Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet Review

Is the Hype Real? Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet Reviewed

For years, the quest for a consistent, accurate, and well-performing bullet for small game and varmint control has led many to explore various options. The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet often appears in these discussions, lauded for its specific design intended to balance terminal performance with minimal pelt damage. I’d been searching for a reloadable bullet that could reliably expand on smaller targets without completely obliterating them, a tricky balance to strike. My previous experiences with lighter, faster varmint bullets sometimes resulted in over-penetration on smaller critters, while heavier, more robust bullets could be overkill. Considering alternatives like ballistic tip designs or heavier cup-and-core bullets from other manufacturers, I decided to give these Speer offerings a serious look. My first impression upon handling a sample was positive; the consistent jacket thickness and the well-formed Spitzer tip suggested precision manufacturing, a good omen for a projectile where controlled expansion is key.

Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of these Speer bullets took place on a familiar bench rest setup at my local outdoor range, primarily chambered in a .223 Remington. This environment allowed for controlled conditions to gauge accuracy and consistent cycling through the action of a standard AR-15 platform rifle. I meticulously handloaded these 70-grain projectiles, paying close attention to seating depth and powder charges, aiming to extract maximum precision. The conditions were clear and calm, providing a baseline for performance without environmental interference.

Loading these projectiles was straightforward; their uniform dimensions meant they seated easily into sized brass. The rifles I used for testing performed admirably, cycling through magazines with the reloaded cartridges without a hitch. There were no immediate issues or surprising quirks upon this first use; everything performed as expected for a quality bullet of this type.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, these Speer bullets have become a go-to for my varmint hunting excursions, and I’ve also used them for practice sessions. Their performance on coyotes and prairie dogs has been remarkably consistent, demonstrating controlled expansion that effectively neutralizes targets. I’ve encountered situations where a bullet might strike a prairie dog at an angle or hit bone, and the 70-grain soft point still managed to achieve a decisive impact.

Durability in terms of projectile integrity is excellent; I haven’t noticed any signs of the jacket separating prematurely or the lead core deforming excessively during flight. Even after being exposed to the elements during longer hunts, such as sitting in a hunting blind for hours in moderate humidity, the bullets have maintained their structural integrity. Their maintenance is essentially non-existent, as they are a component, not a finished product requiring cleaning or upkeep.

Comparing these to some lighter 55-grain hollow points I’ve used in the past, the 70-grain soft points offer a more predictable and less destructive expansion on small to medium varmints. While some high-end monolithic bullets might offer superior penetration, for the intended purpose of varmint control where economic reloading and effective takedown are prioritized, these Speer bullets stand out. They strike a great balance between being affordable to reload and effective on game.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet

Specifications

The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a meticulously designed projectile for precision reloading. Each bullet weighs in at precisely 70 grains, a critical factor for achieving predictable ballistic performance and energy transfer. The projectile caliber is specified as .224, ensuring compatibility with standard .22 caliber firearms, most notably the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges.

The Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) construction is a key feature. This design involves a copper jacket encasing a lead core, with the soft lead exposed at the tip. This combination allows for controlled expansion upon impact, a crucial aspect for varmint hunting where minimizing pelt damage is often desired. The sectional density of these bullets is 0.199, which indicates their ability to retain momentum and penetrate effectively for their caliber and weight.

These bullets are typically offered in a 100 Bullet quantity, making them an economical choice for reloaders who shoot frequently. The bullet tip material is Lead, which is the exposed portion designed for expansion. The fabric/material of the jacket is Copper, a standard and reliable material for bullet jackets.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet excels in its intended role. The primary job of this bullet is to provide accuracy for varmint shooting and deliver controlled expansion for effective takedowns. They consistently deliver pleasing accuracy from my .223 Remington rifles, achieving sub-MOA groups when paired with appropriate powders and seating depths.

The controlled expansion is where these bullets truly shine. On smaller varmints like prairie dogs, the soft point initiates expansion rapidly, creating a significant wound channel that ensures a quick and humane kill. Crucially, it often avoids the complete disintegration seen with some lighter, frangible varmint bullets, thus minimizing unnecessary damage to the hide if pelt recovery is a consideration.

While they are designed for controlled expansion, they also possess enough mass and sectional density to be effective on slightly larger varmints like coyotes. Against these targets, the expansion is more violent but still managed, ensuring reliable penetration and energy transfer without excessive fragmentation. Compared to ultra-light, high-velocity bullets that can sometimes pass through smaller targets with less effect, these 70-grain soft points offer a more robust on-game performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet is classic and functional. The Spitzer tip, with its pointed yet exposed lead nose, is specifically engineered for controlled expansion. This design minimizes air resistance for improved ballistic trajectory while ensuring the soft lead tip is the first point of contact, initiating expansion reliably.

