Description
If you're running a vintage Winchester Model 94 or any other 25-35 lever gun, you know finding modern ammo for that classic cartridge can be tough. This is where Hornady LEVERevolution steps up to fill a real gap. The round packs a 110 grain FTX bullet designed specifically to work in tubular magazines without safety compromises—something that wasn't possible until recently.
What Makes LEVERevolution Different for the 25-35
The key innovation is Hornady's patented Flex Tip technology. That soft polymer tip compresses on impact instead of sitting there like a traditional flat-point, which means you get significantly better ballistic performance and downrange energy. Real-world testing shows these loads clock over 2400 feet per second muzzle velocity and deliver roughly 40% more energy than the old-school round-nose loads your grandfather might have used. The bullet's higher ballistic coefficient also means flatter shooting and better retention out to distance.
Practical Performance Notes
Loading is smooth through old magazine tubes. Production runs tight—Hornady uses quality brass, consistent primers, and clean powders that give you shot-to-shot reliability. The round performs well out to reasonable hunting distances on medium game. Field reports show the ammunition groups tight at 50 yards with typical open sights and maintains point of impact through 100 yards, with expected bullet drop at longer ranges. This works great whether you're taking your gun to the range or actually putting meat in the freezer.
Important Magazine Compatibility Detail
Some older rifles with original magazine followers may require a replacement part for optimal feeding with these shaped bullets, though most modern-production guns handle them without issues. Also avoid storing these rounds in your magazine tube for extended periods—the tips can compress over time with extended contact pressure.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .25-35 Winchester (25-35 WCF)
- Bullet Weight: 110 grains
- Bullet Type: FTX Polymer Tip
- Muzzle Velocity: 2425 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1436 ft-lbs
- Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.34
- Rounds Per Box: 20
- Case Type: Brass
- Primer: Boxer
- Manufacturer: Hornady
- Model Number: 8277
- UPC: 090255382778
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of loaded ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LEVERevolution ammo safe to use in old tubular magazines?
Yes, the FTX polymer tip is specifically designed to be safe in tubular magazines without detonating the primer of the round ahead of it. The soft elastomer tip is the whole point of LEVERevolution technology. That said, avoid storing these rounds in your magazine tube for extended periods—the tips can compress under pressure over time, so load and shoot rather than leaving them loaded for months.
Will this ammo work in my vintage Winchester Model 94?
Absolutely. These loads are built for classic 25-35 lever guns. They feed smoothly through older magazine tubes and deliver consistent performance. Some older rifles might benefit from a modern magazine follower for flawless feeding of the last round, but most guns handle them without any modifications needed.
How does LEVERevolution compare to traditional 25-35 ammo?
Modern LEVERevolution loads hit about 2425 fps compared to older flat-point loads that were often under 2300 fps. You get significantly flatter trajectory, better downrange energy (up to 40% more), and the bullet still provides the energy transfer needed for clean kills on medium game. The round-point bullets your grandpa used aren't inherently better—they were just the only safe option for tubular magazines.
What game is this suitable for?
The 25-35 Winchester is traditionally a medium-game round, working well for deer, antelope, and similar game at sensible hunting ranges. The energy levels and expansion characteristics make it effective for animals in that size range. It's mild on recoil, which also makes it friendly for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters.








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