Does the type of bullet matter for varmints?

[chacho]

Hi guys,

For big game with hide, thick bone etc. obviously bullet choice is important.

Does it matter for varmints?

I'll be shooting foxes and rabbits only at 100-200 meters with a .223, nothing bigger...

Do you guys pay attention to bullet type? Or just whatever the most accurate load is?

Thanks guys.

[chacka]

As long as your shooting sensible loads, i.e. not feather weight pills and starting powder...

A .223 will put either of those down without question.

[Monty]

Short answer, no.

The only time you'd want to play with pills/loads is is you're trying to retrieve pelts.

Other than that, load up the more accurate/powerful load suitable for your rifle and it will put them down no problem.

[on_one_wheel]

I only load one type of round for my .243, 100 grn. soft point.

I use them for everything. However loading lighter loads for varmints dose have its advantages like increased barrel life, lowered recoil, cheaper projectiles etc. but personally I CBF.

When shooting for fur, the projectile choice is critical as you don't want to blow a massive hole out the other side.

[becks]

However loading lighter loads for varmints dose have its advantages like increased barrel life...

Forgive the noob question... I was under the impression that as a general rule lighter bullets = faster = more wear = less barrel life?

And heavier/slower = longer barrel life?

[on_one_wheel]

The bigger projectiles give you more pressure and heat because there is greater weight and bearing surface area touching the rifling making the projectile harder to move.

[becks]

RIght, I'm with you.

Cheers.

[chacho]

Thanks guys,

I've since been using the 53gr Hornady V-MAX boat tails and they're shooting great