Hornady FTX .45 Caliber 225 Grain Pistol Bullets Review

Let’s Review the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX represent a significant step forward in handgun bullet technology. Hornady designed these bullets with a specific purpose: to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration, even at lower pistol velocities. This makes them an attractive option for self-defense and hunting applications where reliable performance is paramount.

I was searching for a bullet that would provide consistent expansion and penetration in my .45 ACP, especially for scenarios where barrier penetration might be necessary. I wanted something that wouldn’t over-penetrate in a self-defense situation, but also wouldn’t fragment prematurely. The FTX bullet’s design promised exactly that.

Upon opening the box of Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX, I was immediately impressed by the consistent appearance and quality of the bullets. The Flex Tip technology was visually distinct, and the overall construction felt solid and well-made. These bullets inspire confidence.

I considered other options like the Speer Gold Dot and the Federal HST, both known for their excellent expansion properties. Ultimately, the FTX‘s unique design, promising controlled expansion and reduced risk of over-penetration, won me over. The published ballistics data also influenced my choice.

My first impression was positive. The bullets looked and felt like a premium product. I was eager to load them and see how they performed in my 1911.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX at an indoor shooting range, focusing on accuracy and chronographing the velocity. I used a standard 1911 with a 5-inch barrel, and the ammunition was loaded with a moderate charge of powder to achieve a velocity of around 850 fps. The range offered a controlled environment to assess the bullets’ performance.

The bullets performed exceptionally well in dry conditions. I experienced no malfunctions, and the recoil felt manageable. Accuracy was also impressive, with tight groupings at 15 and 25 yards.

The FTX bullets were easy to load and seat, indicating consistent dimensions. No special tools or techniques were required. There were no issues during the loading process.

After the first use, I was impressed by the accuracy and reliability. I was anxious to conduct further tests, including gelatin penetration tests to evaluate the expansion characteristics. The initial impression was extremely favorable.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX have proven to be consistently reliable. I have fired several hundred rounds, and I have not experienced any feeding issues or malfunctions. The bullets exhibit consistent accuracy and performance, even after extended storage and handling.

The bullets show no signs of degradation or deformation after being stored in their original box for several months. This suggests they are constructed from high-quality materials and are not susceptible to environmental factors. Proper storage is still crucial.

Cleaning my firearm after using ammunition loaded with the FTX bullets is straightforward. There is no excessive fouling or residue. Standard cleaning procedures are sufficient.

My previous experiences with other .45 caliber bullets often involved inconsistent expansion and penetration, especially when encountering barriers. The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX outperform these other bullets with better terminal performance in my testing. The controlled expansion provided by the Flex Tip design is a definite advantage.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 Caliber (.452 diameter). The standard diameter for .45 ACP cartridges, ensuring compatibility with most .45 caliber firearms.
• Weight: 225 grain. A good balance between penetration and expansion in the .45 ACP cartridge.
• Bullet Type: FTX (Flex Tip eXtreme). This patented design features a polymer insert in the hollow point, aiding in consistent and controlled expansion.
• Sectional Density: 0.157. A measure of a bullet’s penetration capability, indicating adequate penetration for its weight.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 bullets per box. A standard quantity for reloading components, suitable for practice and load development.
• Fabric/Material: Copper jacket. The copper jacket aids in controlled expansion and prevents excessive lead fouling in the barrel.

These specifications are significant because they contribute to the FTX bullet’s terminal performance. The weight and sectional density ensure sufficient penetration, while the Flex Tip design facilitates reliable expansion, even at lower velocities. This combination makes these bullets suitable for self-defense and hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX excel in providing controlled expansion and reliable penetration. They perform consistently across a range of velocities. This creates a large wound cavity without sacrificing penetration.

The FTX bullets’ greatest strength is their consistent expansion, thanks to the Flex Tip design. However, their ballistic coefficient is not as high as some other bullet designs, which may limit their long-range accuracy. Despite that minor issue, their primary intent is close range work.

These bullets definitely meet my expectations for self-defense ammunition. The controlled expansion and reliable penetration provide a good balance of terminal performance. I have peace of mind when using these.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a well-formed copper jacket. The 225-grain weight offers a comfortable recoil impulse in most .45 ACP firearms. This makes it easy to control during rapid fire.

These bullets are easy to load and seat. There is no learning curve for experienced reloaders. Novices should always follow proper reloading guidelines and consult reliable load data.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper storage, the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX should last indefinitely. The copper jacket provides corrosion resistance, and the bullet’s design is robust. There should be no significant degradation over time.

Maintaining the firearm after using these bullets is no different from using other jacketed bullets. Standard cleaning procedures are adequate. There is no need for special solvents or tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX are primarily reloading components, so they do not come with any accessories. However, they can be used in conjunction with various .45 ACP reloading dies and equipment. Different powders and primers can be used to customize the load.

These bullets are compatible with standard .45 ACP magazines and firearms. There are no specific compatibility issues to be aware of. Load data is readily available from Hornady and other reloading manuals.

Pros and Cons of Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX

Who Should Buy Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX?

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX are perfect for:

• Self-Defense Shooters: Those seeking reliable expansion and penetration in a .45 ACP for personal protection.
• Hunters: Those who hunt with a .45 ACP pistol or carbine, especially for close-range game.
• Reloaders: Those who want a high-quality bullet for handloading accurate and effective ammunition.

Those who primarily engage in long-range target shooting should skip this product and consider bullets with a higher ballistic coefficient. Those on a very tight budget might find cheaper alternatives, although the performance may not be comparable. The trade-off is getting a bullet that consistently expands and penetrates.

Must-have accessories or modifications for using the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX include: reliable reloading dies, a quality chronograph to measure velocity, and a good reloading manual with accurate load data. A ballistic gel kit can also be helpful for evaluating terminal performance.

Conclusion on Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX

The Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX are an excellent choice for those seeking reliable expansion and penetration in a .45 ACP bullet. The Flex Tip design and well-constructed copper jacket ensure consistent performance, making these bullets suitable for self-defense and hunting applications. Hornady delivers on its promise!

While the price may be higher than some other options, the performance and reliability justify the cost. The consistent expansion and reliable penetration provide a level of terminal performance that is difficult to match with cheaper bullets. You get what you pay for.

I would personally recommend the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable .45 ACP bullet for self-defense or hunting. These bullets offer a good balance of accuracy, expansion, and penetration. The Flex Tip technology makes them a standout option in the .45 ACP market.

If you’re serious about performance, invest in the Hornady FTX Pistol Bullets, 45 Caliber, .452, 225 Grain, FTX. You won’t be disappointed. Load them up, head to the range, and experience the difference for yourself.