Norma · Rifle

Hornady V-MAX 204 Ruger 2.6g

0.275BC (G1)

39.0gr2.53 g

1160m/s3806 fps

1700J1254 ft·lb

Manufacturer	Norma
Calibre	5.18 mm (.204")
Bullet weight	39.0 gr · 2.53 g
Ballistic coefficient G1	0.275
Ballistic coefficient G7	not published
Drag model used	G1
Muzzle velocity	1160.0 m/s · 3806 fps
Muzzle energy	1700 J · 1254 ft·lb
Sectional density	0.134
Form factor	i1 0.487
Category	Rifle
Source	Norma website 2026-07-02 (verified)

Reading these numbers

Only a G1 ballistic coefficient is published for this load, so BallisticApp solves it against the G1 drag table. G1 BC drifts with velocity — the figure below is valid near the muzzle and drops off as the bullet slows.

Muzzle energy of 1700 J (1254 ft·lb) is computed from the bullet weight and muzzle velocity above, not quoted from the catalogue. Sectional density 0.134 describes weight per unit of frontal area; divided by the ballistic coefficient it gives the form factor, which is how much drag the shape adds over the standard projectile.

Among the 8 loads of this bore diameter in the database, this one's G1 BC of 0.275 is higher than 6 of them.

Similar 5.18 mm (.204") loads

204 Ruger 40 gr V‑MAX® Superformance40 gr · BC 0.275 · 1189 m/s Varmint & Predator, 204 Ruger, 32 Grain, Hornady® V-Max®, 4100 fps32 gr · BC 0.210 · 1250 m/s 204 Ruger 32 gr V‑MAX® Superformance32 gr · BC 0.210 · 1288 m/s 204 RUGER PTS 32 gr (Hunting rifle ammunition with PTS bullets)32 gr · BC 0.097 · 1258 m/s Winchester Rifle 204 Ruger 32 gr32 gr · BC 0.210 · 1219 m/s Winchester Varmint X 204 Ruger 32 gr32 gr · BC 0.210 · 1219 m/s

Turn this into a drop table for your rifle.

These figures are the bullet's starting point. What you actually dial depends on your rifle's zero, the air you're shooting in and the wind on the day — BallisticApp solves that on the phone, offline, using the same G1/G7 tables and this database.

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