Let’s Dive into Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
The Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 bullets are designed with one purpose in mind: eliminating varmints quickly and efficiently. Manufactured by Nosler, a name synonymous with quality and precision in the ammunition world, these bullets promise excellent terminal performance and high velocities. This particular offering comes with 100 bullets, perfect for a dedicated varmint hunter.
I’ve always been plagued by prairie dogs decimating local farm fields. I needed a projectile that offered both precision for long-range shots and devastating terminal ballistics to ensure a clean, ethical kill. The Nosler Varmageddon line immediately caught my eye because of its reputation for accuracy and explosive expansion.
Upon receiving the bullets, I was immediately impressed by the consistent shape and clean finish. Each bullet looked meticulously crafted, hinting at the quality control Nosler is known for. The flat base and hollow point design were exactly what I was looking for – a combination promising rapid expansion on impact.
While I considered other .17 caliber bullets, like the Hornady V-Max, the Nosler Varmageddon stood out due to its reputation for being less prone to ricochet, a significant concern in my hunting area. I also preferred the flat base design over boat tail options for its potential for improved accuracy at shorter ranges, where most of my shots would occur. My first impression was one of excitement; these bullets looked like they could be the perfect solution to my varmint problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Nosler Varmageddon bullets was at a local prairie dog town. I was using a Savage Model 93R17 bolt-action rifle chambered in .17 HMR. The weather was relatively mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight crosswind.
The bullets loaded smoothly into the magazine and chambered without issue. I immediately noticed consistent accuracy at 100 yards. There were a couple of occasions where the wind got the best of me, but for the most part I was right on point.
Upon impacting the prairie dogs, the bullets performed exactly as advertised. The expansion was dramatic and immediate, resulting in clean and humane kills.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Nosler Varmageddon bullets have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds with minimal variations in accuracy or performance. I make sure I give my rifle a good cleaning every 100-150 rounds so it performs at its peak.
The bullets have shown no signs of degradation or inconsistency, even after being stored in my ammo can for extended periods. I haven’t experienced any malfunctions or issues related to the bullets themselves. They are easy to handle and reload and they still offer an extreme amount of terminal performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with other .17 HMR bullets, the Nosler Varmageddon consistently outperforms them in terms of terminal ballistics and overall accuracy. The combination of reliable performance and devastating terminal effects makes these my go-to varmint hunting bullet.
Breaking Down the Features of Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
Specifications
The Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 bullets are designed for optimal varmint hunting performance. The bullet is a .172 caliber projectile, the standard for .17 HMR and similar cartridges. This offers a balance of speed and manageable recoil.
Each bullet weighs 20 grains, providing a high velocity for flat trajectories and enhanced energy transfer. This weight ensures sufficient momentum for effective terminal performance on small game. The flat base hollow point (FBHP) design is engineered for rapid expansion upon impact. This maximizes the energy transfer and creates devastating wound channels.
The sectional density is 0.097, which is a measure of the bullet’s penetration capability relative to its diameter. While not a primary factor for varmint hunting (where expansion is more important), it indicates the bullet’s potential for stability in flight. These bullets are made of copper, a common and reliable material for bullet construction. Copper provides good accuracy and consistent expansion.
The quantity per box is 100 bullets, making it a convenient and economical choice for reloaders or frequent shooters. Assembled in the USA, these bullets benefit from stringent quality control and manufacturing standards. This ensures consistent performance and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Nosler 17205 Varmageddon bullets perform exceptionally well in their intended role. They deliver consistent accuracy and reliable expansion. Accuracy is paramount for varmint hunting, where precise shot placement is crucial for ethical kills.
The rapid expansion of the hollow point ensures that the bullet transfers its energy quickly and effectively. This results in devastating terminal effects on small game like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and woodchucks. While the .17 HMR is not a long-range cartridge, these bullets maintain acceptable accuracy out to 150 yards in my testing. Some shooters will prefer to push it past that, but I like to keep it close to 150.
One minor area for improvement would be a slightly thicker jacket. This could potentially reduce the risk of bullet fragmentation before impact at extremely high velocities. Overall, however, the Nosler Varmageddon bullets meet and exceed expectations for varmint hunting performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Nosler Varmageddon bullets feature a simple, yet effective design. The flat base is easy to handle and seat during reloading. The hollow point cavity is precisely formed for consistent expansion.
The bullets are lightweight, which contributes to their high velocity. The copper jacket is clean and uniform, indicating good manufacturing quality. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using these bullets, making them user-friendly for both experienced reloaders and novice shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
As bullets, the Nosler Varmageddon rounds are single-use items. However, their construction suggests a long shelf life if stored properly. The copper jacket resists corrosion and degradation.
No specific maintenance is required for the bullets themselves. However, maintaining a clean and properly functioning firearm is essential for optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
As bullets, the Nosler 17205 Varmageddon do not come with accessories in the traditional sense. However, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading components, allowing for significant customization. Reloaders can experiment with different powders, primers, and seating depths to fine-tune the performance of the bullets for their specific rifle and hunting conditions.
They work well with various .17 HMR reloading dies and tools. While not a direct “accessory,” choosing the right .17 caliber cleaning rod and bore brush is essential for maintaining accuracy when using these bullets.
Pros and Cons of Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
Pros
- Exceptional terminal ballistics: The hollow point design ensures rapid expansion and devastating energy transfer.
- Consistent accuracy: These bullets deliver reliable accuracy at typical varmint hunting ranges.
- High velocity: The lightweight design allows for flat trajectories and minimal bullet drop.
- Reliable performance: They function reliably in a variety of .17 caliber rifles.
- Quality construction: Made in the USA by Nosler, a reputable manufacturer known for quality.
Cons
- Potential for fragmentation: At extremely high velocities, the bullet jacket may fragment before impact.
- Limited range: The .17 HMR cartridge (and thus, these bullets) is not ideal for long-range shooting.
Who Should Buy Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10?
The Nosler 17205 Varmageddon bullets are perfect for varmint hunters seeking devastating terminal performance and reliable accuracy at close to medium ranges. They are also well-suited for reloaders who enjoy fine-tuning their ammunition for specific hunting conditions. These bullets would do well on pest control, or anyone just getting into varmint hunting.
This product may not be the best choice for long-range shooters, who would be better served by larger caliber, higher ballistic coefficient bullets. Those seeking deep penetration for larger game should also look elsewhere. A must-have accessory for these bullets is a good quality .17 caliber cleaning rod and bore brush to maintain accuracy.
Conclusion on Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10
The Nosler 17205 Varmageddon 17 Caliber .172 20 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 10 bullets offer a compelling combination of accuracy, terminal performance, and value for varmint hunters. The price is justified by the quality of the construction and the consistent results they deliver.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone seeking a reliable and effective varmint hunting projectile. They have become my go-to choice for dispatching prairie dogs and other small pests. So, if you are looking for a bullet that delivers the results you want, look no further than the Nosler Varmageddon.