Published: 2024 | Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
Berger’s Varmint line applies the company’s match-grade manufacturing standards – the same J4 jacket precision, ±0.1 grain core weight control, and dimensional tolerances used across its Target lineup – to a thin-jacketed hollow-point varmint bullet specifically designed for explosive terminal performance on small game. The result is a varmint bullet that positions itself on accuracy and manufacturing consistency rather than polymer-tip technology, competing against the tipped dominant designs in this category (Hornady V-MAX, Sierra BlitzKing, Nosler Varmageddon) with a different engineering priority. The practical bet Berger is making is that a shooter with an accurate rifle will notice the tighter ES/SD of match-grade manufacturing on a prairie dog town 300 yards away more than they will notice the 1,600 versus 2,200 fps expansion threshold difference – a reasonable argument for dedicated precision varmint hunters, less so for casual high-volume shooting where any reliable expansion above 1,600 fps is functionally adequate.
The Berger Varmint is an untipped hollow-point in a category dominated by polymer-tipped designs, making it architecturally similar to the Speer TNT and the Barnes VARMIN-A-TOR rather than the V-MAX and BlitzKing. For trajectory context on the cartridges most commonly paired with this bullet, see the 22-250 Remington ballistics guide, 223 Remington ballistics guide, and 204 Ruger ballistics guide. The practical difference is that without a polymer tip, meplat-to-meplat consistency relies entirely on manufacturing precision – which the Berger Varmint’s match-grade production specifically addresses – while expansion initiation relies on the hollow-point cavity geometry and impact hydraulics rather than tip-driven cavity engagement.
Two competitor BC figures in the original article require the same correction this series has applied across multiple varmint bullet articles. The original cites BlitzKing at 0.150-0.360 (this site’s BlitzKing coverage documents 0.145-0.270 – upper end substantially overstated) and Varmageddon at 0.119-0.350 (this site’s Varmageddon coverage documents 0.140-0.265 – also substantially overstated at the upper end). The V-MAX comparison (0.200-0.365) matches what this site’s dedicated V-MAX coverage documents, making it one of the rare correct competitor citations in this series. This three-article comparison result is consistent with the systematic pattern of competitor BC overstatement for the BlitzKing and Varmageddon documented across this site’s varmint bullet series.
Two further data points in the original article warrant individual attention. The .308-inch 85-grain entry (BC 0.290, SD 0.128) is an unusual entry for a varmint bullet lineup – the .308 caliber is rarely used for varmint applications, though it does appear in some benchrest and varmint competition contexts. Berger’s “High BC” varmint designation also appears for the 88-grain .243-inch entry (BC 0.374), which the original article notes as specifically optimized for longer-range coyote work where a higher BC hollow-point provides meaningful trajectory advantage over lighter varmint weights.
Also of note: the article is for the Berger Varmint Explosive product family. This is the link in this site’s database for this bullet category.
Disclaimer: Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always consult current published load data from reputable sources (Berger, Hodgdon) before loading any cartridge. Start at the published minimum charge and work up carefully while watching for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum published loads. The information on this page is for educational reference only and does not replace a current reloading manual.
Technical Characteristics
Thin J4 jacket with large hollow-point cavity: The Berger Varmint’s construction logic is the inverse of Berger’s hunting bullet designs. Where the hunting bullets (Elite Hunter, VLD Hunting, Classic Hunter) use a J4 jacket thick enough for controlled delayed expansion, the Varmint uses the thinnest practical J4 jacket specifically to maximize immediate fragmentation speed at impact. The large hollow-point cavity compounds this: immediate hydraulic pressure at the cavity drives rapid jacket deformation, producing the violent outward fragmentation the original article documents.
2,200 fps activation threshold: This is somewhat higher than the 1,600 fps documented for the polymer-tipped V-MAX and BlitzKing, consistent with what this site documented for the Speer TNT (also 2,000 fps) and Barnes VARMIN-A-TOR (2,000 fps). Without a polymer tip to drive directly into the cavity and mechanically initiate deformation, an untipped hollow-point relies on hydraulic pressure buildup, which requires somewhat higher velocity to generate reliably than a tip-assisted design.
