Two high power magnum rounds both used for similar tasks are the 33 Nosler and the 300 Win Mag. Both these cartridges were developed for hunting large game, however, the answer to which round is better is often unanswered. So in this article, we will look in depth at each cartridge and compare both rounds in depth.
Here is the short answer:
The 33 Nosler is a newer cartridge that offers faster velocities, flatter trajectory, and more energy than the 300 Win Mag. However, the 300 Win Mag is a more versatile cartridge that can be used for a wider range of hunting and shooting scenarios. IF you need a power cartridge, go with the 33 Nosler, if you want a versatile one, go with the 300 Win Mag.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their balistics, and how both cartridges compare in-depth.
In-depth Look at the 33 Nosler
The 33 Nosler was introduced in 2016 by Nosler for the purpose of hunting large game at long range. It is based on a dangerous game cartridge called the 404 Jeffery but necked down to accommodate a .338 caliber bullet. Necking down such a large case has the advantage of using a larger case capacity on smaller more efficient long-range bullets and it also reduces the recoil slightly.
The 33 Nosler is a cartridge best used for hunting large game such as elk, moose, bison, or grizzly bear at ranges beyond 500 yards. Compared to most other cartridges in its class, the 33 Nosler has better energy retention at long range and a flater trajectory.
However, this energy does come at the cost of recoil and barrel life. The 33 Nosler has a recoil that is too heavy for most shooters and takes training to shoot accurately. Additionally, due to the high pressure and velocity of this round, the 33 Nosler has a short barrel life of 500-1000 rounds depending on the ammo you shoot and how often you shoot.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 33 Nosler with a 265-grain Nosler Accubond:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2775 | 4531 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2716 | 4340 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2658 | 4156 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1 | 2600 | 3979 |
| 200 | -3.4 | 1.7 | 2544 | 3807 |
| 250 | -7.1 | 2.7 | 2488 | 3641 |
| 300 | -12.1 | 3.8 | 2432 | 3481 |
| 350 | -18.7 | 5.3 | 2378 | 3326 |
| 400 | -26.8 | 7 | 2324 | 3177 |
| 450 | -36.5 | 9 | 2271 | 3034 |
| 500 | -48 | 11.4 | 2218 | 2895 |
In-depth Look at the 300 Win Mag
The 300 Win Mag has been a popular cartridge for over half a century and is known for its versatility and long-range performance. It was introduced in 1963 by Winchester and has since become a favorite among hunters and shooters since.
The cartridge is based on a shortened and necked-down 375 H&H Magnum case and has a reputation for being a reliable and accurate cartridge. It can shoot a variety of bullet weights, ranging from 150 grains to 220 grains, making it a versatile choice for different hunting and shooting scenarios.
The best most common use for the 300 Win Mag is elk hunting as it is a cartridge that carries enough energy to effectively take elk at 600 yards but does not kick too much for most shooters to handle. However, the 300 Win Mag is not limited to just elk hunting as it is used to take animals as large as moose or as small as deer every year.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 Win Mag with a 180-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2960 | 3502 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2852 | 3250 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2746 | 3013 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.6 | 2643 | 2791 |
| 200 | -3.1 | 2.9 | 2542 | 2582 |
| 250 | -6.6 | 4.5 | 2443 | 2385 |
| 300 | -11.6 | 6.6 | 2346 | 2200 |
| 350 | -18.2 | 9.2 | 2252 | 2027 |
| 400 | -26.5 | 12.3 | 2160 | 1864 |
| 450 | -36.6 | 15.9 | 2070 | 1712 |
| 500 | -48.8 | 20 | 1982 | 1570 |
In-depth Comparison
When comparing the 33 Nosler and the 300 Win Mag, there are several factors to consider. The 33 Nosler is a newer cartridge and offers faster velocities and a flatter trajectory, making it a good choice for long-range shooting and hunting. However, its high recoil and limited bullet selection may make it less suitable for some hunting and shooting scenarios such as hunting deer-sized game or shooting for long periods of time.
The 300 Win Mag, on the other hand, is a more versatile cartridge that can shoot a wider range of bullet weights and is suitable for a wider range of hunting and shooting situations. It has a reputation for being reliable and accurate, and its lower recoil makes it a more comfortable cartridge to shoot.
In terms of availability and cost, the 300 Win Mag has a wider availability and is often less expensive than the 33 Nosler. It also has a wider selection of ammunition available, which can be a significant factor for hunters and shooters.
Conclusion
If you want a cartridge that can deliver high velocities with heavy bullets for long-range shooting, and you don’t mind paying a premium for proprietary ammunition and components, the 33 Nosler is the right choice for you. If you want a more established cartridge with a proven track record, a wider availability of ammunition and components, and you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of velocity with heavier bullets, the 300 Win Mag is the cartridge you should look at.