Hornady 30396 FTX Hunting Bullets, .308 Caliber, 160 Grain, Flex Tip Expanding (FTX)

Hornady's 30396 FTX Hunting Bullets deliver the controlled expansion and deep penetration that modern rifle hunters demand, all in a .308 caliber, 160-grain package engineered specifically for lever guns and other centerfire rifles. The FTX line solved a real problem: traditional hollow points either expand too fast at lever-gun velocities and fail to penetrate, or they're unsafe to load in tubular magazines because exposed tips can cause accidental detonation under recoil. These bullets do neither—the patented Flex Tip design compresses on impact to initiate reliable expansion across a wide velocity range, from close-range brush country to mid-range open shots, while remaining completely safe for tubular magazine loading.

Built on Hornady's proven platform, the 160-grain FTX couples a secant ogive profile (engineered for flat trajectories and inherent accuracy) with an InterLock ring that mechanically bonds the lead core to the jacket. That mechanical lock, paired with a heavy jacket over the shank, controls expansion, retains bullet weight for penetration on large game, and stabilizes accuracy—especially valuable when you're reloading for precision.

Whether you're running a .308 through a Winchester 1895, a Marlin, or a modern bolt rifle, these bullets give you confidence that your setup will perform cleanly at distances where lever guns historically fell short. Reloaders appreciate the consistent construction and weight retention; hunters value the terminal performance on deer, elk, and other medium to large game. The .308 160-grain FTX is a versatile choice for anyone who wants modern bullet technology without the magazine-safety compromises of older designs.

Key Features

• Patented Flex Tip technology compresses on impact to initiate expansion across a wide velocity range
• Safe to load in tubular magazines and all other rifle configurations
• InterLock ring mechanically bonds lead core to jacket for maximum weight retention and penetration
• Secant ogive profile delivers flat trajectories and inherent accuracy
• Heavy jacket over shank controls expansion and enhances consistency
• 160 grains, .308 caliber—versatile for lever guns, bolt rifles, and semiauto platforms

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I safely load FTX bullets in a lever gun with a tubular magazine?

Yes—that's the whole point of the design. The Flex Tip is recessed and compresses inward on impact, making it safe to stack rounds nose-to-primer in tubular magazines without risk of accidental detonation under recoil, unlike exposed hollow points.

Will this bullet work in my .308 bolt rifle or semiauto, or is it lever-gun only?

FTX bullets are safe to use in any centerfire rifle platform—lever guns, bolts, semiautos—as long as it's chambered in .308 caliber. The design benefits all of these platforms with controlled expansion and flat shooting characteristics.

What size game is the 160-grain .308 FTX suitable for?

The controlled expansion, weight retention, and penetration of the InterLock design make the 160-grain FTX well-suited for medium to large game including deer and elk, especially at the distances lever guns and modern .308 rifles typically operate.

What's included in this product?

This part number covers the bullets themselves. You will need to provide your own reloading components (cases, primers, powder) and follow Hornady's published load data for safe and accurate reloading.