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357 MAG BUFFALO BORE 180gr Hard Cast Review

R

RDub

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IMG-9471edit.jpg


Hello
This ammunition was shot out of a 5 inch S&W 686-6 at 25 yards. The target circle is 4 inches.
Velocity data taken from an Oehler model 33 chronograph.
A forensic examination was done with the ammunition.
Here is the link to all the photos of the review;

357 MAG BUFF BORE 180gr CAST (2) — Postimages

Data Sheet

Scan-0011edit.jpg


Here is a link to the Rim Rock site;

g/ch .38/.357 180 gr. LBT- WFN per 100 in plastic ammo box

What is of particular interest with this ammunition, for me at least, is that it will match or slightly exceed the performance of any 180gr 10mm round out of a 4.6 inch or shorter barrel. Since the 180gr .357 bullet has more sectional density than the 10mm counterpart I would think it would penetrate even better.
Accuracy was Ok. Recoil was significant, as you might expect, but not as much as a full power .44 Mag. For woods carry, this round would be worth considering.
 
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I have some of it around here. Seems like a great round. Need to try it in my new Marlin 1894.
 
I've used that same LBT bullet design (without the gas check) for more than thirty years. Highest velocity with what I consider a maximum load with #2400 or 296/H110 powders has been about 1200 and 1250 respectively from a 6" barrel. That Buffalo Bore load is really moving...
 
Geez! Look at that crimp!

Edit: Nice range, RD. l hope you’re doubling up ear pro.

No water barrel this time? I’ll bet you didn’t want a hole in your water barrel.

Do you have a buddy with a 357 rifle that you could borrow? I’d love to see what that stuff out of a rifle would clock.

Keep up the good work.
 
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rockquarry said:
I've used that same LBT bullet design (without the gas check) for more than thirty years. Highest velocity with what I consider a maximum load with #2400 or 296/H110 powders has been about 1200 and 1250 respectively from a 6" barrel. That Buffalo Bore load is really moving...
Click to expand...

Yes it is.. There was some discussion/speculation on another forum a while back that B.B. might be using something similar to CFE BLK powder. That powder is a step slower than the ones you mentioned, which might explain the rather heavy charge. I haven't seen anyone test this theory as yet.
 
Yendor357 said:
Geez! Look at that crimp!

Edit: Nice range, RD. l hope you’re doubling up ear pro.

No water barrel this time? I’ll bet you didn’t want a hole in your water barrel.

Do you have a buddy with a 357 rifle that you could borrow? I’d love to see what that stuff out of a rifle would clock.

Keep up the good work.
Click to expand...

Hey.. Yes I do double up and thanks. I have a buddy who has been threatening to get a lever gun in 357 but hasn't pulled the trigger on one yet.. That would be interesting.
 
RDub said:
Yes it is.. There was some discussion/speculation on another forum a while back that B.B. might be using something similar to CFE BLK powder. That powder is a step slower than the ones you mentioned, which might explain the rather heavy charge. I haven't seen anyone test this theory as yet.
Click to expand...
It would be really interesting to see some pressure data on BB ammo.

Either they have found some magic blend of powder that lets them achieve higher velocity than other ammo makers or they are just loading it to higher pressure levels, possibly over the SAAMI limits.

I would like to believe its the former but the latter seems more likely.

Buffalo Bore has always taken great pride in delivering what they promise. If the pressure data came from their testing I would believe it. But they do sell ammo like anything labeled "heavy" or 380 +P that does not have a SAAMI spec and is loaded to higher pressure levels. If they sell ammo for 380s that exceed SAAMI standards they likely do so for other calibers.
 
Yendor357 said:
Geez! Look at that crimp!

Edit: Nice range, RD. l hope you’re doubling up ear pro.

No water barrel this time? I’ll bet you didn’t want a hole in your water barrel.

Do you have a buddy with a 357 rifle that you could borrow? I’d love to see what that stuff out of a rifle would clock.

Keep up the good work.
Click to expand...

I've shot it out of a Henry X model in .357. Got around 1780fps if I remember right. It was very close to what BB has listed on their site when fired out of a marlin.
 
In the April-May 2021 issue of handloader Brian Pearce has an article on .357 in lever guns.
He has data showing MP300 pretty much duplicating Buffalo Bore velocity. In a rifle anyway. You can get the same bullet from Rim Rock.
 
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jb28 said:
In the April-May 2021 issue of handloader Brian Pearce has an article on .357 in lever guns.
He has data showing MP300 pretty much duplicating Buffalo Bore velocity. In a rifle anyway. You can get the same bullet from Rim Rock.
Click to expand...

I went to get a back issue but they are sold out of issue 331, can you post the load data?
 
I'm not taking sides, but I don't believe there is any requirement for an ammo company to adhere to SAAMI pressure specs.
 
rockquarry said:
Very expensive for cast bullets and I'm not one of the incredibly cheap guys.
Click to expand...

Yes, they are very proud of their bullets. I'm not inclined to purchase any either.
RCBS does offer a 180gr 35cal mold that accepts gas checks. If one were to shoot a lot of this weight bullet and casts, that might be the way to go. I believe competitive silhouette shooters use this bullet.
 
jb28 said:
In the April-May 2021 issue of handloader Brian Pearce has an article on .357 in lever guns.
He has data showing MP300 pretty much duplicating Buffalo Bore velocity. In a rifle anyway. You can get the same bullet from Rim Rock.
Click to expand...

Just a note for anyone wanting a copy of that issue of handloader. They are sold out I guess. If you get an online subscription you will have access to all the back issues from 2017 on.
Yea, Rim Rocks 180gr bullets aren't cheap, but to me it's a hunting load. (At least for people who can still use lead. Thanks Cali) Or a load for protection against thing that have claws and teeth. not a plinking load. 100 bullets should cover load development and years, if not decades of my use. Hopefully they all get shot checking the sights on the gun and not because I need them.
 
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