Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Hornady Varmint Express 22 Hornet loads a 35-grain V-Max polymer tip bullet to 3100 feet per second from a 24-inch test barrel, delivering 747 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. 22 Hornet ammo occupies a unique space in the rimfire-to-centerfire transition zone — larger than .17 HMR, smaller than .223 Remington — and this load maximizes its flat trajectory and wind resistance for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes inside 200 yards. The polymer tip initiates expansion on impact while improving the ballistic coefficient to 0.109, keeping the 35-grain projectile supersonic well past typical varmint engagement ranges.
Built for the Box
Each case is new-production brass with a boxer primer, making it fully reloadable for handloaders who run suppressed bolt guns or vintage Hornet single-shots. Hornady stakes its reputation on lot-to-lot consistency — powder charges metered to within 0.1 grains, primers seated to uniform depth, and cases trimmed to SAAMI max length. The V-Max bullet uses a lead core swaged around a polymer tip, then seated into a gilding metal jacket with a boat tail. Non-corrosive propellant burns clean in short barrels, and the 25-round box ships DOT-regulated ground service.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 22 Hornet |
| Bullet weight | 35 grains |
| Bullet type | Polymer Tip (Hornady V-Max) |
| Muzzle velocity | 3100 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 747 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Ballistic coefficient (G1) | 0.109 |
| Sectional density | 0.1 |
| Test barrel length | 24 inches |
| Intended use | Hunting (varmint) |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
This load fits bolt-action rifles and break-action single-shots chambered in 22 Hornet — verify headspace and chamber dimensions before firing in lever-action or semi-automatic platforms. Browse the full 22 Hornet ammo catalog for match loads, FMJ practice rounds, and bulk packs.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four rules of firearm safety — treat every firearm as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local ammunition laws before ordering — some jurisdictions restrict online purchases or require permits.
- This product contains lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information.
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