Hornady FTX 45 Cal .452 225gr Flex Tip Bullets - 100/Box

The Hornady FTX 45218 delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration for lever-action rifles chambered in 45 Colt. This 225-grain bullet features Hornady's patented Flex Tip technology, eliminating the feeding issues common with traditional hollow points in tubular magazines.

What Makes This Different

The revolutionary Flex Tip design allows safe use of expanding bullets in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines. Unlike traditional hollow points that can cause chain-fire detonation when stacked nose-to-primer, the soft polymer tip compresses on impact while maintaining the aerodynamic profile needed for consistent feeding. Independent ballistic testing shows 1.5x greater expansion compared to flat-nose bullets at typical lever-gun velocities.

Key Features

• Patented Flex Tip technology prevents magazine detonation in tubular magazines
• 225-grain weight optimized for 45 Colt lever-action velocities
• .452 diameter with precise tolerances for consistent accuracy
• Controlled expansion design maintains 95% weight retention
• Streamlined profile improves ballistic coefficient over flat-nose bullets
• Lead core construction with copper jacket for reliable feeding
• Compatible with standard 45 Colt/.45 Long Colt chambers

Field performance data indicates reliable expansion at velocities as low as 1,200 fps, making these bullets effective for both hunting and personal defense applications. The polymer tip initiates expansion while the jacket controls fragmentation, creating wound channels 40% larger than comparable flat-nose designs. These bullets maintain accuracy standards of 2 MOA or better in quality lever-action rifles when loaded with appropriate powder charges.

Technical Specs

• Caliber: 45 Colt (.452 diameter)
• Weight: 225 grains
• Bullet Type: Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX)
• Jacket Material: Copper alloy
• Core: Lead
• Quantity: 100 bullets per box
• Sectional Density: 0.158
• Ballistic Coefficient: 0.205
• Recommended Twist Rate: 1:16" or faster
• Manufacturer: Hornady Manufacturing

The FTX 45218 represents the optimal balance of expansion, penetration, and feeding reliability for lever-action enthusiasts. Professional reloaders and hunters choose this bullet when maximum terminal performance cannot compromise rifle function. Limited production runs make consistent availability challenging.