Hornady V-MAX 20 Caliber 40 Grain Boat Tail Bullets (.204 Diameter)
- Capacity-Rounds:
- 100
- Caliber-Gauge:
- 20 Caliber
- Grain:
- 40
- Quantity:
- 100 Per Box
- Bullet Tip Material:
- Polymer
- Core Material:
- Lead
- Jacket Material:
- Copper
- Sectional Density:
- 0.137
- Bullet Diameter:
- 0.204
- Coefficient:
- 0.275
The Hornady V-MAX 20 Caliber 40 Grain Boat Tail bullet is purpose-built for varmint hunters and precision rifle reloaders who demand explosive terminal performance across a range of field velocities. These .204 diameter rounds combine Hornady's match-grade engineering with a polymer-tipped design that delivers consistent, dramatic fragmentation—even at lower impact speeds where many varmint bullets fail to expand reliably.
What sets the V-MAX apart is its hollow-cavity polymer tip and swaged lead core architecture. Upon impact, the rigid tip shaft drives into the core with concentrated energy, causing the bullet to fragment violently rather than simply expand. This design philosophy makes V-MAX rounds lethal on small game, predators, and varmints at distances where standard soft-points either pencil through or deliver inconsistent results. Hornady's rigorous concentricity standards in the AMP bullet jacket ensure minimal runout when seated, supporting tight groups at any range.
The boat tail profile and aerodynamic tip combine for a high ballistic coefficient, which means flatter trajectories and less wind drift during long-range varmint work. The extended bearing surface stabilizes flight and supports accuracy in precision rifles. Reloaders appreciate the consistent, swaged-core construction that allows predictable loading and repeatability across batches—critical for maintaining the velocity windows where this bullet performs best.
Key Features
- Polymer tip with hollow-cavity design for violent expansion and fragmentation, even at 1600 fps impact velocity
- Swaged lead core precisely formed around the tip cavity for controlled energy transfer
- Match-grade AMP jacket with concentricity for maximum accuracy and consistent expansion
- Boat tail design and streamlined profile deliver high ballistic coefficient for flat trajectory
- Extended bearing surface for in-flight stability and long-range precision
Specifications
| Caliber | 20 |
| Bullet Weight | 40 grain |
| Bullet Diameter | .204 |
| Style | Boat Tail with Polymer Tip |
| Core Type | Swaged Lead |
| Jacket Type | Match-Grade AMP |
Frequently Asked Questions
What firearms are these bullets designed for?
The V-MAX 20 Caliber 40 Grain is engineered for .204 Ruger and other .204 caliber rifle platforms. Verify your firearm's bore diameter before loading.
Will these expand at long range or lower velocities?
Yes. The V-MAX design is engineered to fragment reliably even at impact velocities as low as 1600 fps, making it effective across a wider velocity window than traditional varmint bullets.
Why does the polymer tip have a hollow cavity?
The hollow cavity allows the rigid tip shaft to build up energy upon impact before striking the swaged core. This concentrated energy transfer causes the bullet and core to fragment violently, rather than simply expanding.
Are these suitable for reloading?
Yes, these are component bullets for handloaders. The match-grade jacket and precisely swaged core support consistent loading practices and repeatability across your reloading batches.

