Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count Review

Let’s Talk About Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count

The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are a classic choice for varmint hunters and target shooters alike. These bullets, manufactured by Sierra Bullets, are designed for optimal performance in cartridges like the .22 Hornet, .22 K-Hornet, and .218 Bee. The thin jacket and soft lead core promise rapid expansion and excellent accuracy, making them a favorite among those who prioritize humane and effective varmint control.

I’ve always been drawn to the .22 Hornet for its low noise and minimal pelt damage, but achieving consistent accuracy with it can be tricky. The need for a bullet that stabilizes well in slower twist barrels, and expands reliably at lower velocities, led me to try these. I was looking for a bullet that would deliver consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance on small game.

Opening the box of Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count, my initial impression was of a simple, no-frills design. They aren’t flashy or high-tech looking, but they are uniform and clean, suggesting quality manufacturing. The soft lead nose is clearly exposed, indicating the bullet’s intention for rapid expansion upon impact.

Compared to polymer-tipped bullets like the Hornady V-Max or ballistic tip Nosler Varmageddon, the Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are decidedly old-school. However, I chose these over the others because of my rifles 1 in 16 twist rate. I believe these would stabilize better in this slow twist rate. The others are best suited for faster twist rates.

I was cautiously optimistic. The design is proven and reliable, but I was eager to see how they would perform in my specific rifles, especially in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics on small game. I had a hope that these Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count would be just what my .22 Hornet needed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count was at my usual shooting range, followed by a trip to a friend’s ranch to deal with some prairie dogs. I tested them in two rifles: a Ruger 77/22 Hornet with a 1:16 twist and an older Savage Model 340 also with a 1:16 twist. The weather was dry and warm, with a slight breeze.

The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count performed admirably in both rifles. The Ruger 77/22 produced slightly tighter groups at 100 yards, averaging around 1 inch, while the Savage Model 340 achieved groups closer to 1.25 inches. There were no issues with feeding or extraction in either rifle.

These were quite easy to get used to. With other bullets, sometimes different powder charges are needed for optimal accuracy. The powder charges with these Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count were the same as what I had used with others.

The only surprise was how dramatically they impacted the prairie dogs. The bullet’s expansion was immediate and devastating, much more so than I had anticipated at .22 Hornet velocities.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count for both target practice and varmint control, they have proven to be exceptionally reliable. They consistently deliver accurate shots and predictable expansion.

I’ve noticed no signs of significant wear on my rifles after firing hundreds of these bullets. The barrels are relatively clean after each shooting session, and I haven’t experienced any issues with excessive fouling. Simple cleaning with a bore snake and solvent is all that’s needed to maintain the rifles.

These bullets outperform anything else I’ve tried in my .22 Hornet rifles, especially concerning terminal performance on small game. They offer a combination of accuracy and rapid expansion that is hard to beat at this caliber and velocity. The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are truly a great all-around bullet for my needs.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count

Specifications

• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose (LRN) – This traditional design promotes reliable feeding and expansion, especially at lower velocities.
• Bullet Weight: 45 grain – This weight is optimized for the .22 Hornet and similar cartridges, offering a good balance of velocity and energy.
• Projectile Caliber: .22 Caliber – Standard .22 caliber dimensions ensure compatibility with a wide range of rifles chambered in .22 Hornet, .222 Remington, and .223 Remington.
• Diameter: 0.224 in – This diameter is standard for .22 caliber rifles, ensuring a proper fit in the bore.
• Sectional Density: 0.128 – This is a measure of a bullet’s penetration ability based on its weight and diameter. A lower sectional density, like this, indicates a greater propensity for expansion.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet – The packaging of 100 bullets is a convenient quantity for reloading and extended shooting sessions.
• Barrel Twist Rate: 1-16 – These bullets are specifically designed to stabilize in barrels with a 1:16 twist rate, common in older .22 Hornet rifles.
• Country of Origin: USA – Sierra Bullets are made in the USA. This usually indicates high-quality manufacturing and materials.

These specifications contribute to the bullet’s overall performance by providing a balance of weight, shape, and construction that is ideal for the intended cartridges and applications. The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are specifically designed for cartridges such as the 22 Hornet 22 K-Hornet or 218 Bee at muzzle velocities in the 2600 to 2900 fps range. This makes them ideal for varminting.

Performance & Functionality

The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count excel in their primary role: providing accurate and effective varmint control. They are easy to reload and consistently produce tight groups in my rifles.

The strengths lie in their consistent accuracy and rapid expansion, while a potential weakness is their suitability for only a specific range of cartridges and twist rates. The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count require 1 in 16 twist rates. Those with a faster twist rate barrel will not get the accuracy needed.

These bullets exceed my expectations for a .22 Hornet varmint bullet. They deliver outstanding terminal performance without sacrificing accuracy. The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are an exceptional bullet!

Design & Ergonomics

The simple lead round nose design is classic and effective. The exposed lead tip ensures reliable expansion.

These bullets are easy to handle and reload, with no sharp edges or other features that could cause discomfort. The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are easy to work with for reloaders. There is no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

As bullets, their “durability” is measured by their consistent performance and ability to withstand the forces of firing. These bullets have proven to be consistent and reliable over hundreds of rounds.

Minimal maintenance is required, other than proper storage to prevent oxidation of the lead. These are simple to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count themselves don’t have accessories, but they allow customization in handloading. You can experiment with different powder types and charges to fine-tune performance to your specific rifle.

These bullets are compatible with standard .22 caliber reloading equipment, including dies and bullet seating tools. This compatibility makes the Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count great.

Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count

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Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count?

The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are perfect for varmint hunters using .22 Hornet, .22 K-Hornet, or .218 Bee rifles with 1:16 twist barrels. They are also well-suited for target shooters looking for an accurate and reliable bullet for these cartridges.

Those with rifles with faster twist rates (e.g., 1:12 or 1:9) should skip this product, as they will likely not achieve optimal accuracy. Similarly, those seeking deep penetration for larger game should consider heavier, more robust bullets.

Must-have accessories include quality reloading dies, a powder scale, and a bullet seating tool. Proper storage containers to prevent lead oxidation are also recommended.

Conclusion on Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count

The Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are a classic and effective choice for varmint hunting and target shooting with .22 Hornet and similar cartridges. They offer a proven combination of accuracy, rapid expansion, and ease of reloading.

The price is justified by the consistent performance and high-quality manufacturing. These Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are worth the price.

I wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone looking for reliable and effective .22 Hornet performance. If you’re seeking a bullet that delivers consistent accuracy and rapid expansion on small game, look no further than the Sierra Bullets Varminter Hornet 45 gr. .22 Cal LRN Rifle Bullets, 100 Count! Get yourself a box, load ’em up, and experience the difference for yourself.