Hornady's LEVERevolution 225gr FTX is designed specifically for lever-action rifles and carbines chambered in .44 Magnum. The flexible polymer tip is safe to load in tubular magazines, where a traditional pointed bullet could strike the primer of the round ahead of it and cause a chain detonation. At 1,410 fps and 993 ft-lbs from a handgun barrel, this load generates even higher velocity from a lever-action's longer barrel. The FTX tip also initiates expansion on impact, giving it hollow-point-level terminal performance.

The pointed profile of the FTX bullet produces a flatter trajectory than traditional flat-nose or round-nose .44 Magnum loads. Lever-action hunters shooting at deer, hogs, or black bear past 100 yards from a carbine will see measurably less bullet drop compared to standard loads. That trajectory advantage extends the practical range of a .44 Magnum lever gun from a brush-range tool to a legitimate 150-yard hunting rifle.

This load also works in revolvers, though the FTX tip offers less of a ballistic advantage from a short barrel. Revolver shooters still benefit from the reliable expansion and the 225gr bullet weight, which splits the difference between light 180gr speed loads and heavy 240gr thumpers. For anyone who hunts with a .44 Magnum lever-action, the LEVERevolution is the top factory option that takes full advantage of the platform.