Revolutionizing Lever Action Performance: Hornady LEVERevolution .307 Winchester 160 Grain FTX Ammunition

For generations, the iconic lever-action rifle has been a staple of American hunting and sporting tradition, beloved for its rapid follow-up shots, classic aesthetics, and reliable performance in the field. However, these revered firearms have historically faced a significant limitation: the design of their tubular magazines. Traditional pointed bullets posed a considerable safety risk, as the recoil could cause the tip of one cartridge to detonate the primer of the cartridge in front of it, leading to potentially catastrophic accidents. This inherent safety concern forced lever-action users to rely on less aerodynamically efficient flat-nose or round-nose bullets, which significantly hampered their rifles' ballistic performance, especially at longer ranges.

Hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike often asked, "How can I get better range and accuracy from my lever-action rifle without compromising safety?" or "What's the best ammunition for my .307 Winchester that truly unleashes its potential?" The answer arrived with a groundbreaking innovation: Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition, featuring the revolutionary Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) projectile. This isn't just another bullet; it's a complete reimagining of what lever-action ammunition can achieve, addressing the core safety and performance challenges that plagued these rifles for over a century.

The Dawn of a New Era: Understanding Hornady's FTX Technology

The cornerstone of Hornady LEVERevolution's success lies in its proprietary FTX bullet. This isn't merely a minor tweak; it's a paradigm shift in bullet design for tubular magazine firearms. The most critical innovation is the flexible polymer tip. Unlike traditional pointed bullets made entirely of metal, the FTX features a soft, pliable tip. This simple yet ingenious design completely eliminates the risk of accidental primer detonation in a tubular magazine, making it entirely safe to load pointed bullets in your lever-action rifle for the first time in history.

But safety is just one piece of the puzzle. The flexible tip also serves a crucial aerodynamic function. By creating a truly pointed bullet, Hornady engineers were able to dramatically improve the projectile's ballistic coefficient (BC). A higher ballistic coefficient means the bullet slices through the air with far less drag, retaining more velocity and energy downrange. This translates directly into:

• Flatter Trajectories: Gone are the days of extreme bullet drop at moderate distances. The LEVERevolution FTX bullet shoots significantly flatter, simplifying shot placement and extending the effective range of your lever gun.
• Increased Downrange Energy: Because the bullet maintains its velocity more efficiently, it also carries substantially more kinetic energy to the target, ensuring deeper penetration and more effective terminal performance, particularly vital for ethical hunting.
• Superior Accuracy: Reduced drag and a more stable flight path contribute to enhanced precision, allowing shooters to achieve tighter groups and make more confident shots.

This combination of safety, flatter shooting, and increased energy makes the FTX clearly the leading lever-action rifle projectile on the market today. It's the ammunition your lever-action rifle has been waiting for, unlocking a level of performance previously unimaginable.

Hornady LEVERevolution .307 Winchester: Tailored for Performance

The specific offering we're examining, Hornady LEVERevolution in .307 Winchester with a 160 Grain Flexible Polymer Tip (Hornady FTX) Projectile, is a testament to precision engineering for a specialized caliber. The .307 Winchester, while not as ubiquitous as its .30-30 counterpart, holds a special place among lever-action enthusiasts for its enhanced power and range. Introduced in the early 1980s for Winchester's Big Bore Model 94 rifles, the .307 Winchester was designed to offer ballistic performance akin to the popular .308 Winchester, but in a rimmed cartridge suitable for traditional lever-action designs.

However, even the .307 Winchester was constrained by the need for flat-nose bullets in tubular magazines. Hornady LEVERevolution shatters these limitations. When loaded with the 160-grain FTX bullet, this ammunition truly allows the .307 Winchester to stretch its legs, performing at a level that bridges the gap between traditional lever guns and some bolt-action rifles.

Key Specifications and Their Significance:

• Caliber: .307 Winchester
• Projectile: 160 Grain Flexible Polymer Tip (Hornady FTX)
• Casing: Reloadable Brass Case
• Muzzle Velocity: 2650 fps (feet per second)
• Muzzle Energy: 2494 ft/lbs (foot-pounds)

These numbers are not just statistics; they represent a significant performance leap. A muzzle velocity of 2650 fps for a 160-grain bullet in a lever-action compatible cartridge is outstanding. This high velocity ensures a flatter trajectory, requiring less holdover at extended ranges. The corresponding muzzle energy of 2494 ft/lbs signifies substantial stopping power, making this round highly effective for medium to large game.

Who is this Ammunition For? Real-World Use Cases

Hornady LEVERevolution .307 Winchester 160 Grain FTX ammunition is specifically engineered for discerning shooters and hunters who demand the utmost performance from their lever-action rifles.

