Early 3d transition metals, such as Ti, V, or Nb are known to be inactive for the Haber-Bosch process, due to their strong M-N bonds. However, recently some hydride compounds have been found to effectively counteract this effect, imparting catalytic activity on a wide range of elements. With these hydride catalysts, hydride (and nitride) bulk diffusion mechanisms have been proposed; if so, more open structures should enhance their activity. Here, we expand the study to hydrides of other early transition metals, V and Nb. These metals benefit from body-centered cubic (bcc) related structures which enhance hydride diffusion, in addition to having relatively lower M-N bond strengths. The activity of vanadium hydride, most likely with an active composition of VH_0.44N_0.16, is superior to the previously reported BaTiO_2.5H_0.5, and comparable to TiH₂ and Cs-Ru/MgO at 400°C under 5 MPa. These results show that there is more potential for developing new single-phase hydride catalysts of previously overlooked elements without sacrificing activity.