@dhenry
As I said hFE is only valid in linear mode. They are quoting linear conditions for the hFE. My example is in saturation mode. I only use the hFEmin as a guide to calculate a suitable base current to drive the device into saturation under the conditions I quoted.
Please, take your own advice and look at the VCEsat vs. IC plot. with the 240 ohm resistor we are driving at about 4.3V/240 = ~18ma, which would put VCEsat at bit over 0.05V.