Hornady LEVERevolution 35 Rem 200 Grain FTX Ammunition: Revolutionizing Lever-Action Performance

For generations, the .35 Remington has stood as a beloved classic among hunters, particularly those who prefer the rugged reliability and quick handling of lever-action rifles in dense brush or timber. However, traditional ammunition designs for these firearms, constrained by tubular magazines, have often limited the ballistic potential of cartridges like the .35 Rem. Hunters frequently sought a way to overcome these limitations, desiring improved accuracy, extended range, and more decisive terminal performance without sacrificing the iconic feel of their lever guns. The answer arrived with Hornady LEVERevolution .35 Rem 200 gr Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) ammunition.

This groundbreaking ammunition line was specifically engineered to address the inherent challenges of lever-action firearms, transforming the performance capabilities of time-honored calibers. It represents a significant leap forward for enthusiasts and seasoned hunters alike, offering a compelling blend of modern ballistics and traditional firearm compatibility. If you've ever asked, "What's the best ammunition to maximize my .35 Remington's hunting potential?" or "How can I get flatter trajectories and more energy from my lever-action rifle?", then Hornady LEVERevolution is designed precisely for you.

Unlocking the Potential: The FTX Bullet Technology

At the heart of the Hornady LEVERevolution's superior performance is its revolutionary Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet. This patented technology completely redefined what was possible for ammunition designed for tubular magazines. Historically, pointed bullets were considered unsafe in lever-action rifles with tube magazines because the pointed tip of one bullet could strike the primer of the cartridge in front of it under recoil, potentially leading to an accidental discharge. This safety concern forced ammunition manufacturers to use flat-nose or round-nose bullets, which, while safe, are aerodynamically inefficient, leading to rapid velocity and energy loss over distance and more pronounced bullet drop.

The FTX bullet solves this dilemma with an innovative elastomer Flex Tip. This soft, pliable tip, made of a proprietary polymer, allows the bullet to have a pointed, aerodynamically efficient profile while remaining safe for use in tubular magazines. The flexible tip cushions any impact, preventing primer detonation. This ingenious design immediately grants the .35 Remington a vastly improved ballistic coefficient compared to its traditional counterparts. What does this mean for the hunter?

• Flatter Trajectories: The improved aerodynamic shape means the bullet fights air resistance more effectively. This results in significantly less bullet drop over longer ranges, translating to a flatter shooting experience and increased confidence for ethical shots beyond traditional lever-action distances.
• Enhanced Energy Retention: By maintaining velocity more efficiently, the FTX bullet carries more kinetic energy further downrange. Hornady's own data demonstrates that LEVERevolution loads can deliver up to 40% more energy at 200 yards than conventional ammunition, a crucial factor for clean, humane kills on medium-sized game.
• Reliable Expansion: The Flex Tip isn't just for safety and aerodynamics; it also plays a critical role in terminal performance. Upon impact, the flexible tip compresses into the bullet's core, initiating rapid and controlled expansion even at lower velocities. This ensures a large wound channel and maximum energy transfer to the target, leading to swift incapacitation. The 200-grain FTX bullet for the .35 Remington is engineered to expand reliably across a wide range of impact velocities, providing consistent, devastating terminal performance.

Ballistic Superiority: Speed, Energy, and Precision

The specifications of the Hornady LEVERevolution 35 Rem 200 gr FTX round speak volumes about its optimized performance. With a reported muzzle velocity of 2225 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of 2198 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), this ammunition packs a serious punch. These figures are not just numbers; they directly translate to real-world advantages in the field.

Consider the trajectory. For a typical 100-yard zero, the flatter arc of the FTX bullet means less holdover is required at 150 or even 200 yards compared to older .35 Rem loads. This simplification of aiming, particularly in fast-paced hunting scenarios, can make the difference between a hit and a miss. For hunters venturing into open fields or long shooting lanes where a 150-yard shot might present itself, the increased effective range provided by LEVERevolution is invaluable.

