Varmint Gernade Splash Wounds

[ShowMeShooter]

A buddy of mine was shooting 36gr Varmint grenades, then went to 50gr VG because he was getting splash wounds on coyotes over 100 yards. With the 50's I figured problem solved. We spent the past couple weeks working up loads for both of our rifles. Well today, we got a chance to try them out. Same problem. We are both changing bullets for this reason. I just picked up some 55gr V-max. I don't know what he will go to, but it won't be any more VG's for either of us. I guess I'll use these for smaller critters this summer.

Have any of you guys seen this or had the same experience?

 

[RustyRick]

What caliber?

 

[hertz654]

I tried the 36gr VG in .222Rem thinking they might result in a small entry hole with lots of internal expansion and no exit hole. I took a shot at a 200-yd coyote last fall; thought I made a solid shot. The coyote spun and dropped and I figured it was a goner until it recovered and ran over the hill never to be seen again. I figured the bullet must have expanded on the surface and didn't make it to the vitals.

I decided to switch to 55gr V-Max

 

[derbyacresbob]

From what I have seen with 50 gr Varmint Grenades out of a 223 Rem and the 62 gr Varmint Grenades out of a 243 Win and a 243 WSSM, they do not perform as reliable as good lead varmint bullets do.

With my 243 Win and 243 WSSM I get more exit holes on coyotes with the Barnes 62 gr Varmint Grenades than I got with 75 gr V-Max bullets.

I shot quite a few ground squirrels with 50 gr Varmint Grenades out of my RRA Predator Pursuit 223 and some of the squirrels made it down their holes with their guts hanging out. Pretty much any lead bullet I have shot out of a 223 Rem into a squirrel I don't remember any crawling off and going down their hole.

The only reason I am shooting Lead Free bullets is because I have to. From what I have seen lead bullets are much more reliable and have much better BCs than the Lead Free bullets do.

 

[barnesuser28]

Im throwing the 36 grainer out of a 220 swift at 4450 fps. good thing i am only going to use these on sod poodles.

 

[threejones]

The 55gr Vmax will solve your problem. I've heard similar reports from several people who've tried the VGs. They seem best suited for rodent control.

 

[rfpalm]

I can't find where now, but I read a post on the varmint gernade stating that no faster than 1/14 or 1/12 twist would be needed for this bullet. Apparently it opens too soon with faster twist.

 

[derbyacresbob]

I can't find where now, but I read a post on the varmint gernade stating that no faster than 1/14 or 1/12 twist would be needed for this bullet. Apparently it opens too soon with faster twist.

The only warnings for twist rates that I have seen on Barnes bullets say "Faster twist than". Lead Free bullets are longer than lead bullets of the same weight so you need faster twist rifles to shoot the same weight bullets.

That is why they make a 36 gr 224 Varmint Grenade and a 62 gr 243 Varmint Grenade bullet. Most factory bolt action rifles will not stabilize the longer Lead Free bullets that weigh more.

Right on the box of Barnes 224 cal 50 gr Varmint Grenades it says a 1-10" twist or faster is needed.

The only good thing about Varmint Grenade Bullets is the name "Varmint Grenade".

 

[rfpalm]

The article I read was specific to this bullet. It had to do with high velocity of the bullet and the fact that the bullet was designed for quick opening. Due to the spin, the bullet started to open prior to hitting the game.

 

[xdeano]

I tried them years ago, when they first came out in 243. 62grn. I shot several coyotes all with the same results. But, it says what the bullet is ment for, Varmints, not predators. They do work very well on prairie dogs, i will give them that.

I found that the 50grn nosler ballistic tips worked better then the 50grn hornady vmax, the noslers have a better jacket design. I also had good results with 52grn sierra match.

Xdeano

 

[ShowMeShooter]

Thanks for the comments fellas. I have tried the 55gn V-max with great results, I really like the 55gn BlitzKing from Sierra. So far the BlitzKings perform the best in my rifle. I have 6lbs of factory seconds here, to load up, as soon as I settle on a final charge. Freakin' wind so far wants to lay down through the week then blow like hell on my days off. As soon as I work up a final load I'll post some results. gun)

 

[Tikkamike]

I had poor luck with the VG all the way around. I (I cant believe I am saying this) have had awesome luck with the 53 GR Berger FB target bullets.

 

[ShowMeShooter]

I had poor luck with the VG all the way around. I (I cant believe I am saying this) have had awesome luck with the 53 GR Berger FB target bullets.

I tried some 55gn Berger FB target bullets in my rifle. They shot really good, but I was unable to get more locally, so I moved on. Great bullets BTW.

I have these 55gn V-max shooting 3/4MOA or better most groups. SO I'm happy for now. I loaded 500 of them with IMR8208XBR. gun)

 

[Woody26]

I've had really good luck with 55 gr v-maxes and 64 gr bergers out of my 22-250 on coyotes