Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For 45 Colt shooters running lever-action rifles or single-action revolvers, Hornady’s LEVERevolution ammo solves the century-old tubular-magazine safety problem without sacrificing downrange performance. The 225-grain FTX bullet features a patented elastomer Flex Tip that compresses on contact in the magazine tube — eliminating the primer-strike risk of spitzer or hollow-point designs — while maintaining a ballistic coefficient far superior to flat-nose cast or jacketed bullets. Hornady launched the LEVERevolution platform to give traditional lever guns the trajectory and energy advantages modern hunters expect.
Built for the Box
Each Hornady FTX projectile is a jacketed lead-core design with the Flex Tip seated in a hollow cavity. On impact, hydraulic pressure from tissue or bone drives the tip rearward, initiating controlled expansion. The 225-grain weight in 45 Colt pushes 950 fps from a rifle-length barrel, producing 460 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — roughly 40% more than factory cowboy loads at similar velocities. Brass cases carry Boxer primers and remain reloadable. All components are non-corrosive.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Bullet weight | 225 grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady FTX polymer tip |
| Muzzle velocity | 950 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 460 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Brass, reloadable |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Hornady, USA |
The elastomer tip compresses in the magazine but retains enough rigidity to drive expansion on game at typical lever-gun hunting ranges. Trajectory stays flatter than cast-bullet cowboy loads, extending ethical shot distance on medium game. For more hunting-focused 45 Long Colt ammo, compare FTX expansion characteristics to bonded soft-points in revolvers with cylinder throats sized appropriately for jacketed bullets.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four rules of firearm safety at all times — review our four rules guide.
- Verify current state and local laws governing ammunition purchase and possession before ordering.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm — wash hands after handling. See P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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