) to shoot load data which will also produce higher velocities when compared to 22” and 24” barrels.

Several factors contribute to variations in data. The hardness of different bullets affect how they obdurate to the bore which affects the drag. Different barrels can produce different results, test barrel vs. production barrel. Different lots of powder may produce variations, and different pressure measuring techniques may produce different results. All reloading data is a guide not an absolute and the reason it is recommended to start low and work up.

All compressed loads in any of Nosler’s published data are safe to shoot and are under SAAMI maximum recommended pressure. When seating the bullet on a compressed load, you will most likely hear/feel the crunching of powder granules – this is normal. As long as you are following Nosler’s load data requirements, compressed loads are safe to shoot. Like all Nosler load data, compressed loads are a well-balanced combination of powder burn rate, cartridge case capacity and safe pressures deemed by SAAMI.

There are several reasons.

1. Reduced charges of slow burning powders will not generate enough initial pressure to expand the case to seal the chamber; this allows the gas to flow around the case and into the rifles action and possibly the shooters face.
2. Reduced charges do not fill the case and depending on the powders position in the case, may allow the force from the primer to move the bullet into the bore before the powder starts to burn. This plugs the bore and can cause a catastrophic pressure spike when the powder does ignite.
3. A load that is not adequate to expel the bullet from the barrel can cause a bulged or burst barrel if another round is shot behind it.

Burn rate is the speed at which a powder consumes itself, generating gas to propel a bullet. The faster the burn rate, the less powder required to reach a specific pressure, also less gas is created to push the projectile. There are approximately 170 different powders available to reloaders. Depending on the cartridge case capacity, bullet weight and barrel length only a few powders will give optimum performance. Too fast a powder will yield low velocities and too slow a powder will not reach maximum pressures or velocities.

SAAMI is an industry sponsored organization which establishes the parameters for the production of Sporting arms and ammunition. They provide the industry with Min-Max specifications for chambers and ammunition so all products are interchangeable within their caliber/gauge. SAAMI does not address Mil spec or NATO cartridges.

SAAMI spec is the established Min-Max dimensions for cartridges and chambers so all manufactured products within a specific caliber/gauge are interchangeable.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

The BTLF bullet’s core is made of Fragmenting Copper which is much lighter than the traditional lead core. Since the caliber of the bullet cannot be altered, the only variable that can change to make up for bullet weight is adding overall length.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

The BTMZ bullet was designed specifically to be used with a sabot and at muzzleloader velocities within practical distances.

The Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullet is designed for rapid expansion on thin skinned game no larger than coyote. Varmint bullets are not designed to adequately perform on larger game.

Both bullets designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation on varmints. The Ballistic Tip® bullet features a polymer tip (color-coded by caliber) a thin, varmint jacket wall design, and a thick boat-tailed Solid Base®. The Varmageddon® bullet is available in two configurations, featuring either a metallic black polymer tip, or hollow point. All Varmageddon® bullets feature the same varmint jacket wall design as the Ballistic Tip® Varmint. The real difference between the two bullets lies in the base configuration. Where the Ballistic Tip® features a Solid Base® boat-tail, the Varmageddon features a flat-base design. Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullets do have an advantage because they can handle ultra-high velocities that can be credited to its proprietary thick copper base.

Both bullets are designed to deliver a tremendous amount of energy transfer on smaller animals. However, because of the thicker, boat-tail copper base of the Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullet, it is more robust in ultra-high velocity cartridges.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

The BSB bullet features a Protected Point design for reliable feeding in both bolt action and semi-automatic rifles.

The Custom Competition line of bullets was designed for maximized interior and exterior ballistic performance but not terminal ballistics.  We do not recommend Nosler’s Custom Competition™ bullets for hunting because their internal construction makes them unpredictable on how they’ll perform in a game animal (terminal performance).  Custom Competition™ bullets are manufactured in the traditional Cup and Draw method using copper strip to construct the bullet jacket.  The jacket wall thickness is consistent around the entire bullet, making for an accurate projectile.  Essentially, we are most concerned with everything the Custom Competition™ bullet does up until it hits the target but not afterwards. 

