Hornady 45015 FTX Hunting Bullets - .45 Cal .458 325 gr Flex Tip Expanding (FTX)

The Hornady 45015 FTX hunting bullets in .45 caliber, 325 grains deliver the performance lever gun shooters have been waiting for. Traditional hollow-point rifle bullets weren't designed for the unique demands of tubular-magazine lever actions—they'd expand too aggressively at lever gun velocities and give up penetration on larger game. Hornady's FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) changes that equation. The patented flex tip compresses inward on impact, controlling expansion across a wide velocity range while keeping the bullet safe to load nose-to-primer in any tubular magazine. That means you get the stopping power of an expanding bullet without worrying about accidental detonation in your magazine tube.

Built on Hornady's proven construction methods, each FTX features an InterLock ring that mechanically locks a high-antimony lead core to the jacket, preventing core-jacket separation during penetration. That core retention translates to deeper, more reliable expansion on heavy-bodied game like elk and moose—exactly what lever gun hunters after larger animals need. The secant ogive profile isn't just about looks; it's engineered for ballistic efficiency, which means flatter trajectories and genuine accuracy from your rifle. Pair that with a specially engineered jacket designed to control expansion while boosting accuracy, and you've got a round that respects both the limitations and the capabilities of lever-action rifles.

Whether you reload for a .45-70 Government, .450 Marlin, or another .458-diameter rifle, the 325-grain FTX is a serious step up from factory ammo or conventional cast bullets. You'll find these bullets work equally well in non-tubular magazine rifles, giving you flexibility as your shooting interests evolve. Lever gun ballistics don't have to be a compromise anymore.

Key Features

• Patented Flex Tip technology: soft tip compresses on impact to initiate controlled expansion across a wide velocity range
• Safe for tubular magazines—no risk of tip deformation or accidental primer strike during loading
• InterLock ring locks lead core to jacket for maximum weight retention and deep penetration
• Secant ogive profile delivers flat trajectories and inherent accuracy
• Specially engineered heavy jacket controls expansion and enhances precision
• Works in tubular and standard magazines, making it versatile for any .45-caliber rifle

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these bullets safe to load in a lever gun tubular magazine?

Yes. The Flex Tip design is specifically engineered to be safe in tubular magazines. The soft tip won't deform or ignite primers during loading and transport, making it ideal for lever-action rifles like the .45-70 Government and .450 Marlin.

What game animals are the 325-grain FTX suitable for?

The InterLock construction and heavy jacket provide the weight retention and penetration needed for large, heavy-bodied game. Exact suitability depends on your specific rifle, load, and local hunting regulations, so consult ballistic data and check your local hunting guides.

Can I use these bullets in rifles with magazines other than tubular designs?

Yes. While designed with lever guns in mind, FTX bullets are safe to use in any rifle type—bolt-action, semi-automatic, or single-shot—that chambers .458-diameter cartridges.

What makes the Flex Tip better than a standard hollow-point for lever guns?

Standard hollow points expand too quickly at lever gun velocities and sacrifice penetration. The Flex Tip compresses on impact, controlling expansion across a wider range of speeds while the InterLock ring ensures the core stays locked to the jacket, delivering the deep penetration large game demands.