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

One Week with the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet represents a specific niche in projectile design, aiming for controlled terminal effects rather than outright fragmentation. My attention was drawn to these rounds due to a need for more precise varmint control at moderate distances, where over-penetration or excessive pelt damage was a concern. I was looking for something that would reliably dispatch smaller pests without rendering pelts unusable for potential future use, and my previous experience with Speer bullets suggested a certain level of quality.

My initial impression upon handling these bullets, as a component for reloading, was one of meticulous manufacturing. The jacketed soft point design was evident, with a uniform copper jacket encasing a lead core and a discernible soft point tip. Compared to bulkier, heavier bullets or hollow-point designs that prioritize rapid expansion, these felt purpose-built for accuracy and specific terminal ballistics. My immediate thought was one of cautious optimism – the design promised what I needed, but the proof would be in the shooting.

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

First Use Experience

My testing regimen for these .224 caliber bullets was conducted using a well-maintained bolt-action rifle chambered in .223 Remington, a common platform for this bullet diameter. Loads were developed following published data, focusing on safe and consistent velocities for ranges between 50 and 150 yards. Conditions varied from cool, crisp mornings to warmer, slightly humid afternoons, simulating typical shooting scenarios in my region.

The ease of use with these bullets was, as expected for reloading components, entirely dependent on the reloading process itself. Once seated in properly sized brass with accurate powder charges, they fed smoothly into the rifle’s chamber. Accuracy was the primary focus of my initial range sessions, and the results were promising, with tight groups forming consistently at 100 yards.

A minor quirk I noticed during the initial loading phase was the slight variation in the depth of the soft point’s exposure on a few bullets; this was minimal but present. It didn’t appear to affect accuracy in my specific loads, but it’s something a meticulous handloader might note.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and multiple range days dedicated to load development and field testing, the Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet demonstrated commendable reliability. The jackets held up well to seating pressure during reloading, and I experienced no jacket separation during firing, even when pushing moderate velocities. Wear and tear on the bullets themselves, as components, is obviously not a factor until fired; however, their structural integrity remained consistent across the batch.

Maintenance for these bullets, again, is tied to the firearm and the reloading equipment. Keeping the rifle clean and my dies properly adjusted was paramount. The uniform jacket construction suggests good durability against fouling in the bore, and I didn’t observe any unusual wear patterns on the rifling after extended use.

When compared to other varmint bullets I’ve used in this caliber, these Speers occupy a middle ground. They offer more controlled expansion than some frangible designs, which can sometimes disintegrate too quickly. Conversely, they are designed to expand more readily than basic full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, making them more effective on their intended targets.

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

Specifications

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet comes as a 46 grain projectile, designed for .224 caliber firearms. It features a Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) construction, which is crucial for its intended performance. The 100 Bullet count per package offers a solid quantity for a significant reloading session.

The 46 grain weight is a sweet spot for many .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO rifles, offering a balance between velocity and ballistic performance for varmint hunting. The Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) design means the bullet has a copper jacket that covers most of the bullet’s length, but the tip is exposed lead. This exposed lead tip is engineered to deform and expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of core function, these bullets excel at delivering controlled expansion on impact. When fired from my .223 Remington at typical varmint velocities, they reliably expanded on impact with ballistic gelatin and, more importantly, on small game. This controlled expansion is key to their purpose; it creates sufficient tissue damage for a quick dispatch while minimizing fragmentation that can lead to excessive damage to desirable parts of the pelt.

The primary strength of this round is its balance between accuracy and terminal performance. It’s not a match-grade bullet designed solely for sub-MOA precision at extreme ranges, but it offers more than enough accuracy for typical varminting distances of up to 150-200 yards. Its weakness, if one can call it that, is its specialized nature; it’s not the ideal choice for larger game or for target practice where maximum accuracy is the sole objective.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Speer Varmint soft point is straightforward and effective. The jacketed construction provides excellent tensile strength, ensuring the bullet holds together until impact. The pointed Spitzer tip, combined with the soft lead core, is engineered for predictable expansion.

The overall feel of these bullets, when handling them during the reloading process, is one of quality craftsmanship. The jacket uniformity is good, and the consistent shape facilitates easy seating in cartridge cases. There’s no inherent “ergonomics” to a bullet itself, but their consistency in size and shape makes the reloading process smooth and predictable, which contributes to the overall user experience for the reloader.

Durability & Maintenance

As a projectile, the primary “durability” concern is how well it withstands the firing process and maintains its integrity until impact. The Jacketed Soft Point design is robust enough to handle typical chamber pressures and the acceleration down the barrel without deforming prematurely. The jacket shields the lead core from excessive wear in the rifling.

Maintenance, in the context of bullets, refers to ensuring they are stored properly to prevent corrosion or damage. Keeping them in their original packaging, in a dry environment, is sufficient. I encountered no issues with corrosion or damage to the jacket or exposed tip when stored correctly.

Accessories and Customization Options

These bullets are components for handloaders, meaning their “accessories” are the other elements of a complete cartridge. This includes brass casings, primers, and propellant powder. There are no inherent “customization options” for the bullet itself, beyond the choice of powder type, charge weight, and seating depth during reloading, which dictate velocity and overall performance.

Compatibility with reloading equipment is excellent. They are designed to work with standard reloading dies for .224 diameter bullets and fit common cartridge types like the .223 Remington. The consistent diameter ensures they chamber and extract from standard magazine-fed rifles without issue.

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

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

This projectile is ideally suited for experienced handloaders who focus on varmint control, such as those dealing with groundhogs, prairie dogs, squirrels, or similar small game. If your goal is to harvest these animals with a high degree of accuracy while preserving the pelt, these Speer bullets are an excellent choice. They are also a good option for individuals who reload their own ammunition and want a dedicated varmint round without excessive cost.

Those who should likely skip this product are new shooters or those who do not reload their own ammunition, as these are component bullets. It is also not the best choice for hunters pursuing larger game like deer or coyotes, where a heavier, more robust bullet with deeper penetration is required. Buyers looking for pure target shooting bullets for extreme long-range precision might find lighter, match-grade options more suitable.

For those who choose these bullets, ensuring they have accurate reloading dies and a reliable reloading manual is essential. A quality powder measure for consistent charge weights will also maximize the potential of these rounds.

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

The Speer Varmint .224 46 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Rifle Bullet delivers precisely what its name implies: controlled expansion for varmint eradication with minimal collateral damage. For the handloader targeting smaller pests, these bullets strike an excellent balance between accuracy and effective terminal ballistics, all at a reasonable price point for a 100-pack bulk purchase.

The value proposition is strong for those who can leverage them through their reloading press. They offer a noticeable improvement over basic FMJ rounds for varmint hunting and a more predictable outcome than some hyper-velocity, fragmenting designs. I would readily recommend these bullets to any experienced reloader looking for a reliable, accurate, and efficient option for varmint control. They perform as advertised and meet the specific needs of their intended application.