Flat-base and boat-tail variants: The original article notes that the Berger Varmint is available in both flat-base and boat-tail configurations – unlike most competitors in this category which offer only boat-tail designs. The flat-base option is specifically documented for “short-range benchrest accuracy,” which aligns with Berger’s competitive-shooting heritage. At close varmint ranges where base drag is less significant, the flat-base may provide slightly better accuracy in some rifles, while the boat-tail extends effective range by reducing drag at longer distances. The likely explanation for the unusual BC reversal noted in this article’s ballistics section (55-grain at BC 0.209 versus 52-grain at BC 0.229) is this flat-base/boat-tail distinction: if the 52-grain is a boat-tail and the 55-grain is a flat-base, the flat-base’s lower BC would produce exactly this reversal despite the higher weight. Berger’s product catalog should be consulted to confirm which configuration corresponds to each weight.
Match-grade manufacturing tolerances (±0.1 grain, 0.0002-inch concentricity): These figures match what this site has documented for the Berger Target line – specifically the 0.0002-inch jacket concentricity specification noted here versus 0.0003-inch in the LRHT article (one of these is likely a misquote; both are very tight). Applied to a varmint bullet, the practical benefit is that the Berger Varmint produces more consistent velocity and trajectory from shot to shot than less precisely manufactured competitors, which manifests as lower ES and SD figures and tighter groups at extended varmint ranges.
“High BC” varmint variants: The original article specifically references an 88-grain .243-inch “High BC” variant (BC 0.374) as designed for longer-range coyote work, where the higher sectional density and BC allow more precise trajectory estimation and less wind-driven dispersion at 300-400 yards. This is a meaningfully different application target from the lighter .172-.204-inch prairie-dog weights at the other end of the lineup, and the BC 0.374 figure is the highest in the Berger Varmint table – a genuine long-range varmint specification by the standards of this product category.
Not lead-free: The Berger Varmint contains a lead core and is not legal for hunting in California’s condor zones and similar lead-restricted areas. The Hornady NTX and Winchester Varmint X Lead-Free are the lead-free alternatives covered on this site for restricted-jurisdiction varmint hunters.
Ballistics and Performance
G1 BCs from 0.133 to 0.374 span the Berger Varmint’s documented range, from the 40-grain .224-inch at the low end to the 88-grain .243-inch High BC variant at the top. This range is broadly consistent with untipped hollow-point varmint bullets documented elsewhere in this site’s varmint series, and lower than polymer-tipped competitors in the same weight class (as expected, since tips add BC through improved nose aerodynamics).
The 25-grain .172-inch at BC 0.152 and SD 0.122 covers 17 Remington and similar .172-inch cartridges for close-range prairie dog and ground squirrel hunting where maximum fragmentation and minimum ricochet risk are priorities. Alliant Reloder 7 is a fast-burning powder well-matched to these very light bullet weights in small .172-inch cases.
The 35-grain and 40-grain .204-inch at BC 0.185 and 0.204 cover 204 Ruger for prairie dogs and similar small varmints. The 40-grain’s BC of 0.204 is modest but appropriate for the weight class.
The 40-grain .224-inch at BC 0.133 and SD 0.114 is the lightest and lowest-BC .224-inch option, designed for maximum velocity and explosive close-range performance. The BC 0.133 is among the lowest in this site’s varmint bullet series and reflects the aerodynamic penalty of a very light, untipped bullet.
The 52-grain .224-inch at BC 0.229 and SD 0.148 covers 223 Remington for mid-range varmint work. At BC 0.229, this is competitive with the Speer TNT’s 50-grain at BC 0.228, confirming both are in a similar aerodynamic range for untipped hollow-points at this weight.
The 55-grain .224-inch at BC 0.209 and SD 0.157 is notable for having a lower BC than the 52-grain entry (0.209 versus 0.229). This is unusual – heavier bullets at the same diameter typically have higher BCs. This warrants verification with Berger’s current published data; it may reflect that the 55-grain is a flat-base design (lower BC than boat-tail) while the 52-grain is a boat-tail design, which would explain the reversal.
