I've been wondering if a simple chamber polish would solve these extraction issues. A drill, a dowel, and a rag with polishing compound might work wonders.
Also, I just learned about Rossi's break open polymer action single shot pistol (Brawler, just over 2 lbs) and rifle (Tuffy, ~3 lbs) in 45/410. If a fella wanted a way to launch heavy subsonic .452 slugs, he could likely use .444 brass expanded to .45 (see 450 Mongo)...
Unless I'm missing something, and assuming both are the same level of availability (not very), the 6 Max seems like a complex way to use more expensive brass and still end up with basically a 6 TCU - which uses .223 brass.
I do like the idea of a 6mm, but longer case lengths don't mate well...
OK, back to the original question:
What would be the best ~55 gr .224 deer bullet, and what kind of wound channel would it make at 1600-2200 fps? I still think the 53 gr V-Max is the best option...
What Timberline is saying is that you need to read the 223 thread, and prepare to have your eyes opened. KE is basically irrelevant; wound channel is everything. A 338 with a FMJ has all the numerical measurements that you cite are lacking in the Hornet, yet you realize that would be unethical...