Hornady 38 Cal 140gr FTX

Hornady 38 Cal 140gr FTX

The Hornady 38 Cal 140gr FTX is a specialized bullet component engineered for handloaders seeking superior expansion and accuracy from .38-caliber lever-action and revolver-compatible rifles. Weighing 140gr and measuring .357 inches in diameter, the 38 Cal 140gr FTX uses Hornady’s patented Flex Tip design to initiate expansion at low to moderate velocities. This projectile delivers excellent performance in cartridges such as .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, and .38-55 Winchester, making the 38 Cal 140gr FTX a versatile choice for hunters and shooters alike.

The FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) construction incorporates a red polymer tip seated in a hollow-point cavity, ensuring reliable expansion even at extended ranges or from shorter barrels. This tip also enhances the bullet’s aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and improving trajectory consistency. Whether loaded in a traditional lever-action or a single-shot rifle, the Hornady 38 Cal 140gr FTX offers flat shooting and terminal precision, making it highly effective on deer-sized game at moderate distances.

Optimized for cartridges operating at velocities between 1,600 and 2,000 feet per second, the 38 Cal 140gr FTX expands consistently to create deep, straight wound channels. Its jacket is tapered to promote uniform expansion, while the InterLock ring ensures the core and jacket remain bonded throughout penetration. This feature gives the 38 Cal 140gr FTX the ability to maintain over 90% of its weight after impact, providing the reliability needed for clean and ethical kills.

Handloaders will appreciate the consistent dimensions and seating properties of the 38 Cal 140gr FTX. Designed for safe use in tubular magazines, the Flex Tip prevents accidental ignition and ensures smooth cycling. Hornady’s production standards guarantee uniform bearing surfaces, precise ogive geometry, and repeatable bullet weights—all contributing to reliable group performance. The 38 Cal 140gr FTX loads easily into standard brass and performs well with common powders suited to midweight .357-caliber projectiles.

Manufactured at Hornady’s Grand Island, Nebraska facility, the 38 Cal 140gr FTX is sold as a bullet component only and must be paired with appropriate brass, primers, and powder for complete cartridge assembly. Its performance has made it a trusted choice among lever-gun hunters, especially those looking for expansion and stopping power in wooded terrain or brush country. Overall, the Hornady 38 Cal 140gr FTX provides an outstanding balance of precision, expansion, and terminal reliability for today’s .38-caliber handloader.