The 70-grain and 80-grain .224-inch variants at BC 0.279 and 0.311 extend the .224-inch range toward coyote applications, where the higher BC provides meaningful trajectory advantage at longer distances.
The 65-grain and 88-grain .243-inch entries at BC 0.252 and 0.374 cover 243 Winchester for fox and coyote applications. The 88-grain at BC 0.374 is the lineup’s highest-BC entry and specifically designated for longer-range coyote work. The BC jump from 65-grain (0.252) to 88-grain (0.374) is substantial – a difference of 0.122 G1, much larger than a simple 23-grain weight increase would produce in bullets of identical design. This confirms the “High BC” designation reflects a meaningfully different profile for the 88-grain rather than simply more weight, likely a longer, higher-sectional-density design optimized for the BC target rather than a simple scaling of the 65-grain design.
The 80-grain .264-inch (6.5mm) at BC 0.325 covers 6.5 Creedmoor for fox and coyote, representing the Berger Varmint’s largest-caliber offering after the .308-inch entry. The 6.5mm varmint application is uncommon but makes sense for hunters who use a single 6.5mm rifle for both deer and predator control – loading an 80-grain Varmint for predator work and a heavier hunting bullet for deer hunting from the same platform.
The 80-grain .264-inch (6.5mm) at BC 0.325 covers 6.5 Creedmoor and similar 6.5mm cartridges for fox and coyote.
The 85-grain .308-inch at BC 0.290 and SD 0.128 is the most unusual entry in the table given the .308-inch caliber’s rarity in standard varmint hunting contexts. This may cover specialized varmint benchrest applications or .30-caliber varmint cartridges where a thin-jacketed fragmenting bullet is preferred.
Expert Ballistics Table – Berger Varmint Variants
Data from Berger specifications. BCs are G1. The 55-grain .224-inch showing lower BC than the 52-grain warrants verification – may reflect flat-base vs boat-tail design difference. Verify current figures at bergerbullets.com.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | BC (G1) | Sectional Density | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .172 | 25 | 0.152 | 0.122 | Prairie dogs in 17 Remington |
| .204 | 35 | 0.185 | 0.120 | Prairie dogs in 204 Ruger |
| .204 | 40 | 0.204 | 0.138 | Prairie dogs in 204 Ruger |
| .224 | 40 | 0.133 | 0.114 | Close-range in 223 Remington |
| .224 | 52 | 0.229 | 0.148 | Ground squirrels in 223 Remington |
| .224 | 55 | 0.209 | 0.157 | Varmints in 22-250 Remington (possibly flat-base – verify) |
| .224 | 70 | 0.279 | 0.199 | Coyotes in 22-250 Remington |
| .224 | 80 | 0.311 | 0.228 | Coyotes in 22 Creedmoor |
| .243 | 65 | 0.252 | 0.157 | Fox in 243 Winchester |
| .243 | 88 | 0.374 | 0.213 | Coyotes (High BC) in 243 Winchester |
| .264 | 80 | 0.325 | 0.164 | Fox/coyotes in 6.5 Creedmoor |
| .308 | 85 | 0.290 | 0.128 | Varmint benchrest (verify application) |
Comparison Bullets
The original article’s comparison BC figures for BlitzKing (0.150-0.360) and Varmageddon (0.119-0.350) require correction, as discussed in the introduction. This site’s dedicated BlitzKing coverage documents 0.145-0.270, and the Varmageddon coverage documents 0.140-0.265 – both upper ends substantially overstated in the original. The V-MAX comparison (0.200-0.365) is correct and matches this site’s coverage.
The corrected comparisons show that the Berger Varmint’s own range (0.133-0.374) extends above the BlitzKing’s maximum (0.270) and the Varmageddon’s maximum (0.265) in its heavier “High BC” variants, driven specifically by the 88-grain .243-inch entry. Against the V-MAX’s accurate 0.365 maximum, the Berger Varmint’s 0.374 top end is modestly higher.
