Hornady FTX Hunting Ammo .45 Cal 225gr Flex Tip Expanding (.452) - 45218

The Hornady FTX .45 caliber 225-grain Flex Tip Expanding bullet (.452 diameter) brings modern hunting performance to lever-action rifles and other firearms that rely on tubular magazine feeding. Traditional hollow-point rifle bullets can become unpredictable in tubular magazines due to recoil compression, and pistol-style hollow points often expand too aggressively at the velocities lever guns achieve. The FTX bridges that gap with a patented soft polymer tip that compresses on impact rather than protruding unsafely in a magazine stack, making it genuinely safe for any feeding system while delivering controlled, deep-penetrating expansion across a wide velocity range.

Built on proven Hornady design principles, the FTX features a one-piece lead core mechanically locked to the jacket via the InterLock ring—a design that resists core/jacket separation and ensures maximum weight retention for penetration on larger game. The specially engineered jacket is thickened over the shank to control expansion rate and support accuracy, while the ballistically efficient secant ogive profile cuts wind deflection and flattens your trajectory downrange. If you hunt with a lever gun or any other rifle that needs a magazine-safe expanding bullet, this is the load to consider.

Each component is loaded to Hornady's quality standards, so you get consistent performance round to round. Whether you're handloading for .45-70, .444 Marlin, or another cartridge that chambers .452 diameter bullets, the FTX 225-grain gives you a hunting bullet that actually works in the magazines and at the velocities your rifle delivers.

Key Features

• Patented Flex Tip technology—soft polymer tip compresses on impact for reliable expansion without magazine safety concerns
• InterLock ring mechanically locks lead core to jacket for maximum weight retention and deep penetration
• Specially engineered heavy jacket over the shank controls expansion and improves accuracy
• Ballistically efficient secant ogive design for flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift
• Safe to load in tubular magazines and all conventional magazine systems
• Designed for lever-action rifles and other firearms requiring magazine-compatible ammunition

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FTX .45 225gr safe to load in tubular magazines?

Yes. The soft Flex Tip compresses into the bullet on impact rather than protruding, making it safe for tubular magazine feeding systems and any other magazine type.

What game is this bullet designed for?

The FTX is engineered for large and heavy-bodied game animals. The InterLock ring and heavy jacket design ensure deep penetration and reliable performance on demanding hunts.

What cartridges use .452 diameter bullets?

The .452 diameter accommodates cartridges like .45-70 Government, .444 Marlin, and other .45-caliber rifle rounds. Check your specific rifle's specifications to confirm compatibility.

How does the Flex Tip improve on traditional hollow-point bullets?

Traditional hollow-point rifle bullets can shift in tubular magazines under recoil, and pistol-style hollow points often over-expand at lever-gun velocities. The Flex Tip design initiates expansion reliably across a wider velocity range while remaining safe for magazine stacking, and the InterLock core/jacket bond ensures consistent penetration and weight retention.