First Impressions of Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets
The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets promise a new level of performance for lever-action rifles chambered in the classic .32 Winchester Special. These bullets, manufactured by Hornady, are designed to bring modern ballistic technology to a platform that has seen relatively little innovation in projectile design in recent decades. The key feature is the Flex Tip technology, intended to provide safe use in tubular magazines while still delivering controlled expansion and improved accuracy.
I was initially drawn to the Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets due to the increasing difficulty of finding factory .32 Winchester Special ammunition. Reloading seemed like the only viable option to keep my grandfather’s Marlin 336 in action. The Hornady FTX bullets seemed like a perfect solution, allowing me to tailor loads for accuracy and performance, especially for deer hunting in dense woods.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed with the consistent appearance and clean lines of the bullets. The Flex Tip design looks well-executed and feels soft enough to prevent accidental detonation in the magazine tube. The boat tail design is a feature not commonly seen in bullets for lever-action rifles, suggesting a focus on improved ballistic coefficient and long-range performance.
Compared to traditional flat-nosed or round-nosed bullets typically used in .32 Winchester Special, the Hornady FTX bullets offer a significant advantage in terms of ballistic coefficient and potential for controlled expansion. This, in turn, should lead to flatter trajectories and better terminal performance on game. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of breathing new life into an old rifle with modern bullet technology.
My first impression was definitely positive, driven by the promise of improved performance and the sheer practicality of being able to keep a family heirloom in use. The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets offered a glimmer of hope for those of us who like to maintain and shoot our vintage rifles.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets was at my local shooting range. I loaded up a batch of cartridges using a moderate charge of IMR 4064, a powder known for its consistent performance in the .32 Winchester Special. The goal was to gauge accuracy and assess the bullet’s feeding characteristics in my Marlin 336.
The bullets fed flawlessly through the action, a crucial factor for any lever-action rifle. Initial accuracy was promising, with three-shot groups averaging around 2 inches at 100 yards. This was a noticeable improvement over the 3-4 inch groups I was accustomed to with standard flat-nosed bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets have proven to be reliable and consistent. I have experimented with different powder charges and seating depths, fine-tuning the load for optimal accuracy in my rifle. The bullets have consistently delivered sub-2 inch groups at 100 yards, making them suitable for deer hunting within reasonable ranges.
I did notice some minor copper fouling after extended shooting sessions, but this is easily addressed with a good copper solvent. There has been no sign of bullet deformation or damage during loading or feeding, which speaks to the quality of the bullet’s construction. They have noticeably outperformed other bullets I have used in the past, particularly in terms of accuracy and trajectory.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets are specifically designed for lever-action rifles chambered in .32 Winchester Special and similar cartridges. These bullets have a diameter of .321 inches. This bullet has a weight of 165 grains, and the Soft Point Boat Tail (SPBT) design with the patented Flex Tip is its defining characteristic.
These specifications are significant because they allow lever-action rifles with tubular magazines to safely use pointed bullets, which typically offer superior ballistic performance compared to traditional flat-nosed bullets. The .31 G1 Ballistic Coefficient is a notable improvement, resulting in a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift. The sectional density of 0.229 also suggests good penetration potential on game.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets perform exceptionally well in their intended role. The Flex Tip design ensures safe loading in tubular magazines, while also promoting controlled expansion upon impact. The bullets deliver excellent accuracy, with consistent groups at 100 yards and beyond.
The primary strength of these bullets lies in their ability to bring modern ballistic performance to older lever-action rifles. The only potential weakness is the relatively light weight of the bullet, which might limit its effectiveness on very large or heavily muscled game. The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets easily exceed expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullets themselves are well-designed and consistently manufactured, as expected from Hornady. The InterLock ring securely bonds the lead core to the jacket, preventing core-jacket separation during expansion. The boat tail design also contributes to improved aerodynamics and long-range stability.
The secant ogive profile also aids with in-flight stability. The bullets are easy to handle and load into cases, thanks to their consistent dimensions and smooth finish.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets are designed to be durable during the loading and firing process. The thick jacket and InterLock ring prevent deformation during feeding and expansion. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets is no different than cleaning after shooting any other jacketed bullet.
With proper care and storage, these bullets should last indefinitely. The robust construction ensures consistent performance, even after years of storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets do not require any specific accessories, as they are components for reloading ammunition. They are compatible with standard reloading equipment and powders suitable for the .32 Winchester Special cartridge. Reloading manuals provide detailed load data for these bullets, allowing for customization of velocity and trajectory.
While there are no specific customization options for the bullets themselves, reloaders can experiment with different powder charges, seating depths, and crimping techniques to optimize performance for their specific rifle.
Pros and Cons of Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Significantly improved ballistic coefficient compared to traditional flat-nosed bullets, leading to a flatter trajectory.
- Flex Tip design ensures safe loading and firing in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines.
- Excellent accuracy potential, with consistent sub-2 inch groups at 100 yards.
- Reliable expansion and penetration on game, thanks to the InterLock ring and specially designed jacket.
- Brings modern bullet technology to classic lever-action rifles, extending their effective range and terminal performance.
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than traditional cast lead bullets.
- May require some load development to achieve optimal accuracy in a particular rifle.
Who Should Buy Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets?
These bullets are perfect for: Hunters who use .32 Winchester Special lever-action rifles and want to improve the effective range and terminal performance of their ammunition. Reloaders who are looking for a modern, high-performance bullet for their .32 Winchester Special rifles. Shooters who appreciate the classic lever-action platform but want to take advantage of modern ballistic technology.
Those who should skip this product include shooters who primarily use cast lead bullets for plinking or target practice. Individuals who do not reload their own ammunition. People who hunt only at very close range, where the benefits of the improved ballistic coefficient are less noticeable.
A must-have accessory is a quality reloading manual with load data specifically for the Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets.
Conclusion on Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets
The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets are a game-changer for owners of .32 Winchester Special lever-action rifles. They offer a significant improvement in ballistic performance compared to traditional bullets, while also ensuring safe loading in tubular magazines. The price is justified by the increased accuracy, flatter trajectory, and reliable terminal performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to any hunter or shooter who wants to breathe new life into their classic lever-action rifle. The Hornady FTX .32 Caliber 165 Grain Rifle Bullets are a worthwhile investment that will enhance the accuracy and performance of your firearm, making it a more effective tool in the field. Don’t let your .32 Winchester Special gather dust; reload it with Hornady FTX bullets and experience the difference.