Hornady Varmint Express .223 Remington 55gr V-Max Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • V-Max • MPN: 8327
Hornady Varmint Express .223 Remington 55gr V-Max Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • V-Max • MPN: 8327
Trajectory @ 100yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3240 fps | 1282 ft-lb | — |
| 25 yds | 3139 fps | 1204 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 50 yds | 3042 fps | 1130 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 75 yds | 2947 fps | 1061 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 100 yds ⊕ | 2854 fps | 995 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 125 yds | 2763 fps | 932 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 150 yds | 2674 fps | 873 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 175 yds | 2587 fps | 817 ft-lb | -1.6" |
| 200 yds | 2501 fps | 764 ft-lb | -2.8" |
| 225 yds | 2417 fps | 713 ft-lb | -4.3" |
| 250 yds | 2334 fps | 665 ft-lb | -6.2" |
| 275 yds | 2253 fps | 620 ft-lb | -8.5" |
| 300 yds | 2174 fps | 577 ft-lb | -11.2" |
| 325 yds | 2096 fps | 536 ft-lb | -14.3" |
| 350 yds | 2020 fps | 498 ft-lb | -18.0" |
| 375 yds | 1945 fps | 462 ft-lb | -22.2" |
| 400 yds | 1872 fps | 428 ft-lb | -27.0" |
| 425 yds | 1801 fps | 396 ft-lb | -32.4" |
| 450 yds | 1732 fps | 366 ft-lb | -38.4" |
| 475 yds | 1665 fps | 339 ft-lb | -45.2" |
| 500 yds | 1601 fps | 313 ft-lb | -52.8" |
Product Overview
Hornady Varmint Express 55gr V-Max is purpose-built for small game and pest control. The polymer tip and thin jacket initiate rapid expansion on impact, producing the kind of explosive fragmentation that drops prairie dogs and ground squirrels on the spot. At 3,240 fps, the bullet arrives with enough velocity to ensure reliable upset even at longer distances where other varmint loads start to lose their expansion threshold. The 0.255 G1 ballistic coefficient keeps the trajectory flat enough for 300-yard shots on small targets.
Coyote hunters working open fields and ranch country rely on V-Max for clean kills with minimal pelt damage at shorter distances and devastating effect at range. The rapid fragmentation also limits ricochet risk compared to FMJ bullets, which makes it a better choice around outbuildings and livestock areas. AR-15 owners can load magazines and work a pasture efficiently, taking shots as opportunities appear. The consistent Hornady brass and primer combination produces tight velocity spreads that translate to predictable holdovers.
The V-Max bullet is also a strong option for AR-15 home defense if the shooter wants a round that fragments rather than penetrates through walls. The rapid breakup on impact reduces the risk of over-penetration compared to FMJ or bonded soft points. However, the thin jacket and aggressive expansion mean this bullet is not suitable for game larger than coyotes. Deer hunters should look at heavier, controlled-expansion options in .223.
- Explosive expansion on small game with the polymer-tipped V-Max bullet
- Flat trajectory with 0.255 G1 BC allows confident shots to 300 yards
- Fragments on impact, reducing over-penetration and ricochet risk
- Hornady brass and primers produce tight velocity spreads
- Not appropriate for deer-sized game due to excessive fragmentation
- Costs significantly more per round than FMJ range ammunition
- Polymer tip can be damaged during rough magazine handling
- Aggressive expansion limits effective range on larger predators beyond 250 yards
All Hornady Varmint Express .223 Remington 55gr V-Max Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $28.00 | $18.43 | $46.43 | $2.32 |