Vartarg 32g vs. 40g
 

Why do many shooters appear to favor the 32g bullet in the VT?

When I compare the 32g VM @ 3750 and the 40g VM @ 3400 on Sierra's ballistic calculator (both speeds from Western Powder maximums) the 40g beats the 32 out of the gates for wind drift with drops being within an inch of each other all the way slightly favoring the 32g.

I've only used the 40g @ 3400 for PD's and wonder why all the hullabaloo about the 32g.....

For me, it's the explosive impact on small rodents. I reckon it comes down to RPM and frangibility. Great fun, either way. No idea on the Sierra's but the Hornaday 40gr can present accuracy challenges for those of with 1:12 twist barrels.

For me the 32 grain just works better overall. Accuracy, FPS and the explosive effect when it hit it's target. :D And now for me in Commie California the 32 grain lead free varmaggedon from Nosler is available also In 32 grain. Bill K :)

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

I have 1500 32 VMax so I'll give them a try this PD season.

Ramos I like your higher RPM theory.

The 32s are going about 22000 additional RPM's or about 10% more so that should have a significant effect on terminal ballistics....from an 11 twist barrel.

I've noticed some photos of PD's with significantly more bullet effect than I am experiencing with the 40's. I suspect now that it is due to 32's and higher RPM's.

I might even try a 10 twist on another barrel for comparison.

Pretty much same reason as others have mentioned. The 32 gr in the small case seems to be the ticket. If I want a heavier bullet, I just load 39 or 40 gr in the 20 Tac.

32 vs 40
 

Never tried the 40 grain. Started my vartargs with the 32 and it worked great, so I stayed with it.
I have used the Berger 35 on coyotes though. It worked just fine.

I’ve shot 32-34-35-37-39-40 gr in 2 of my Vartarg’s. I use them for ground hogs and coyote hunting. There is a BIG difference in knock down power past 200 yards with 40 gr bullets. Especially on Coyotes. The 39 gr BK’s will splash on coyotes inside 100 yards if ya hit bone. I have gone with Berger’s 40 gr bullets and have never had a splash on yotes up close. The energy they carry over a 32 gr is huge when it comes to killing instead of have a runner. If your only going to shoot pd’s or ground squirrels and ground hogs 32’s will work fine if you’re going after yotes load 40 gr Berger’s. JMO.

Ive ran both exlusively and have found extremely good accuracy with both. The 40 has been great on coyotes out to 275 so far, head shot and DRT, havent used a 32 on a dog but with the almost 200 fps gain , it will probably drop them also, just maybe not at extended range. The 32’s are definitley the most fun for the vt, recoil is non existant on a heavy barrel and ive watched ragged holes form on targets and watched turtles flying 15 feet in the air through the scope without even a flutter. Heck even those dogtown 34’s are great out to 200 for crows and small vermon. No matter what bullet you choose, its alot of fun. You want to get serious about using 40’s then move up to the 20 practical or other variants, and touch them off closer to 4000fps and they shine!
Heres my two favorite loads , chronod from a magneto speed
40 vmax- 19gr 8208- 3345
32 vmax - 18.5gr 4198- 3570
20” barrel 1:10

What load are you using on the 40's? I've been using the 32 VM but have wanted to try the 40's as well.

VT Load
 

Load for my rifle: 3 groove 11T X-Caliber

18.0 CFE Black
CCI 400
40 VMax @ touch

3400 fps

OCW target is in my photo album