The Speer TNT is the closest architectural relative the original article omits. Both are untipped hollow-point lead-core varmint bullets with similar activation thresholds (2,000 fps for the TNT, 2,200 fps for the Berger Varmint), making them direct construction-philosophy equivalents to each other while both differ fundamentally from the tipped designs. The Barnes VARMIN-A-TOR is a further untipped hollow-point at 2,000 fps threshold. The Nosler Varmageddon Explosive is an additional Nosler varmint option that offers more aggressive fragmentation than the standard Varmageddon in some applications.
Comparison Table – Varmint Fragmentation Bullets
| Bullet | BC Range (primary source) | Tip | Activation Velocity | Lead-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berger Varmint Explosive | 0.133-0.374 | None (hollow point) | 2,200 fps | No |
| Hornady V-MAX | 0.200-0.365 | Polymer | 1,600 fps | No |
| Sierra BlitzKing | 0.145-0.270 | Polymer | 1,600 fps | No |
| Nosler Varmageddon | 0.140-0.265 | Polymer or hollow point | 1,800 fps | No |
| Speer TNT | 0.091-0.384 | None (hollow point) | 2,000 fps | No |
| Barnes VARMIN-A-TOR | 0.128-0.279 | None (hollow point) | 2,000 fps | No |
Applications and Practical Aspects
Prairie dogs and ground squirrels (.172-.204-inch, 25-40 grains): 17 Remington and 204 Ruger for close-range high-volume shooting. These lightweight bullets produce immediate explosive fragmentation with no exit and minimal ricochet risk, appropriate for the crowded prairie dog town environment. Hodgdon Benchmark and Hodgdon Varget are standard choices for these light weights.
Ground squirrels and prairie dogs (.224-inch, 40-55 grains): 223 Remington and 222 Remington for the most common varmint platforms in this caliber. Hodgdon Varget and Hodgdon CFE 223 are standard choices. Alliant Reloder 10x is a further option suited for fast-burning applications with light .224-inch bullets.
Coyotes and foxes (.224-inch, 70-80 grains): 22-250 Remington, 22 Creedmoor, and 22 ARC for the heavier .224-inch weights. Hodgdon Varget and Alliant Reloder 15 are documented powder choices. The 80-grain at BC 0.311 provides the best trajectory of any .224-inch entry in this table and extends effective coyote range.
Fox and coyotes (.243-inch, 65-88 grains): 243 Winchester for fox and larger predator work. The 88-grain High BC at BC 0.374 specifically targets coyotes at distance. Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 19 are standard choices.
Fox and coyotes (.264-inch, 80 grains): 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 Grendel for shooters who hunt varmints and deer with the same platform. The Grendel’s lower velocity relative to the Creedmoor makes it important to verify that 2,200 fps retained velocity is achievable at the intended hunting range with this lightweight bullet. Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 16 are standard choices.
Lead-restricted jurisdictions: Not legal in California and similar restricted areas. See the Hornady NTX and Winchester Varmint X Lead-Free for lead-free alternatives. The 243 Winchester vs 22-250 Remington comparison provides useful context for hunters choosing between these calibers for the Berger Varmint’s heavier weight applications. The Sierra Varminter is a further conventional hollow-point varmint bullet worth comparing for hunters who prefer Sierra’s manufacturing to Berger’s but want an untipped design.
Reloading
Primers: CCI BR-4 and Federal GM205M small rifle benchrest primers for precise work; CCI 400 and Federal 205 standard small rifle primers for volume varmint loading. Remington 7½ is a further standard small rifle option. For AR-platform semi-automatic applications, CCI No. 41 for slam-fire prevention.
Cases: Standard brass from Winchester, Remington, or Federal. The Berger Varmint’s match-grade manufacturing tolerances are somewhat wasted on inconsistent brass – using consistent case lots and trimming to length pay dividends in ES and SD consistency.
