History

The hunt that inspired John Nosler to create the Partition® bullet

The hunt that inspired John Nosler to create the Partition® bullet.
In the fall of 1946, a stubborn, mud-caked Canadian moose failed to go down despite a well-placed shot from John Nosler’s .300 H&H. On the way home, John began thinking of a bullet that would perform reliably every time, no matter the size of the game or shot angle.

The first test of the Partition® bullet

John experimented with bullet design, settling on a unique dual-core bullet—the first Partition®. That fall, John and his friend Clarence Purdie each dropped a moose with one shot using the new bullet.

The Nosler Partition Bullet Company was founded in Ashland, Oregon by John A. Nosler.

Nosler Partition Bullet Co. moved to a 6,000 sq. ft. building in Bend, Oregon.

The Zipedo® bullet was introduced using John’s impact extrusion method to produce extremely concentric bullet jackets, optimized for a wide range of uses.

Nosler Partition Bullet Co. became Nosler Bullets, Inc.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. acquired partial ownership of Nosler Bullets, Inc., enabling Nosler to invest in revolutionary impact extrusion technology and drive brand expansion.

Impact extrusion technology was implemented for the Partition® bullet.

The Solid Base® bullet was introduced, featuring a thick, solid base and tapered jacket for excellent aerodynamics and terminal performance.

Federal Cartridge Company commercially loaded Nosler bullets for the first time.

Reloading Guide #1 was released.

Reloading Guide #2 was released.

Nosler® Bullets, Inc. moved to its current location in Bend, OR.

The Ballistic Tip® bullet was introduced—a hyper-accurate bullet combining the Solid Base®’s expansion and penetration with a color-coded polymer tip.

Nosler® Bullets, Inc. returns to family ownership. 

Reloading Guide #3 was released.

Nosler Bullets, Inc. became Nosler, Inc.

Reloading Guide #4 was released.

Nosler and Winchester formed the Combined Technology® (CT®) alliance to produce innovative bullets blending in-flight and terminal performance.

Reloading Guide #5 was released.

The AccuBond® bullet was introduced, combining the Partition®’s penetration with Ballistic Tip® accuracy.
The Custom Competition™ bullet was introduced.

The NoslerCustom® brand was launched, featuring premium ammunition, brass, and rifle product lines.

Reloading Guide #6 was released.
Model 48 Rifles named "Best of the Best" by Field & Stream.
The E-Tip® Lead-Free bullet was introduced.
John A. Nosler received the NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award.

The Nosler Solid™ bullet was introduced.

NoslerCustom® Trophy Grade™ Ammunition and the Model 48 Varmint Rifle were introduced.
The Ballistic Tip Lead-Free™ bullet was launched.

The Trophy Grade™ Rifle debuted and was named "Best of the Best" by Field & Stream.
Trophy Grade™ Lead Free Varmint Ammunition named "Best of the Best" by Field and Stream.

Model 48 Sporter won the Gray’s Best Award™ from Gray’s Sporting Journal.

Nosler® & Benjamin® introduce the Ballistic Tip® eXTREME Air Rifle bullet.
Founder John A. Nosler passed away on 10/10/10.

The Nosler Trophy Grade™ Rifle received the American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award for "Rifle of the Year."
The Varmageddon® bullet and ammunition were introduced.

Nosler Safari™ Ammunition was introduced.

Nosler gains ISO 9001:2008 certification.

Bob Nosler was elected to the NRA Board of Directors.

The Model 48 Professional Rifle and Varmageddon™ AR Rifle were introduced.
Reloading Guide #7 was released.

Nosler® Match Grade™ Handgun and Defense Ammunition were introduced.
AccuBond® Long Range bullet debuted.

SSA Ammunition and brass added as a new product line.

The 26 Nosler® cartridge was introduced.
Model 48 Patriot™ and Heritage™ rifles were introduced.
Outdoor Life Magazine awarded "Best New Rifle" to Nosler.

Ballistic Tip® Ammunition and Noveske Signature Ammunition launched.

The 26 Nosler received the American Hunter Golden Bullseye for "Ammunition of the Year."
The 28 Nosler® cartridge was introduced.

Nosler receives Gun Digest "Gear of the Year Award" for 28 Nosler.
Nosler began construction on a new facility in Redmond, Oregon.
Reloading Guide #8 was released.

26 Nosler "Flat Out, Lights Out" won Outdoor Channel’s "Best Commercial" at The Annual Golden Moose Awards ceremony.

The 30 Nosler® and 33 Nosler® cartridges were introduced.
Bob and Joan Nosler received the NRA "Corporate Executive of the Year Award."
RDF (Reduced Drag Factor) bullets launched.

Expansion Tip™ Ammunition introduced.

M48 Long-Range and M48 Western Rifles were introduced.
The 22 Nosler® cartridge debuted.
Match Grade™ RDF Ammunition released.

Nosler celebrated its 70th Anniversary.
John R. Nosler was promoted to company President.
The Model 48 Long Range Carbon Rifle and Model 48 Custom Handgun were introduced.

Nosler’s Match Grade Ammunition in 22 Nosler receives American Hunter’s Golden Bullseye for "Ammunition of the Year."

The Model 48 Mountain Carbon Rifle and Model 48 Independence Handgun launched.
Joan Nosler received the NRA "Women’s Leadership Forum Lifetime Achievement Award."

Nosler Rifles production moved to the Redmond facility.
The 27 Nosler® cartridge was introduced.

Nosler receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

Assured Stopping Power (ASP) handgun bullets and ammunition launched.
Nosler suppressor line debuted.

Whitetail Country™ Ammunition was released featuring with the legendary Solid Base® bullet and new high-performance Straight-Wall bullet.
The SR-33 AlTi suppressor was introduced to the market.

Limited Edition M21 Carbon rifle was launched. 

Nosler began construction on a new headquarters and expanded production facility at its current Redmond, Oregon campus to increase capacity.