First Impressions of **Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Years spent chasing coyotes across the windswept plains of Wyoming and controlling hog populations in the thickets of Texas have made me intimately familiar with the 7.62x39mm cartridge. While the round is typically associated with inexpensive, mass-produced ammunition, the promise of a premium varmint load was intriguing.
My first impression upon receiving the ammunition was positive. The brass cases gleamed, and the polymer tips on the 123-grain bullets looked sharp and ready for action. Picking up a cartridge, it felt well-balanced and precisely manufactured. This initial impression immediately set it apart from some of the cheaper, steel-cased alternatives on the market.
Compared to typical full metal jacket (FMJ) 7.62x39mm ammunition, the Nosler VMA is clearly designed for a different purpose. The FMJ rounds are fine for target practice, but their terminal performance on game leaves much to be desired. This Nosler offering seemed purpose-built to maximize lethality on smaller to medium-sized varmints.
My excitement stemmed from the potential to finally unlock the full potential of my SKS and AK-platform rifles for varmint hunting. Too often, I’ve felt limited by the available ammunition, sacrificing accuracy or terminal performance. The Nosler VMA promised to be a game-changer, and I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. The air was crisp and clear, perfect for dialing in a rifle. I primarily used my Arsenal SLR-107FR, an AK variant known for its reliability and decent accuracy, for testing.
I started by zeroing my rifle at 100 yards using a sandbag rest. The Nosler VMA ammunition consistently grouped within 2 inches. This was a noticeable improvement over typical surplus ammunition, which often spreads closer to 3-4 inches at the same distance. The recoil was manageable, and the cycling of the action was smooth and reliable.
During the range session, the wind picked up, gusting to around 15 mph. Even with the wind, the Nosler rounds held their trajectory reasonably well, indicating a decent ballistic coefficient for a bullet of this weight and shape. There were no malfunctions or failures to feed during the initial 100 rounds.
My first surprise was how clean the ammunition burned. After a few magazines, the action of my rifle remained relatively clean compared to when firing cheaper steel-cased ammunition. The brass cases ejected consistently, showing no signs of overpressure.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I used the Nosler VMA ammunition on several varmint hunts, primarily targeting coyotes and prairie dogs. I used it in temperatures ranging from below freezing to nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit, in dry and dusty conditions. The ammunition performed consistently across all conditions.
The durability of the brass casings proved to be excellent. I reloaded a batch of the spent cases to see how they would hold up. The brass showed no signs of cracking or excessive stretching after multiple firings. This makes the Nosler VMA not only effective but also economical for reloaders.
Maintenance was a breeze. After each range session or hunt, a quick cleaning of the rifle was all that was needed. The cleaner-burning powder reduced fouling, making cleaning less of a chore compared to using cheaper ammunition. This is a huge plus when you’re dealing with the intricacies of an AK-pattern rifle.
Compared to my previous experiences with FMJ or soft-point 7.62x39mm ammunition, the Nosler VMA significantly outperformed them in terms of terminal ballistics. Coyotes dropped in their tracks with well-placed shots, and prairie dogs experienced devastating explosive effects. The difference was night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of **Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
The Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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- Caliber: 7.62x39mm, the ubiquitous intermediate rifle cartridge.
- Bullet Weight: 123 grain, a common weight for this caliber offering a good balance of velocity and energy.
- Bullet Type: Flat Base Tipped (FBT) Varmageddon, designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation upon impact.
- Case Material: Brass, allowing for reloading and reliable extraction.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2350 ft/s, providing a flat trajectory out to reasonable distances.
- Muzzle Energy: 1508 ft-lbs, ensuring sufficient energy transfer for effective terminal performance.
- Primer Style: Centerfire, standard for modern rifle ammunition.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.304, indicating reasonable resistance to air drag.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in the field. The flat base tipped bullet is designed for rapid expansion, which is critical for quickly dispatching varmints. The brass casing ensures reliable feeding and extraction in various rifle platforms, including AK-47s and SKS rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The Nosler VMA ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The accuracy is noticeably better than most surplus 7.62x39mm offerings. The consistent groupings make it easier to place shots accurately on small targets at extended ranges.
The rapid expansion of the bullet results in devastating terminal effects on varmints, minimizing suffering and ensuring ethical harvests. The ammunition is reliable, with no malfunctions experienced during my testing. The brass casing ejects smoothly from various rifle platforms.
The only potential weakness is that the light 123-grain bullet may be more susceptible to wind drift compared to heavier projectiles. However, this is a minor concern for most varmint hunting scenarios. Overall, the Nosler VMA exceeds expectations in both accuracy and terminal performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the ammunition is excellent. The brass casings are clean and well-formed, and the bullets are seated consistently. The overall weight of the cartridge is typical for the 7.62x39mm, so there’s no noticeable difference in handling compared to other ammunition types.
The ammunition is user-friendly, with no special considerations needed for loading or firing. It functions flawlessly in various rifle platforms, including AK-47s, SKS rifles, and even bolt-action rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are durable and can be reloaded multiple times. The clean-burning powder reduces fouling, making maintenance of the rifle easier. With proper care and storage, the ammunition should last for many years.
The ammunition is easy to maintain, requiring no special cleaning or storage procedures. Simply store it in a cool, dry place, and it will be ready to use when needed. This makes it a practical choice for hunters and shooters who value convenience.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t have any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with any rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm. There are no specific customization options for the ammunition itself.
The ammunition can be paired with various optics, such as red dot sights or magnified scopes. This allows shooters to improve their accuracy and extend their effective range. It’s also compatible with different types of magazines, depending on the rifle being used. The brass casings make it reloadable, adding a layer of customization for handloaders.
Pros and Cons of **Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Exceptional terminal performance for varmint hunting, resulting in quick and ethical kills.
- Improved accuracy compared to typical surplus 7.62x39mm ammunition.
- Reliable feeding and extraction in various rifle platforms, including AK-47s and SKS rifles.
- Reloadable brass casings, providing cost savings for handloaders.
- Cleaner-burning powder, reducing fouling and simplifying rifle maintenance.
Cons
- May be more expensive than surplus or steel-cased 7.62x39mm ammunition.
- Lighter bullet weight may be more susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy **Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
60176 33% Off is perfect for varmint hunters who use rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm. It is also well-suited for shooters who want to improve the accuracy and terminal performance of their AK-47s or SKS rifles. Reloaders will appreciate the high-quality brass casings, which can be reloaded multiple times.
This ammunition may not be the best choice for shooters on a tight budget, as it is more expensive than surplus or steel-cased alternatives. It’s also not ideal for long-range target shooting in windy conditions due to the lighter bullet weight.
Must-have accessories include a reliable rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, suitable optics for accurate shot placement, and quality magazines for smooth feeding. Reloading equipment is a plus for those who want to take advantage of the reloadable brass casings.
Conclusion on **Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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In summary, the Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to maximize the potential of their 7.62x39mm rifle for varmint hunting. The price is justified by the superior performance and reloadable brass casings. If you’re tired of mediocre results with cheap ammunition, the Nosler VMA is a worthy investment.
Step up your varmint hunting game! Grab a few boxes of Nosler VMA 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Flat Base Tipped Varmageddon Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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