The jacketed construction provides structural integrity, preventing premature deformation during firing and during its flight path. This robust jacket also contributes to the bullet’s ability to hold together just long enough to achieve its full expansion potential on target. The uniformity of the jacket and the concentricity of the bullet construction are visibly apparent, suggesting a high level of manufacturing precision.

While not possessing specific “ergonomic” features in the way a firearm grip might, the bullet’s design is all about optimal function. The smooth profile of the jacket contributes to smooth feeding and chambering, and the consistent weight and dimensions make them easy to work with in a reloading press. There’s no learning curve to “using” the bullet itself, other than understanding its performance characteristics.

Durability & Maintenance

As a component for reloading, the durability and maintenance of the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet are tied to its manufacturing quality and handling. These bullets are manufactured to stringent standards, ensuring the integrity of the copper jacket and the lead core. Under normal handling and storage conditions, they are exceptionally durable.

There are no moving parts or complex mechanisms that require maintenance. The primary concern is proper storage to prevent corrosion of the copper jacket or damage to the soft lead tip. Keeping them in a cool, dry environment, ideally in their original packaging or a well-organized bullet box, will ensure their longevity.

I’ve had instances where loose bullets might have been jostled in a range bag, but I’ve yet to see any significant deformation or damage to the critical tip area of these Speer bullets. Their construction suggests they are built for the stresses of firing and intended impact, rather than delicate handling. Their lifespan in terms of usability is effectively indefinite if stored correctly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a component, and as such, it doesn’t come with accessories in the traditional sense. However, its compatibility with common reloading equipment is excellent. The bullets are designed to work with standard sizing dies, powder measures, and seating dies used in most reloading presses.

While the bullet itself isn’t customizable in terms of changing its construction, its performance can be highly customized through the reloading process. Selecting the right propellant, charge weight, and seating depth allows a reloader to tailor the bullet’s velocity and accuracy to specific rifles and shooting applications. This level of customization is a hallmark of handloading and something these bullets readily facilitate.

The projectile’s .224 diameter ensures it works seamlessly with standard .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO brass and, when properly loaded, with any rifle chambered for these cartridges. They are not intended for use with accessories like scopes or sights, but rather to be the projectile that is propelled by such a system.

Pros and Cons of Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet

Who Should Buy Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet?

This projectile is an excellent choice for avid varmint hunters and precision reloaders who frequently shoot .223 Remington or similar .22 caliber rifles. If you spend your weekends pursuing prairie dogs, groundhogs, or coyotes and value accuracy and effective, yet relatively clean kills, these bullets are a superb option. They are also ideal for target shooters who want to practice with a bullet that mimics the ballistic performance of a hunting round without excessive cost.

However, individuals seeking bullets for large game hunting, where deep penetration and hydrostatic shock are paramount, should look elsewhere. Those who prefer factory ammunition over handloading will also not find this product suitable, as it is a component for reloading. For new reloaders, it’s recommended to have a solid understanding of safe loading practices before working with any projectile, especially one designed for terminal ballistics.

Complementary items that enhance the use of these bullets would include a quality reloading press, accurate powder scales, case trimming tools, and reliable dies. A chronograph can also be invaluable for developing loads that optimize the velocity for controlled expansion. For the varmint hunter, a good spotting scope or binoculars are essential for spotting targets at extended ranges.

Conclusion on Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet

The Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet stands as a testament to well-engineered ammunition components. They consistently deliver on their promise of accuracy and controlled terminal performance, making them a staple for any serious varmint hunter or reloader in the .22 caliber world. The balance struck between effective takedown power and minimized pelt damage is, in my experience, exceptionally well-executed.

Considering the price of around $22.89 for a 100 Bullet pack, these projectiles offer significant value for the performance they provide. This makes them an economically viable option for those who shoot extensively. The consistent quality from Speer ensures that each batch will perform reliably, a crucial factor when handloading for precision.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Speer Varmint .224 70 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet to anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and effective bullet for varmint control in their .22 caliber firearms. If you’re willing to put in the effort of handloading, these bullets will reward you with a highly effective and satisfying shooting experience. For those who value precision and effective, minimal-damage kills, these are a superb choice that won’t disappoint.