Nosler’s hunting bullets (Partition®, AccuBond®, AccuBond® LR, E-Tip®, Ballistic Tip® and Ballistic Silvertip®) are manufactured using an impact extrusion method which allows maximized internal, external AND terminal ballistics since we are very concerned with what our hunting bullets do before and after they hit the intended target. Custom Competition™ (Cup and Draw) bullets; great for targets, not on game.    

Long-for-caliber bullets (i.e. .22-69gr, .22-77gr and .22-80gr) need a faster twist rate in order to stabilize the bullet. Long-for-caliber bullets yield much higher Ballistic Coefficients making them popular with long range enthusiasts but they do require fast twist barrels in order to stabilize and shoot accurately. For example, a 22-69gr Custom Competition™ bullet requires a minimum twist rate of 1-9” to reliably stabilize and the heavier/longer 22-77gr bullet requires a minimum twist rate of 1-8”. Both of these bullets will stabilize with even faster twist rates (i.e. 1-7”) but not slower.

The vertical lines you may be seeing on the ogive of Custom Competition bullets are called lube fractures. They are caused by a forming lubricant in the dies, when forced at extreme pressure it flows between the copper jacket and the carbide forming dies creating those vertical lines. They are normal for cup-and-core bullet construction, and will not cause any change in ballistic coefficient, accuracy or general performance.

The E-Tip® bullet is a lead-free boat tailed design with an O.D. green polymer tip. The E-Tip® is approved for use in all lead-free areas, and is an exceptional big game hunting bullet. The E-Tip® is made from a solid piece of the same Copper-Alloy material that we use to manufacture the jackets of our AccuBond®, Ballistic Tip®, and Partition® bullets. The E-Tip® features our Expansion Control Ring (ECR™) and Energy Expansion Cavity™ (E2 Cavity™) which enable the E-Tip® to expand reliably upon impact, yet retain 95%+ weight for tremendous energy transfer and extreme penetration. The E-Tip® is suitable for hunting all types of big game, and provides enhanced game-taking ability to cartridges and calibers that would otherwise be considered light for large game animals. The tough, one-piece construction of the E-Tip® also provides enhanced performance in ultra-high velocity cartridges that can push lead-cored bullets beyond their recommended impact velocities. 

Due to copper being lighter (less dense) than lead, E-Tips will be longer than lead-core bullets of equal caliber and weight. For example, a 30 caliber, 180gr Partition® has an overall length of 1.260” where the 30 caliber, 180gr E-Tip® overall length is 1.464”. Because of the longer overall bullet length, E-Tips have more bearing surface in the rifling of the barrel, thus creating slightly higher pressures than lead-core bullets with equal powder charges. This is why Nosler recommends starting at minimum powder charges and working up carefully in ½ grain increments and never going past maximum powder charges.

Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

Often times, the first shot is loaded with the Partition® for maximum wound channel size while the remaining bullets in the magazine are Solids for follow up shots. Typically, the dangerous game animal is either running towards the shooter or away from the shooter after the first shot which provides a situation where the longest and straightest wound channel is needed to put the animal down which is where the Nosler® Solid™ excels.

The AccuBond® and Partition® are very similar in terminal performance, but they differ greatly in internal structure. The Partition® bullet is the original, controlled expansion, design created by John A. Nosler over 65 years ago. Long before the invention of bonding technology, the dual-core, partitioned jacket design of the Partition® bullet created the perfect blend of controlled expansion and deep penetration. The AccuBond® bullet was designed to mimic the on-game performance of the Partition® in a sleeker, more aerodynamic design by taking advantage of modern impact-extruded jacket design and bonding technology. Internally, where the Partition® features separate front and rear lead cores separated by an integral partition, the AccuBond® features a heavily tapered jacket and a single lead core which is permanently bonded to the jacket. Externally, the Partition® has a flat base and lead nose while the AccuBond® has a boat tailed base and a white polymer tip.

Both bullets are designed to be general-purpose hunting bullets suitable for all game animals. Both bullets are designed to expand into consistent mushrooms while retaining 65-70% of their original weight with proven performance over a wide range of velocities and game. Partition® users will not see a gain by switching to AccuBond® unless their particular firearm shoots them more accurately.

