Synopsis: Contrary to what many of us have in the back of our minds as we choose and prepare our favorite varminting load, velocity is not everything. Other factors are important; these include: accuracy, barrel heating, recoil and cost. However, for the sake of this discussion, the one other factor that is critical to the long-range varmint hunter is the ballistic efficiency of the bullet, which we commonly refer to as Ballistic Coefficient (BC). For hunting smaller species of vermin in the wide open West, BC can be just as important as muzzle velocity because what determines maximum useful range is not muzzle velocity but delivered velocity. Assuming best modern plastic tipped construction, varminting bullets will cease to expand violently when terminal velocity drops much below about 2000 fps. Hence, when looking for the ideal combination we need high muzzle velocity, high BC, and sufficient accuracy. When targets happen to be closer at hand, it is also useful that recoil be minimal – so that we can see the impact; when targets are unusually plentiful, it is helpful that the combination does not generate excessive barrel heating – so that we can keep on shooting without destroying the barrel.