Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
The Hornady Bore Driver FTX eliminates the sabot. You seat the bullet directly into the bore, the polymer base engages the rifling at ignition, and you’re ready for the next shot in seconds. Hornady engineers this sabotless muzzleloader bullet around the FTX and ELD-X projectile cores—both feature the InterLock ring to retain weight on impact and a copper alloy jacket that drives penetration through bone and vitals. Hunters in Colorado can deploy these projectiles under current state regs; they meet non-lead requirements where applicable and carry approval for legal muzzleloader harvest.
Built for the Box
Hornady machines the Bore Driver from a traditional cup-and-core projectile, then fits a polymer base with centering petals that grip the bullet’s boattail and a post that swells at ignition to engage the bore. The polymer tip initiates expansion on contact, driving into the lead core like a wedge for controlled upset without fragmentation. The InterLock ring mechanically locks the core to the jacket, so you retain weight through heavy tissue. Hornady offers the line in three weights: .45 Cal 280 grain (.449″ diameter, 12-count box), .50 Cal 290 grain (.499″ diameter, 20-count box), and .50 Cal 340 grain (.499″ diameter, 12-count box). Each projectile seats without a sabot—you push it home with a ramrod, and the base petals center the bullet in the bore while the skirt grips the rifling grooves when powder ignites.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber options | .45 Cal (.449″), .50 Cal (.499″) |
| Weights | 280gr (.45), 290gr (.50), 340gr (.50) |
| Bullet type | FTX / ELD-X with InterLock ring |
| Base | Polymer with centering petals and swelling post |
| Tip | Polymer, expansion-initiating wedge |
| Sabot required | No |
| Box count | 12 (280gr, 340gr), 20 (290gr) |
| Colorado compliant | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Hornady Manufacturing, Inc |
Hornady designed the Bore Driver for muzzleloader hunters who want to skip the sabot step and still get terminal performance comparable to jacketed rifle projectiles. The polymer base grips rifling, the InterLock ring holds the core, and the polymer tip opens reliably at muzzleloader velocities. Stock your range bag with the weight that matches your twist rate and intended game, then load, seat, and fire without wrestling a sabot. Find more bullets for traditional rifles, handguns, and specialty platforms in our catalog.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Always follow the four rules of firearm safety when handling any muzzleloader or loading components. Verify that your muzzleloader is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before seating projectiles. Use only the powder type and charge weight specified by your firearm’s manufacturer—never exceed maximum published loads. Store bullets in a cool, dry location away from primers and powder, and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every muzzleloader as loaded; never point the muzzle at anything you do not intend to destroy.
- Verify state and local laws governing muzzleloader projectile composition, especially in states with non-lead mandates.
- Seat each Bore Driver bullet firmly against the powder charge with consistent ramrod pressure to ensure repeatable ignition and accuracy.
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