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Old 06-07-2019, 03:28 PM
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Default Terrier .38 S&W question

I’ve read that Buffalo Bore 125gr hardcast are good rounds for this gun but that they tend to stick in the cylinder after firing.
Is this fact? Are the empties difficult to eject by the ejector rod?
I like the ballistics
And love that little terrier!
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Old 06-07-2019, 04:56 PM
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I would guess that you won't get too many replies BICBW. I do think that carrying a Terrier-sized J frame in .38 S&W (I guess the actual Terrier was an I-frame) is a reasonable choice and I have a M32 (the number name for the J frame) that I might carry one of these days. A true I-frame's cylinder's chambers might be a trifle smaller than a J-frame. That would do it in all likelihood. We'll see what the experts say.
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Old 06-07-2019, 04:58 PM
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Default 38 S&W

I have had three Terriers and ran a cylinder or two
Buffalo bore through each one all brass came right out.
Snappy recoil.
All were improved I frames.

Last edited by hardknocks; 06-07-2019 at 04:59 PM.
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Old 06-07-2019, 06:50 PM
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I haven't tried the Buffalo Bore in my beloved Terrier, but I think they would be fine.

I did try some Old West Scrounger 200 grainers, and they were awful. Flattened primers, tough extraction, and obvious signs of over pressure.





Bullets pulled out, too.



I carry mine sometimes, but stick to the wimpy factory loads.

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Old 06-07-2019, 10:10 PM
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Lightbulb TERRIER

I dont have a Terrier at the present time, but do have two of these "I" frames. Factory ammo ejected fine. First reloads were hit and miss on ejection. Made sure everything was scrubbed as good as possible. A bit more tinkering of the crimp solved the problem. Recoil seems to be right up there and the next step is to run them through the crony. Anyway, I sort of like these little rascals.



Also had this holster for years but didnt have anything it fit-- saw an auction the other day depicting the same holster with a small Colt-- they were asking $265.00, just for the holster.

ca. 1907

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Old 06-08-2019, 12:00 AM
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This is my opinion and only an opinion. You don't get something for nothing so I find it hard to believe Buffalo Bore is the only ammo manufacturer who can achieve very high velocities and still stay below the SAAMI pressure limits. I just doubt it's possible.

Believe what you see, if you are seeing excessive pressure signs the ammo is probably generating excessive pressures. Again, all in my opinion.
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Old 06-08-2019, 12:27 AM
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I've too have a Terrier and a few other 38 S&Ws. But I don't think I'd consider carrying one...there are too many other choices, like my 642. It fits in most of my pants' pockets and if I pocket carry that's the gun. Otherwise it's either a CS9, 4513tsw, or Beretta compact or subcompact. All deliver what I think are better ballistics and I'm not shooting a semi-collectors item (at least for me).

I've stuck with factory ammo, either PRVI 145gr rnl or Fiocchi 145 gr. fmj and haven't had any problems with ejection from either.
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Old 06-08-2019, 06:42 AM
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I can't comment on your Terrier but I run Buffalo Bore 38 S&W ammo through a Regulation Police, a H&R Defender and a S&W Victory with no problems. I suspect that if someone is having ejection problems it is due to a rough or dirty chamber. I also suspect that in 38 S&W it's not so much a factor of Buffalo Bore being loaded up as everything else being loaded down.
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Old 07-04-2019, 01:04 PM
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There are some interesting choices here for Terriers:

38 S&W : Matts Bullets Ammunition
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Old 07-04-2019, 08:31 PM
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Given how many people carry CCW firearms in 32 ACP and 380 I find it curious that 38 S&W is looked down on.
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Old 07-05-2019, 06:17 PM
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There's actually some real-world data on this issue of Buffalo Bore ammunition in .38 S&W. Speer Manual #14 has data showing velocities in the high 900's with 125 grain bullets in a 4 inch barrel revolver, very similar to BB's ballistics with a 4 inch barrel. Speer's loading data says it doesn't exceed SAAMI maximum pressure of 13,000 CUP, so I agree with Walnutred that BB ammo doesn't exceed maximum pressures, but the other commercial .38 S&W ammo is loaded below maximum to be safe in older breaktop revolvers. Both BB and the Speer manual say their loads are for solid frame revolvers only.

Also, sticky extraction is a poor indication of pressure unless you get to very high pressures. .357 Magnum doesn't give sticky extraction, so why would a low pressure round like .38 S&W if it were loaded slightly above maximum?
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Old 07-05-2019, 08:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45 View Post
I haven't tried the Buffalo Bore in my beloved Terrier, but I think they would be fine.

I did try some Old West Scrounger 200 grainers, and they were awful. Flattened primers, tough extraction, and obvious signs of over pressure.





Bullets pulled out, too.



I carry mine sometimes, but stick to the wimpy factory loads.

I read somewhere that 38-200 is ammunition designed for British Webley 38 S&W, and that it is very likely overpressure and not recommended for J frames.

I personally would love a 2" 38 S&W I frame. That's the ultimate pocket gun, and I'm confident it would serve its purpose as long I put the bullets on target.

That said, Buffalo Bore uses such hard primers I avoid them these days. I imagine I'd end up handloading my carry ammo.
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Old 07-05-2019, 08:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dr. mordo View Post
I read somewhere that 38-200 is ammunition designed for British Webley 38 S&W, and that it is very likely overpressure and not recommended for J frames.

I personally would love a 2" 38 S&W I frame. That's the ultimate pocket gun, and I'm confident it would serve its purpose as long I put the bullets on target.

That said, Buffalo Bore uses such hard primers I avoid them these days. I imagine I'd end up handloading my carry ammo.
I tried it in an Enfield and a BSR (K frame 5”) and it was too much for those, too. The Enfield stopped working after 3 rounds - trigger wouldn’t come forward. It works now, but still feels glitchy. I stopped before I killed the BSR.
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