First Impressions of Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets promise to revolutionize lever-action rifle performance, offering a tipped bullet safe for tubular magazines, something I’ve long desired. My usual go-to .30 caliber rounds often lacked the ballistic coefficient needed for longer-range accuracy in my Marlin 336, and I yearned for a bullet that could bridge the gap between traditional flat-nosed projectiles and modern spire-point designs. These bullets aim to provide improved accuracy, flatter trajectories, and enhanced terminal ballistics for lever-action rifles, making them an intriguing option for hunters and recreational shooters alike.
I’ve been searching for a bullet that offers improved downrange performance for my lever-action rifles without sacrificing safety in the magazine tube. The Hornady FTX bullets seemed like the perfect solution to enhance my .30-30’s effective range and terminal performance.
Upon unboxing the Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets, the first thing I noticed was the distinctive Flex Tip. The polymer tip felt firm yet pliable, instilling confidence that it would neither ignite in the magazine nor deform excessively during loading. The bullet’s boat tail design and sleek profile suggested a higher ballistic coefficient than traditional flat-nosed bullets, hinting at improved downrange performance. Compared to standard .30-30 flat-nosed bullets, the FTX bullets looked significantly more aerodynamic.
I had been considering the Barnes Vor-Tx .30-30 ammunition loaded with a similar concept bullet, as well as some traditional jacketed soft points. Ultimately, I chose the Hornady FTX bullets for their reputation for consistent performance and availability of reloading data.
Initially, I was excited by the prospect of improved ballistic performance from my lever-action rifles and confident given Hornady’s reputation for quality. There was a slight concern about whether the lighter 135-grain bullet would maintain adequate penetration on larger game animals, but the InterLock ring and specially engineered jacket gave me hope.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on accuracy and velocity consistency. The conditions were relatively mild, with temperatures around 65°F and a slight breeze. Loading was smooth and uneventful in my Marlin 336.
I was immediately impressed with the accuracy; the bullets grouped consistently tighter than my standard .30-30 loads at 100 yards. There were no feeding or extraction issues, and the chronograph readings indicated consistent velocities close to published data.
After the first use, I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy improvement over my traditional loads. The consistent velocities were reassuring, however, I needed to further examine terminal performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting trip, the Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets have proven to be remarkably reliable. I have fired several hundred rounds without a single misfire or feeding issue.
There have been no noticeable signs of wear or tear on the bullets themselves, even after repeated handling and loading. The bullets’ construction appears robust, and they have maintained their shape and integrity throughout testing and use. The bullets clean up easily with standard bore solvents, and the cases show no signs of excessive pressure.
Compared to my previous experiences with other .30-30 bullets, the Hornady FTX bullets offer a noticeable improvement in accuracy and downrange performance. The confidence in the bullet’s performance is a major upgrade over traditional options.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets feature a .30 caliber diameter (.308 inches) and weigh 135 grains. These are soft point boat tail (SPBT) bullets designed for optimal performance in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.
The bullets have a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.274 and a sectional density of 0.203. The core material is lead, and each box contains 100 bullets designed for medium game applications. These specifications offer improved accuracy, flatter trajectories, and reliable expansion at common .30-30 velocities.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets perform exceptionally well, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable expansion on game. The Flex Tip design ensures safe use in tubular magazines while providing rapid expansion upon impact.
These bullets exhibit consistent groupings at 100-200 yards and produce reliable terminal performance on deer-sized game. A potential weakness is the lighter bullet weight, which could result in reduced penetration on larger or heavily muscled animals at longer ranges. However, with proper shot placement, these bullets perform admirably.
Overall, the Hornady FTX bullets exceed expectations, providing a significant improvement over traditional .30-30 bullet designs. The accuracy and terminal ballistics are a solid combination for lever-action rifles.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets boast a well-engineered design. They are comfortable to handle during reloading, and the Flex Tip ensures safe loading into tubular magazines.
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and precise manufacturing tolerances. The boat tail design contributes to improved aerodynamics, while the InterLock ring ensures reliable core-jacket separation during expansion.
The bullets present no real learning curve for reloaders. They are simple to load and offer consistent performance with standard reloading techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets are designed for single-use, but their robust construction suggests long-term stability if stored properly. The bullets do not require any special maintenance.
Proper storage in a cool, dry place will ensure that the bullets maintain their integrity over time. The components exhibit quality and can withstand a variety of environmental elements.
With proper care, these bullets should perform reliably for many years. Overall, the Hornady FTX bullets are built to last and withstand the rigors of reloading and hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets themselves do not require any additional accessories. They are designed to be loaded into standard .30-30 Winchester cases using standard reloading equipment.
Reloaders can customize their loads by varying powder charges and selecting different primers to optimize performance for their specific rifle. While not a direct accessory, a quality scope can further enhance the accuracy potential of these bullets, maximizing their effective range.
The bullets are compatible with any standard .30-30 Winchester reloading dies. This makes customization options easy to manage.
Pros and Cons of Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Improved Ballistic Coefficient: Flatter trajectories and less wind drift compared to traditional flat-nosed bullets.
- Safe for Tubular Magazines: The Flex Tip design prevents accidental ignition in lever-action rifles.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Consistent groupings at extended ranges thanks to the streamlined profile and boat tail design.
- Reliable Expansion: The Flex Tip initiates rapid expansion upon impact, delivering effective terminal performance on medium game.
- InterLock Ring: Ensures core and jacket stay together for deeper penetration on game.
Cons
- Lighter Bullet Weight: The 135-grain weight may limit penetration on larger or heavily muscled game animals at longer ranges.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than traditional .30-30 bullets.
Who Should Buy Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets?
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets are perfect for lever-action rifle hunters seeking improved accuracy and flatter trajectories for ethical shots at longer distances. They are also ideal for recreational shooters who want to enhance the performance of their .30-30 rifles without sacrificing safety.
Hunters pursuing larger or dangerous game at close range might want to consider heavier bullet options for maximum penetration. Reloaders focused solely on cost savings may find traditional bullets more economical.
A chronograph is a must-have accessory for load development, helping to ensure consistent velocities and optimize performance. Accurate reloading scales and dies are essential for producing consistent and reliable ammunition with Hornady FTX bullets.
Conclusion on Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets
The Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets deliver on their promise of enhanced lever-action rifle performance. They offer a significant improvement in accuracy and trajectory compared to traditional flat-nosed bullets while maintaining safety in tubular magazines.
The price is justified by the increased performance and reliability they provide. The value proposition makes these bullets a worthwhile investment for serious lever-action enthusiasts.
I would highly recommend the Hornady FTX .30 Caliber 135 Grain Rifle Bullets to anyone looking to maximize the potential of their .30-30 rifle. Upgrade your lever gun today and experience the difference!