Seating depth: 0.010-0.050 inches off the lands. The thin jacket and hollow-point design make this bullet somewhat more sensitive to seating depth than thicker-jacketed hunting bullets, though less so than the precision match bullets covered elsewhere in this series.
Powder Selection by Application:
| Application | Caliber | Bullet Weight | Recommended Powders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie dogs | 204 Ruger | 35-40 gr | Hodgdon Benchmark, Hodgdon Varget, Accurate 2230, Accurate 2460, Vihtavuori N133, Alliant Power Pro Varmint |
| Ground squirrels | 223 Rem | 40-55 gr | Hodgdon Varget, Hodgdon CFE 223, Alliant Reloder 10x, Hodgdon H335, Hodgdon H322, Hodgdon H4895 |
| Coyotes | 22-250 Rem | 70-80 gr | Hodgdon Varget, Alliant Reloder 15, IMR 4064, Hodgdon H4198, IMR 4198 |
| Coyotes (High BC) | 243 Win | 88 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 19, Alliant Reloder 23 |
| Fox/coyotes (6.5mm) | 6.5 Creedmoor | 80 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 16 |
Reloading Parameters Summary:
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Neck tension | 0.002-0.004 inch interference |
| Seating depth | 0.010-0.050 inch off lands |
| Crimp | Light crimp for semi-auto platforms |
| Activation velocity | 2,200 fps minimum at impact |
| ES target | Under 10 fps for consistent varmint accuracy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Berger Varmint compare to the V-MAX for prairie dog shooting?
A: For prairie dogs at typical distances (under 300 yards), the V-MAX’s lower activation threshold (1,600 fps versus 2,200 fps) provides more reliable expansion insurance at ranges where retained velocity may drop, and the polymer tip adds modest BC improvement. The Berger Varmint’s advantage is its match-grade manufacturing consistency – tighter ES/SD and potentially better group-to-group repeatability in an accurate rifle. At high-volume prairie dog sessions where consistent hits at 200-300 yards are the goal, the Berger Varmint’s additional precision may be noticeable for a dedicated varmint shooter but is not critical for casual high-volume use.
Q: The 55-grain .224-inch shows a lower BC (0.209) than the 52-grain (0.229). Is this correct?
A: This is unusual and warrants independent verification at bergerbullets.com. Heavier bullets at the same diameter typically have higher BCs. The most plausible explanation is that the 55-grain is a flat-base design while the 52-grain is a boat-tail, which would produce this reversal since flat-base designs have lower BC than boat-tail at the same weight. The original article notes both flat-base and boat-tail variants in the Berger Varmint lineup, which makes this explanation consistent with the table data. Confirm which specific design corresponds to each weight before load development.
Q: The table includes a .308-inch 85-grain varmint entry. Is .308 actually used for varmint hunting?
A: Rarely, in standard hunting contexts. The .308-inch is primarily a big-game caliber and is not commonly used for prairie dogs or most varmint applications where .172-.243-inch calibers dominate. The .308 varmint entry may cover specialized varmint benchrest applications or specific competitive contexts where thin-jacketed fragmentation is desired in a .30-caliber cartridge. Handloaders considering this entry should verify its intended application with Berger’s current documentation.
Q: The original article cites BlitzKing and Varmageddon BC ranges that are significantly higher than what this site’s coverage of those bullets documents. Which figures are correct?
A: This site’s dedicated coverage documents BlitzKing at 0.145-0.270 and Varmageddon at 0.140-0.265. The original article’s BlitzKing at 0.150-0.360 and Varmageddon at 0.119-0.350 both substantially overstate the upper ends. This is the same pattern documented across this site’s entire varmint bullet series – competitor BC figures cited secondhand consistently differ from what those competitors’ own primary sources document. Use this site’s dedicated coverage for each bullet’s actual BC figures.
Q: Is the Berger Varmint suitable for coyote hunting at 400 yards?
A: The 88-grain .243-inch High BC variant (BC 0.374) specifically targets this application. In 243 Winchester at muzzle velocity of approximately 3,000 fps, retained velocity at 400 yards is typically above 2,200 fps, keeping the bullet within its expansion window. For the lighter .224-inch weights in standard-velocity cartridges, 400 yards pushes toward the expansion reliability limit more closely, and hunters should verify retained velocity at that distance with their specific load before relying on it.
