Hornady V-MAX 22 Caliber (.224) 40 Grain Boat Tail Bullets - Precision Ammunition for Varmint Hunting
- Capacity-Rounds:
- 100
- Caliber-Gauge:
- 22 Caliber
- Grain:
- 40
- Quantity:
- 100 Per Box
- Bullet Tip Material:
- Polymer
- Core Material:
- Lead
- Jacket Material:
- Copper
- Sectional Density:
- 0.114
- Bullet Diameter:
- 0.224
- Coefficient:
- 0.2
The Hornady V-MAX 22 caliber (.224) 40 grain boat tail bullets are purpose-built for varmint hunters and precision reloaders who demand explosive terminal performance on small game and varmints. These match-grade bullets combine a polymer tip with a streamlined aerodynamic profile to deliver flat trajectories and dramatic expansion across a wide velocity range—even at impacts as low as 1600 fps. Whether you're handloading for prairie dogs, coyotes, or competitive varmint matches, the V-MAX delivers the accuracy and fragmentation that makes clean, ethical kills.
At the heart of the V-MAX design is an innovative hollow cavity between the polymer tip's shaft and the bullet body. On impact, the hard tip shaft builds energy before driving into the swaged lead core, triggering violent expansion and fragmentation. The match-grade AMP bullet jacket maintains exceptional concentricity, which translates to tight groups at all ranges. The boat tail profile and precise base design maximize in-flight stability, giving you the ballistic advantage for longer-distance varmint work.
The swaged lead core process allows Hornady to form the core precisely around the tip, creating the cavity that makes the terminal performance so consistent and dramatic. The sharp, pointed polymer tip paired with the aerodynamic profile produces a high ballistic coefficient, while the bearing surface adds rotational stability in flight. Reloaders appreciate the consistency of Hornady's precision manufacturing—these bullets shoot where you point them, shot after shot.
Key Features
- Polymer tip with hollow cavity for dramatic expansion and fragmentation
- Match-grade AMP bullet jacket for maximum accuracy and concentricity
- Boat tail design for superior in-flight stability and aerodynamic performance
- Swaged lead core for precise, consistent terminal performance
- High ballistic coefficient for flat trajectories across extended ranges
- Effective expansion even at low terminal velocities (1600 fps and up)
- Ideal for varmint hunting and precision reloading applications
Specifications
| Caliber | .224 (22 Caliber) |
| Weight | 40 Grains |
| Base Style | Boat Tail |
| Bullet Type | Polymer Tip |
| Jacket Type | Match-Grade AMP |
Frequently Asked Questions
What velocities are these bullets designed for?
The V-MAX achieves explosive expansion even at terminal velocities as low as 1600 fps, making them effective across a wide velocity range typical of 22 caliber rifles.
Are these bullets suitable for handloading?
Yes. These are reloading components designed for precision handloaders. The match-grade AMP jacket and swaged core deliver the consistency and accuracy serious handloaders demand.
What makes the V-MAX expand so dramatically?
The polymer tip features a hollow cavity between the tip's shaft and the bullet body. On impact, the hard tip shaft builds speed and energy before driving into the lead core, causing rapid expansion and violent fragmentation of both the core and jacket.
Are these boat tail or flat base bullets?
These V-MAX bullets feature a boat tail design, which provides superior in-flight stability and aerodynamic performance for accurate long-range varmint shooting.