Because the rear lead core of a Partition bullet is only exposed to the extremely hot temperatures of burning powder for such a short amount of time, it does not have enough time to melt. It only takes 1/15000th of a second for a bullet to travel through a 24” barrel based on a bullet traveling 3000 fps.  

While the full metal jacket bullets are not intended for any kind of terminal performance, the hollow point handgun bullets are designed to expand and maximize a wound channel.

Often times, the first shot is loaded with the Partition® for maximum wound channel size while the remaining bullets in the magazine are Solids for follow up shots. Typically, the dangerous game animal is either running towards the shooter or away from the shooter after the first shot which provides a situation where the longest and straightest wound channel is needed to put the animal down which is where the Nosler® Solid™ excels.

Solid, or monolithic bullets, are designed for maximum penetration on dangerous game animals. The minimum caliber allowable for dangerous game animals is 9.3mm, or .366 caliber, which is why Nosler does not make Solid bullets in smaller calibers. Often times .375 is the minimum caliber allowable so please consult with your hunting professional when planning a dangerous game hunt.

Because of the solid brass alloy construction, Nosler® Solids are designed for modern rifles intended for use on dangerous game.

Both bullets designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation on varmints. The Ballistic Tip® bullet features a polymer tip (color-coded by caliber) a thin, varmint jacket wall design, and a thick boat-tailed Solid Base®. The Varmageddon® bullet is available in two configurations, featuring either a metallic black polymer tip, or hollow point. All Varmageddon® bullets feature the same varmint jacket wall design as the Ballistic Tip® Varmint. The real difference between the two bullets lies in the base configuration. Where the Ballistic Tip® features a Solid Base® boat-tail, the Varmageddon features a flat-base design. Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullets do have an advantage because they can handle ultra-high velocities that can be credited to its proprietary thick copper base.

Both bullets are designed to deliver a tremendous amount of energy transfer on smaller animals. However, because of the thicker, boat-tail copper base of the Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullet, it is more robust in ultra-high velocity cartridges.

Both product lines are offered in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W and 45 ACP but the real difference is the bullet design. Defense™ Ammunition is loaded up front with Nosler’s Bonded Performance™ bullets at +P velocities while Match Grade™ Ammunition is loaded up front with Nosler® Sporting Handgun™ bullets. Since the Bonded Performance™ bullet is bonded, it will yield higher weight retention and less fragmentation compared to the Sporting Handgun™ bullet line.

Both product lines are offered in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W and 45 ACP but the real difference is the bullet design. Defense™ Ammunition is loaded up front with Nosler’s Bonded Performance™ bullets at +P velocities while Match Grade™ Ammunition is loaded up front with Nosler® Sporting Handgun™ bullets. Since the Bonded Performance™ bullet is bonded, it will yield higher weight retention and less fragmentation compared to the Sporting Handgun™ bullet line.

Nosler® uses only the best components in all of our ammunition. This means the finest hunting bullets from Nosler® as well as Nosler® Brass. These components along with the tightest tolerances in the industry, translates into greater accuracy and terminal performance than standard hunting ammunition. There is also more labor involved in hand loading ammunition such as the case in NoslerCustom® Ammunition which results in consistency and maximized accuracy.

The importance of Safari Ammunition functioning properly on a dangerous game hunt is imperative. The nickel plated brass assists in smooth feeding, and the large Partition® and Solid™ bullets are constructed to match grade standards for increased accuracy and maximum terminal performance. Nosler’s Safari Ammunition is also handloaded for maximum reliability, consistency and accuracy.

Nosler uses only the best components in all of our ammunition. This means the finest hunting bullets from Nosler® as well as Nosler® Brass. These components along with the tightest tolerances in the industry, translates into greater consistency, accuracy and terminal performance than standard hunting ammunition.

