Is FTX a waste of time in a revolver?

Pantera

Pantera

New member
In looking for reviews on the .44mag FTX bullet for use in a S&W 629 revolver, I found threads that talk of cylinder index issues/case scratching when using an FTX bullet. I have the option to buy 400 240gr FTX bullets for a good price, but I think I might end up having function issues.
 
You'll never see a difference in using them. I've shot hundreds of OLD school HP's through my 29. By inspection to support that there's sure a ton of high tech revolver stuff out there. You don't see much in 44 but 357 is sure rampant.

Greg
 
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Quick answer yes the FTX is a waste. Now to try and help. A couple of suggestions.
If you want to practice or plink GTbullets are great. They are lower BHN thus expand great
Yet not so soft to lead up a barrel. I hunt and I hunt a lot with pistols. I have found that Swift Aframes are the very best when I need a heavy hitter. Barnes makes great ammo or hand loading can get close to their velocities.
Do not waste money on the 280gr Swift Aframe ammo. It was designed for rifles. The velocity is on the slow side, out of pistols. Swift is coming out with a 240gr that will be for pistols.
Bonded jacketed bullets are great and preferred for most situations and critters.
As Always bullet placement is paramount.
Wednesday going on a hog hunt. Will be taking my Ruger 44mag. They are nocturnal right now, and in my favor I will have a green light on top of my red dot. Will be testing the Federal Fusion ammo.
Premium ammo or premium bullets are the way to go, especially in handgun hunting.
CT
 
Originally Posted By: PanteraIn looking for reviews on the .44mag FTX bullet for use in a S&W 629 revolver, I found threads that talk of cylinder index issues/case scratching when using an FTX bullet. I have the option to buy 400 240gr FTX bullets for a good price, but I think I might end up having function issues.

Function issues would depend on length of bullet from cannelure
to bullet point. For a Colt .45 Ruger Blackhawk, 225gr FTX
bullets have no issues, but 200gr FTX's (I believe they were
meant for S&W .460) were a bit too long. I had coincidentally
gotten 400 of the 200's. Problem was solved by trimming a few
thousands off case lengths which still allowed enough room for
powder.....worked great.
 
I think dannoboone is right. I think if I remember correctly the hornady manual it says that you have to trim extra off the cases for the ftx's
 
You will have to use the case over all length spec in the manual for your specific application it's the c o a l listing from the base to bullet tip. But I looked and it said in the manual that cases need to be shortened to use this bullet.and hornady list that the second ring is for bonding of the core and jacket and is also used in expansion control.
 
I just got the new issue of handloader magazine and in there is a article on the 44 mag and the FTX bullet's if you are interested
 


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