Winchester markets its Varmint HV load for varmints and small game, and at 2,250 fps it is the fastest of the 30-grain loads it is compared with. It uses the V-Max, a polymer-tipped bullet, which Winchester rates at a G1 BC of .097. That lead is gone by 100 yards, where CCI's Varmint V-Max, rated at a higher G1 BC, is already moving faster.

Compared with Hornady's Varmint Express V-Max, the Winchester starts 50 fps faster with the same bullet style. At 150 yards, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the range pushes the Winchester about 13 inches sideways and the Hornady about 14. Compared with CCI's Varmint V-Max 30-grain, the Winchester is faster at the muzzle, but the CCI holds up better downrange: the same wind pushes the CCI about 11 inches at 150 yards. Zeroed at 100 yards, both drop about 4 inches at 150.

Buy the Varmint HV if you want a V-Max for varmints and small game and like the extra muzzle speed. Pick CCI's Varmint V-Max 30-grain or its Varmint Tipped 30-grain if wind at 150 yards matters more to you than muzzle speed. Pick CCI's TNT Green if you need a lead-free bullet; it starts 200 fps slower. For a heavier bullet, Winchester's Super-X 40-grain JHP drifts the same 13 inches at 150 yards but leaves the muzzle 340 fps slower.