Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet Review

First Impressions of Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet promises controlled expansion, a feature that’s often a trade-off with the explosive terminal effects of some varmint rounds. Speer, a name synonymous with quality ammunition components, aims to deliver accuracy and effective on-game performance in this offering.

Years of chasing prairie dogs and woodchucks have taught me that pelt damage can be a real concern, especially if you are trying to sell the pelts. So, I was looking for a balance between knockdown power and minimal destruction, hoping the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet could be it.

Opening the box of 100 bullets, I immediately noticed the clean lines of the jacket and the well-formed soft point. The bullets felt consistently weighted and measured, a good sign of quality control, especially considering the price point. Compared to some bulk .224 projectiles I’ve used in the past, these looked significantly more refined. I had been using Hornady V-Max bullets, which offer great explosive expansion, but often destroy the pelt. In contrast, these look as though they will cause less overall damage.

My first impression was positive; I was excited to get these loaded and see how they performed. I’d heard good things about Speer bullets, but this was my first time using their varmint-specific projectiles. I felt a sense of cautious optimism.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at my usual prairie dog range, a stretch of arid grassland frequently hammered by wind. Conditions were typical for early summer: dry, dusty, and with a persistent crosswind of about 10-15 mph.

I loaded the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet into my custom AR-15 with a 1:8 twist barrel. After zeroing at 100 yards, I began engaging targets ranging from 100 to 300 yards. Initial results were promising, with consistent groupings around 1 MOA at 100 yards, even with the wind. The bullets seemed to stabilize well, even at longer distances. There was a slight learning curve in terms of windage adjustments compared to my usual load, but nothing significant.

The first prairie dog I hit at around 200 yards dropped instantly, but the exit wound was noticeably smaller than what I’d expect from a more explosive bullet. This gave me the initial sign of controlled expansion, which was the performance I was looking for.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds downrange, the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet has proven to be remarkably consistent. I haven’t experienced any misfires or feeding issues related to the bullets themselves.

Durability-wise, the bullets themselves are inherently robust since they are loaded into casings. I have noticed no signs of degradation in the remaining bullets, even after being stored in varying temperatures. Cleaning my rifle after using these bullets has been standard, with no excessive fouling or residue.

Compared to my previous experiences with more frangible varmint rounds, these are definitely a step up in terms of controlled expansion and reduced pelt damage, while still delivering reliable kills. They aren’t quite as dramatically explosive as some, but their consistency and reduced mess have won me over.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet

Specifications

• Bullet Type: Jacketed Soft Point (JSP). This design promotes controlled expansion upon impact, rather than immediate fragmentation.
• Bullet Weight: 46 grain. This weight provides a good balance of velocity and ballistic coefficient for typical varmint hunting ranges.
• Projectile Caliber: .224 Caliber. This is the standard size for .223 Remington/5.56mm NATO and other popular .22 centerfire cartridges.
• Condition: New. Assures the bullets are factory-fresh and free from defects.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet. Provides a decent supply for reloading or developing a specific load.
• Manufacturer: Speer. A reputable company known for producing quality bullets and ammunition.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the bullet’s trajectory, terminal performance, and suitability for different varmint hunting scenarios. The 46-grain weight offers a good balance of velocity and energy retention, while the JSP design ensures reliable expansion without excessive fragmentation. This is important for situations where pelt preservation is desired.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet performs its job admirably, delivering accurate and consistent results. Its reliability in feeding and ignition is excellent. The controlled expansion is a definite strength, providing quick kills with minimized pelt damage.

One minor weakness is that it may require slightly more precise shot placement compared to more explosive rounds, especially on larger or tougher varmints. Overall, it meets and slightly exceeds my expectations, especially considering the price.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with clean lines and consistent dimensions. The materials used appear to be of high quality, and the bullets feel consistently weighted. While there’s no real “ergonomics” to a bullet, their consistent shape and dimensions make them easy to handle during reloading.

There is no real learning curve for experienced reloaders. They load just like any other .224 bullet.

Durability & Maintenance

As a component of ammunition, the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet is inherently durable when properly stored and loaded. They should last for years if kept in a cool, dry environment.

There’s no real maintenance required for the bullets themselves beyond proper storage. Standard cleaning procedures for the firearm are sufficient after use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The bullets themselves don’t require accessories, but handloaders can fine-tune their performance with different powder charges and primers. These bullets are compatible with most standard .224 reloading dies and tools. They also perform well with a variety of popular .223/5.56mm AR-15 magazines.

Pros and Cons of Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet

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Who Should Buy Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet?

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet is perfect for varmint hunters and trappers who prioritize pelt preservation without sacrificing ethical kills. It’s also a good choice for reloaders seeking an accurate and consistent bullet for high-volume shooting.

Those who primarily target larger predators or require maximum stopping power, regardless of pelt damage, might prefer a more explosive bullet.

Must-have accessories include a quality reloading press, .224 reloading dies, and a reliable powder scale.

Conclusion on Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet strikes an excellent balance between accuracy, terminal performance, and pelt preservation. The price is definitely justified, especially for those who value ethical kills and minimal damage to hides.

I would personally recommend it to any varmint hunter looking for a reliable and effective bullet that won’t turn their quarry into a shredded mess. If you’re looking for a bullet that delivers consistent performance and minimizes pelt damage, give the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Riffle Bullet a try. You won’t be disappointed.