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Does the 33 Nosler create excessive meat damage on moose?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

The 33 Nosler cartridge is known to create significant meat damage on moose, primarily due to its high velocity and large diameter. This can result in deep penetration and a large wound channel, which may lead to excessive blood loss and damage to edible meat.

Cartridge Characteristics

The 33 Nosler is a high-performance cartridge chambered in a .33-caliber case, designed for long-range hunting of large game. It has a case length of 2.000 inches and a maximum case capacity of approximately 98.5 grains of H2O. The cartridge’s ballistic coefficient (BC) is around 0.675 for the 275-grain bullet, and its velocity is approximately 3,100 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle.

Wound Channel and Meat Damage

The 33 Nosler’s large diameter and high velocity create a significant wound channel in large game like moose. This can result in a wound channel that is approximately 6-8 inches in diameter and 12-18 inches in length, depending on the angle of entry and the animal’s size. The large wound channel can cause excessive blood loss and damage to edible meat, particularly if the bullet penetrates the vital organs.

Hunting Technique and Bullet Placement

To minimize meat damage when hunting moose with the 33 Nosler, hunters should aim for a shot placement that targets the animal’s vitals, such as the lungs or heart. A shot placement that is too far forward or backward can result in excessive meat damage. Additionally, hunters can use a bullet that is designed for controlled expansion and has a BC of at least 0.675 to minimize meat damage and achieve deep penetration.

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