Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift Ammo, 55gr V-Max, 20 Rounds Review
Introduction
As an avid varmint hunter and competitive shooter, I’ve had the pleasure of testing various types of ammunition on the market. Recently, I decided to try the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift Ammo, specifically the 55gr V-Max, 20 Rounds variant. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its pros and cons.
Loading and Performance
Upon unloading the 20-round box, I was impressed by the sleek packaging and attractive appearance of the ammunition. Each cartridge is carefully wrapped in individual plastic sleeves, making it easy to store and transport.
Loading and handling:
• Easy to load: The Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammunition was a breeze to load into my firearms. The tight, consistent crimp ensured reliable feeding and extraction.
• Consistent performance: Whether for target shooting or hunting, I found the V-Max bullet to provide pristine accuracy and penetration.
Performance on the Range
I put the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammo through its paces on the range, testing its accuracy and effectiveness. Results were nothing short of exceptional:
Ammunition testing:
• Accuracy: Average group size: 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) at 25 yards, with some impressive 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) groups on a good day
• Expansion and penetration: The 55gr V-Max bullet consistently expanded consistently, with penetration depths of 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) in wood and 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in metal, making it effective for small game and a great option for home defense
Conclusion: The Cons and Pros
While the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammo has its strengths, it’s not perfect. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
• Consistent performance: Whether for hunting or target shooting, the V-Max bullet delivers reliable accuracy and penetration.
• Ease of loading: The crimped, individual packaging made loading a breeze.
• Flawless expansion and penetration: The 55gr V-Max bullet consistently expanded consistently, with impressive penetration depths.
Cons:
• Higher cost: Compared to other similar ammunition, the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammo comes at a higher price point.
• Size and weight: The 20-round box may be a bit large for smaller-caliber firearms or those with limited storage capacity.
• Limited availability: While readily available, the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammo might be tricky to find in certain regions or online retailers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammo proved to be an exceptional choice for small game hunting and targeted shooting. While it’s not perfect, its consistent performance, ease of loading, and impressive expansion capacities make it a great option for those seeking high-quality ammunition. However, be prepared for a higher price tag and potentially limited availability. For serious hunters and competitive shooters, the Hornady Varmint Express 220 Swift ammo is definitely worth considering, but keep in mind the limitations mentioned above.