Unleash Precision and Power: The Hornady FTX .35 Caliber 165 Grain Flex Tip Expanding Bullet

For enthusiasts of lever-action rifles and reloaders seeking to maximize the performance of their .35 caliber firearms, the Hornady FTX 35 Cal .355 165 gr Flex Tip eXpanding bullet (UPC: 090255235029, MPN: 3502) represents a monumental leap forward in ammunition technology. This innovative projectile redefines what's possible for tubular magazine firearms, offering an unparalleled combination of safety, accuracy, and devastating terminal performance. If you've ever asked, "What are the best bullets for my lever action hunting rifle?" or "How can I improve the long-range accuracy and stopping power of my .35 caliber firearm?", the answer lies within the revolutionary design of the Hornady FTX.

Revolutionizing Lever Gun Performance: Why FTX Bullets Are a Game Changer

Traditional pointed bullets pose a significant safety risk when loaded in tubular magazines due to the potential for a primer to be struck by the tip of the bullet in front of it, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction. For decades, this limitation forced lever-action rifle owners to rely on flat-nosed or round-nosed bullets, which, while safe, severely compromised ballistic efficiency and long-range accuracy.

The Hornady FTX bullet fundamentally solves this dilemma. By incorporating a patented Flex Tip® into its design, Hornady has engineered a pointed bullet that is inherently safe for use in tubular magazines. This soft, elastomer tip compresses upon impact, initiating rapid and reliable expansion, while remaining pliable enough to prevent accidental primer detonation during recoil. This innovation alone addresses a critical safety concern that has long plagued lever gun enthusiasts, making pointed, aerodynamically efficient bullets a reality for these beloved firearms.

Who Benefits Most from Hornady FTX .35 Caliber Bullets?

• Lever-Action Rifle Hunters: Individuals who cherish the classic feel and rapid follow-up shots of a lever-action rifle, but desire modern ballistic performance for ethical hunting of medium game like deer, hogs, and black bear.
• Reloaders and Ammunition Enthusiasts: Those who meticulously craft their own ammunition to achieve optimal accuracy and terminal ballistics, recognizing the superior components that Hornady offers.
• Shooters Seeking Enhanced Accuracy: Anyone looking to push the effective range and precision of their .35 caliber firearms, whether it's a .35 Remington, .350 Legend (when using appropriate components), or other compatible cartridges.
• Safety-Conscious Firearm Owners: Shooters who prioritize the safe handling and loading of ammunition in tubular magazines without compromising on ballistic performance.

Unpacking the Advanced Features of the Hornady FTX 165 Grain .355 Bullet

The Hornady FTX .35 Cal .355 165 gr Flex Tip eXpanding bullet is a testament to Hornady's commitment to innovation and precision manufacturing. Each component of this bullet is engineered to deliver superior performance:

• Patented Flex Tip® Technology: The heart of the FTX bullet. This compressible, soft polymer tip allows for safe use in tubular magazines while simultaneously improving ballistic coefficient (BC) for flatter trajectories and enhancing expansion upon impact. It ensures reliable mushrooming, even at lower velocities, for devastating terminal performance.
• Optimized Ogive and Cannelure: The bullet's secant ogive design, combined with a strategically placed cannelure, provides a robust crimp for consistent bullet seating depth, crucial for accuracy and reliable feeding in various firearm actions. The streamlined profile contributes to its impressive ballistic efficiency.
• InterLock® Ring (Potentially): While not explicitly stated in the provided text, many Hornady hunting bullets feature the InterLock® ring. This raised ring molded into the bullet's core helps keep the core and jacket locked together during expansion, ensuring high weight retention and deep penetration, even through tough hide and bone. This design feature is paramount for ethical, one-shot kills on game animals.
• Heavy-Duty Copper Jacket: The durable copper jacket ensures structural integrity during flight and controlled expansion upon impact. It’s engineered to prevent premature fragmentation while allowing the lead core to mushroom consistently.
• High-Quality Lead Core: A precisely formulated lead core contributes to the bullet's substantial 165-grain weight, providing the kinetic energy and sectional density required for effective hunting.
• Precision Manufacturing: Hornady's rigorous quality control standards ensure that each bullet is manufactured to exacting tolerances, resulting in unparalleled consistency in weight, diameter (.355 inches), and concentricity. This translates directly into improved accuracy downrange.

Ballistic Performance: Numbers That Speak Volumes

Understanding the ballistic characteristics of a bullet is key to predicting its performance. The Hornady FTX 165 grain .355 bullet boasts impressive figures that highlight its suitability for medium game hunting and long-range shooting:

• Weight: 165 Grains: This weight offers an excellent balance between velocity and impact energy for .35 caliber cartridges, delivering significant knockdown power without excessive recoil.
• Bullet Diameter: .355 Inches: Ensures a perfect fit and seal within compatible .35 caliber rifle barrels, promoting optimal gas pressure and bullet stabilization.
• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): .250 (G1): A higher BC indicates less drag and better retention of velocity and energy downrange. For a bullet designed for lever-action rifles, a .250 BC is exceptionally good, translating to flatter trajectories and more predictable impacts at extended distances. This is a significant improvement over traditional flat-nosed lever-gun bullets.
• Sectional Density (SD): .193: Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's weight relative to its diameter. A higher SD generally indicates better penetration capabilities. The .193 SD of the 165-grain FTX bullet suggests it will penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs, ensuring effective and humane kills on medium game.

