Introduction
Discover the Sierra Varminter, a varmint bullet engineered for shooters who demand explosive performance and economical precision. Introduced by Sierra Bullets in 1947, based in Sedalia, Missouri, the Varminter features thin-jacketed construction for rapid expansion.
Renowned for its immediate fragmentation and flat trajectories, the Varminter 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 .308 inches, supporting cartridges like .17 HMR, .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, and .308 Winchester.
- Weight Options: Spans 20 to 135 grains, with popular variants like 20-grain .172, 55-grain .224, and 100-grain .264.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for explosive expansion and fragmentation, ideal for small game and varmints like prairie dogs and coyotes.
Technical Characteristics
The Sierra Varminter is built for varmint hunters seeking rapid expansion and accuracy. Its thin-jacketed construction ensures quality at an affordable price.
- Thin-Jacketed Construction: Ensures immediate expansion at high velocities, with fragmentation on impact.
- Hollow-Point or Soft-Point Design: Features a hollow or exposed lead tip for violent expansion at velocities as low as 1,600 fps, achieving 2-3x diameter expansion.
- Flat Base or Boat-Tail: Provides benchrest-level accuracy and reduced drag.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,500-4,000 fps, effective to 400+ yards with flat trajectories.
- Reduced Fouling: Jacket design reduces barrel fouling by 10-15% compared to thicker-jacketed 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 Varminter’s design suits high-volume shooting but demands careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.133 to 0.297, the Varminter offers solid stability for varmint ranges, supported by sectional density for explosive effects. Field tests show a 55-grain .224 Varminter achieving 0.4-0.7 MOA at 200 yards with ES/SD under 12 fps from a 1:12 twist barrel. The 20-grain .172 is ideal for prairie dogs, while the 100-grain .264 excels for coyotes, delivering energy to 300 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key Varminter variants from Sierra specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Sierra’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.172 | 20 | 0.185 | 0.097 |
| 0.204 | 32 | 0.185 | 0.110 |
| 0.224 | 40 | 0.133 | 0.114 |
| 0.224 | 45 | 0.142 | 0.128 |
| 0.224 | 50 | 0.215 | 0.142 |
| 0.224 | 55 | 0.235 | 0.157 |
| 0.243 | 55 | 0.197 | 0.133 |
| 0.243 | 60 | 0.220 | 0.145 |
| 0.243 | 70 | 0.259 | 0.169 |
| 0.257 | 75 | 0.219 | 0.162 |
| 0.264 | 100 | 0.297 | 0.205 |
| 0.308 | 110 | 0.178 | 0.166 |
| 0.308 | 135 | 0.240 | 0.203 |
Groups of 0.4-0.7 MOA achievable; excels to 400 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The Varminter competes with Hornady V-Max (polymer-tipped) and Nosler Varmageddon (tipped or HP). Its BCs (0.133-0.297) are lower than V-Max (0.200-0.365) but comparable to Varmageddon (0.119-0.350). The Varminter expands 5-10% faster than V-Max at 2,500 fps but fragments similarly to Varmageddon. Against V-Max 55gr .224, the Varminter 55gr drops 5% more at 300 yards; versus Varmageddon 55gr .224, it offers better consistency in some rifles. Advantages: accurate, economical ($0.20-$0.40 per bullet). Drawbacks: no polymer tip, slightly lower BC.
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Varminter | 0.172-0.308 | 20-135 | 0.133-0.297 | HP/SP, thin jacket |
| Hornady V-Max | 0.172-0.308 | 30-110 | 0.200-0.365 | Polymer tip, rapid fragmentation |
| Nosler Varmageddon | 0.172-0.311 | 20-123 | 0.119-0.350 | Tipped or HP, ultra-thin jacket |
| Barnes Varmin-A-Tor | 0.224-0.308 | 36-112 | 0.150-0.300 | Copper explosive, lead-free |
Field reports show Varminter more consistent than V-Max in some rifles but splashier than Varmin-A-Tor on coyotes.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 20-40gr .172-.224 for prairie dogs;
- 45-60gr .224 for ground squirrels or rabbits;
- 70-100gr .243-.264 for coyotes or foxes;
- 110-135gr .308 for larger varmints.
Delivers 0.4-0.7 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for high-volume varmint control.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Sierra’s reloading manual or website for Varminter-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 100gr .264) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 2,500 fps for reliable expansion, targeting extreme spreads under 12 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all varmint applications per design.
Conclusion
Sierra Varminter 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.