Trophy Grade™ Long Range Ammunition is specifically loaded up front with Nosler’s AccuBond® Long Range bullet. The AccuBond® Long Range (ABLR) has the highest ballistic coefficient of any bonded, hunting bullet in the industry which allows for less wind drift and reduced drag in long range (400 yards +) shooting scenarios. See the AccuBond® Long Range bullet section for more information.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

Trophy Grade™ Long Range Ammunition is specifically loaded up front with Nosler’s AccuBond® Long Range bullet. The AccuBond® Long Range (ABLR) has the highest ballistic coefficient of any bonded, hunting bullet in the industry which allows for less wind drift and reduced drag in long range (400 yards +) shooting scenarios. See the AccuBond® Long Range bullet section for more information.

Yes you can. During checkout, select Store Pick Up as your shipping option.

Typically, orders are ready for pick up the following business day. Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm PST.

Our production times vary, sometimes seasonally on bullets, brass and ammunition. We encourage you to use back in stock product notification. You will receive an email stating that your desired item is back in stock.

Yes, we do. We are required by CA law to ship to an FFL dealer. You will be required to reach out to a local dealer an obtain a copy of their FFL license. All CA ammunition orders will only ship to an FFL.

We cannot ship ammunition to Alaska or Hawaii. Use our dealer locator to find a store closest to you.

No, we cannot ship ammunition to a PO box. It must be shipped to a physical address only.

Unfortunatley we do not ship retail orders to Canada. We recommend using our store locator to find a dealer near you.

We strive to ship all orders out the day after they are received. In certain extreme circumstances, it can take us up to 2 business days to get your order shipped.

We do accept returns. You must contact us first before shipping your item back or the package will be denied when received. After you’ve contacted us, we’ll email you instructions on making your return with an include RMA(Return Merchandise Authorization). Without this number, we will not accept your package.

Yes. When your return is received and processed, we will deduct 10% from the refund amount. This is to cover the initial shipping charges when the package was shipped to you.

Allow 7-10 business days from the receipt of your package for processing. If receiving a refund, allow for an additional 3-4 business to see your refund. This timing depends on your card issuing bank.

We accept returns within 60 days of purchase and refund 90% of the product total. Your refund will be equal to your order total – shipping – 10% restocking fee.

Unfortunately, we do not accept retail back orders on out of stock items. Please use the out of stock notification on the product page. When inventory is added, and email will be sent to you letting you know it’s back in stock.

Yes you can. During checkout, select Store Pick Up as your shipping option.

Typically, orders are ready for pick up the following business day. Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm PST.

Our production times vary, sometimes seasonally on bullets, brass and ammunition. We encourage you to use back in stock product notification. You will receive an email stating that your desired item is back in stock.

Unfortunatley we do not ship retail orders to Canada. We recommend using our store locator to find a dealer near you.

We unfortunately do not have access to Nosler’s production schedule so we are unable to predict when we will have more of a certain product. That being said, we do have a product alert  function on our website.

The inventory we are showing on our website is the inventory that we currently have in stock. If it’s listed as out of stock on the website, we are out of stock.

You must be logged into your account in order for the discount to activate. You should see that 10% off on all applicable products on the checkout page.

If you've just signed up for the discount and have submitted all required documents, approval can take up to 24 hours.

We strive to ship all orders out the day after they are received. In certain extreme circumstances, it can take us up to 2 business days to get your order shipped.

We accept returns within 60 days of purchase and refund 90% of the product total. Your refund will be equal to your order total – shipping – 10% restocking fee.

Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

Externally, they look the same except for the tip colors, Ballistic Tip® bullets are color-coded by caliber while all AccuBond® bullets have white tips. Internally the Ballistic Tip® is not bonded and is designed for controlled expansion on medium game with approximately 50-60% weight retention. Conversely, the lead alloy core of the AccuBond® is bonded to the jacket. This bonding increases weight retention (65-70%) and slows expansion resulting in deeper penetration and enhanced bone-breaking potential in larger animals.

AccuBond® and AccuBond® Long Range share similar names and the same bonding technology, yet they are in fact two very different bullets designed for different applications.