• The Dedicated Lever-Action Hunter: If your preferred hunting rifle is a lever-action, and you pursue medium-sized game like deer, black bear, or wild hogs, this ammunition is your ideal choice. The enhanced downrange energy and reliable expansion of the FTX bullet ensure quick, humane kills, even at distances where traditional lever-action rounds might begin to falter. Hunters frequently ask, "What's the best deer hunting ammo for my .307 Win lever action?" This is a definitive answer.
• The Long-Range Lever-Action Enthusiast: While lever actions aren't typically associated with long-range shooting, the flatter trajectory of LEVERevolution ammunition significantly extends their effective range. Shooters looking to push the boundaries of their lever gun's capabilities for target practice or ethical hunting at 200-300 yards will find this ammunition transformative.
• Reloaders Seeking Peak Performance: The inclusion of high-quality reloadable brass cases is a significant advantage for handloaders. This allows enthusiasts to custom-tune loads, further refine accuracy, and extend the value of their ammunition investment. For those who enjoy tailoring their rounds, the ability to reuse these robust brass cases is invaluable.
• Anyone Prioritizing Safety in Tubular Magazines: Even if maximum range isn't your primary concern, the inherent safety feature of the flexible tip makes this ammunition a superior choice for any lever-action rifle with a tubular magazine, eliminating the long-standing risk of primer chain-fires.

The Unseen Advantages: Deep Dive into FTX Performance

The magic of the FTX bullet extends beyond its safety and ballistic coefficient. Its terminal performance—what happens when the bullet strikes the target—is equally impressive.

• Reliable Expansion: The flexible polymer tip not only aids aerodynamics but also initiates rapid and controlled expansion upon impact, even at lower velocities encountered at extended ranges. This ensures a wide wound channel and efficient energy transfer, crucial for humane hunting.
• High Weight Retention: Despite its rapid expansion, the FTX bullet is designed to retain a high percentage of its original weight. This promotes deep penetration, reaching vital organs even on larger game, contributing to clean, one-shot kills.
• Consistent Performance: Hornady's rigorous quality control ensures that every round of LEVERevolution ammunition performs consistently, shot after shot. This reliability builds confidence in the shooter, knowing that their ammunition will perform as expected in critical moments.

Comparing this to traditional flat-nose or round-nose bullets, the difference is stark. Old designs shed velocity much faster, leading to rainbow-like trajectories and significantly less energy at range. Their expansion was often less reliable, sometimes over-expanding too quickly or failing to expand sufficiently. The FTX design overcomes these limitations, offering a truly modern hunting solution for classic firearms.

Maintaining Your Lever Action for Optimal Performance

While Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition significantly enhances your rifle's capabilities, proper rifle maintenance remains paramount for consistent accuracy and longevity. Regularly cleaning your barrel, checking screw torque, and ensuring smooth action operation will complement the advanced ballistics of this ammunition. Using a high-quality bore cleaner and appropriate lubricants will keep your lever action performing at its peak, allowing you to fully appreciate the improved accuracy and range provided by Hornady FTX bullets.

Why Choose Hornady Ammunition?

Hornady has been a leading name in the ammunition industry for decades, built on a foundation of innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of shooter needs. Their commitment to research and development has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in ammunition design. The LEVERevolution line is a prime example of this dedication, solving a problem that had persisted for over a century with an elegant and effective solution. When you choose Hornady, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in performance, reliability, and the peace of mind that comes from using products crafted by experts.

Hornady LEVERevolution .307 Winchester 160 Grain FTX Ammunition (UPC 090255382730) represents a significant advancement for lever-action rifle owners. It solves long-standing safety concerns while simultaneously unlocking unprecedented ballistic performance, extending the effective range and terminal effectiveness of these classic firearms. Whether you're a dedicated hunter or a shooting enthusiast looking to maximize your lever gun's potential, this ammunition delivers.

These products are all available at DEGuns, ensuring you have access to the highest quality ammunition for your lever-action rifle. Pick up a box or two and see for yourself; this is the ammo your lever action rifle has been waiting for.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Description	Value / Detail
Caliber	Optimized for Lever Action Rifles	.307 Winchester
Projectile Type	Flexible Polymer Tip for Safety & Ballistics	Hornady FTX (160 Grain)
Casing	High-Quality Brass, Suitable for Reloading	Reloadable Brass Case
Muzzle Velocity	Speed at Barrel Exit	2650 fps
Muzzle Energy	Kinetic Energy at Barrel Exit	2494 ft/lbs
Primary Usage	Hunting & Target Shooting	Lever Action Rifles
Product SKU	Internal Stock Keeping Unit	8273
Product UPC	Universal Product Code	090255382730