Let’s Dive into Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet
The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet promises accuracy and controlled expansion for varmint hunters. Manufactured by Speer, a name synonymous with reloading reliability, these bullets are designed to deliver a quick, humane kill while minimizing pelt damage. With a spitzer tip for improved ballistics and a soft point for rapid expansion, the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet aims to be the ideal choice for predator and varmint control.
My quest for the perfect .224 bullet for my AR-15 varmint rifle led me to these. I was looking for a heavier bullet than the standard 55-grain offerings. I wanted something that would buck the wind better and deliver more energy on target at longer ranges, specifically for coyote hunting.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the consistent appearance of the bullets. The jackets were clean and uniform, and the soft points were well-formed, not flattened or damaged. They felt substantial, a noticeable difference from lighter .224 projectiles I’ve used in the past.
I considered Sierra MatchKing HPBT, and Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullets. However, I chose the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet because they offered a balance of price and performance, ideal for high-volume varmint hunting. The Speer name gave me confidence in their quality and reliability.
My initial reaction was excitement; I was eager to see how these heavier bullets would perform in my rifle. I had high hopes for their accuracy and terminal performance on coyotes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved a trip to my local shooting range. I loaded up several magazines with handloads using the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet and a consistent powder charge. I sighted in my rifle at 100 yards.
The weather was mild and sunny, ideal for testing. Even with a slight crosswind, I achieved consistent groupings just under 1 MOA, better than I expected for a soft point bullet. The recoil felt slightly more pronounced than with lighter bullets, but manageable.
The bullets fed and chambered flawlessly, with no issues encountered during the first 100 rounds. I was immediately impressed by the consistent accuracy and reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet has proven to be remarkably consistent. I’ve used them in varying conditions, from hot, dry summer days to cold, damp autumn hunts. Their performance remained stable.
I’ve noticed no signs of significant wear or degradation in storage or after firing. Cleaning my rifle after using these bullets is no different from any other jacketed bullet. There is minimal copper fouling. They have outperformed other budget-friendly varmint bullets I’ve tried.
The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet has exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and terminal performance, specifically on coyotes. Their consistent expansion and penetration has resulted in quicker, more humane kills.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet
Specifications
- Caliber: .224 Caliber. This is a standard and popular caliber for varmint hunting.
- Bullet Weight: 70 grain. This offers improved ballistic coefficient and energy retention over lighter .224 bullets.
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Soft Point (JSP). This design ensures reliable expansion upon impact, maximizing terminal effect.
- Sectional Density: 0.199. This provides adequate penetration for varmints and smaller predators.
- Bullet Tip Material: Lead. A soft lead tip initiates rapid expansion upon impact.
- Fabric/Material: Copper. The copper jacket ensures smooth feeding and reliable accuracy.
These specifications are crucial for a varmint bullet. The heavier bullet weight and JSP design contribute to improved accuracy and terminal performance at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It provides consistent accuracy, reliable expansion, and adequate penetration for varmints and smaller predators.
Its strengths lie in its accuracy and terminal performance. However, its higher price point compared to some other varmint bullets could be considered a weakness. It meets my expectations and has proven to be a reliable choice for my coyote hunting needs.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullet’s design is simple and functional. Its spitzer tip improves its ballistic coefficient, and the soft point ensures rapid expansion.
The build quality is excellent. The bullets are consistent in weight and dimensions. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets for reloading.
Durability & Maintenance
When stored properly, these bullets should last indefinitely. They are easy to clean and maintain after firing, with minimal copper fouling.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet does not require any specific accessories. Reloading data is readily available for various powders and primers, allowing for customization to specific rifles and loads.
These bullets are compatible with standard .224 reloading equipment and components. Reloading manuals and online resources offer comprehensive guidance for creating accurate and effective loads.
Pros and Cons of Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet
Pros
- Excellent accuracy for a soft point bullet.
- Reliable and consistent expansion on varmints.
- Improved ballistic coefficient compared to lighter .224 bullets.
- Adequate penetration for varmints and smaller predators.
- Consistent weight and dimensions for reliable reloading.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other varmint bullets.
- May require a faster twist rate barrel for optimal accuracy in some rifles.
Who Should Buy Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet?
Perfect for: Varmint hunters looking for a heavier .224 bullet with improved accuracy and terminal performance. Also good for predator hunters targeting coyotes and foxes at moderate ranges.
Who should skip this product? Those looking for the absolute cheapest .224 bullet option, or those shooting exclusively at very long ranges where a boat tail bullet might offer a slight advantage.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A reloading manual and appropriate reloading equipment are essential for handloading these bullets. A rifle with a faster twist rate barrel (1:8 or 1:7) may be required for optimal accuracy with the heavier 70-grain bullet.
Conclusion on Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet
In summary, the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet is an excellent choice for varmint and predator hunters seeking a heavier, more accurate .224 projectile. Its consistent expansion and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified by the bullet’s accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance. While not the cheapest option, it offers excellent value for those seeking a premium varmint bullet.
I would highly recommend the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet to anyone looking for a high-quality .224 bullet for varmint or predator hunting. Try them out for yourself. Experience the difference that quality and consistency can make.