What Makes Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain Stand Out?
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain ammunition is specifically engineered for varmint hunting, delivering rapid expansion and devastating terminal performance. Manufactured by Hornady, a respected name in ammunition, it leverages the V-MAX bullet design for superior accuracy and explosive results on small game. This round aims to provide hunters with a flat-shooting, high-velocity option for taking down prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints at extended ranges.
I was looking for an accurate and reliable round that would deliver consistent results on prairie dogs out to 400 yards. The standard .223 I’d been using just wasn’t cutting it in windy conditions. I needed something with a higher ballistic coefficient and flatter trajectory to improve my hit probability.
My first impression of the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain was that the rounds looked clean and well-made. The polymer tips were uniform, and the brass cases were polished to a high shine. The rounds felt consistent in weight, indicating good quality control.
I considered the Federal American Eagle .224 Valkyrie 75 grain FMJ and the Winchester USA .224 Valkyrie 90 grain OTM. I ultimately chose the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain because I prioritized explosive terminal performance on small varmints over long-range target shooting. The V-MAX bullet was the deciding factor.
My initial reaction was excitement and anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see how the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain would perform in the field. I was hoping it would live up to the hype and solve my long-range varminting challenges.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain on a prairie dog hunt in eastern Montana. The terrain was open and windy, with shots ranging from 100 to 450 yards. The Hornady ammunition was used in a custom-built AR-15 with an 18-inch barrel and a 1:7 twist rate.
The performance was impressive even in gusting winds. The flat trajectory and minimal wind drift allowed for consistent hits on prairie dogs at extended ranges. There were no malfunctions or failures to feed.
The ammunition was easy to use and consistent. I achieved sub-MOA accuracy with my rifle. The recoil was manageable, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
The only surprise was the extent of the damage on the prairie dogs. The V-MAX bullet lived up to its reputation for explosive fragmentation. The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain created significant internal damage, resulting in instant kills.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain continues to perform reliably. I’ve fired several hundred rounds and have not experienced any issues. It remains my go-to round for varmint hunting.
The ammunition shows no signs of degradation or performance loss. The brass cases are reloadable, allowing me to extend the life of my supply. The rounds have been stored in a cool, dry environment.
Cleaning my AR-15 after shooting the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is straightforward. There is no excessive fouling or residue. A quick wipe-down is all that’s needed to keep my rifle in top condition.
Compared to my previous experience with .223 ammunition, the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is a significant upgrade in performance. The flatter trajectory, reduced wind drift, and explosive terminal performance make it a superior choice for varmint hunting at extended ranges. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain
Specifications
- Caliber: .224 Valkyrie. This chambering offers a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift compared to the .223 Remington, making it ideal for long-range varmint hunting.
- Bullet Weight: 60 grain. The lighter bullet weight allows for higher velocities, contributing to a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
- Bullet Type: V-MAX. Hornady’s V-MAX bullet is designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation upon impact, delivering devastating terminal performance on small game.
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,300 fps (approximate). The high muzzle velocity contributes to the flat trajectory and extended effective range of the cartridge.
- Ballistic Coefficient (BC): 0.250 (approximate). This moderately high BC helps the bullet retain velocity and resist wind drift, improving accuracy at longer distances.
These specifications are crucial for varmint hunters who demand accuracy, flat trajectory, and explosive terminal performance. The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is designed to deliver these characteristics, making it a superior choice for taking down small game at extended ranges. The high velocity and frangible bullet ensure quick, humane kills.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain excels in accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance. It consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy in my AR-15. It cycles reliably without any malfunctions.
The ammunition is highly effective on prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints. The V-MAX bullet expands rapidly, causing significant internal damage and resulting in instant kills. Its performance far exceeds that of standard .223 ammunition.
The strengths of the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain include its flat trajectory, minimal wind drift, explosive terminal performance, and excellent accuracy. A potential weakness is the higher cost compared to other varmint rounds. However, the improved performance justifies the expense.
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain has exceeded my expectations. It has improved my hit probability at extended ranges and has proven to be a highly effective varmint hunting round. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-performance .224 Valkyrie load.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is designed for consistent performance and reliability. The quality of the components is top-notch. The rounds are easy to load into magazines.
The brass cases are well-made and reloadable. The polymer tips are uniform, ensuring consistent bullet expansion. The overall design promotes smooth feeding and reliable ignition.
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain requires no special tools or techniques for use. It performs flawlessly in any AR-15 chambered in .224 Valkyrie. The rounds are easy to handle and store.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is designed to last for years when stored properly. The brass cases are corrosion-resistant. The rounds are sealed to protect the powder and primer from moisture.
The ammunition requires no special maintenance. It is designed to perform reliably in a variety of conditions. The brass cases can be reloaded multiple times, extending their useful life.
The rounds show no signs of degradation or performance loss after months of storage. The primers remain sensitive, and the powder ignites consistently. The brass cases retain their structural integrity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain ammunition itself does not have accessories. It’s a component that functions within a complete firearm system. However, optimizing your firearm with appropriate accessories can enhance its performance.
The .224 Valkyrie cartridge is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, including optics, triggers, and muzzle devices. A high-quality scope is essential for maximizing the accuracy potential of the cartridge. A good trigger can also improve shooting performance.
The .224 Valkyrie is compatible with most standard AR-15 magazines. It requires a bolt and barrel specifically chambered for the .224 Valkyrie cartridge. Upgrading the barrel can further enhance accuracy and velocity.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy, allowing for precise shot placement.
- Flat Trajectory: The .224 Valkyrie chambering offers a flatter trajectory than .223, extending the effective range.
- Devastating Terminal Performance: The V-MAX bullet expands rapidly, creating significant internal damage.
- Reliable Function: Feeds and cycles reliably in AR-15 rifles chambered in .224 Valkyrie.
- High-Quality Components: Made with quality brass, primers, and powder ensuring consistent performance.
Cons
- Higher Cost: More expensive compared to standard .223 ammunition, potentially impacting high-volume shooting budgets.
- Limited Availability: Not as widely available as other common rifle cartridges, potentially requiring online ordering.
Who Should Buy Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain?
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is perfect for varmint hunters who demand accuracy, flat trajectory, and explosive terminal performance at extended ranges. It’s ideal for targeting prairie dogs, coyotes, and other small game. Competitive shooters looking for a long-range AR-15 cartridge may also benefit.
This ammunition is not ideal for those who primarily shoot at close ranges or require deep penetration for larger game. It’s also not suitable for budget-conscious shooters who need to purchase large quantities of ammunition. Individuals who don’t own a firearm chambered in .224 Valkyrie should obviously skip this product.
A high-quality scope with adjustable turrets is a must-have accessory. A bipod or shooting rest is also recommended for maximizing accuracy. Reloading equipment can help reduce the cost of ammunition in the long run.
Conclusion on Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain
The Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain is a high-performance varmint hunting round that delivers exceptional accuracy, flat trajectory, and devastating terminal performance. It has proven to be a reliable and effective solution for taking down small game at extended ranges. The combination of the Hornady V-MAX bullet and the .224 Valkyrie chambering creates a superior varmint hunting cartridge.
The price is justified given the ammunition’s superior performance and quality. It’s worth the investment for serious varmint hunters who demand the best. The consistent accuracy, reliable function, and explosive terminal performance make it a worthwhile investment.
I would highly recommend the Hornady Varmint Express .224 Valkyrie 60 grain to anyone looking for a high-performance varmint hunting round. If you want to extend your effective range and improve your hit probability on small game, this is the ammunition for you. Try it today and experience the difference!