Quick Answer
For varmint hunting in winter, I'd choose a factory load with a flat shooting trajectory and sufficient kinetic energy to knock down small game at longer ranges. A 22-250 Remington with a 55-grain bullet is a good choice, but a 223 Remington with a 55-grain or 62-grain bullet is also suitable. These cartridges are widely available and offer a good balance of cost and effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Cartridge
When selecting a cartridge for varmint hunting, consider the type of game you’re hunting, the terrain, and the distances involved. For varmint hunting in winter, I recommend cartridges with flat shooting trajectories that allow for effective shots at longer ranges. The 22-250 Remington, 223 Remington, and 22-243 Winchester are popular choices for varmint hunting and offer a good balance of cost and effectiveness.
Bullet Selection
When choosing a bullet, consider the weight, type, and construction. For varmint hunting, a lighter bullet with a high ballistic coefficient is often preferred, as it will maintain its velocity and trajectory better than a heavier bullet. A 55-grain or 62-grain bullet is a good choice for the 223 Remington, while a 50-grain or 60-grain bullet is suitable for the 22-250 Remington. Look for bullets with a high ballistic coefficient, such as the Hornady V-Max or the Sierra BlitzKing.
Factory Load Options
Several factory loads are available for the 223 Remington and 22-250 Remington that are well-suited for varmint hunting. For the 223 Remington, consider the Federal Premium 223 Remington 55-grain V-Max or the Hornady Superformance 223 Remington 62-grain V-Max. For the 22-250 Remington, consider the Hornady Superformance 22-250 Remington 50-grain V-Max or the Winchester Super X 22-250 Remington 60-grain Power Point. These loads offer a good balance of cost and effectiveness and are widely available.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.