Nosler Ammo Review: Varmageddon 223 & 22-250 – Performance & Testing
As a long-time hunter, competitive shooter, and outdoor writer, I’ve spent countless hours behind the trigger, testing ammunition across a variety of platforms. When it comes to varmint hunting, precision and consistent performance are paramount. Recently, I’ve been putting the Nosler Varmageddon line through its paces, specifically the 223 Remington and 22-250 Remington offerings. This Nosler ammo review will cover my findings, focusing on accuracy, velocity, terminal performance, and overall value. I’ll break down what makes this ammunition stand out, and whether it’s the right choice for your next varmint expedition. We'll also look at how it stacks up against other popular varmint rounds.
Understanding the Nosler Varmageddon Line
Nosler, a name synonymous with premium hunting ammunition, introduced the Varmageddon line to address the specific needs of varmint hunters. Unlike some ammunition designed for larger game, Varmageddon is engineered for explosive expansion and maximum energy transfer on smaller targets like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes. The key feature is the hollow point bullet, designed to open rapidly upon impact, delivering a quick, humane kill. Nosler's reputation for quality control and consistent manufacturing is also a major draw.
Key Features of Varmageddon Ammunition
- Hollow Point Bullet Design: Maximizes expansion and energy transfer.
- Nickel-Plated Brass Cases: Provides reliable feeding and extraction.
- Non-Corrosive Primers: Ensures consistent ignition in various conditions.
- Precise Powder Charges: Delivers consistent velocities and accuracy.
Nosler Varmageddon 223 Remington: A Deep Dive
The .223 Remington is arguably the most popular varmint cartridge in the United States, and for good reason. It offers a flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and excellent accuracy. I tested the 55-grain Varmageddon load in a Ruger AR-15, using a variety of optics from 4x to 16x magnification. My testing involved shooting groups at 100 yards, as well as engaging reactive targets at varying distances up to 300 yards.
Accuracy and Velocity Testing (223 Rem)
Average velocity, measured with a chronograph, was 3,240 fps, which is consistent with Nosler’s published specifications. Five-shot groups at 100 yards averaged 0.65 MOA, which is exceptional for factory ammunition. I was particularly impressed with the consistency of the groups – minimal vertical stringing and consistent point of impact. This level of accuracy is crucial for making precise shots on small, moving targets. Reloading Data provides a good comparison point for handloaded velocities.
Terminal Performance on Varmints (223 Rem)
On prairie dogs, the 55-grain Varmageddon consistently delivered explosive results. The hollow point opened immediately upon impact, creating a large wound channel and resulting in instant kills. Even on quartering shots, the expansion was impressive, ensuring a quick and ethical harvest. I observed minimal fur damage, which is a plus for those who value pelt preservation. I also tested it on groundhogs, and the results were similar – devastating terminal performance.
Nosler Varmageddon 22-250 Remington: Pushing the Limits
The 22-250 Remington is known for its blistering velocities and flat trajectory, making it ideal for long-range varmint hunting. I tested the 55-grain Varmageddon load in a Savage Model 110, equipped with a 6-20x scope. My testing protocol mirrored that of the .223 Remington, focusing on accuracy, velocity, and terminal performance. The Nosler Varmageddon 22-250 is a step up in power and range.
Velocity and Grouping (22-250 Rem)
Average velocity with the 55-grain load clocked in at 3,580 fps – a significant increase over the .223 Remington. This higher velocity translates to a flatter trajectory and increased energy at longer ranges. Accuracy was also excellent, with five-shot groups averaging 0.75 MOA at 100 yards. While slightly less consistent than the .223 load, the accuracy was still more than sufficient for varmint hunting. Ballistic Studies offers detailed trajectory information for this cartridge.
Downrange Performance and Expansion (22-250 Rem)
At 200-300 yards, the 22-250 Varmageddon continued to impress. The increased velocity resulted in more dramatic expansion on prairie dogs, often resulting in complete pass-throughs. The higher energy also meant that even marginal hits were more likely to be fatal. I did notice slightly more fur damage with the 22-250, likely due to the higher velocity and more aggressive expansion. However, this was a minor trade-off for the increased effectiveness at longer ranges.
Nosler Varmageddon vs. the Competition
The varmint ammunition market is crowded, with options from Federal, Winchester, and Hornady. How does the Nosler Varmageddon stack up? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Ammunition | Accuracy (Average MOA) | Velocity (Approx.) | Price (Per Box of 50) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nosler Varmageddon 223 Rem 55gr | 0.65 | 3,240 fps | $35-40 |
| Nosler Varmageddon 22-250 Rem 55gr | 0.75 | 3,580 fps | $40-45 |
| Federal Premium Varmint 223 Rem 55gr | 0.80 | 3,250 fps | $30-35 |
| Winchester Varmint X 22-250 Rem 55gr | 0.90 | 3,550 fps | $35-40 |
As you can see, the Nosler Varmageddon generally offers superior accuracy compared to its competitors. The price is slightly higher, but the performance justifies the cost for hunters who demand the best.
Leave No Trace and Ethical Varmint Hunting
Before heading out on your varmint hunt, remember to practice responsible outdoor ethics. Leave No Trace principles are crucial for minimizing your impact on the environment. This includes packing out all trash, respecting wildlife, and avoiding disturbance to vegetation. Ethical hunting also means making clean, humane shots and utilizing the harvested animals whenever possible. The National Park Service provides information on hunting regulations in national parks (where permitted).
Final Thoughts on the Nosler Ammo Review
Overall, I’m highly impressed with the Nosler Varmageddon ammunition. Both the 223 Remington and 22-250 Remington loads deliver exceptional accuracy, consistent performance, and devastating terminal results on varmints. While the price is a bit higher than some other options, the quality and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for serious varmint hunters. If you're looking for premium ammunition that will help you make the most of your next hunt, I highly recommend giving the Nosler Varmageddon a try. For more information on choosing the right cartridge for your needs, check out my article on Choosing the Right Varmint Cartridge.
Disclaimer: I received samples of Nosler Varmageddon ammunition for testing purposes. However, this review is based on my honest and unbiased evaluation.