The Hornady 223 Rem 53 Grain V-MAX delivers explosive, rapid fragmentation on impact, making it one of the most trusted varmint and predator hunting rounds available for AR-15 and bolt-action rifles chambered in .223 Remington.
- 53-grain V-MAX polymer-tipped bullet engineered for dramatic expansion on impact
- Hornady's exclusive InterLock design ensures consistent, reliable bullet-to-case alignment
- Flat trajectory and match-grade accuracy ideal for long-range varmint shooting
- Propellant charge carefully selected for optimal velocity and consistent pressure
- Brass case and primer deliver reliable ignition and easy reloading
- 20-round box offers a practical quantity for range sessions and field hunts
Who This Is For
This load is purpose-built for varmint hunters, predator callers, and competitive shooters who demand flat-shooting, high-velocity performance from their .223 Remington rifles. Whether you're targeting prairie dogs at 300 yards or coyotes at dusk, the V-MAX bullet's polymer tip initiates near-instant expansion to maximize energy transfer and minimize pelt damage. It's also a popular choice for accuracy-focused range shooters who want tack-driving consistency from a proven factory load.
Specifications
| Brand | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 Remington |
| Bullet Weight | 53 Grain |
| Bullet Type | V-MAX Polymer Tip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,240 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 1,235 ft-lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | 0.290 |
| Sectional Density | 0.151 |
| Case Type | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Application | Varmint / Predator Hunting, Target |
| SKU / Item # | 8025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ammunition compatible with AR-15 rifles chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO?
Yes, Hornady's 223 Rem V-MAX load is fully compatible with any rifle chambered in .223 Remington. It can also be safely fired in firearms with a 5.56 NATO chamber, as 5.56 chambers have slightly more headspace and are designed to accept both cartridges. However, firing 5.56 NATO-spec ammunition in a rifle marked only for .223 Remington is not recommended due to higher pressure levels — always check your firearm's manual for cartridge compatibility.
What is the V-MAX bullet designed for, and is it suitable for deer or larger game?
The V-MAX bullet is specifically engineered for rapid, explosive fragmentation upon impact, making it ideal for varmints and predators such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, foxes, and coyotes. Because of its frangible design, it is not recommended for medium or large game like deer, where deep penetration and controlled expansion are necessary for ethical, humane harvesting. For deer-sized animals, Hornady offers other .223 Rem loads such as the SST or GMX.
Can the brass cases from this ammunition be reloaded?
Yes. Hornady uses high-quality Boxer-primed brass cases in this load, which are fully reloadable using standard reloading dies and components. The brass is known for its consistency and durability, making it a favorite among handloaders. Most shooters can expect to get multiple reloading cycles from each case when using proper sizing, annealing, and load data from a current reloading manual.
- Caliber:
- 223 REM
- Bullet Weight:
- 53 GR
- Bullet Type:
- V-Max
- Type:
- Rifle Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- No