Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
Hornady FTX bullets changed what lever gun shooters could expect from tubular-magazine-safe ammunition. Before the FTX, lever gun hunters faced a choice: load flat-nose bullets that were safe but sacrificed ballistic coefficient, or risk pointed bullets that could detonate primers under recoil in a tube magazine. The FTX solves this with a compressible polymer Flex Tip that’s safe under compression but initiates reliable expansion on impact, letting you push lever guns to their full ballistic potential.
Built for the Box
The FTX uses Hornady’s patented Flex Tip technology — a soft polymer insert at the nose that won’t detonate primers in a tubular magazine but compresses into the bullet cavity upon striking tissue, driving hydraulic expansion from the inside out. This controlled initiation works across a wide velocity window, from modest carbine speeds up through higher-velocity lever gun loads. The one-piece, high-antimony lead core is mechanically locked to the jacket via an InterLock ring at the shank, preventing core-jacket separation during penetration. Hornady designed the jacket with a heavier shank section to control the rate of expansion and deliver deep wound channels on heavy-boned game.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | Patented Flex Tip polymer insert |
| Core | One-piece high-antimony lead |
| Jacket design | InterLock ring, heavy shank section |
| Ogive profile | Secant ogive |
| Tubular magazine safe | Yes |
| Intended use | Lever gun hunting, large game |
| Manufacturer | Hornady Manufacturing, Inc |
The secant ogive profile — pioneered by Hornady — delivers a higher ballistic coefficient than traditional flat-nose or round-nose lever gun bullets, flattening trajectories and reducing wind drift at extended ranges. You’ll find FTX bullets loaded in Hornady LEVERevolution factory ammunition and available as component bullets for handloaders looking to build custom lever gun loads. Browse the full bullets selection for additional reloading components.
Who It’s For
FTX bullets are built for lever gun hunters who want to extend effective range without compromising tubular magazine safety. If you’re running a Marlin 336, Winchester 94, Henry Big Boy, or any other lever action with a tube magazine, the FTX lets you load pointed bullets that feed reliably and expand predictably on deer, hogs, black bear, and similar-sized game. Handloaders will appreciate the consistent lot-to-lot quality and the ability to tailor velocity and seating depth to their specific rifle’s throat dimensions.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Reloading components require knowledge of powder charge weights, seating depths, and pressure limits. Consult current reloading manuals and start at published minimum loads, working up while monitoring for pressure signs. Store components in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded — verify chamber and magazine status before handling.
- Never point a firearm at anything you’re not willing to destroy — maintain muzzle discipline at all times.
- Work up handloads incrementally and verify compliance with local hunting regulations regarding bullet construction and weight minimums.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.