Hornady FTX (flex-tip) for the 7.62x39

[Newtosavage]

Been toying with the idea of using the Hornady FTX (designed for the 30-30) in my 7.62x39, since my MV is usually around 2200-2300 out of that rifle.

Yesterday, I was pleased to discover they are VERY accurate out of my gun, giving me sub-MOA groups at 100 yards and a MV of just over 2200 fps. using Reloder 7 powder. I was able to put 4 rounds inside a 1" square, using just a 4x scope.

These should make a very effective deer bullet inside 200 yards - exactly what I was looking for.

Incidentally, I loaded some in my .308 out of curiosity, and despite being launched at over 2700 fps., they were still very accurate from that rifle. I never expected that 160 FTX to be such an accurate bullet, but at least from my two .30-cal Savage rifles, it sure is.

If you're loading for 7.62x39, it could be a good one for you to try. I know they also make a 140-grain version, and at some point I'm going to give that one a go as well. I should be able to push that to 2300 fps. out of my bolt action.

 

[Newtosavage]

I guess I should have mentioned that my rifle is a .308" bore. Most 7.62x39's are not, but I still think it would be worth a try. This is just about the only pointed bullet I know of that is designed to expand at lower velocities. I'm sure there are more, but I don't know what those would be.

 

[Newtosavage]

Ah, well nevermind on the 140 FTX. It's a monolithic bullet with an incredibly poor BC, so I wouldn't gain anything over the 160 in either energy or trajectory.

 

[Newtosavage]

Now I'm thinking that 160 FTX might make the perfect bullet for a reduced-recoil load in a .308. Something about 2300-2400 fps using H4895 would be just the ticket for a recoil-sensitive deer hunter.

 

[Newtosavage]

Here's a couple pic's for all those who still think the 7.62x39 is just not an accurate round.

5-shot group at 100 yards, on a pretty windy day. RL-7 powder, Lapua cases and Hornady FTX 160's going 2200 fps.

 

[futurerider103]

Now this just isn't true because everyone knows that the 7.62x39 is not an accurate round. What did you really shot those groups with?

 

[GooseGestapo]

Well, some of the bolt action 7.62x39's are capable of that kind of accuracy. (mini-Mauser, CZ-527, Ruger M77).

However, my concern will be the velocity expansion threshold on the FTX. I've had problems with them in the past from .30/30's and .35Rem.
I'd suggest the 125gr SST, V-Max, Nosler 125 Ballistic Tips, and 123gr and 125gr Spt Hornady's as better choices. Acc#1680 powder, of course.

 

[futurerider103]

That's it. Newtosavage set up some 10% FBI ballistic gel with 4 layers of denim at 300yds an let's see some reaults. And I need them by tonight!!!!
I have to know this if I'm going to continue on my 7.62x39 build.

 

[Newtosavage]

Well, some of the bolt action 7.62x39's are capable of that kind of accuracy. (mini-Mauser, CZ-527, Ruger M77).

You left out the bolt action I shot these with... The Savage model 10 "scout"

my concern will be the velocity expansion threshold on the FTX. I've had problems with them in the past from .30/30's and .35Rem.
I'd suggest the 125gr SST, V-Max, Nosler 125 Ballistic Tips, and 123gr and 125gr Spt Hornady's as better choices. Acc#1680 powder, of course.
Yesterday 02:51 PM

Meh. I'm not too concerned. This particular bullet was designed for the LeverEvolution ammo, which pushes the 30-30 bullet at 2350 fps. This is a thinner jacketed bullet than the .308 160-grain FTX they make for the .300 Savage that's designed for higher velocities. So in theory, this is the best bullet available for downrange performance in a .308 bore.

I've run ballistics tests and chrono'd 123 and 125 grain bullets and I'm not impressed. They lose too much energy beyond 150 yards. The Hornady steel case ammo with the 123-grain SST is actually very accurate in my rifle and very effective on hogs under 150 yards, but by 200 yards it's lost so much energy I'd be reluctant to shoot anything heavier than a coyote.

Even at 2200 fps. MV, this bullet still delivers over 1000 ft. lbs. of energy at 200 yards.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Well, I hope you have better luck with them at 2,100 fps than I had at 2,400fps (lack of expansion) But I won't bet on it.
My 338" 200gr FTX at 2,600fps have been superlative.
.308 and .358" not so. My experience is they punch 1/4" holes; in, thru, and out.

 

[Newtosavage]

Thankfully, I have a steady supply of "test medium" (aka, feral pigs) that present themselves often enough. I'll run a few through that ballistic material, and see what happens.

 

[Dr. A]

I have had good luck with that particular bullet in both the 30-30 (up to 258 yards), and a 7.62x39 (CZ 527). The long for a 30-30 shot was calculated to be going under the 1800fps threshold that Hornady maintains these bullets will expand at. It was a through and through shot, but there was evidence of some expansion. The animal was pole axed, and essentially twisted around and fell hard.

My CZ does not have any problems shooting a .308 bullet despite its larger bore (.3105). I prefer a cast load that will expand at those longer distances. I form a soft pure lead tip on the end of a 160gr. cast bullet that has a harder shank. My son was able to kill a reasonably sized buck 2 years ago with a healthy load of H322 at 175 yards. This buck went about 10 yards and down.

 

[Newtosavage]

Thanks Dr. A -

I'm looking forward to the results I get with this 160 grain FTX in my Savage 7.62x39. I was thrilled with the accuracy. I have tremendous confidence that this round will go exactly where I want it.