Description
The Hornady Superformance Varmint 204 Ruger ammo is for the shooter who needs to reach out and touch a prairie dog or coyote at serious distance. This 40-grain V-Max load is built for one job: delivering explosive terminal performance on small varmints with a flat trajectory. After decades of testing, I can tell you the velocity jump from the Superformance powder is real and translates directly to less holdover.
Key Features
- 40-Grain V-Max Polymer Tip: The sleek, polymer tip initiates rapid, violent expansion on impact. I’ve seen firsthand what these do to a groundhog at 300 yards—it’s decisive.
- Superformance Propellant: This isn’t marketing fluff. Hornady’s proprietary blend pushes this 40-grain pill to a listed 3900 fps. That’s a legitimate speed advantage over standard .204 loads.
- 500-Round Case: This is a bulk pack for serious field work. When you’re settling in for a long day at the prairie dog town, running out of ammo is not an option.
- Consistent Manufacturing: Hornady’s quality control is solid. You get reliable ignition and consistent point of impact, which is critical when shooting at small targets way out there.
Specifications
| Caliber | .204 Ruger |
| Bullet Weight & Type | 40 Grain Hornady V-Max |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3900 fps (listed) |
| Quantity | 500 Rounds |
| Case Type | Boxer Primed, Reloadable Brass |
Honest Assessment
Pros: The flat trajectory from that 3900 fps velocity makes connecting on distant, skittish varmints much easier. The V-Max bullet is a proven performer that turns pests into pink mist with impressive consistency. Buying in a 500-round case brings the cost per shot down for high-volume shooters.
Cons: Superformance ammo can sometimes run at higher pressures. It may not be the best choice for every single .204 Ruger firearm, especially lighter-contour barrels which might heat up faster. Also, the explosive fragmentation of the V-Max means there’s zero pelt savings for coyote hunters—it’s purely a varmint bullet.
Who Should Buy This
This is the go-to ammunition for the dedicated varminter shooting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or rock chucks at extended ranges. It’s also perfectly suited for farmers protecting livestock from smaller predators where fur retention isn’t a concern. If your .204 Ruger is a dedicated tool for these jobs, this 500-round case is your fuel.
FAQ
Is this ammo safe in all .204 Ruger rifles?
While it’s within SAAMI spec, the higher pressure of Superformance loads can cause accelerated wear in some firearms. It’s always wise to check with your rifle’s manufacturer. I’ve run thousands of rounds of it in heavy-barreled varmint rigs without issue, but lighter rifles might not handle the sustained heat as well.
How does the V-Max perform on coyotes?
It will absolutely drop a coyote, but with massive tissue destruction. Entry and exit wounds will be large. If you’re a fur hunter looking to save pelts for sale, you’ll want a different bullet designed for controlled expansion.
Is the brass good for reloading?
Yes. The cases are Boxer primed with reloadable brass. In my shop, I’ve found Hornady brass to be uniform and a good starting point for handloaders looking to work up their own precision varmint loads.
Patrick B. (verified owner) –
Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this purchase (pun intended). Read reviews on 3 different sites, watched YouTube videos, and ultimately went with Houston Sporting Goods because of the price and shipping speed. Not disappointed. Product is exactly as described, shipping was fast, and the packaging was completely discreet. Already eyeing a few more items in their Ammunition section.
Brian F. (verified owner) –
I don’t write reviews often but Houston Sporting Goods deserves one. The Hornady Superformance Varmint 204 Ruger Ammo 40 Grain Hornady V-Max Polymer Tip 500rounds is exactly what I was looking for. Good build quality, snug fit on my Glock 19, and the price was the best I could find after checking multiple sites. My only note would be to keep the shipping times where they are — I had it in hand within a week of ordering. Will be a repeat customer.
Paula C. (verified owner) –
Took a little longer to ship than I expected. Product itself is great though, fit my Glock 26 perfectly.