Q: Is the Berger Varmint lead-free?
A: No. The Berger Varmint contains a lead core and is not legal for hunting in California’s condor zones and similar lead-restricted areas. The Hornady NTX and Winchester Varmint X Lead-Free are lead-free alternatives covered on this site.
Conclusion
The Berger Varmint is a match-grade hollow-point varmint bullet that applies Berger’s precision manufacturing standards to the varmint fragmentation application, distinguishing itself from the dominant polymer-tipped competition through manufacturing consistency rather than tip-based aerodynamic enhancement. Its match-grade tolerances produce potentially better shot-to-shot consistency than competitors in an accurate rifle, while the 2,200 fps activation threshold is somewhat higher than tipped competitors’ 1,600-1,800 fps figures.
The data quality observation worth noting from this article: the competitor BC comparisons here are more problematic than average even within this series. Both BlitzKing and Varmageddon upper ends are substantially overstated in the original (by roughly 0.080-0.090 G1), while the V-MAX figure is correct. The pattern of competitor BC overstatement for these two specific bullets has now appeared in this site’s BlitzKing article, Varmageddon article, Speer TNT article, and Berger Varmint article – consistently in the same direction (both overstated) and consistently by a similar magnitude. The V-MAX’s correct citation across multiple articles suggests the V-MAX BC is simply more accurately known and quoted in the varmint bullet market, while the BlitzKing and Varmageddon figures circulate in a systematically inflated form.
Choose the Berger Varmint if: you prioritize shot-to-shot manufacturing consistency over polymer-tip aerodynamic efficiency and are willing to pay a modest premium for match-grade production; you specifically want an untipped design in the caliber and weight class you are loading; or the 88-grain .243-inch High BC variant’s combination of explosive terminal performance and long-range capability specifically fits your coyote hunting needs.
Choose something else if: you need the lowest activation threshold for long-range shots where the V-MAX’s 1,600 fps gives more expansion margin. If you need a lead-free option, the Hornady NTX or Winchester Varmint X Lead-Free apply. For pelt-preservation priorities, the Speer TNT has published documentation of more controlled fragmentation than the most explosive tipped competitors. For hunters choosing between varmint calibers, the small game and varmint caliber guide covers the broader caliber selection question that precedes choosing the specific bullet design.
Disclaimer: Reloading involves inherent risks. The thin jacket makes this bullet more susceptible to premature fragmentation at significantly over-maximum charges than thicker-jacketed designs. Contains lead – not legal for hunting in lead-restricted jurisdictions. Wear eye protection at all times. The author and myreloading.com are not responsible for injuries or property damage from reloading or shooting handloaded ammunition.
Have you loaded and shot the Berger Varmint? Leave a comment with your weight, cartridge, powder, charge, and what you observed on game or targets. Comparisons to the V-MAX or BlitzKing in the same cartridge are especially useful for hunters choosing between tipped and untipped designs.
Editorial note: Originally published 2024, revised June 2026. The update corrected the original article’s comparison BC figures for BlitzKing (0.150-0.360 in the original, versus 0.145-0.270 per this site’s BlitzKing coverage) and Varmageddon (0.119-0.350 in the original, versus 0.140-0.265 per this site’s Varmageddon coverage) – both upper ends substantially overstated, consistent with the pattern documented across this site’s varmint bullet series. Confirmed the V-MAX BC comparison (0.200-0.365) as correct. Flagged the 55-grain .224-inch BC (0.209) being lower than the 52-grain (0.229) as an unusual data point, suggesting flat-base versus boat-tail design difference as the most plausible explanation. Added the Speer TNT and Barnes VARMIN-A-TOR to the comparison table as the Berger Varmint’s closest architectural relatives (both untipped hollow-point designs). Added the .308-inch 85-grain entry as an application to verify. Applied full internal linking throughout.
