Anyone shoot Hornady's FTX bullets in a tube magazine?

They seem to have a soft rubber ballistic tip, but it still seems a little risky for a 45-70.

I like the ballistics of the cartridge, but not sure if the risk of setting off a chain reaction in the magazine is possible.

What do you guys think?

BH63

That's precisely what they were designed for.

They have been out for some time and have been proven safe. The only negatives about them is they don't penetrate as much as I'd like and come apart too easily. I've only used them on a couple black bears.

yep they seem ok haven't shot enough animals yet to make a decision, using them in a 45-70

Thanks. I just bought a Henry in 45-70 and now need to find a good black bear cartridge for shooting bears over bait (50-70 yds max).

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks again.

BH63

I've used plenty of FTX on deer but there would be several bullets I'd use on bear instead of an FTX, which is a cup and core bullet.
Swift A-frame would be my 1st choice for bear. I think they make it in 350 gr. A monolithic bullet works well,too. Like a 250 gr monoflex or a Barnes.

I have used them on 7 deer in the 308 marlin express. These are terrible as far as staying in 1 piece. They fragment horribly on point of shoulder shots, which is what I take. They might be ok for lung shots and they are very accurate shooting in my gun. But they are gummie grenades only usable. For varmit shooting.

My favorite bullet right now for the .45-70 is the 405gr Woodleigh. It opens nicely but stays together.

I bought some Barnes X bullets to try. They make several weights and styles for lever action 45-70's. They should open up on deer and expect them to pass thru as well.

Good call, the Barnes are great bullets.

BH63: Since you are shooting at such close range why not go with a heavy weight wide nose gas checked lead bullet? If you need more penetration go with a LFNGC. A 45 caliber bullet does not need to expand. Shot quite a few black bears with a Rossi 454 Casull. Works great.

^
I don't handload, so I have to stay with commercial loadings. I am a fan of breaking down the shoulders on DG, but I don't trust the jacketed hollowpoints (even in 405 gr) to penetrate completely.

I would use Swift A-frames if I could find a commercial loading.

I might just wind up going with jacketed hollowpoints and taking lung/heart shots.

Thanks for all the information.

BH63

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:
^
I don't handload, so I have to stay with commercial loadings.

I would use Swift A-frames if I could find a commercial loading.

BH63

Swift loads a 350 grain A-frame but only to about 1770 fps.


https://www.swiftbullets.com/p...igh-grade-ammunition

quote:

Originally posted by vlwtx348:

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:
^
I don't handload, so I have to stay with commercial loadings.

I would use Swift A-frames if I could find a commercial loading.

BH63

Swift loads a 350 grain A-frame but only to about 1770 fps.


https://www.swiftbullets.com/p...igh-grade-ammunition

And Buffalo bore sells the 405 grain Woodleigh load.

^
Thanks I did not know that.l

BH63

Swift just rolled out their ammunition line last year.

I use 44 265 grain, intended for 444 Marlin, in a wildcat pushed by 39 grains of AA1680.
The bullet is breaking up even though some chunks exit on a broadside shot, Not classic performance but the hogs dropped in tracks.

quote:

Originally posted by vlwtx348:
Swift just rolled out their ammunition line last year.

I've used their A-frame on buff for years. I will have to check out their complete line of ammunition.

Thanks.

BH63

for black bears at 75 yards , i think the 350 grain hornady round nose should be dandy. Why spend a bunch of money , you have a deadly cartridge, unless the bears you are shooting are really huge, a good Jacketed fltt point should be dandy.
...tj3006

Thanks to all for their recommendations.

BH63

Cutting Edge Bullets .458 Lever Gun Safari Raptor.