These specifications combine to offer a bullet that not only flies straighter and retains more energy than its predecessors but also delivers devastating terminal performance where it counts.

Applications and Use Cases: Where the FTX Shines

The Hornady FTX 165 grain .35 Caliber bullet excels in scenarios where both safety and superior ballistic performance are paramount:

• Deer Hunting: This bullet is an excellent choice for hunting whitetail, mule deer, and similar-sized game. Its reliable expansion and energy transfer ensure quick, humane harvests.
• Hog Hunting: With their tough hides and resilient nature, hogs require a bullet that can penetrate deeply and deliver a powerful punch. The FTX’s controlled expansion and weight retention make it highly effective for hog hunting.
• Black Bear Hunting: For hunters pursuing black bear, the FTX offers the necessary terminal performance for a clean kill, particularly in areas where shots might be taken at moderate ranges.
• Reloading for .35 Remington: The .35 Remington is a classic lever-action cartridge. Using Hornady FTX bullets allows reloaders to significantly upgrade its performance, turning a traditional brush gun into a more versatile hunting tool capable of longer shots.
• Crafting Custom Ammunition: For those who demand the utmost precision, these bullets provide a consistent foundation for developing highly accurate handloads tailored to specific rifle characteristics.

Consider the scenario: A hunter in dense timber needs a reliable bullet for their cherished .35 Remington lever gun. Shots might be close, but an unexpected opportunity at 150 yards might arise. Traditional flat-nose bullets might struggle with accuracy at that distance. The Hornady FTX bullet, with its improved BC and reliable expansion, offers the confidence to take that shot ethically and effectively.

Why Choose Hornady Components? The Mark of Quality and Trust

Hornady has built a reputation for innovation, precision, and reliability in the ammunition industry. Their commitment to extensive research and development ensures that products like the FTX bullet are not just incremental improvements, but often revolutionary advancements. When you choose Hornady components, you are investing in:

• Consistent Quality: Every bullet is manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring uniform performance from shot to shot.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Hornady constantly pushes the boundaries of ballistic science, offering shooters access to the latest advancements.
• Proven Performance: Hornady bullets are trusted by hunters and competitive shooters worldwide for their consistent accuracy and terminal effectiveness.
• Safety First: The Flex Tip® technology is a prime example of Hornady's dedication to designing products that enhance both performance and user safety.

These 100-count boxes of Hornady FTX bullets are ideal for reloaders, providing a bulk quantity for extensive load development and practice. Each case contains 15 boxes, making it convenient for large-volume purchases or for stocking up on your favorite hunting components.

In summary, the Hornady 3502 FTX 35 Cal .355 165 gr Flex Tip eXpanding bullet (UPC: 090255235029) is more than just a bullet; it's a solution. It addresses long-standing challenges in lever-action rifle ballistics, enabling shooters to unlock the full potential of their firearms. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking for an ethical edge or a reloader striving for pinpoint accuracy, the FTX bullet offers a superior choice. Elevate your shooting and hunting experience with the proven performance and innovative design of Hornady FTX bullets, available now from trusted retailers like DEGuns.com.

Hornady FTX .35 Caliber 165 Grain Bullet Specifications

Key Feature	Detail	Benefit to Shooter
Brand	Hornady	Renowned for Quality & Innovation
Model	FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding)	Revolutionary Design for Lever Guns
Caliber	.35 Cal	Optimized for Compatible Rifles
Bullet Diameter	.355 Inches	Precision Fit for Optimal Performance
Bullet Weight	165 Grains	Ideal Balance of Velocity & Energy
Bullet Type	Flex Tip eXpanding	Safe for Tubular Magazines, Reliable Expansion
Bullet Tip Material	Polymer	Improves Ballistics, Initiates Expansion
Core Material	Lead	Ensures Weight Retention & Deep Penetration
Jacket Material	Copper	Provides Structural Integrity & Controlled Expansion
Application	Medium Game	Designed for Ethical Hunting of Deer, Hogs, etc.
Ballistic Coeff.	.250 (G1)	Flatter Trajectories, Better Energy Retention
Sectional Density	.193	Enhanced Penetration Capabilities
Rounds Per Box	100	Convenient Quantity for Reloaders
Boxes Per Case	15	Bulk Option for Stocking Up
UPC	090255235029	Unique Product Identifier
MPN	3502	Manufacturer's Part Number
SKU	119072	Stock Keeping Unit