Introduction
Discover the Nosler Varmageddon, a high-performance bullet designed for varmint hunters who prioritize explosive fragmentation and rapid takedowns. Introduced by Nosler, Inc. in 2012, based in Bend, Oregon, the Varmageddon is a lead-core bullet engineered for high-velocity applications, suitable for areas without lead restrictions.
Renowned for its explosive fragmentation and minimal pelt damage, the Varmageddon delivers devastating terminal performance, making it a top choice for ethical hunters pursuing small game and varmints. Its specialized design ensures consistent results across varied scenarios, from open fields to rocky terrain.
- Caliber Range: Available from .172 to .308 inches, supporting cartridges like .17 Remington, .204 Ruger, .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, and .243 Winchester.
- Weight Options: Spans 20 to 123 grains, with key variants like 20-grain .172, 32-grain .204, 55-grain .224, 70-grain .243, and 90-grain .264.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for rapid fragmentation and high shock, ideal for close-range or mid-range varmint control of small pests like prairie dogs or ground squirrels.
Technical Characteristics
The Nosler Varmageddon is crafted for hunters seeking explosive power and accuracy. Its lead-core construction and innovative features make it a standout in the field.
- Lead-Core Hollow Point: Features a lead core with copper jacket and hollow-point design for explosive fragmentation upon impact, with low weight retention to maximize shock.
- Polymer-Tipped Design: Includes a black polymer tip and hollow-point cavity for rapid expansion at velocities as low as 1,600 fps, achieving dramatic fragmentation for instant kills.
- Ultra-Thin Jacket: Thin jacket mouth ensures violent expansion; uniform thickening at mid-section retains integrity until impact.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 3,000-4,000 fps, effective to 300+ yards with good stability.
- Reliable Feeding: Streamlined profile ensures smooth cycling in bolt-action and semi-auto rifles.
Reloading demands 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 frangible design excels in high-speed varmint hunts but requires careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.119 to 0.35, the Varmageddon provides solid mid-range stability and wind resistance, bolstered by moderate sectional density for explosive effects. Field tests show a 55-grain .224 Varmageddon achieving 0.5-0.9 MOA at 200 yards with ES/SD under 15 fps from a 1:10 twist barrel. The 20-grain .172 is ideal for prairie dogs, while the 70-grain .243 excels for larger varmints like foxes, maintaining 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 |
| 0.204 | 32 | 0.204 | 0.110 |
| 0.224 | 40 | 0.211 | 0.114 |
| 0.224 | 55 | 0.255 | 0.157 |
| 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 |
Groups of 0.5-0.9 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 (hollow point). Its BCs (0.119-0.35) are comparable to V-Max (0.150-0.275) and VARMIN-A-TOR (0.128-0.279), offering similar mid-range performance. The Varmageddon’s fragmentation matches V-Max at high velocities (3,000 fps) but achieves more consistent groups in some rifles. Against V-Max 55gr .224, the Varmageddon 55gr .224 drops 5% less at 200 yards; versus VARMIN-A-TOR 50gr .224, it fragments 5% more consistently. Advantages: explosive power, cost-effective ($0.30-$0.50 per bullet). Drawbacks: lower BC for longer ranges, contains lead.
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Varmageddon | 0.172-0.308 | 20-123 | 0.119-0.350 | Polymer tip or hollow point, ultra-thin jacket |
| Hornady V-Max | 0.172-0.308 | 30-75 | 0.150-0.275 | Polymer tip, explosive expansion |
| Barnes VARMIN-A-TOR | 0.204-0.257 | 32-85 | 0.128-0.279 | Hollow point, lead-core fragmentation |
| Sierra BlitzKing | 0.204-0.308 | 32-90 | 0.145-0.270 | Polymer tip, accurate fragmentation |
Field reports show Varmageddon matching V-Max in fragmentation consistency but outperforming VARMIN-A-TOR in explosive effect at 200 yards.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 20gr .172 for prairie dogs and small varmints;
- 32gr .204 for ground squirrels;
- 55gr .224 for coyotes or foxes;
- 70gr .243 for larger varmints;
- 90gr .264 for mid-range small game.
Delivers 0.5-0.9 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for ethical kills.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Nosler’s reloading manual or website for Varmageddon-specific data, as the lead-core design generates standard pressures similar to other varmint bullets.
- 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 Varmageddon’s hollow point is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light to medium crimp for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto or high-recoil rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to Varmageddon weight (e.g., 1:12 for 40gr .224, 1:10 for 55gr .224) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 1,600-3,000 fps for reliable fragmentation, 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 a premier varmint bullet, combining moderate ballistic coefficients with explosive fragmentation and accuracy. Despite containing lead, its performance makes it ideal for hunters targeting small pests in unrestricted areas. Visit official website.
