Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, Review

Let’s Talk About Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain,

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, are designed to bridge the gap between handgun and lever-action rifle performance. Marketed by Hornady as a solution to the over-expansion issues often encountered with standard hollow points in lever guns, these bullets promise controlled expansion and deeper penetration. These bullets are targeted toward hunters and shooters seeking a versatile round for both pistol and rifle platforms.

I was looking for a bullet that could reliably cycle and perform well in my .357 Magnum lever-action rifle and my .38 Special revolver. Standard hollow points often failed to feed smoothly in the lever action, and their performance at rifle velocities was unpredictable. The Hornady FTX bullets seemed like the ideal solution to standardize my ammunition across both platforms, simplifying my reloading process.

The Hornady FTX bullets arrived in a standard Hornady box containing 100 projectiles. My initial impression was positive. The bullets had a sleek, spitzer-like profile with the signature red elastomer insert, giving them a modern and purposeful look. They felt well-constructed and consistent in weight, an important factor for accurate reloading.

Compared to standard 158-grain lead semi-wadcutters, the Hornady FTX bullets were noticeably lighter and had a more aerodynamic shape. Compared to standard 125-grain jacketed hollow points, they offered a similar weight but with a design focused on controlled expansion rather than rapid energy dump. I chose the Hornady FTX over other options because of their purported versatility and suitability for both handgun and rifle applications.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential of having a single bullet design that could perform well in both my handgun and rifle. However, I was also aware that achieving optimal performance often requires fine-tuning the load for each specific firearm.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range with distances ranging from 25 to 100 yards. I tested the Hornady FTX bullets in my Ruger GP100 .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver and my Henry Big Boy Steel .357 Magnum lever-action rifle. I loaded them to a mid-range .357 Magnum load to start.

The bullets performed well in both firearms, even in slightly windy conditions. In the revolver, recoil was manageable, and accuracy was acceptable, producing 2-inch groups at 25 yards. The lever action showed better grouping, achieving approximately 1.5-inch groups at 50 yards.

The lever-action cycling was smooth and reliable with no feeding issues, which was a significant improvement compared to my experiences with traditional hollow points. There were no immediate issues or surprises after my first time using them, but I knew further load development would be needed to truly maximize their potential.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Hornady FTX bullets in various load configurations, they have proven to be remarkably consistent. I found that a slightly hotter load in the lever action improved accuracy at longer ranges, while a slightly lighter load worked best for the revolver to improve follow-up shots. There were no signs of excessive wear and tear on either firearm as a result of using these bullets.

Cleaning both firearms after using the Hornady FTX bullets was straightforward, with no unusual fouling or residue. Compared to my previous experience with lead bullets, jacketed bullets are far easier to deal with. They offer less leading in the barrel and cylinders. These bullets outperform standard hollow points in my lever action due to their improved feeding reliability and more predictable expansion.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain,

Specifications

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, boast several key specifications. These include a .38 caliber projectile, a 140-grain bullet weight, and a spitzer bullet type. The sectional density is listed at 0.157. The bullet’s construction incorporates a copper jacket. The product is sold in quantities of 100 bullets.

These specifications are critical for several reasons. The spitzer bullet type enhances the bullet’s ballistic coefficient. This results in a flatter trajectory and improved downrange energy, particularly beneficial in lever-action rifles. The copper jacket ensures reliable feeding and prevents leading of the barrel, increasing accuracy and reducing maintenance. The 140-grain weight balances recoil and stopping power in handguns, while still maintaining adequate penetration at rifle velocities.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, performs its intended job quite well. Accuracy is generally good, with consistent groupings achievable in both handguns and lever actions when the load is properly tuned. Reliability is excellent, with consistent feeding and expansion observed across a range of velocities.

The strengths of these bullets lie in their versatility and controlled expansion. They reliably expand at both handgun and rifle velocities, offering consistent terminal performance. The primary weakness is the need for careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy in specific firearms. These bullets meet expectations for a versatile bullet suitable for both handguns and lever actions, but require some experimentation to unlock their full potential.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, are well-designed for their intended purpose. The copper jacket is consistently applied, and the red elastomer insert is securely in place. The spitzer bullet shape is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The bullet’s weight and shape contribute to manageable recoil in handguns and smooth feeding in lever actions. There is no real learning curve associated with using these bullets for reloading, assuming one has prior reloading experience. The only real change is adjusting the powder charge to achieve the desired velocity and pressure.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, are expected to last indefinitely when properly stored. They are relatively easy to maintain in the sense that they do not require any specific cleaning or treatment. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is sufficient to prevent corrosion or degradation of the bullet components.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, do not come with any specific accessories. The primary customization option is the choice of powder and powder charge used during reloading. This allows the shooter to tailor the bullet’s velocity and pressure to achieve optimal performance in their specific firearm.

These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and components. They work well with various .38/.357 Magnum reloading dies and can be loaded in most standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases. They are also compatible with various crimping tools, allowing for secure bullet seating and preventing bullet setback during recoil.

Pros and Cons of Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain,

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Who Should Buy Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain,?

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, are perfect for hunters who use both a .38/.357 Magnum handgun and lever-action rifle. They are also well-suited for shooters seeking a versatile bullet for target practice and general-purpose shooting with both types of firearms. Reloaders who want to simplify their ammunition inventory by using a single bullet design across multiple firearms will also benefit from these bullets.

Those who should skip this product are competitive shooters who demand the utmost in accuracy and precision. They should use match-grade bullets specifically tailored to their firearm. Individuals who only own a handgun or only own a lever-action rifle might find better, more specialized bullet options available.

A must-have accessory is a good reloading manual with load data specific to the Hornady FTX bullet. A chronograph is also highly recommended for measuring bullet velocity and ensuring consistent performance.

Conclusion on Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain,

In summary, the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, offer a compelling blend of versatility and performance for shooters who utilize both handguns and lever-action rifles. The bullets’ ability to reliably feed in lever actions and provide controlled expansion at a wide range of velocities makes them a valuable asset for hunters and general-purpose shooters.

The price of $49.89 for 100 bullets is justified by their versatility and performance benefits. While some load development may be required to achieve optimal accuracy, the overall value proposition is strong. I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile .38/.357 Magnum bullet for use in both handguns and lever-action rifles.

Give the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 140 Grain, a try, and experience the convenience of a single bullet design that delivers consistent performance across multiple firearms!