28 Nosler - 24" Barrel 1:9.5 Twist

[MDLUCKY]

Hello All,

I decided I wanted to dip my toe into the 28 Nosler. I didn't want to go full custom, and found a good deal on a Bergara on gunbroker.

The item was described as a 26" barrel with a 1:9 twist.

What arrived was a 24" barrel with a 1:9.5 twist.

The seller is being great about it and willing to accept the return. The problem I'm having is I cannot find the HMR Pro in 28 nosler anywhere else. So if this rifle goes back then it's probably switch brands or go in another direction. I don't want to spend more than about what these HMR pros run...

I was really hoping to go with a 185g berger, and I was already a little worried about the 1:9 twist.

What are your thoughts? Am I going to regret it if I keep this rifle with the shorter barrel and twist? I'd love to shoot it and see how it does but then I've got a used rifle on my hands.

Would you keep a 24" 1:9.5 twist 28 nosler around, or keep looking for what I wanted with a 26" and at least 1:9 (prefer 1:8).

Thanks!

 

[B23]

The 28 Nosler is a pretty good size case and a 26in tube would be the bare minimum length I'd want and would actually prefer a 28 over a 26 even.

Even at the lowest elevations a 8.5tw should be plenty and even with a 9tw I don't think you'd be losing much BC.

 

[hogpatrol]

Friend of mine bought a Christensen Arms Mesa in 28 Nosler. First time out with Hornady factory ammo, hitting a six inch round gong at 500 meters shot after shot. Not that much different in price.

GunBroker.com - Error

 

[MDLUCKY]

Thank you everyone.

I'm going to ship it back and continue looking.

 

[FeMan]

Good call. If you shoot at high enough density altitude, that twist might work. I am at sea level and found a 9 twist would stabilize the 180 Berger's but not 180 ELDM. Id be very leery of a 9.5 twist unless you live and shoot at high elevations. My 8.5 twists stabilize those as well as the 190 Berger's at sea level fine.

 

[B23]

I don't know that a 28 Nosler is very long for barrel life so I'm not sure I'd want to do much searching around with different bullets and or load combinations. Something to think about before you take the leap.

 

[MDLUCKY]

Agreed B23 - this rifle will be a primary hunting rifle with rare range duty. I've got plenty of good target rifles in less barrel burning calibers for range days.

Really wanted to give Bergara a chance, but settled on a Christensen Mesa Long Range. With the sale price, I picked it up for a couple hundred bucks less than the Bergara. I've read a few concerns online with their quality control, but also have heard some good things... I'm sure it's like any company they have their jewels and they have their lemons.

This one has the 26" barrel and the 1:9 twist. Most of my hunting will be well north of 6,000 feet.