History

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 from that trip, John started thinking about a way to make a bullet that would perform well every time, no matter what the size of the game or the shot angle.

The first test of the Partition® bullet

He experimented with bullet design, finally settling on a unique, dual core bullet that was really the first Partition®. The following fall, John and his friend, Clarence Purdie, both killed moose with one shot using John’s new bullet.

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

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

The Zipedo® bullet was introduced using impact extrusion to manufacture bullet jackets.

John developed the impact extrusion method of manufacture. This ground breaking method produced bullets with extremely concentric jackets that could be optimized for a wide range of uses.

The Nosler Partition Bullet Co. became Nosler Bullets, Inc.

Impact extrusion implemented for the Partition® bullet.

The Solid Base® bullet was introduced.

John’s next hunting bullet design was the Solid Base®, unique because of its thick, solid base and tapered jacket. This streamlined boat tail set a new standard for aerodynamics among hunting bullets, but also provided incredible terminal performance on deer-sized big game. Solid Base® varmint and target bullets were built on the same principal, and these quickly set a high standard for accuracy.

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.

The Ballistic Tip® bullet was introduced.

In the early 80's, Nosler® set out to design a bullet that would combine the accuracy of a match bullet, the reliable expansion and penetration of the Solid Base®, and the ability to resist recoil-induced deformation in the magazine. The result was the Nosler® Ballistic Tip®. This hyper accurate bullet with the colorful, color-coded polymer tip quickly gained favor with deer, sheep, caribou and antelope hunters.

Reloading Guide #3 was released.

Nosler Bullets, Inc. became Nosler, Inc.

Reloading Guide #4 was released.

Nosler & Winchester formed the Combined Technology® strategic alliance.

The result is a full line of innovative Combined Technology®, (CT®) bullets. These bullets incorporate advanced features to provide the hunter with the ultimate blend of in-flight and terminal performance for a wide range of shooting and hunting applications.

Reloading Guide #5 was released.

The AccuBond® bullet was introduced.

The Custom Competition™ bullet was introduced.

Nosler introduced another advancement in bullet technology. The Nosler AccuBond® is a polymer tipped, bonded core bullet that combines the penetration of the Partition® and the brilliant accuracy of the Ballistic Tip®. The Nosler® AccuBond® is the benchmark of all bonded core bullets.

The NoslerCustom® brand was introduced.

Reloading Guide #6 was released.

Model 48 Rifles named Best of the Best by Field and Stream.

The E-Tip® Lead Free bullet was introduced.

NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award: John A. Nosler

The Nosler Solid™ bullet was introduced.

NoslerCustom® Trophy Grade™ Ammunition was introduced.

NoslerCustom® Model 48 Varmint Rifle was introduced.

The Ballistic Tip Lead Free™ bullet was introduced.

The Trophy Grade™ Rifle was introduced.

Trophy Grade™ Rifle named Best of the Best by Field and Stream.

Trophy Grade™ Lead Free Varmint Ammunition named Best of the Best by Field and Stream.

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

Nosler® & Benjamin® introduce the Ballistic Tip® eXTREME Air Rifle bullet.

Founder, John A. Nosler, passes away on 10/10/10

The Nosler Trophy Grade™ Rifle receives American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award “Rifle of the Year”

The Varmageddon® bullet and ammunition were introduced.

Nosler Safari™ Ammunition was introduced.

Nosler gains ISO 9001: 2008 certification.

Bob Nosler elected to NRA Board of Directors.

Nosler® Model 48 Professional Rifle was introduced.

Nosler® Varmageddon™ AR Rifle was introduced.

Reloading Guide #7 was released.

Nosler® Match Grade™ Handgun ammunition was introduced.

Nosler® Defense Ammunition was introduced.

AccuBond® Long Range was introduced.

26 Nosler® cartridge is introduced

BT® Ammo introduced

Noveske Signature Ammunition introduced

M48 Patriot™ and Heritage™ rifles introduced

Nosler receives the 2014 Editor's Choice Award for "Best New Rifle" from Outdoor Life Magazine.

Nosler adds SSA ammo and brass as a new dedicated product line

Nosler's Trophy Grade Ammunition in 26 Nosler receives the 2015 American Hunter Golden Bullseye Award for "Ammunition of the Year"

The 26 Nosler commercial "Flat Out. Lights Out." receives the Golden Moose Award for "Best Commercial" at the Outdoor Channel's 15th Annual Golden Moose Awards in Las Vegas

28 Nosler® cartridge introduced

Nosler receives Gun Digest Gear of the Year Award for "28 Nosler"

Nosler purchased land and begins construction of additional facility in Redmond, OR.

Reloading Guide #8 Released

E-Tip Ammunition introduced

30 Nosler® cartridge introduced

Bob and Joan Nosler receive NRA Corporate Executive of the Year Award.

RDF (Reduced Drag Factor) bullets introduced

33 Nosler® cartridge introduced

M48 Long-Range and M48 Western Rifles introduced

E-Tip Ammo introduced

22 Nosler® cartridge introduced

Match Grade™ RDF Ammunition introduced

70th Anniversary of Nosler Inc.

John R. Nosler promoted to company President

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

Nosler® Model 48 Long Range Carbon Rifle introduced

Nosler® Model 48 Custom Handgun introduced

Nosler® Model 48 Mountain Carbon Rifle introduced

Nosler® Model 48 Independence Rifle introducedJoan Nosler receives the NRA Women’s Leadership Forum Lifetime Achievement Award

Nosler Rifles production moves to Nosler facility in Redmond, Oregon

27 Nosler® cartridge introduced

Nosler receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification