“varmint cartridges”

All scope mounting systems are not created equal. While some may work just fine on one rifle/cartridge combination, another may show the weaknesses of the design.

The .17 Hornet, son of the classic .22 Hornet, is a well-balanced design. Sharing the rimmed design of the parent case, it feeds nicely in a bolt-action repeating rifle, provides pinpoint accuracy and minimal recoil, and checks all the boxes for varmint hunting.

Undoubtedly one of our nation’s favorite cartridges, the .223 Remington is capable of hair-splitting accuracy in a properly built rifle, has enough velocity for a respectable trajectory, and with the heavier bullets with a higher BC, can resist wind deflection rather well.

The .22 Hornet was the first commercial high-velocity centerfire cartridge designed for varmints, predators and small-game animals, driving a 45-grain bullet to just about 2650 fps. And with a wide selection of factory ammunition, your rifle will remain well-fed.

Here’s a look at the top 10 varmint and predator loads available right now. Thanks to widespread availability and quality manufacturing, many of these loads are fairly inexpensive yet highly reliable.

Contributor Philip Massaro explains why his cartridge of choice is—and always will be—vastly superior to yours.

New bullets and loads can increase accuracy and minimize pelt damage. The best varmint ammo depends on your needs. Here’s a guide to help you find a match.

These two cartridges are the most popular of the truly fast .22 centerfires, but which one comes out on top? Contributor Philip Massaro compares the two and picks the winner.

New for 2017, SIG Sauer has entered the Varmint ammunition market.