The Hornady FTX .358 diameter bullets deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration for lever-action rifles chambered in 35 caliber cartridges. These 200-grain projectiles feature Hornady's patented Flex Tip technology, designed specifically for tubular magazine firearms where traditional pointed bullets pose safety concerns.
What Makes This Different
The revolutionary Flex Tip design eliminates the safety issues associated with pointed bullets in tubular magazines while maintaining the ballistic advantages of a spitzer profile. Unlike traditional flat-nose or round-nose bullets that sacrifice downrange performance, the FTX bullet's elastomer tip compresses safely under recoil yet initiates rapid expansion upon impact. Independent testing shows up to 40% better ballistic coefficients compared to conventional lever-gun ammunition.
Key Features
- Patented Flex Tip technology safe for tubular magazines
- 200-grain weight optimized for .358 diameter bore
- Improved ballistic coefficient over traditional flat-nose designs
- Controlled expansion from 1,600 to 2,400 fps impact velocities
- Lead core with gilding metal jacket construction
- Consistent weight retention of 85-95% after expansion
- Compatible with popular cartridges like .35 Remington and .356 Winchester
Field performance demonstrates reliable expansion across a wide velocity range, making these bullets effective for both close-range timber hunting and longer shots in open country. The elastomer tip remains intact during chambering and feeding, then compresses on impact to drive expansion through the hollow point cavity. Penetration depth typically ranges from 12-18 inches in ballistic gelatin, meeting FBI standards for terminal performance.
Technical Specs
- Caliber: .358 diameter (35 caliber)
- Bullet weight: 200 grains
- Construction: Lead core with gilding metal jacket
- Tip material: Red elastomer Flex Tip
- Sectional density: 0.223
- Ballistic coefficient: 0.330 (G1)
- Recommended twist rate: 1:16" or faster
- Package: 100 bullets per box
- Manufacturer: Hornady Manufacturing Company
These FTX bullets represent the optimal choice for handloaders seeking maximum performance from lever-action rifles without compromising magazine safety. The combination of improved ballistics and reliable terminal performance makes them particularly valuable for hunters using traditional lever guns in modern hunting scenarios.