Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets Review

First Impressions of Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets

The Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets promise to revolutionize lever-action rifle performance, and as a seasoned outdoorsman, I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype. Hornady is a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the ammunition world, so my expectations were high. These bullets boast a Flex Tip design for safe use in tubular magazines and enhanced ballistics, features that immediately piqued my interest.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily focusing on maximizing accuracy and terminal performance for hunting medium game. I was consistently frustrated with the limitations of traditional round-nose bullets in my .25-35 Winchester, specifically their poor ballistic coefficient and inconsistent expansion at longer ranges. The promise of a tipped bullet that could safely cycle through my vintage Winchester 1894 lever gun felt like a potential game-changer.

Upon receiving the box, the first thing I noticed was the meticulous packaging, indicative of Hornady’s commitment to quality. The bullets themselves are visually impressive, the Flex Tip a bright red beacon of innovation. The weight consistency was immediately noticeable, which is crucial for accurate reloading.

Compared to traditional .25 caliber round-nose bullets I’ve used, the Hornady FTX projectiles appear much sleeker and more aerodynamic. I had been considering using some Barnes TSX bullets in .257 caliber, but those are designed for higher velocity cartridges. The FTX seemed like the better fit for the .25-35 Winchester, especially given the lever-action platform.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential for improved accuracy and terminal performance, but also aware that any changes in bullet design could affect the way the rifle cycles. Time at the range would be the true test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a controlled environment allowing for precise data collection. I loaded several rounds using a moderate charge of IMR 4064, a powder known for its consistent performance in the .25-35 Winchester. I tested them in my pre-1964 Winchester 1894.

The weather was typical for early fall in Montana – crisp, cool, and with a slight breeze. The biggest surprise was how smoothly these bullets cycled through the action of my lever gun. The rifle fed flawlessly and shot very well.

I experienced no issues whatsoever after the first use. I carefully inspected the fired cases for any signs of overpressure, but everything looked normal. The initial chronograph results were promising, with velocities consistent with my reloading data.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a successful deer hunt, the Hornady FTX bullets have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve fired over 200 rounds with consistent results. I also began loading them in my Savage Model 20 bolt-action rifle in .25-20 Winchester.

The bullets have held up remarkably well, showing no signs of deformation or jacket separation even after repeated loading and firing. The brass polishes up just as easily with these bullets as it does with my other lead-core bullets.

Maintenance is simple: standard cleaning procedures for the rifle bore are sufficient. Compared to my previous experiences with round-nose bullets, the Hornady FTX projectiles offer significantly improved accuracy and terminal performance. They outperform them by a mile.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets

Specifications

• The Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets are designed for rifles chambered in .25 caliber. These bullets boast a weight of 110 grains.
• The diameter of these projectiles is 0.257 inches, ensuring a proper fit in compatible rifle barrels. The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.34, indicating good aerodynamic efficiency for a bullet of this type.
• The Sectional Density is 0.238, a factor in determining penetration depth. These bullets feature a lead core for reliable expansion.
• Each box contains 100 bullets, providing an ample supply for reloading. These bullets are designed for medium game applications.
• These are Soft Point Boat Tail (SPBT) bullets. This design enhances stability and reduces drag.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets deliver exceptional accuracy and reliable expansion. The accuracy is what really makes these bullets shine.

The soft tip ensures controlled expansion upon impact, while the boat tail design enhances ballistic efficiency. The FTX design works as advertised.

These bullets consistently meet my expectations, delivering excellent accuracy and reliable terminal performance on deer-sized game. I have yet to recover a bullet, but the wound channels were indicative of excellent expansion and penetration.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady FTX bullets feature a sleek, aerodynamic profile with a distinctive Flex Tip. This helps the bullets perform better at longer ranges.

The build quality is excellent. The materials used are top-notch.

The user-friendliness is excellent, especially for reloaders familiar with boat-tail soft point projectiles. There is no learning curve at all.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady FTX bullets are designed to withstand the stresses of firing and impact. The bullet’s design and materials ensure longevity.

Maintenance primarily involves ensuring proper storage to prevent oxidation of the lead core. Proper maintenance will keep these bullets in great shape for a long time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets are primarily used for reloading. They are compatible with a wide range of powders and reloading equipment.

While there are no specific accessories for the bullets themselves, proper load development is crucial to maximizing their potential. Consult Hornady’s reloading manual for specific load data for your rifle and cartridge. The data there is very informative.

The bullets are also compatible with various case preparation tools, such as chamfering and deburring tools, for optimal reloading results. These bullets are meant to perform.

Pros and Cons of Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets

Who Should Buy Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets?

Perfect for: Hunters seeking to improve the performance of their .25 caliber lever-action or bolt-action rifles. They are great for anyone who reloads and shoots .25 caliber rifles.

Who should skip this product? Shooters who only require inexpensive bullets for casual target practice, or those who shoot only rimfire rounds, will not need these.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable reloading setup with accurate scales and a chronograph is essential for maximizing the potential of these bullets. Also, be sure to have a good reloading manual.

Conclusion on Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets

The Hornady FTX .25 Caliber 110 Grain Rifle Bullets are a significant step forward in lever-action rifle ammunition technology. They work just as one would expect them to work.

The price is justified by the improved accuracy, terminal performance, and overall reliability they offer. These bullets are very reliable and consistent.

I would highly recommend these bullets to any hunter or shooter looking to maximize the performance of their .25 caliber rifle. Step up your performance today.