scooter123
Member
Have two boxes coming tomorrow and am contemplating loads. Did a very limited test with 2 bullets given to me by a co-worker and it was enough to determine that you do NOT need to shave the case length to 1.240 inch to permit the assembled round to function in either a 357 Magnum revolver or an 1892 Winchester in 357 Magnum. The assembled overall length was 1.620 inch with the case edge roll crimped into the cannelure on the bullet. While about 1/32 inch longer than the listed maximum for the 357 Magnum it was not to long to allow proper function.
Bullet pull is also NOT going to be an issue. I started out assembling a funtion testing round using an empty unprimed case and pulling the bullet from that case required A LOT of hammering with my inertial puller. I have never had to beat that hard with any other caliber or bullet I've loaded with. This is probably a result of the length of bullet that is engaged into the case, because this bullet is a bit longer than a 158 grain XTP. I can only assume the reason for a 140 grain bullet being this long is because that plastic insert extends pretty deeply into the bullet. That aspect has me wondering how well this particular bullet will work for hunting Whitetail. I really need to try and find a comparison between the 140 grain FTX and the 158 grain XTP to see which bullet is actually the best choice for Deer. Unfortunately Hornady appears to have suspended production of the 180 grain XTP so I'm on the hunt for an alternative.
The final aspect is powder selection. The FTX sits deep enough in the case of a 357 Magnum that powder capacity is limited. As a result of this Hornady doesn't provide any data for H110 and the slowest powder they list is Accurate #9 with a range of 10.9-13.3 grains. Hodgdon lists handgun data for H110 at 12.0-14.5 grains with a peak pressure of 31,100 psi. Previously I've found that 12.5 grain of AA #9 makes for a very accurate rifle load with a 140 grain XTP that makes 1600 fps from my Winchester, so I will definitely test a 12.5 grain load with the FTX. I also think I'll build some test rounds using H110 at 12.7, 13.4, 13.7 and 14.0 grains.
PS: I am aware of Hornady's warning to not deviate on the case length or data they provide. However, I am going in the direction of Increased Case Volume and in the case of AA #9 using a powder that isn't notably sensitive when loaded slightly light. In addition Hodgdon lists their H110 data with the FTX using an overall length of 1.600 inch and based on my experience with my short test it's possible to load the FTX at this length with a standard case length if you place the case edge right against the forward edge of the Cannelure. IMO loading a bit longer really doesn't pose any risk of pressure spiking and I've already determined that a length of 1.620 functions perfectly. Frankly, I'm starting to wonder if Hornady isn't doing this shorten the case dance because they've built a bullet that can't tolerate too much velocity and don't want to admit it. I would welcome any comments from those who have used this bullet in a Hunting application or done some wet paper tests on the FTX.
Bullet pull is also NOT going to be an issue. I started out assembling a funtion testing round using an empty unprimed case and pulling the bullet from that case required A LOT of hammering with my inertial puller. I have never had to beat that hard with any other caliber or bullet I've loaded with. This is probably a result of the length of bullet that is engaged into the case, because this bullet is a bit longer than a 158 grain XTP. I can only assume the reason for a 140 grain bullet being this long is because that plastic insert extends pretty deeply into the bullet. That aspect has me wondering how well this particular bullet will work for hunting Whitetail. I really need to try and find a comparison between the 140 grain FTX and the 158 grain XTP to see which bullet is actually the best choice for Deer. Unfortunately Hornady appears to have suspended production of the 180 grain XTP so I'm on the hunt for an alternative.
The final aspect is powder selection. The FTX sits deep enough in the case of a 357 Magnum that powder capacity is limited. As a result of this Hornady doesn't provide any data for H110 and the slowest powder they list is Accurate #9 with a range of 10.9-13.3 grains. Hodgdon lists handgun data for H110 at 12.0-14.5 grains with a peak pressure of 31,100 psi. Previously I've found that 12.5 grain of AA #9 makes for a very accurate rifle load with a 140 grain XTP that makes 1600 fps from my Winchester, so I will definitely test a 12.5 grain load with the FTX. I also think I'll build some test rounds using H110 at 12.7, 13.4, 13.7 and 14.0 grains.
PS: I am aware of Hornady's warning to not deviate on the case length or data they provide. However, I am going in the direction of Increased Case Volume and in the case of AA #9 using a powder that isn't notably sensitive when loaded slightly light. In addition Hodgdon lists their H110 data with the FTX using an overall length of 1.600 inch and based on my experience with my short test it's possible to load the FTX at this length with a standard case length if you place the case edge right against the forward edge of the Cannelure. IMO loading a bit longer really doesn't pose any risk of pressure spiking and I've already determined that a length of 1.620 functions perfectly. Frankly, I'm starting to wonder if Hornady isn't doing this shorten the case dance because they've built a bullet that can't tolerate too much velocity and don't want to admit it. I would welcome any comments from those who have used this bullet in a Hunting application or done some wet paper tests on the FTX.
