Hornady FTX or Interlock, differences ?

[Bartojc]

I am the proud new owner of 450 Bushmaster. It is in an AR, and of course I want to reload for it. Seems like there are limited real choices, a couple Barnes, and of course the Hornady FTX. While browsing the Hornady site I noticed they have a "New" 245gr Interlock bullet in .452 listed under rifle bullets. First off I only remember the 225 and 250 gr FTX, so this must truely be "new". Whats the difference in FTX and interlock ? I notice different BC and SD, the Interlock is more of an exposed lead tip. Had anyone tried the Interlock ? I've heard a number of people mentioning they were not thrilled with the FTX in hunting applications. There aren't a lot of choices for factory ammo,and Hornady is almost the defacto standard. Just wondering/looking for alternates in the ~250gr/2200 fps area.

-Jeff

 

[Bandit67]

I take the complaints about the FTX with a grain of salt. I've read where guys say they recovered the bullet while field dressing and it didn't expand so the bullet sucks or it passed through so the bullet sucks. Lol. Yet they are field dressing a DEAD deer. Makes me laugh.
I load the 250 gr. FTX with IMR 4227 for a Ruger bolt action. Its very accurate at 100 yards. Haven't shot farther yet.
Only 1 deer with the rifle so far. 9 point buck at about 75 yards. He went about 30-40 yards and piled up.

 

[mcb]

That Interlock looks like it might be a good 450 Bushmaster bullet.

I have also read stories but FTX doing bad things at 450 Bushmaster velocities. I have reloaded and shot them but never taken a critter with them. They have shot reasonable accurately in my playing.

I am firmly in the Barnes camp at the moment. The 275 gr TSX has been very deadly for me.


275gr TSX from my 450 Bushmaster recovered in a foot of dirt with 95% weigh retention after going most of the, head-on, length of a doe.

If I was to change bullet at this point it would be to go heavier. I got an itch to try some gas checked 325 - 350 gr hard cast, possibly powder coated, bullets in 450 Bushmaster but its hard to walk away from the Barnes TSX.

Also watch Midway blemish bullet sales. The occasionally have the FTX and SST bullets on sale. The 250gr or 300 gr SST bullet are very similar to the FTX but with a hard balistic tip instead of the rubbery one of the FTX. They are normal sold as Muzzle loader projectiles but guys have been using them in 450 Bushmaster. I have two boxes of the 300gr SST to try but have not had a chance to load them yet.

-rambling