In a number of posts it seems that members keep extolling the virtues of .224 cal TNT bullets and not even give the Varmint Nite Mares an honorable mention

Over some period of time now and in about 5 different accurate rifles the TNT bullets by Speer do real Good. The Varmint Nite Mares from Mid South do a lot better and cost much less.

This is measured performance over a fair period of time. Today at the range with the Stevens 22-250 in mod. 200 and the Savage 12vbss in .223 and a custom .223 proved it again.

It seems that there might be limited exposure To the VNM bullets or what?.

I bought 500 of the 55 grain Midsouth varmint nightmare bullets and I can't get them to group in either my 223's or my 22.250. Average group sizes were at least twice the size of the Hornady and Nosler bullets.
Maybe I just haven't found the right combination yet but I've used about 100 of them with four different powders and just can't get them to perform well.

Any idea who makes the Varmint Nite Mares for Midsouth, and are they identical to the bulk bullets sold by Midway?

I've heard that Nosler makes them and also sells them through Shooter's Pro Shop as SHOTS (not to be confused with the muzzleloader product of the same designation.) I've tried the Nosler .224's and found them to be promising. Again, the Midsouth and Midway products MAY or MAY NOT be made by Nosler; this is just information that was passed to me by a usually "un"-reliable source, ie., someone on the internet.

I've had two lots of 500 each of the Varmint Nite Mares with near identical results from each. I've only had 500 of the TNTs. Frank I suppose it is entirely possible that there is a difference lot to lot. If you get down this way (about 100 miles) I'd be happy to give you a handful of what I got with the Loading data to boot.

The only rifle that doesn't do so well with the nite mares is my CZ 527 in .222, but than it doesn't shoot any bullet worth talking about.

I've tried the Midway dog town bullets with not such great results. roger