Issues with pistol rounds in tube fed lever gun?

[gravelyctry]

I've been kicking around the idea of getting a lever gun in either 44 Mag or 45 Colt. I know they've been out there for a while, and so I was kind of wondering why Hornady introduced their FTX (Flex Tip) bullets for tube fed guns shooting pistol calibers. Was there ever a problem that needed this solution?
I understand that the tip on one shell would be right up against the primer of the shell in front of it. That seems like there's potential for a problem during recoil, but I've never heard of one.
Or am I off base? Is it more to get a bullet with a better bc? That seems unlikely to me, as it's a pistol cartridge and the range shouldn't be that great, thus the bc wouldn't matter as much.
Thanks for the help, Neil

 

[tubeshooter]

I think it came about more so with .30-30 in mind originally. Other calibers just got the benefit of it also.

 

[gravelyctry]

I guess I don't really understand what the "benefit" is of it in a pistol caliber. Is there one?

 

[bhk]

It is sold and advertised as a ballistic advantage. The ballistic difference between them and flat tip pistol ammo is relatively minor in the real world. It is a way to sell more ammo.

 

[ArmedBear]

Another possible advantage of a tipped hollowpoint is more predictable expansion than an open JHP.

You decide whether you want expansion from large caliber, low-velocity heavy hunting bullets. I don't think it's the best thing, but others may differ. I load up hardcast lead semi-wadcutters. Good enough for Elmer, good enough for me.

 

[tubeshooter]

As others have said, any BC "benefit" for pistol-caliber rounds is a) probably minimal and b) incidental.

Of course it will be used to marketing advantage just the same.


The original idea was to get some rounds that would be theoretically much safer from the danger of a chain fire in a tube-fed mag while still giving that BC advantage. Much more of an issue for .30-30; I agree that the need is questionable for pistol calibers.