Loading Model 19 for the Hornaday 140 g FTX

Duuncanway · Mar 27, 2020

I need some adult supervision. I bought a box of 140g Hornaday FTX, the Manual indicates that the length of the case should be 1.20 which means that I would have to cut/trim each new case down, I don't want to do that; and I don't want to throw the box of bullets away. I have a Model 19 and have always shot 38 special loads (only) using Titegroup. Any advice that would allow me to use what I have would be appreciated.

jtpur · Mar 28, 2020

Duuncanway said:
I need some adult supervision. I bought a box of 140g Hornaday FTX, the Manual indicates that the length of the case should be 1.20 which means that I would have to cut/trim each new case down, I don't want to do that; and I don't want to throw the box of bullets away. I have a Model 19 and have always shot 38 special loads (only) using Titegroup. Any advice that would allow me to use what I have would be appreciated.

are your 140 grn FTX marked .357 or .38 and does it have lLVR someplace on it. I believe some of Hornadays 140 grn FTX were specifically designed for .357 Lever action rifles, but I know I had them in a Ruger .357 until I was able to find some Critical Defense Hornadays.

Duuncanway · Mar 28, 2020

Yep the box has a notation for Lever Action Rifles.... Guess I should pay more attention to the writing on the box. Thanks

gwpercle · Mar 28, 2020

Check and see if you can load them in a 38 Special cases (1.155")
with the bullet crimped in the cannelure see if the end of the bullet protrudes , or comes close to protruding , from the end of the cylinder chamber.
I don't have any of the 140 gr. FTX - Lever Action bullets to check .
If they fit I would use Hornady 140 gr. FTX 38 Special data to load them ...since you will be shooting them in a model 19 , 357 magnum , safety shouldn't be an issue .
Your rounds do not have to feed through a lever action rifle ...as long as they fit your revolvers cylinder/chamber , not too long , you could even try a 357 magnum case...not shortened...and see if it chambers.

Loading for a revolver is different than loading for a lever action rifle .
For loading data I would still take it from the handgun section of Hornadys Manual .
Can't throw away perfectly good bullets ... gotta sometimes think outside the box just a little .
Gary

Nevada Ed · Mar 30, 2020

They were a "Specialty" bullet for the 30-30 and 30 cal. rifles
and the cannelure was set differently than the standard copper jacket bullet, due to the plastic tip.

OAL is the first problem........
going deeper into the case is another..........

with the option of removing the long plastic tip to help with the OAL problem
as one way to maybe get this bullet to work , if your REALLY have to shoot them.

I would try to find a person that has a 30-30 and make a trade,
since they can add 50-100 yards in range with their improved BC rating.

Stay safe,

Loading Model 19 for the Hornaday 140 g FTX

Duuncanway

jtpur

Member

Duuncanway

gwpercle

Member

Nevada Ed

US Veteran

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