Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets Review

Let’s Dive into Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets

For years, I’ve chased the perfect varmint load, something that delivers both pinpoint accuracy and explosive terminal performance. After countless hours on the range and in the field, the search led me to the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets. These bullets promise match-grade precision and rapid expansion, a combination that’s hard to ignore for any serious varmint hunter.

My primary issue was inconsistent performance with other .20 caliber bullets, some lacked the necessary accuracy for longer shots, while others failed to expand reliably on smaller targets. I needed a bullet that could consistently deliver devastating results on prairie dogs and ground squirrels out to 300 yards.

Upon unboxing the Berger bullets, I was immediately impressed by their uniform appearance and clean finish. The flat base and pronounced hollow point gave the impression of a bullet built for business, a feeling further enhanced by the weight consistency I observed while loading. These looked like bullets crafted with precision, a welcome change from some of the mass-produced options I’ve used in the past.

Compared to Hornady V-Max or Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullets, the Berger offering seemed to have a more robust jacket, suggesting potentially better performance in rifles with higher velocities. While the V-Max is known for its explosive expansion, it sometimes lacks the accuracy required for very small targets at distance. The Ballistic Tip is a good all-around performer, but I was hoping for something with even more dramatic terminal effects.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; these bullets looked the part, but the real test would be on the range and in the field. I was excited to see if the Berger bullets could live up to their promise of match-grade accuracy and explosive expansion.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets was at my local shooting range, a controlled environment perfect for initial load development and accuracy testing. I was shooting from a bench rest using my custom built .204 Ruger rifle, a platform known for its inherent accuracy.

The weather was mild with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for evaluating bullet performance. I found the bullets easy to load, their consistent dimensions contributing to smooth seating and crimping. After working up a load with a safe powder charge, I started shooting groups at 100 yards, and the results were immediately impressive.

Even with my initial load, I was consistently achieving sub-MOA groups, a testament to the quality and uniformity of the Berger bullets. I experienced no feeding or extraction issues, and the primers showed no signs of excessive pressure. My first impression was very positive, however the terminal performance on live targets remains the ultimate performance test.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of range testing and load refinement, I took the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets into the field for some serious varmint hunting. My primary target was prairie dogs on a ranch in eastern Montana, a challenging environment with variable wind conditions and small, elusive targets.

Over the course of several days, I fired hundreds of rounds at distances ranging from 100 to 300 yards. The accuracy of these bullets remained consistently excellent, even in gusty winds. The flat base design appeared to minimize wind drift compared to boat-tail bullets I’d used in the past, and my hit percentage on prairie dogs was noticeably higher.

Durability was not really an issue, as these are bullets designed to expand rapidly upon impact. However, I did observe that the jackets held up well during loading and firing, with no signs of deformation or separation. Maintenance involved only routine cleaning of my rifle, and the bullets themselves required no special handling or care.

Compared to my previous experiences with other varmint bullets, the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets offered a significant improvement in both accuracy and terminal performance. These bullets consistently delivered devastating results, and were noticeably more effective than any other .20 caliber option I’ve tested.

Breaking Down the Features of Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets

Specifications

The Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets are specifically designed for varmint hunting. These bullets are made by Berger, a company renowned for its precision and quality.

• Bullet Type: Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) – This design ensures rapid expansion upon impact, maximizing the bullet’s terminal effect.
• Bullet Weight: 35 grain – A lightweight bullet that achieves high velocities, reducing bullet drop and increasing effective range.
• Projectile Caliber: .20 Caliber – Ideal for small varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
• Sectional Density: 0.12 – A measure of the bullet’s penetration ability, influencing its performance on different sized targets.
• Jacket Material: J4 Varmint Jacket – Berger’s thin-nosed J4 Precision Jackets are known for their consistency and contribution to accuracy.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullets – Providing enough bullets for extensive load development and hunting sessions.
• Fabric/Material: Copper – Ensures proper engraving with the rifling and consistent performance.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the bullet’s overall accuracy, terminal performance, and ease of use. The flat base and hollow point design promote rapid expansion, while the lightweight and small caliber contribute to high velocities and flat trajectories. The J4 Varmint Jacket ensures consistent accuracy and reliable performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets excel in both accuracy and terminal performance, making them an ideal choice for varmint hunting. These bullets consistently deliver sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Their rapid expansion ensures humane and effective kills on small varmints, minimizing the chance of wounded animals. The main strength of these bullets is their ability to combine match-grade accuracy with explosive terminal performance. A potential weakness is their limited use on larger game animals, for which a heavier, more controlled-expansion bullet would be more suitable.

The Berger bullets exceeded my expectations in terms of both accuracy and terminal effect, making them my new go-to choice for varmint hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets boast a simple, yet effective design optimized for varmint hunting. The build quality is exceptional, with consistent dimensions and a clean finish.

Their lightweight and flat base design makes them easy to handle and load, with no special tools or techniques required. There is virtually no learning curve, making these bullets accessible to both experienced and novice reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

As projectiles designed for single use, durability isn’t a primary concern for the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets. However, their robust jacket construction ensures they hold up well during loading and firing.

These bullets require no special maintenance, other than storing them in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. With proper care, a box of Berger bullets should last for many hunting seasons.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets are primarily designed for handloading, allowing for extensive customization of your load. While no accessories come directly with the bullets, you can experiment with different powders, primers, and seating depths to optimize performance in your rifle.

These bullets are compatible with any .20 caliber reloading dies and can be used in a wide variety of .20 caliber rifles, including the .204 Ruger and .20 Practical. Berger offers load data on their website, providing a valuable resource for reloaders seeking to achieve optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets?

The Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets are perfect for serious varmint hunters who demand both accuracy and explosive terminal performance. These bullets are ideal for anyone targeting small varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and woodchucks.

These bullets are not ideal for hunters seeking a bullet for larger game animals, or those on a very tight budget.

Must-have accessories for these bullets include high-quality reloading dies, a reliable chronograph, and a rangefinder.

Conclusion on Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets

In summary, the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets are an excellent choice for varmint hunters seeking a combination of match-grade accuracy and explosive terminal performance. The price is justified by the exceptional quality and performance of these bullets.

I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to any serious varmint hunter looking to maximize their effectiveness in the field. If you’re tired of chasing inconsistent results and want a bullet that consistently delivers devastating performance, give the Berger Varmint .20 Caliber 35 Grain Varmint Flat Base Rifle Bullets a try. You won’t be disappointed.