Thoughts on Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum

august1410 · Feb 19, 2018

I have a 586 (no dash) with a 6" barrel. I'm not hunting with it, I'm not carrying it (regularly), but wanted to try some of the 180 grain Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum.

Could any of you folks shed any light on performance, recoil, etc in an L frame. I'm not shy when it comes to recoil. I basically want to know if it's something I want to spend a few bucks on for fun or is it a waste of time and money?

HughD1 · Feb 19, 2018

I have shot the 125 and 158 out of my 6 inch 686-6. The gun is heavy enough that recoil wasn’t bad. By the way the 158 expanded well and went through 4 layers of denim and five one gallon water jugs. Love to know what the 180 would do.

bigwheelzip · Feb 19, 2018

I decided to try the BB 180gr for woods walks in my stock rubber grip 3" 686+, and shot one cylinder full on the range to see how it was. Shot to POA without at 10, 15, and 20 yards with manageable recoil. Decided to carry it for animals.

Valmet · Feb 19, 2018

I’ve shot a handful of it thru my 6.5” Ruger Blackhawk and don’t find recoil to be an issue. You def know you’re firing something with some pepper but not uncomfortable IMO.

dr. mordo · Feb 20, 2018

I have a GP100 that I did a spring job on, but I use it all the time with every brand of ammo including reloads with CCI primers and have had no ignition problems at all.

Until I bought a box of BB's 158gr self defense load. I loaded it up and had 5 out of 5 rounds not ignite before I stopped and unloaded the gun. I dropped some handloads back in it and got back to practice.

So, I suspect they use super hard primers, possibly to hide signs of overpressure loads, though that is pure speculation. If your gun has had any issues with failing to ignite bullets, I'd pass on BB. I haven't tried Underwood in that gun, but their .44 SPL loads have been perfect in my M29 that I also installed a spring kit on.

daddy bear · Feb 20, 2018

I bought the 180 for a rifle. Later reading indicates that the 158 is a bit more effective. I have not brought blood with those I bought.

Jack

Joe4d · Feb 21, 2018

HSM sells similar loads in a box of 50 ,for 76 cents a round also Double tap, Grizzly, and probably others do as well, for around 95 cents a round, which is alot cheaper than the $1.32 for Buffalo bore.
All pretty high priced though compared to what it would cost to reload.. Have to figure out my costs again some day.

ArchAngelCD · Feb 21, 2018

If you want to feel what a real .357 Magnum load feels like give the 180gr ammo from Grizzly Cartridges a try. A 180gr bullet @1350fps will give you a jolt lol.
357 Magnum 180gr WFNGC - Grizzly Cartridge - Cast Performance
Or
Grizzly Ammo 357 Mag 180 Grain Cast Performance Lead - MPN: GC357M12

I buy the bullets from their sister company Cast Performance and load them up.

murphydog · Feb 21, 2018

In a 6" L frame, I doubt even a full house 180 gr .357 will generate a huge amount of felt recoil, and BB lists highly accurate velocities on their website so you know what you are getting. Doubt I would want to use it in an 11 oz J frame

.

squidsix · Feb 21, 2018

I have shot a bunch of Buffalo Bore 180 grain through a Blackhawk 5.5", which should be similar in recoil. It's absolute murder on woodchucks. (overkill, but in Moose and Bear territory you carry one load.)

Charlie Foxtrott · Feb 21, 2018

I have shot it out of my 4" model 28.

And even out of my 4" model 19. No big deal as far as recoil either way.

fdw · Feb 21, 2018

I've shot them in my Match Champion and SP-101, fun in the larger gun, not so much fun in the snubbie..

If I were you I'd order some just to see.

badge 851 · Mar 13, 2018

august1410 said:
I have a 586 (no dash) with a 6" barrel. I'm not hunting with it, I'm not carrying it (regularly), but wanted to try some of the 180 grain Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum.

Could any of you folks shed any light on performance, recoil, etc in an L frame. I'm not shy when it comes to recoil. I basically want to know if it's something I want to spend a few bucks on for fun or is it a waste of time and money?

BUFFALO BORE® HEAVY 357 MAG OUTDOORSMAN 180gr LFNGC =
$30.18

357 Magnum 180 Grain Lead Flat Nose Gas Check – Underwood Ammo = $20.99

Same ammunition, same ballistics, BIG DIFFERENCE IN PRICE!

Triathloncoach · Mar 13, 2018

I shoot BB out of my 28-2, not too bad. I am a recoil whuss. As stated above comparable ammo exists for less. I just picked up a Blackhawk, next time at the range i will shoot them side by side. The Blackhawk weighs a ton.

I am a big fan of Underwood Ammo. Read the warnings tho because I believe some of their stuff may be loaded above specs. They have some crazy hot rounds in all many calibers. I like “Controlled Chaos”

Ps. I shot BB 357 out of a 360 once. And never ever ever again.

Thoughts on Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum

august1410

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HughD1

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bigwheelzip

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Valmet

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dr. mordo

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daddy bear

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Joe4d

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ArchAngelCD

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murphydog

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squidsix

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Charlie Foxtrott

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fdw

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badge 851

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Triathloncoach

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