Understanding the Hornady 325 Gr FTX Bullet’s Design
The FTX Innovation
The Hornady 325 Gr FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet is a testament to the evolution of bullet technology. This bullet brings modern performance to the old-school 45-70 cartridge. It is built for flat trajectories and deeper penetration. The heart of the FTX design is the polymer Flex Tip, a feature that significantly enhances its ballistic characteristics.
The Flex Tip’s purpose is twofold: it provides a controlled expansion upon impact while also increasing the bullet’s ballistic coefficient. This means the bullet flies flatter, resists wind drift more effectively, and retains more energy downrange. The Flex Tip initiates expansion on impact.
The 325 gr FTX bullet offers a balance of weight and ballistic performance. It provides a flatter trajectory than heavier traditional bullets, while still maintaining a good amount of energy transfer upon impact. It is designed for optimal performance in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines where the pointed tips of other bullets could cause a dangerous chain reaction under recoil. The Flex Tip adds another layer of safety.
The construction of the FTX is engineered for expansion and weight retention. The jacket is designed to expand consistently upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and maximizing energy transfer to the target. The lead core is bonded to the jacket to maintain bullet integrity. These features make the 325 gr FTX an excellent choice for hunting a wide range of game at a reasonable distance.
Choosing the Right Components for Reloading
The foundation of successful reloading lies in the careful selection of high-quality components. Each component plays a vital role in creating a safe and accurate cartridge.
Powder Selection is Key
Selecting the appropriate powder is perhaps the most critical step in reloading. The choice of powder directly impacts the pressure, velocity, and overall performance of your loads. The 45-70 cartridge has a fairly wide range of powders. Some that work well with the 325 Gr FTX bullet are known for consistency and performance. It’s important to consult multiple reloading manuals and verify load data with sources such as the powder manufacturer’s website.
When selecting a powder, consider its burn rate. Faster-burning powders will generate higher pressures more quickly, while slower-burning powders will produce slower velocities. Match the burn rate to the bullet weight and the desired application. In general, for the 325 gr FTX, you are looking for a powder that is suitable for a moderate to high velocity while still maintaining manageable pressures. Be especially mindful of the potential for pressure spikes.
Primers: The Ignition Source
Primers are the tiny but mighty ignition sources that set off the powder. Choosing the correct primer is essential for consistent and reliable ignition. Generally, Large Rifle primers are the go-to choice for the 45-70. These primers deliver a consistent flame, ensuring reliable ignition of the powder charge.
Primer selection involves considering factors like sensitivity and consistency. Premium primers offer greater consistency, resulting in more uniform velocities and improved accuracy. Match your primer to your powder and intended use.
Brass: The Cartridge’s Foundation
Brass is the foundation of your cartridges. It holds all of the other components together and must withstand the pressures generated during firing. Selecting high-quality brass and preparing it correctly will contribute significantly to the accuracy and longevity of your reloads. Reputable brass brands, such as Hornady or Starline, are known for their quality and consistency.
Brass preparation is a critical step. This includes several stages:
- Cleaning: Brass should be cleaned before each reloading cycle to remove any dirt or grime. This can be done using a tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner.
- Inspection: Carefully inspect each case for cracks, dents, or any other signs of damage. Discard any cases that appear compromised.
- Resizing: Resizing the brass to the correct dimensions is necessary. This ensures that the new bullet seats correctly and that the case fits properly in the chamber of your rifle.
- Trimming: Trimming the case to the correct length ensures that the case mouth is the correct distance from the bullet and from the lands and grooves of your rifle’s barrel.
- Chamfering and Deburring: Chamfering the case mouth and deburring the flash hole makes it easier to seat the bullet and helps improve accuracy.
Load Data and Essential Safety Practices
Important Safety Disclaimer: Reloading is inherently dangerous. The following information is for informational purposes only. Always consult multiple, reputable reloading manuals and sources. The load data presented below is an example and should be treated as a starting point. NEVER exceed maximum loads, and always reduce loads by at least 10% when starting, and then work your way up carefully. Always wear eye protection, reload in a well-ventilated area, and inspect your brass carefully. Be aware of pressure signs. Any sign of excessive pressure (flattened primers, hard bolt lift) indicates that you must reduce the powder charge immediately.
Sample Load Data (For informational purposes only – always consult multiple sources and start low)
This is sample data, and you should always start low and work up. Always use a chronograph to measure velocity.
| Powder Type (Example) | Start Load (Grains) | Estimated Start Velocity (fps) | Max Load (Grains) | Estimated Max Velocity (fps) | Primer Used | C.O.A.L. (Inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder A | 45.0 | 1600 | 50.0 | 1850 | LR | 2.550 | Always reduce this charge by 10% and work your way up very carefully. Watch for pressure signs. |
| Powder B | 48.0 | 1650 | 53.0 | 1900 | LR | 2.550 | This is just a sample. Consult reliable sources, and begin your process at the lowest recommendation. |
| Powder C | 50.0 | 1700 | 55.0 | 1950 | LR | 2.550 | Never exceed the maximum load stated in your manuals. Always chronograph and watch for pressure signs (flattened primers, etc.). |
Safety Best Practices: A Non-Negotiable Priority
- Eye Protection is Mandatory: Always wear safety glasses or shooting glasses when reloading.
- Ventilation is Crucial: Reload in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to powder residue.
- Careful Brass Inspection: Examine brass for cracks, splits, or any other damage before each reloading cycle.
- Never Exceed Maximum Loads: Adhere strictly to the load data provided in reloading manuals.
- Start Low and Work Up: Begin with the minimum recommended load and gradually increase the powder charge, observing carefully for pressure signs.
- Use a Chronograph: A chronograph provides critical data on bullet velocity, which is an important indicator of pressure.
- Watch for Pressure Signs: Flattened primers, difficult bolt lift, and case head expansion are all indicators of excessive pressure. Cease reloading immediately if you observe any of these signs.
A Concise Guide to the Reloading Process
The reloading process requires precision and attention to detail.
- Case Preparation: This includes cleaning, inspection, resizing, trimming, chamfering, and deburring.
- Priming: Insert a new primer into the primer pocket of the case.
- Powder Charging: Carefully measure the correct amount of powder, and pour it into the case.
- Bullet Seating: Seat the bullet to the correct overall length (C.O.A.L.).
- Cartridge Inspection: Inspect the loaded cartridge for any defects, and make sure everything is in order before firing.
Testing Your Reloads and Achieving Accuracy
After assembling your reloads, it is time to test them.
- Test Firing: Find a safe shooting range.
- Group Testing: Shoot groups at different distances to evaluate accuracy.
- Chronograph Data: Use a chronograph to measure the velocity of your rounds.
Tips for Enhancing Accuracy:
- Seating Depth: Experiment with different seating depths to find what works best for your rifle.
- Reloading Consistency: Ensure consistency in every step of the reloading process.
- Finding the “Sweet Spot”: Through careful testing, you will eventually find the load that performs best in your rifle.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Reloading for the 45-70 with the Hornady 325 Gr FTX bullet is a rewarding process that provides a unique level of control and satisfaction. This combination of bullet and cartridge offers excellent performance.
Safety is paramount. This article provides informational data. It is not a substitute for detailed instruction from reputable reloading resources.
Remember that accuracy is the result of a careful and methodical approach. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can unlock the potential of this powerful cartridge. This article serves as a starting point, and you will need to perform your own research.
The Hornady 325 Gr FTX offers a blend of performance and flat trajectory.
Now, armed with this knowledge, approach the reloading process with a commitment to safety and a passion for precision.