The substantial muzzle energy, combined with the excellent weight retention of the FTX bullet, ensures deep penetration and reliable expansion within the target. Unlike some bullets that might fragment excessively or fail to expand at all, the FTX is designed for controlled expansion, creating a wide and devastating wound cavity while retaining enough mass for optimal penetration through vital organs. This characteristic is paramount for ensuring a quick and ethical harvest, minimizing tracking and maximizing success rates.

Designed for the Modern Hunter: Applications and Ideal Scenarios

Hornady LEVERevolution 35 Rem 200 gr FTX ammunition is primarily designed for hunting medium-sized game. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Deer: White-tailed deer, mule deer, and black-tailed deer are ideal targets for this round. Its effective range and terminal performance make it an excellent choice for shots in various environments, from dense woods to more open clearings.
• Hogs/Wild Boar: The robust construction and reliable expansion of the FTX bullet make it highly effective against the tough hide and bone structure of wild pigs, providing the necessary stopping power.
• Black Bear: Within reasonable ranges and with proper shot placement, the .35 Rem LEVERevolution can be a capable round for black bear hunting, offering significant energy transfer.

Where does this ammunition truly shine?

• Dense Brush and Woods: The compact nature of lever-action rifles, combined with the power of the .35 Remington, makes them perfect for navigating thick cover. LEVERevolution enhances this by offering improved ballistics for those moments when a clearer shot presents itself, or when a follow-up shot needs to be placed precisely.
• Medium-Range Hunting: While the .35 Rem is traditionally a brush gun, LEVERevolution extends its effective range, making it a viable option for shots out to 150-200 yards with proper practice and understanding of the trajectory.
• Versatility: Whether still-hunting, stand-hunting, or participating in drives, the consistent performance and reliability of this ammunition instill confidence in any hunting situation.

Why Choose Hornady LEVERevolution? A Legacy of Innovation

Hornady has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, innovative ammunition, and the LEVERevolution line is a testament to this commitment. When selecting ammunition for your valuable lever-action rifle, you're not just choosing bullets; you're investing in performance, reliability, and safety.

• Safety First: The primary concern for tube magazine firearms is addressed directly by the Flex Tip, allowing for pointed bullets that were previously deemed unsafe. This innovation alone fundamentally alters the capabilities of lever-action rifles.
• Performance Beyond Expectations: The claims of "up to 40% more energy" and "flatter trajectories" are not mere marketing slogans. They are backed by rigorous testing and translate into tangible benefits in the field – cleaner kills, reduced bullet drop, and extended ethical shooting distances.
• Consistency and Quality Control: Every round of Hornady LEVERevolution is manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring uniform ballistic performance from one shot to the next. This consistency is crucial for accurate shot placement and predictable results in hunting scenarios.
• Optimized for the .35 Remington: While LEVERevolution is available for various lever-action calibers, the 35 Rem 200 gr FTX load is specifically tuned to maximize the unique characteristics of this classic cartridge, pushing its capabilities further than ever before. For hunters loyal to their .35 Remington, this ammunition allows them to experience modern ballistic performance without needing to switch firearms.

Responsible Use and Ethical Hunting

As with all hunting ammunition, understanding the capabilities and limitations of the Hornady LEVERevolution 35 Rem 200 gr FTX is crucial for ethical hunting. Practice regularly at various distances to familiarize yourself with the bullet's trajectory and point of impact. Know your rifle's capabilities and your own shooting proficiency. The enhanced performance of LEVERevolution empowers hunters with greater precision and stopping power, contributing to more humane and successful hunts when applied responsibly.

The .35 Remington, when loaded with Hornady LEVERevolution, transcends its traditional role as a short-range brush gun. It becomes a highly capable, versatile hunting cartridge, marrying classic firearm design with cutting-edge ballistic technology. For those who cherish their lever-action rifles and demand superior performance in the field, this ammunition represents the pinnacle of modern hunting innovation.

Property	Value
Brand	Hornady
Model	LEVERevolution
Caliber	35 Remington
Bullet Type	Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX)
Bullet Weight	200 grain
Rounds Per Box	20
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Energy	2198 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity	2225 fps
Game Type	Medium
Application	Hunting
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	82735
UPC	090255827354