Reloading Hornady FTX bullets

[GMC403]

Finally going to start reloading for my 35 Whelen and I'm finding the 35 cal projectiles lacking in my area.

Has anyone used the Hornady 200gr FTX bullets in the Whelen? I'd be using IMR4064.

 

[nomad 68]

Was wondering the same think about the 140 and 160 ftx .308 in a .300 sav. Perhaps they wouldn't stabilize at the velocities we would be dealing with. Don't know

 

[GMC403]

I think the 9th edition Hornady manual lists them for the Whelen at around 2550fps, Just curious how they performed.

$47 for 100 makes them an interesting option at the moment.

 

[Rory McCanuck]

My Hornady book says 58.5 of IMR4064 is max, for 2600fps.
COL of 3.100"
Stability shouldn't be an issue, but they might not hold together if they hit something substantial.
I know the 44 FTXs are lightly constructed for expansion at 200+ yards.
Hitting a whitetail broadside at 50 yards results in a scene from a slasher flick

 

[GMC403]

Thanks for the info, I previously used ammo loaded with 53gr of 4064 for 2400fps with the Hornady 200gr RN. Good short range deer load.

 

[c-fbmi]

The FTXs are very lightly jacketed to promote expansion at the old lever gun velocities. They would be fine for shooting practice and trigger time, but I would be very hesitant to hunt with them in cartridges driving them several hundred fps faster than the cartridges they were designed for.