Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25 Review

Let’s Dive into Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25

The Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25 are specifically designed for varmint hunting, promising rapid expansion and devastating terminal performance. Marketed by Nosler as technologically advanced bullets, they boast high velocities and are intended to eliminate small game at extended ranges. These bullets come in packs of 250, making them suitable for reloaders seeking consistent and reliable performance.

As a seasoned varmint hunter, I’ve spent years chasing prairie dogs and coyotes across the windswept plains of Wyoming. The frustration of chasing wounded animals led me to seek a bullet that delivers consistent, ethical kills at longer distances, prompting my search for something like the Nosler Varmageddon. My primary requirements were accuracy, consistent expansion on impact, and minimal pelt damage.

Upon receiving the box, I was immediately struck by the uniform appearance of the bullets. The flat base design, combined with the hollow point, suggested a focus on rapid expansion. They felt solid and well-constructed, a testament to Nosler’s reputation for quality.

I’ve previously used Hornady V-Max and Sierra BlitzKing bullets for varmint hunting. I chose the Nosler Varmageddon due to Nosler’s consistent quality reputation and the flat base hollow point design. This promised better accuracy at longer ranges than the polymer-tipped bullets I had been using, and I was eager to put that to the test.

I was definitely excited to try these out, driven by a need for improved performance and ethical kills. The promise of extreme terminal performance and high velocities piqued my interest. Disappointment was not an option; I needed these to perform.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, dialing in my .223 Remington rifle with the Nosler Varmageddon bullets. I was reloading these rounds with a consistent powder charge and primer combination to ensure reliable data. The range offered distances out to 300 yards, simulating typical varmint hunting scenarios.

The conditions were relatively mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight crosswind of about 5 mph. Even with a slight breeze, the Nosler bullets performed admirably, grouping within 1 MOA at 100 yards. Getting out to 300 yards required only minor adjustments to the scope.

The bullets were easy to load and seat, thanks to their consistent dimensions and flat base design. No issues were encountered during the reloading process. After only a few adjustments to the scope, I was consistently hitting my marks at varying distances.

No issues were immediately apparent. The bullets grouped well, and the initial velocity readings from my chronograph were consistent with Nosler’s published data. I was optimistic.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including two dedicated varmint hunting trips, the Nosler Varmageddon bullets have proven to be remarkably consistent and effective. I have put nearly 200 rounds down range with fantastic results. The performance in the field has been even better than at the range.

Durability-wise, the bullets themselves show no signs of degradation during storage or handling. As reloads, the brass casings showed typical wear and tear, but that’s to be expected. The Nosler bullets themselves maintained their integrity.

Maintenance is minimal since these are bullets for reloading. I kept the loaded ammunition stored in a dry environment to prevent any corrosion, but the bullets themselves require no specific care. Consistent cleaning of the barrel is the only real maintenance needed.

Compared to my previous experiences with polymer-tipped bullets, the Nosler Varmageddon offers a clear advantage in wind resistance and long-range accuracy. While the polymer-tipped bullets were effective at shorter distances, they tended to drift more in the wind, making longer shots less predictable. The Nosler‘s flat base design really shines here.

Breaking Down the Features of Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25

Specifications

• The Nosler 36522 Varmageddon bullets are chambered in .22 Caliber / .224 Caliber. This makes them compatible with a wide range of .22 caliber rifles, including the popular .223 Remington and 22-250 cartridges.
• They have a Bullet Weight of 62 grain. This weight strikes a good balance between velocity and wind resistance, making them suitable for both close-range and longer-range varmint hunting.
• The Bullet Type is a Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP). The flat base design enhances stability and accuracy, while the hollow point ensures rapid expansion upon impact.
• The Sectional Density is 0.176. This is a measure of how well the bullet will penetrate.
• The Bullet Quantity per box is 250 Bullets. The larger quantity makes them an economical choice for reloaders who shoot frequently.
• These bullets are proudly made in the USA. Supporting American manufacturing is a plus for many consumers.
• The Fabric/Material is Copper. The copper jacket provides excellent lubricity and helps to reduce fouling in the barrel.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the bullet’s overall performance and suitability for varmint hunting. The flat base design, combined with the hollow point, delivers excellent accuracy and devastating terminal performance. The consistent weight and dimensions of the bullets ensure reliable reloading and consistent results in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25 bullets excel at their intended purpose: delivering rapid, ethical kills on varmints. The bullets demonstrated exceptional accuracy at various distances. This made them a reliable choice for both close and extended range shooting.

The strengths of these bullets lie in their accuracy, consistent expansion, and relatively low cost per round. The flat base design provides excellent stability, and the hollow point ensures rapid expansion on impact. The weakness is that at longer ranges, these lighter bullets can be more susceptible to wind drift than heavier bullets.

The Nosler bullets exceeded my expectations. I was anticipating a slight improvement in accuracy over my previous bullets, but the difference was significant. The consistent expansion and devastating terminal performance were also impressive.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullets themselves are simple in design, with a clean, uniform appearance. Their weight contributes to their ballistic performance. The shape ensures proper seating in the case and reliable feeding into the chamber.

These bullets are easy to handle and load, requiring no special tools or techniques. The flat base design makes seating the bullets straight and consistent. The consistent weight and dimensions contribute to their accuracy and reliability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Nosler Varmageddon bullets are designed to be durable during storage and handling. As components for reloading, they are not subject to the same wear and tear as loaded ammunition. The copper jacket provides excellent protection against corrosion and deformation.

Maintenance is minimal. The bullets themselves require no specific cleaning or care. Proper storage in a dry environment is sufficient to prevent any degradation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25 bullets are primarily components for reloading and do not come with any accessories. These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment. This includes presses, dies, and powder measures.

The primary customization option is adjusting the powder charge to optimize the bullet’s velocity and accuracy for a specific rifle. The bullets are compatible with various brands of brass casings and primers, allowing for further customization. Experimenting with different powder and primer combinations can fine-tune the bullet’s performance to match specific hunting conditions.

Pros and Cons of Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25

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Who Should Buy Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25?

These bullets are perfect for varmint hunters who prioritize accuracy, consistent expansion, and ethical kills. They are also well-suited for reloaders who seek a reliable and cost-effective bullet for high-volume shooting. If you prioritize humane kills and ethical harvesting, the Nosler Varmageddon is for you.

Hunters who want to preserve pelts should consider a bullet with less expansion. Competitive shooters focused solely on extreme long-range accuracy might benefit from heavier, higher-BC bullets. Anyone who wants to harvest animals for food and wants to minimize meat damage should also look at other bullet options.

A quality reloading press, accurate powder measure, and reliable primers are must-have accessories. Consistent powder charges and proper bullet seating are essential for achieving optimal accuracy. A chronograph can also be helpful for monitoring bullet velocity and ensuring consistent performance.

Conclusion on Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25

In summary, the Nosler 36522 Varmageddon 22 Caliber .224 62 GR Flat Base Hollow Point (FBHP) 25 bullets are an excellent choice for varmint hunters and reloaders who demand accuracy, consistent expansion, and ethical performance. The price is justified by the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of these bullets in the field. Their performance at both the range and in the field has been outstanding.

I would highly recommend these bullets to anyone seeking a reliable and effective varmint hunting solution. The Nosler Varmageddon bullets offer exceptional value for the money. Take your varmint hunting to the next level, and experience the devastating terminal performance of Nosler!