Hornady 44105 FTX Hunting Bullets - .44 Cal, .430", 225 gr, Flex Tip Expanding (FTX)

If you reload for .44 caliber handguns or lever actions, the Hornady 44105 FTX Hunting Bullets deliver the kind of real-world performance that lever gun and large-bore pistol hunters have been waiting for. These 225-grain .430" projectiles pair Hornady's patented Flex Tip technology with a design philosophy built specifically for hunting—reliable expansion across a wide velocity range, serious penetration on game, and the safety to load confidently in tubular magazines without detonation risk.

The Flex Tip itself is the star here. Unlike conventional hollow points that can open too aggressively at higher velocities and shed energy fast, the soft polymer tip of an FTX compresses inward on impact, triggering controlled expansion that works whether you're running modest handgun speeds or the hotter velocities a lever gun delivers. That consistency matters when you're counting on a bullet to perform on elk, hog, or other substantial game.

Mechanically, Hornady locks the lead core to the jacket using an InterLock ring—a one-piece design that resists jacket/core separation during expansion. Pair that with a heavy jacket engineered over the shank, and you get the weight retention needed for deep penetration without over-expanding. The secant ogive profile isn't just for looks; it's a proven ballistic shape that settles into stable flight and delivers flatter trajectories and better accuracy downrange.

These are serious reloading components for hunters who want their ammunition to perform as hard as they do.

Key Features

• Patented Flex Tip technology—soft polymer tip compresses on impact to initiate reliable expansion across a wide velocity range
• InterLock ring mechanically locks lead core to jacket for maximum weight retention and deep penetration
• Safe to load in tubular magazines and all other firearm actions
• Ballistically efficient secant ogive profile for improved accuracy and flatter trajectories
• Specially engineered heavy jacket controls expansion and enhances precision

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Are FTX bullets safe to load in tubular magazines?

Yes. The Flex Tip design is specifically engineered to be safe in tubular magazine rifles and handguns, eliminating the detonation risk of traditional pointed bullets stacked in tube-fed actions.

What game are these bullets suitable for?

The 225-grain FTX is designed for hunting large and heavy-bodied game. The combination of controlled expansion and deep penetration makes it well-suited for elk, hog, and similar game at typical hunting ranges.

How does the Flex Tip expand at different velocities?

The soft polymer tip compresses into the bullet core upon impact, triggering expansion across a wide range of velocities—from modest handgun speeds to the higher velocities produced by lever action rifles. This gives you reliable performance whether you're loading for a pistol or a long gun.

What is the InterLock ring and why does it matter?

The InterLock ring is a mechanical lock that binds the lead core to the jacket. Combined with the specially engineered jacket design, it ensures the core and jacket stay together during expansion, maximizing weight retention so the bullet penetrates deep into game.