The Hornady BLACK 4.6x30mm 38-grain V-MAX Polymer Tip 25-round box is a specialized Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) cartridge engineered specifically for optimal operation in 4.6x30mm Heckler & Koch platforms. A primary technical challenge within this micro-caliber is balancing smooth, reliable mechanical cycling in short-barrel gas-operated platforms while preventing the excessive over-penetration common to steel-core military penetrator rounds. Hornady directly addresses this performance gap by tuning internal chamber pressures and pairing them with a highly responsive, polymer-tipped fragmenting projectile that deposits kinetic energy rapidly on soft targets.
The technical advantage centers on the proven V-MAX projectile architecture paired with clean, flash-suppressed propellants. Upon target impact, the polymer tip acts as a wedge, driving backward into the hollow lead core cavity to trigger immediate, violent expansion and fragmentation rather than deep straight-line penetration. Featuring a boat-tail profile and a 0.227 G1 ballistic coefficient, the 38-grain bullet maintains tight flight stability, flat trajectories, and consistent downrange energy transfer across short to mid-range distances, making it exceptionally effective for varmint control, tactical training, and personal defense applications.
Driven from a standard 7-inch barrel at a muzzle velocity of 2,100 FPS, this load utilizes specialized clean-burning, flash-suppressed powders to minimize visible muzzle signature during low-light engagements. Assembled in precision-drawn, reloadable virgin brass cases fitted with reliable small rifle primers, it delivers consistent case obturation and non-binding feed mechanics. This ensures rock-solid cycling reliability across both suppressed and unsuppressed 4.6x30mm configurations, maintaining clean barrel conditions and repeatable performance across extended firing schedules.
Key Benefits
- V-MAX Polymer Tip Construction: Initiates rapid, violent fragmentation upon impact to maximize energy transfer and eliminate over-penetration.
- 4.6x30mm Platform Optimization: Engineered specifically to cycle smoothly in HK 4.6x30mm platforms across suppressed and unsuppressed setups.
- Flash-Suppressed Powder Formulation: Minimizes muzzle flash signature to preserve low-light vision and keep firearm internals cleaner.
- 0.227 G1 Ballistic Coefficient: Boat-tail projectile design retains downrange speed and supports flat trajectories from short-barreled PDWs.
Technical Specification
- Ballistics: 4.6x30mm | 2,100 FPS Muzzle Velocity (7" Barrel Test) | 0.227 G1 Ballistic Coefficient
- Projectile: 38 Grain | V-MAX Polymer Tip | Boat-Tail Fragmenting Profile | Lead Core
- Case/Primer: Precision-Drawn Reloadable Virgin Brass Case | Small Rifle Primer | Flash-Suppressed Powder
- Logistics: 25 Rounds Per Box | Hornady BLACK Series
- Dimensions: Standard 4.6x30mm Geometry | Compact PDW & Carbine Configuration | SKU: 90044
- Application: PDW Training, Personal Defense, Varmint Control, and Suppressed Shooting
- Standards: SAAMI Compliant | Hornady Factory Precision Benchmarks
When you need consistent cycling, controlled terminal behavior, and repeatable velocity in your 4.6x30mm platform, this load provides a defined solution. Get proven Hornady engineering and dependable inventory through SMKW, your trusted source for technical-grade ammunition.
