Hornady FTX Hunting Bullets - 35 Cal .355 165 gr Flex Tip Expanding (3502)

The Hornady FTX Hunting Bullets in 35 caliber .355 diameter, 165-grain weight are purpose-built for lever-action rifles and other firearms where traditional polymer-tipped bullets aren't safe in tubular magazines. The FTX line changed the game for lever-gun reloaders by delivering tipped-bullet ballistics and expansion without the magazine safety concerns of conventional designs. If you're handloading for a .35 Remington, .356 Winchester, or similar lever-action cartridge and want modern hunting performance, these rounds offer a significant step up from round-nose or flat-point ammunition.

The core innovation here is Hornady's Flex Tip technology. The soft polymer tip compresses on impact rather than deforming the bullet nose, which initiates reliable expansion across a wide velocity range—whether you're shooting close-range brush shots or extending your effective range. This controlled expansion, paired with the InterLock ring that mechanically locks the jacket and core together, helps the bullet retain weight through the animal and penetrate deep. The heavy jacket over the shank works with that InterLock design to manage expansion rate and keep your groups tight on paper and in the field.

Hornady engineered these with a secant ogive profile, a ballistic shape that improves stability in flight, flattens your trajectory, and tightens accuracy. That efficiency matters when you're reloading; better external ballistics mean less drop to compensate for at distance. Safe to load in tubular magazines as well as single-feed or box-magazine actions, the FTX gives you flexibility in which lever-guns you can hunt with.

Key Features

• Flex Tip technology initiates expansion on impact across a range of velocities
• InterLock ring mechanically locks jacket to core for weight retention and deep penetration
• Safe for tubular magazine loading—no concerns about pressure or detonation from magazine contact
• Heavy jacket design controls expansion and enhances accuracy
• Secant ogive profile for flat trajectory and stability in flight
• Suitable for lever-action rifles, single-feed, and box-magazine firearms

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Are FTX bullets safe to load in tubular magazines?

Yes. The Flex Tip is designed to be safe in tubular magazine applications where traditional pointed polymer tips are not recommended. The soft tip compresses under recoil and stacking pressure without risk of detonation or pressure spikes.

What rifles are these 35-caliber FTX bullets for?

These .355 diameter, 165-grain FTX bullets are designed for lever-action rifles chambered in .35 Remington, .356 Winchester, and similar cartridges, as well as other firearms accepting .355 diameter projectiles. They function in tubular, single-feed, and box-magazine actions.

How does the Flex Tip expand on game?

Upon impact, the soft polymer tip compresses into the bullet body, initiating expansion. This design delivers reliable expansion across a wide range of velocities, from close-range shots to longer distances.

What makes the InterLock ring important for hunting?

The InterLock ring mechanically locks the bullet's jacket to its core, maximizing weight retention as the bullet passes through game. This keeps the bullet together for deep penetration rather than fragmenting prematurely.