The standard AccuBond® is designed to be a highly-accurate big game hunting bullet suitable for use on a wide variety of game. The AccuBond® Long Range is designed with the same purpose in mind, but we completely re-designed the AccuBond® Long Range to optimize Ballistic Coefficient and allow the bullet to expand over a much broader range of impact velocities than the original AccuBond®. Where the AccuBond® is designed to reliably expand at a minimum impact velocity of 1800 fps, the AccuBond® Long Range is designed to expand at a minimum impact velocity of 1300 fps. This allows the AccuBond® Long Range bullets to provide effective game-taking performance at ranges beyond which the AccuBond® would no longer reliably expand. It is important to note that the advantages of the AccuBond® Long Range don’t begin to play a role until the range begins to exceed 500 yards or impact velocity drops below 1800fps.

For applications where shots will range from zero to 400-500 yards, the AccuBond® is an excellent choice, but for applications where shot distances are beyond 500 yards, the higher Ballistic Coefficient and the enhanced expansion characteristics of the AccuBond® Long Range offer significant advantages.

Structurally, they are the same bullet. The only difference between the two is that the CTBST has a silver colored tip and a black, Winchester® Lubalox® coating on the exterior of the bullet. Lubalox® is an oxide based coating which reduces fouling and allows for more firings between barrel cleanings. It does not reduce friction to the point where loads may be increased, nor does it build up in the barrel as Moly coatings do. Lubalox® does not leave residue nor create a coating on the bore. Normal cleaning procedures should be used with CTBSTs.

The polymer tip contained in Nosler’s AccuBond®, AccuBond® LR, Ballistic Tip®, E-Tip® and Varmageddon® bullets have three main functions. First, it is meant to maintain sharp tip shape and not deform which is common on lead tipped bullets. Second, because of this sharp spitzer nose, the ballistic coefficient is improved for better long range accuracy. Third, the polymer tip acts as a wedge upon bullet impact which initiates expansion as the bullet penetrates; maximizing dependable and reliable would channel destruction. The tip does not melt away from the bullet while traveling through the barrel or before terminal impact. Based on a bullet traveling 3000 fps, it only takes 1/15000th of a second for a bullet to travel through a 24” barrel so there is little time for heat to affect the integrity of the bullet in any way. Most often, the tip “washes” away along with a partial amount of the nose of the bullet during expansion. 

The Custom Competition line of bullets was designed for maximized interior and exterior ballistic performance but not terminal ballistics.  We do not recommend Nosler’s Custom Competition™ bullets for hunting because their internal construction makes them unpredictable on how they’ll perform in a game animal (terminal performance).  Custom Competition™ bullets are manufactured in the traditional Cup and Draw method using copper strip to construct the bullet jacket.  The jacket wall thickness is consistent around the entire bullet, making for an accurate projectile.  Essentially, we are most concerned with everything the Custom Competition™ bullet does up until it hits the target but not afterwards. 

Nosler’s hunting bullets (Partition®, AccuBond®, AccuBond® LR, E-Tip®, Ballistic Tip® and Ballistic Silvertip®) are manufactured using an impact extrusion method which allows maximized internal, external AND terminal ballistics since we are very concerned with what our hunting bullets do before and after they hit the intended target. Custom Competition™ (Cup and Draw) bullets; great for targets, not on game.    

Both bullets designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation on varmints. The Ballistic Tip® bullet features a polymer tip (color-coded by caliber) a thin, varmint jacket wall design, and a thick boat-tailed Solid Base®. The Varmageddon® bullet is available in two configurations, featuring either a metallic black polymer tip, or hollow point. All Varmageddon® bullets feature the same varmint jacket wall design as the Ballistic Tip® Varmint. The real difference between the two bullets lies in the base configuration. Where the Ballistic Tip® features a Solid Base® boat-tail, the Varmageddon features a flat-base design. Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullets do have an advantage because they can handle ultra-high velocities that can be credited to its proprietary thick copper base.

Nosler recommends starting load development with the AccuBond Long Range bullets at a depth that would result in a cartridge's SAAMI established maximum overall length. These bullets have a smooth junction of their bearing surface to the ogive. This tangent ogive design provides good accuracy without the need to be at or near the lands. Often, ABLR’s actually prefer at least .050” jump before making contact with the lands.

Solid, or monolithic bullets, are designed for maximum penetration on dangerous game animals. The minimum caliber allowable for dangerous game animals is 9.3mm, or .366 caliber, which is why Nosler does not make Solid bullets in smaller calibers. Often times .375 is the minimum caliber allowable so please consult with your hunting professional when planning a dangerous game hunt.

