Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87-grain V-Max ammunition (part no. 80468) loads one of the most trusted varmint bullets in the business into a mild-recoiling, flat-shooting cartridge. Hornady tops this 87-grain bullet with the V-Max polymer tip, which drives explosive fragmentation on impact for rapid energy transfer, purpose-built for varmints and predators rather than deep penetration on big game. The .243’s mild recoil and flat trajectory make it a favorite dual-purpose rifle for hunters who also chase varmints between deer seasons. In rifle ammunition for varmint and predator control, this is a proven bullet loaded to Hornady’s standard Custom-line specifications.

Key Specifications

• The chambering is .243 Winchester, a mild-recoiling, flat-shooting cartridge popular for varmint and predator work.
• The bullet weighs 87 grains, a proven weight for the caliber in the V-Max line.
• The bullet uses Hornady’s V-Max polymer tip, driving explosive fragmentation on impact.
• That fragmentation delivers rapid energy transfer rather than deep penetration, ideal for varmints and predators.
• The cases are brass, and each box holds 20 rounds, shipped 10 boxes to the case.
• Cost runs about $1.75 per round for a proven varmint bullet.
• A full box ships at approximately 0.94 lb.
• This load is built for bolt-action rifles chambered in .243 Winchester.
• The V-Max’s thin jacket keeps manufacturing cost lower than a bonded or premium controlled-expansion bullet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this load suited for deer hunting? No, the V-Max bullet is built to fragment rapidly for varmint and predator use, not the deeper, more controlled penetration deer hunting calls for.

What does the polymer tip do on a varmint bullet? It initiates immediate, explosive expansion on impact, maximizing energy transfer on small, thin-skinned targets.

Buy Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87gr V-Max

A mild-recoiling .243 loaded with a proven fragmenting bullet is built for serious varmint and predator work between deer seasons. Stock up before the next outing. Order from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop and it ships fast to your door.