Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets Review

Let’s Dive into Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets

For over a decade, I’ve lived and breathed the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and ammunition is a cornerstone of that experience. The Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets are specifically designed for varmint hunting, promising exceptional accuracy and reliable expansion at high velocities. Are these bullets truly capable of delivering the pinpoint accuracy and explosive expansion Sierra Bullets claims?

I needed a reliable and accurate .22 caliber bullet for long-range varminting. My current go-to rounds weren’t consistently delivering the tight groups I demanded. The promise of sub-MOA accuracy piqued my interest.

The packaging was standard for bullets, functional and informative. The bullets themselves looked pristine, clean, and uniform. The spitzer point was sharp and well-formed.

Compared to the Hornady V-Max and Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullets, the Sierra Bullets Varminter appeared to have a slightly more robust jacket. I chose these over the others hoping for better terminal performance at longer ranges, prioritizing penetration and controlled expansion over immediate fragmentation. The lower price point was also a definite plus.

Initially, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. Sierra Bullets has a solid reputation, but delivering consistent sub-MOA performance requires meticulous manufacturing and careful load development. I was eager to see if these bullets lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range session was at my usual spot: a private range nestled in the high desert of Eastern Oregon. I tested the Sierra Bullets Varminter in my custom-built .22-250 Remington rifle with a 1:12 twist barrel. Conditions were typical for the area – sunny, with a slight breeze of around 5-7 mph.

The initial loads I worked up showed promise, with three-shot groups hovering around 0.75 MOA at 100 yards. Tweaking the powder charge and seating depth brought that down to a consistent 0.5 MOA. The bullets fed smoothly and consistently, with no noticeable issues.

There were no immediate surprises, but I was pleased with the initial accuracy. I noticed that these bullets seemed less susceptible to wind drift compared to some of the lighter, more frangible varmint bullets I’ve used.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Sierra Bullets Varminter have become a staple in my reloading bench. They consistently deliver excellent accuracy in my .22-250. I’ve also experimented with them in a .223 Remington, with equally impressive results, though they definitely perform best at the higher velocities the .22-250 offers.

The bullets show no signs of degradation or inconsistency, even after being stored for extended periods. The jacket holds up well during reloading and firing. I have yet to experience a bullet failure or any signs of instability in flight.

Maintenance is non-existent, as these are bullets only, but consistent cleaning of the rifle bore is still important for maintaining optimum accuracy. Compared to some of the cheaper bullets I’ve used in the past, these Sierra Bullets deliver far superior performance and consistency. They inspire confidence in every shot.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets

Specifications

• Bullet Type: Spitzer – This classic bullet shape provides a good balance of ballistic coefficient and terminal performance, offering a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift compared to round-nose bullets. The Spitzer design is ideal for accurate, longer-range shots.
• Bullet Weight: 45 grain – This weight is a sweet spot for the .22 caliber, offering a good compromise between velocity and ballistic coefficient in common varmint cartridges like the .223 Remington and .22-250. The 45-grain weight allows for good energy transfer on target.
• Projectile Caliber: .22 Caliber – Standard .224″ diameter, compatible with a wide range of .22 caliber rifles. This caliber is widely used for varmint hunting due to its manageable recoil and flat trajectory.
• Sectional Density: 0.128 – This is a measure of a bullet’s penetration ability, with a higher number generally indicating better penetration. While not exceptionally high, the .128 sectional density of this bullet, combined with its velocity, is sufficient for most varminting applications.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet – Each box contains 100 bullets, making it a cost-effective option for reloaders. The 100-count packaging is ideal for load development and longer shooting sessions.
• Bullet Tip Material: Lead – The exposed lead tip promotes rapid expansion upon impact, ensuring quick and humane kills on varmints. The lead tip is essential for reliable terminal performance.
• Country of Origin: USA – Made in the USA by Sierra Bullets, ensuring high quality control and consistency. The US-made quality assures attention to detail and reliable performance.
• Weight: 45 g – This seems to be the shipping weight of the package, and not individual bullet weight. Individual bullet weight is 45 grain.
• Fabric/Material: Copper – The bullet jacket is made of copper, providing excellent strength and resistance to deformation during firing. The copper jacket ensures reliable engagement with the rifling and consistent flight.

Performance & Functionality

The Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets excel in accuracy and reliability. When properly loaded, they consistently produce sub-MOA groups in suitable rifles. The controlled expansion ensures rapid and humane kills on varmints, without excessive pelt damage (depending on the cartridge and range).

The main strength is their exceptional accuracy potential, especially in the .22-250 and other high-velocity .22 caliber cartridges. A potential weakness is that, as Sierra Bullets themselves note, they may be “too hard” for optimal expansion at lower handgun velocities, making them less suitable for some .22 caliber pistols.

These bullets far exceed my expectations for a dedicated varmint bullet. The combination of accuracy and terminal performance is outstanding.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and effective: a classic spitzer shape with an exposed lead tip. The build quality is excellent, with consistent weight and dimensions. The bullets are easy to handle and seat during reloading.

There’s no real “learning curve,” as these bullets are straightforward to load and shoot. Experienced reloaders will appreciate their consistency, while even beginners can achieve excellent results with proper load data.

Durability & Maintenance

The bullets themselves are highly durable and maintain their shape well during the reloading process. They also withstand the stresses of high-velocity firing without jacket separation or other issues.

No maintenance is required for the bullets themselves. Maintaining the rifle and reloading equipment is, of course, essential for consistent performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the bullets, as they are components for reloading. The main “customization” comes from selecting the appropriate powder, primer, and seating depth to achieve optimal accuracy and performance in a specific rifle.

These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and equipment. There are no specific restrictions or compatibility issues to be aware of.

Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets

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Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets?

Perfect for experienced reloaders who are looking for a highly accurate and reliable bullet for varmint hunting. They are also well-suited for shooters who prioritize humane kills and minimize pelt damage (when used in appropriate cartridges and at appropriate ranges). This is a great bullet for those who reload for .22-250 and .223 and want a consistent performer.

Hunters using .22 caliber handguns should likely skip this bullet, as the expansion may be insufficient at lower velocities. Novice reloaders may also find it challenging to achieve optimal accuracy without experience in load development.

A quality reloading manual and a chronograph are must-have accessories for achieving the best results with these bullets. Experimenting with different powder charges and seating depths is also highly recommended.

Conclusion on Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets

The Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets are an outstanding choice for varmint hunters seeking exceptional accuracy and reliable terminal performance. The value proposition is excellent, considering the quality and consistency offered by Sierra Bullets. The Sierra Bullets Varminter .22 Caliber 45 Grain Spitzer Rifle Bullets are priced at $49.73.

I wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a top-performing varmint bullet for their .22 caliber rifle. These bullets have become a mainstay in my reloading arsenal.

Don’t just take my word for it – try them for yourself and experience the Sierra Bullets difference! Head to your local reloading supplier or online retailer and pick up a box today!