Hornady LEVERevolution .444 Marlin 265gr FTX 20rd

Description

If you shoot a lever gun in .444 Marlin, this is a game-changer. Hornady's LEVERevolution line brought pointed-bullet performance to lever-action rifles, and this particular load represents one of the most practical combinations available for the caliber.

The magic lies in the FTX bullet design. It features a soft, flexible polymer tip that compresses on impact to initiate expansion, while remaining safe in tubular magazines since the tip won't detonate the primer of the round in front of it. That means you can load pointed bullets the way modern ballistics intended, not the blunt-nosed rounds shooters have been stuck with for generations.

Ballistics and Trajectory That Actually Matter

This 265-grain load runs at 2,325 fps and generates 3,180 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The higher ballistic coefficient of the FTX profile delivers a noticeably flatter trajectory compared to conventional .444 loads. Real-world reports from lever-gun shooters consistently mention tight groupings and the ability to take longer shots without complex hold-over calculations. The trajectory stability means you can sight in at 150 yards and remain effective out to typical hunting ranges without constant adjustment.

Built for the .444 Marlin Cartridge

The .444 Marlin is purpose-built for medium to large game and shines in thick woods where engagement distances are moderate. This LEVERevolution load balances the cartridge's considerable power with predictable expansion across a range of impact velocities. The bullet construction includes an InterLock ring that keeps the core mechanically locked to the jacket, supporting reliable penetration and weight retention. The brass cases are new production, boxer-primed, and reloadable for those who want to extend the value of each box.

What You Should Know

One important note: the innovative FTX design may require a newer magazine follower in some older rifles to ensure smooth feeding of the last round from the magazine. If your rifle has an older tubular magazine, a quick check or upgrade might be needed. Long-term storage directly in tubular magazines isn't recommended since the polymer tip can deform over time, though normal hunting use presents no issues.