any favorites out there for a light varmint bullet?

[ericv]

What are you guys loading for a lightweight varmint bullet? I'd like to do a prairie rat hunt some day.

[VASCAR2]

I've bought several light bullets and have shot a few in my 16" Shaw barrel. Most accurate for me have been 100 grain Nosler BT and Sierra 100 grain JHP. I've also shot 95 V-max and 85 grain Sierra JHP. I've loaded some 90 grain TNT but haven't shot any for groups. I want to try some 100 grain A-Max but just been to busy. The best price for accuracy was the 100 grain Sierra Varmint JHP then 95 grain V-Max. Most accurate was 100 grain Nosler BT in 100 grains in that weight. I shot some 100 & 120 grain Nosler BT into water filled plastic jugs and I don't think the 100 grain Nosler BT will be very fur friendly and kind of pricey for Prairie dogs.

No proof but any of these bullets look like they'd be great for Varmints if you weren't interested in pelts.

[ericv]

Super report, thanks a ton. I have nothing planned for a trip but I would like to some day. Of course the 223 would be great for that as well but if I go I'll take both.

Thanks

[skyfish]

I've used 95gr V-max, 100gr Sierra hp, and 100 gr Berger. They all shot adequate enough. The Berger's did shoot the best. Expansion was minimal, but killed every varmint hit. The V-max's were a close second, and expanded much, much more violently. My rifle did not like the Sierra's. Grouping was okay, but didn't feed well. Both the Hornady and Sierra had to be loaded well short of 2.25 COL to keep from jaming in lands. The Sierra shorter of the two, that and the rather large hollow point would not feed reliably in my rifle.

[Pbfreak199]

I have been loading the 100 grain hornady v-maxs and they are blowing ground squirrels to pieces and they are also very accurate. I also shoot the seirra 85 grains and they group pretty good I shot a squirrel at 425 yards with them and steel plate at 550 yards is easy with both bullets.

[Lead Chucker]

I like the 95gn Vmax in mine. Shoots great and does a number on ground hogs. I havnt tried the 85 gn seirra's but want to try them.

[hobbesgunner]

+1 on 95 V max...that wound up being what I always came back to in load development in my last rifle.....108 Lapua Scenar was more accurate, at twice the cost though...