Because of the solid brass alloy construction, Nosler® Solids are designed for modern rifles intended for use on dangerous game.

Both bullets are designed to deliver a tremendous amount of energy transfer on smaller animals. However, because of the thicker, boat-tail copper base of the Ballistic Tip® Varmint bullet, it is more robust in ultra-high velocity cartridges.

Unfortunatley we do not ship retail orders to Canada. We recommend using our store locator to find a dealer near you.

We unfortunately do not have access to Nosler’s production schedule so we are unable to predict when we will have more of a certain product. That being said, we do have a product alert  function on our website.

The inventory we are showing on our website is the inventory that we currently have in stock. If it’s listed as out of stock on the website, we are out of stock.

Products are considered a "blem" when there is imperfections. This generally is discoloration on the bullet jacket or brass casing, or potentially some scratches and dents. There may even be some sizing differences. A blemished bullet could also have a cannelure or band. WE label these to be blem products becuase they did not pass Nosler's strict inspections process but are perfectly fine to load or shoot.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.

Nosler uses only the best components in all of our ammunition. This means the finest hunting bullets from Nosler® as well as Nosler® Brass. These components along with the tightest tolerances in the industry, translates into greater consistency, accuracy and terminal performance than standard hunting ammunition.

The importance of Safari Ammunition functioning properly on a dangerous game hunt is imperative. The nickel plated brass assists in smooth feeding, and the large Partition® and Solid™ bullets are constructed to match grade standards for increased accuracy and maximum terminal performance. Nosler’s Safari Ammunition is also handloaded for maximum reliability, consistency and accuracy.

Nosler® uses only the best components in all of our ammunition. This means the finest hunting bullets from Nosler® as well as Nosler® Brass. These components along with the tightest tolerances in the industry, translates into greater accuracy and terminal performance than standard hunting ammunition. There is also more labor involved in hand loading ammunition such as the case in NoslerCustom® Ammunition which results in consistency and maximized accuracy.

Trophy Grade™ Long Range Ammunition is specifically loaded up front with Nosler’s AccuBond® Long Range bullet. The AccuBond® Long Range (ABLR) has the highest ballistic coefficient of any bonded, hunting bullet in the industry which allows for less wind drift and reduced drag in long range (400 yards +) shooting scenarios. See the AccuBond® Long Range bullet section for more information.

Both product lines are offered in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W and 45 ACP but the real difference is the bullet design. Defense™ Ammunition is loaded up front with Nosler’s Bonded Performance™ bullets at +P velocities while Match Grade™ Ammunition is loaded up front with Nosler® Sporting Handgun™ bullets. Since the Bonded Performance™ bullet is bonded, it will yield higher weight retention and less fragmentation compared to the Sporting Handgun™ bullet line.

tridge and the particular bullet being used as ogive location is a large determining factor. If the ogive of the bullet is in the case neck, the cartridge is officially too short to be safely fired.

For official maximum and minimum cartridge overall length (COAL), please click on the following link for official SAAMI Cartridge and Chamber Drawings where you can choose from Rimfire, Pistol & Revolver, Rifle and Shotshell: http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/index.cfm. We have found that opening this link using Internet Explorer is the preferred search engine that communicates best with SAAMI’s website. 

Unfortunatley we do not ship retail orders to Canada. We recommend using our store locator to find a dealer near you.

We unfortunately do not have access to Nosler’s production schedule so we are unable to predict when we will have more of a certain product. That being said, we do have a product alert  function on our website.

The inventory we are showing on our website is the inventory that we currently have in stock. If it’s listed as out of stock on the website, we are out of stock.

Products are considered a "blem" when there is imperfections. This generally is discoloration on the bullet jacket or brass casing, or potentially some scratches and dents. There may even be some sizing differences. A blemished bullet could also have a cannelure or band. WE label these to be blem products becuase they did not pass Nosler's strict inspections process but are perfectly fine to load or shoot.

It is possible for a blemished bullet to have a different color tip than the standard issue Nosler first.