Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Hornady’s Varmint Express 22 WMR 30-grain V-Max polymer tip is a rimfire varmint hunting cartridge designed for flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance. The 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) is a centerfire-velocity rimfire round — higher sectional density than 17 HMR, less wind drift than 22 LR, and sufficient energy to anchor coyote-sized predators inside 100 yards. This load pushes a 30-grain polymer-tipped hollow point at 2200 fps from a 24-inch test barrel, generating 322 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. At 100 yards, retained velocity is approximately 1550 fps with 160 ft-lbs — enough to tumble prairie dogs and penetrate fox hides without excessive pelt damage. Non-corrosive priming and gilding-metal jackets keep rimfire chambers clean across multi-box range sessions. Hornady manufactures this ammunition in Grand Island, Nebraska, with polymer tip insertion and crimping performed on high-speed progressive presses that hold ±0.001-inch concentricity tolerances.
Built for the Box
The V-Max projectile is Hornady’s flagship varmint bullet — a boat-tail hollow point capped with a red polymer tip that reduces air resistance and initiates expansion on impact. The polymer insert shifts the center of gravity rearward, stabilizing the bullet in flight and raising the ballistic coefficient to 0.125 G1. Jacket thickness tapers from 0.012 inches at the base to 0.006 inches at the ogive, promoting fragmentation inside soft tissue while maintaining structural integrity during barrel transit. The crimp is a taper crimp applied at 40 psi — sufficient to prevent bullet setback in tubular magazines without deforming the case mouth. Each round is visually inspected for primer seating depth, overall length (1.350 inches ±0.005), and concentricity before boxing.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) |
| Bullet weight | 30 grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady V-Max polymer tip |
| Muzzle velocity | 2200 fps (24-inch barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 322 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 50 |
| Velocity rating | Supersonic |
| Corrosive | Non-corrosive |
| Lead-free | No |
| Intended use | Varmint hunting |
| Manufacturer | Hornady (USA) |
This load is optimized for bolt-action and single-shot rifles with 20-24-inch barrels. Shorter barrels (16-18 inches) sacrifice 150-200 fps, reducing effective varmint range to 75 yards. The 30-grain V-Max is compatible with 1:16-inch and faster twist rates — standard for 22 WMR chambers. Store ammunition below 70°F and away from direct sunlight; rimfire primers are more sensitive to heat than centerfire anvils. 22 WMR ammo performs best when chamber throats are clean and bolt faces are wiped between range sessions — carbon buildup on the firing pin face can cause light strikes in semi-automatic platforms.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times
- Verify current federal and state ammunition purchasing requirements in your jurisdiction before ordering
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — consult www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for details
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