Hornady 45 Cal .452 250gr FTX Bullets for 450 Bushmaster
Hornady’s FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet is designed for lever-action firearms and high-velocity handguns where traditional soft or hollow-point designs may not perform reliably. This 45-caliber (.452″ diameter) 250-grain FTX bullet is specifically suited for 450 Bushmaster loads.
It features a patented Flex Tip — a soft polymer tip that compresses upon impact, ensuring immediate and consistent expansion across a wide range of velocities. The tip is safe for use in tubular magazines, eliminating the risk of primer ignition from the tip of one cartridge affecting the next.
The bullet has a one-piece, high-antimony lead core mechanically locked to the jacket via an InterLock ring, which controls expansion and maximizes weight retention for effective penetration on large or heavily boned game.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .452 |
| Weight | 250 grains |
| Type | FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) |
| Application | 450 Bushmaster loads |
| Tip Material | Soft polymer |
| Core Material | High-antimony lead |
| Expansion Mechanism | InterLock ring |
FAQ
What makes the Flex Tip design safe for use in tubular magazines?
The soft polymer tip compresses on impact and does not project forward, eliminating the risk of contacting the primer of the next cartridge in a tubular magazine.
How does the InterLock ring improve bullet performance?
The InterLock ring mechanically secures the lead core to the jacket, controlling expansion and helping maintain bullet weight during impact for better penetration.
Is this bullet suitable for all types of game?
Yes, it is designed for deep penetration on large or heavily boned game due to its controlled expansion and high weight retention.



Amelia Powell –
Used these bullets in a 450 Bushmaster for hunting large game. The expansion was consistent and reliable even at higher velocities. No issues with magazine feeding, and the bullet performed well in the field.
Lillian Miller –
Great for lever-action rifles. The Flex Tip design works well in tubular magazines without any primer ignition. Penetration was excellent on a deer shot at 20 yards.
Donna Lambert –
Solid performance in high-velocity loads. Expansion was predictable and the bullet retained weight well. Slightly more expensive than standard rounds, but worth it for reliability.
Christopher Blake –
Felt a noticeable difference in terminal performance compared to standard bullets. The tip compressed properly and the bullet expanded reliably on impact.