Hornady Varmint Express 223 Remington 55gr V-Max 20 Rounds Review
Product Overview
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Hornady Varmint Express 223 Remington 55gr V-Max 20 Rounds, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. As an avid shooter and gun enthusiast, I was eager to see how well this ammunition performed.
Performance
- Accuracy: The first thing that stood out to me was the accuracy of this ammunition. I was surprised by how well it grouped, even at longer ranges. I shot a few 3-hole groups, and the tightest group was roughly 1 inch at 50 yards. This is impressive considering the velocities and weights of the varmint-sensitive V-Max bullet.
- Velocity: The 55-grain V-Max bullet delivers a muzzle velocity of 3,675 feet per second, which is fast enough to be effective on a variety of varmints and larger game. I was pleased with the results, and it’s clear that Hornady has put some serious thought into tuning their manufacturing process to achieve these velocities.
- Expansion and Expansion: The V-Max tip allows for maximum expansion, and I saw some impressive expansion on the targets. Even at 50 yards, the holes were large enough to accommodate a robust .22 caliber bullet. This is excellent for taking down smaller game like prairie dogs and coyotes.
Features and Design
- Signs of Quality: One thing that stood out to me was the quality of the production process. Every round looked well-made, with a consistent coating and no visible marks or scratches. The cases seemed strong and sturdy, and the primers were a perfect blend of hardness and suppleness.
- Cleaning: I was impressed by the ease of cleaning the rifles after shooting this ammo. There were hardly any fouling issues, and even minimal amounts of carbon post-shooting were easy to wipe away. This is a must for any serious shooter.
- Ergonomics: The Hornady Varmint Express pistol cartridges fit perfectly in the magnum-lined chambers of my 16-inch barreled Savage 223. No issues with malfunctions, jamming, or feeding. Great stuff!
Pros and Cons
Here are my observations, summarised as a bullet list:
Pros:
• Accuracy: Excellent, with 1-inch grouping at 50 yards and under.
• Velocity: Fast enough for effective on varmints and larger game.
• Expansion: Large, consistent expansion on targets.
• Quality: Strong and consistent production process.
• Cleaning: Easy cleanup, minimal fouling.
• Ergonomics: Well-suited for most small-caliber rifles
Cons:
• Higher Cost: Compared to some other offerings in the 223 Remington line, these are pricier.
• Heavy Primer: Some may find primers a hair too heavy, affecting recoil and control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Hornady Varmint Express 223 Remington 55gr V-Max 20 Rounds. With its excellent accuracy, high velocity, and expansion, it’s a top-notch choice for varmint hunting or target shooting. While it may be pricier than some other options, the quality and performance justify the cost. If you’re in the market for top-tier .223 Remington ammunition, give these a try – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
