Let’s Dive into Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve spent over a decade evaluating countless products. Today, I’m diving into the Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10, a bullet designed for varmint hunting and precision shooting. Nosler is a reputable name, and the Varmageddon line aims for consistent performance and devastating terminal effects.
My need arose from an escalating prairie dog problem on a friend’s ranch. Population control was needed, and I sought a bullet offering a balance of accuracy, controlled expansion, and minimal pelt damage (within reason, of course!). The Nosler Varmageddon series, with its promise of high velocities and extreme terminal performance, seemed like a promising solution.
Unboxing these bullets, my initial impression was positive. The copper jackets looked clean and uniform, and the flat base hollow point design was precisely formed. At 62 grains, they felt substantial for a .22 caliber bullet, hinting at potential long-range stability.
Compared to lighter, polymer-tipped varmint rounds I’ve used, these seemed geared towards deeper penetration and more controlled expansion. Against heavier, match-grade .224 bullets, the Varmageddon’s focus on rapid fragmentation set them apart. Ultimately, the promise of explosive terminal ballistics at a reasonable price swayed me.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the build quality appeared excellent, the true test would be in the field, observing their accuracy and terminal performance on live targets. The real question: Could these live up to the Varmageddon name?
Real-World Testing: Putting Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 to the Test
First Use Experience
My primary testing ground was the aforementioned prairie dog town, with shots ranging from 50 to 200 yards. I used a custom AR-15 with a 1:8 twist barrel, known for its versatility with various bullet weights. Conditions were typical for late spring: sunny with a mild 10-15 mph crosswind.
The Nosler 35631 Varmageddon bullets proved surprisingly accurate, consistently grouping around 1 MOA at 100 yards. This was very promising, especially considering their intended use isn’t solely benchrest precision. There were no malfunctions or feeding issues with my AR-15 magazines.
The wind did present a challenge, requiring careful windage adjustments at longer distances. However, this is expected with any lightweight bullet. The terminal performance, however, was immediately impressive – explosive and decisive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, these bullets continued to perform admirably. No significant deviations in accuracy were observed. The copper jackets showed no signs of excessive fouling in my barrel, and cleaning remained straightforward.
Durability, in terms of bullet integrity before firing, was excellent. I experienced no deformation or damage during handling and loading. Compared to some other varmint bullets I’ve used, these seem to hold up better to rough handling.
These Varmageddon bullets outperformed my expectations in terms of terminal effect. They delivered consistent and devastating results on prairie dogs, with rapid expansion and significant tissue damage. This is exactly what I was hoping for – quick, ethical kills.
Breaking Down the Features of Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
Specifications
The Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 boasts the following specifications:
- Caliber: .224 (22 Caliber) – A standard and widely supported caliber for AR-15s and other .22 caliber rifles.
- Bullet Weight: 62 grains – A heavier-for-caliber weight that provides better ballistic coefficient and wind resistance than lighter .224 bullets.
- Bullet Type: Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) – Designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation upon impact, maximizing terminal effect.
- Sectional Density: 0.176 – A measure of a bullet’s penetration ability; this value suggests good penetration for a varmint bullet.
- Bullet Quantity: 100 – Standard packaging for reloading or hand-loading.
- Material: Copper – Provides the necessary malleability for expansion while maintaining bullet integrity during flight.
- Country of Origin: USA – Nosler prides itself on US-made quality and consistency.
These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the bullet’s performance. The 62-grain weight offers a good balance between velocity and ballistic coefficient, while the flat base hollow point design ensures rapid expansion. The .224 caliber means it will function in any firearm chambered for .223 Remington/5.56 NATO.
Performance & Functionality
The Nosler 35631 Varmageddon bullets excel in their intended role: varmint hunting. Their accuracy is sufficient for shots out to 200 yards, and their terminal performance is exceptionally effective. They consistently deliver rapid and devastating energy transfer.
The primary strength lies in their ability to create significant tissue damage upon impact. The hollow point design initiates rapid expansion, resulting in quick and ethical kills. Improvement could come in the form of slightly better ballistic coefficient for even flatter trajectories at longer distances.
These bullets meet and exceed expectations for varmint hunting within their effective range. They offer a reliable and consistent performance that is ideal for population control and recreational shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullet’s design is straightforward: a traditional copper jacketed hollow point with a flat base. The build quality is excellent, reflecting Nosler’s commitment to precision manufacturing. They are easy to handle and load into magazines.
The flat base design contributes to stable flight, although boat-tail designs offer superior ballistic coefficients. There’s no significant learning curve associated with using these bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
These bullets are primarily designed for single use, so durability refers to their integrity before firing. They are well-constructed and resist deformation under normal handling conditions. Cleaning the rifle after use is standard, with no unusual fouling observed.
With proper storage, these bullets should last indefinitely. Their simple construction means there’s nothing to repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
These are bullets intended for reloading or hand-loading; therefore, accessories primarily relate to the loading process. They are compatible with standard reloading dies and equipment for .224 caliber bullets. There are no specific “accessories” for the bullet itself.
While there aren’t customization options for the bullet’s design, reloaders can experiment with different powder charges and seating depths. This allows fine-tuning for specific rifles and desired performance characteristics.
Pros and Cons of Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
Pros
- Excellent Terminal Performance: The flat base hollow point design ensures rapid expansion and devastating energy transfer, resulting in quick and ethical kills.
- Good Accuracy: Consistent 1 MOA accuracy at 100 yards is more than adequate for varmint hunting.
- Reliable Performance: These bullets consistently perform as expected with no feeding or reliability issues encountered during testing.
- US-Made Quality: Nosler is known for its commitment to quality manufacturing in the USA.
- Versatile Weight: The 62-grain weight provides a good balance between velocity and ballistic coefficient for various .22 caliber rifles.
Cons
- Ballistic Coefficient: A boat-tail design might offer a slightly better ballistic coefficient for extended range shooting.
- Pelt Damage: Due to their rapid expansion, these bullets may cause significant pelt damage, which might be a concern for some hunters.
Who Should Buy Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10?
Perfect for: Varmint hunters seeking a reliable and devastating bullet for taking down prairie dogs, groundhogs, and other small pests. Reloaders who appreciate consistent quality and performance and like to fine-tune their loads.
Who should skip this product? Hunters prioritizing pelt preservation or those primarily focused on long-range target shooting beyond 300 yards.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality reloading dies, a precise powder scale, and a reliable chronograph to fine-tune loads for optimal performance in your specific rifle.
Conclusion on Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
The Nosler 35631 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 is a well-designed and effective bullet for varmint hunting. Its accuracy and terminal performance are exceptional, making it a great choice for ethical and efficient pest control. The price is justified by the consistent quality and devastating results.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing varmint round. They live up to the Varmageddon name. If you’re dealing with unwanted critters on your property, give these a try—you won’t be disappointed!