Introduction
Discover the Nosler Varmageddon, a varmint bullet engineered for shooters who demand explosive performance and economical precision. Introduced by Nosler, Inc. in 2011, based in Bend, Oregon, the Varmageddon features a lead-alloy core and copper-alloy jacket for high-velocity reliability.
Renowned for its immediate expansion and violent fragmentation, the Varmageddon delivers devastating terminal effects on small game, making it a favorite for high-volume varmint hunters. Its efficient design ensures consistent results in open fields or rugged terrain.
- Caliber Range: Available from .172 to .311 inches, supporting cartridges like .17 HMR, .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, .300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm.
- Weight Options: Spans 20 to 123 grains, with popular variants like 20-grain .172, 32-grain .204, 55-grain .224, and 90-grain .264.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for explosive expansion on small varmints like prairie dogs and coyotes at various ranges.
Technical Characteristics
The Nosler Varmageddon is built for varmint hunters seeking rapid expansion and accuracy. Its efficient manufacturing ensures quality at an affordable price.
- Lead-Alloy Core: Paired with copper-alloy jacket for immediate expansion at high velocities, with no core-jacket separation.
- Polymer-Tipped or Hollow-Point: Features a streamlined tip or hollow cavity for violent expansion at velocities as low as 1,600 fps, achieving 2-3x diameter growth.
- Ultra-Thin Jacket Mouth: Ensures fragmentation while mid-section thickening maintains integrity until impact.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,500-4,000 fps, effective to 300+ yards with flat trajectories.
- Flat Base Design: Provides benchrest-level accuracy and reduced fouling compared to boat-tail bullets.
Reloading requires precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the Varmageddon’s design suits high-volume shooting but demands careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.119 to 0.350, the Varmageddon offers solid stability for varmint ranges, supported by sectional density for explosive effects. Field tests show a 55-grain .224 Varmageddon achieving 0.5-0.8 MOA at 200 yards with ES/SD under 15 fps from a 1:12 twist barrel. The 20-grain .172 is ideal for prairie dogs, while the 90-grain .264 excels for coyotes, delivering energy to 300 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key Varmageddon variants from Nosler specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Nosler’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.172 | 20 | 0.183 | 0.097 |
| 0.172 | 20 | 0.119 | 0.097 |
| 0.204 | 32 | 0.204 | 0.110 |
| 0.224 | 35 | 0.120 | 0.100 |
| 0.224 | 40 | 0.211 | 0.114 |
| 0.224 | 50 | 0.238 | 0.142 |
| 0.224 | 53 | 0.303 | 0.151 |
| 0.224 | 55 | 0.255 | 0.157 |
| 0.224 | 62 | 0.251 | 0.177 |
| 0.243 | 55 | 0.252 | 0.133 |
| 0.243 | 70 | 0.305 | 0.169 |
| 0.264 | 90 | 0.350 | 0.184 |
| 0.308 | 110 | 0.293 | 0.166 |
| 0.311 | 123 | 0.304 | 0.183 |
Groups of 0.5-0.8 MOA achievable; excels to 300 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The Varmageddon competes with Hornady V-Max (polymer-tipped) and Barnes Varmin-A-Tor (explosive copper). Its BCs (0.119-0.350) are comparable to V-Max (0.200-0.365) but lower than Varmin-A-Tor (0.150-0.300). The Varmageddon expands 5-10% faster than V-Max at 2,500 fps but fragments more than Varmin-A-Tor. Against V-Max 55gr .224, the Varmageddon 55gr drops 5% more at 300 yards; versus Varmin-A-Tor 50gr .224, it costs 20% less with similar accuracy. Advantages: economical, violent expansion. Drawbacks: lower BC, more fragmentation than copper options.
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Varmageddon | 0.172-0.311 | 20-123 | 0.119-0.350 | Tipped or HP, ultra-thin jacket |
| Hornady V-Max | 0.172-0.308 | 30-110 | 0.200-0.365 | Polymer tip, rapid fragmentation |
| Barnes Varmin-A-Tor | 0.224-0.308 | 36-112 | 0.150-0.300 | Copper explosive, lead-free |
Field reports show Varmageddon matching V-Max in expansion but trailing Varmin-A-Tor in penetration by 10% on coyotes.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 20-32gr .172-.204 for prairie dogs;
- 35-55gr .224 for ground squirrels or rabbits;
- 62-90gr .224-.264 for coyotes or foxes;
- 110-123gr .308-.311 for larger varmints.
Delivers 0.5-0.8 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for high-volume varmint control.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Nosler’s reloading manual or website for Varmageddon-specific data, as the design generates standard pressures.
- Starting Charges: Begin 5-10% below maximum loads for comparable varmint bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to maximize accuracy, as the flat base is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light crimp if needed for secure retention, particularly in semi-auto rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to weight (e.g., 1:12 for 55gr .224, 1:10 for 90gr .264) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 2,500 fps for reliable expansion, targeting extreme spreads under 15 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all varmint applications per design.
Conclusion
Nosler Varmageddon is an economical varmint bullet, offering violent expansion and reliable accuracy for high-volume shooting. Its design makes it a strong choice for prairie dog and coyote hunters seeking performance without premium costs. Visit official website.
