340PD and Buffalo Bore Ammunition - My Personal Experience

Hello All,

These past few weeks I have been experimenting with various JHP ammunition in my recently purchased (last month) 340PD: 357MAG, 38+P, and 38SPL. I wanted to find a load that I could control and effectively fire in the lightweight 340PD with both hands and one handed. I decided to test the Buffalo Bore ammunition after reading many good reviews of the brand here.

First load:

Buffalo Bore Tactical 357MAG, 158 gr, JHP, #19E/20, with low flash, lower recoil and lower noise for a short barrel revolver. Much too powerful to handle in the 11 ounce 340PD; could only shoot a cylinder full until trigger guard hit more index finger so hard, I had to stop.

Second load:

Buffalo Bore Tactical 357MAG, 125 gr, JHP, #19G/20, low flash, lower recoil and lower noise for a short barrel. Not as bad as the 158gr, but still quite a kick and difficult to control with one hand. Noticeable difference from the 158gr, but still caused a sore index finger. Rest of the hand was ok.

Third load:

Buffalo Bore Barnes 38+P, 110 gr, JHP, #20F/20. Low flash for a short barrel. Even with a 110gr bullet, this round seemed like the 125gr 357Mag load. Very stout kick, fingers hurt again, one hand control was marginal.

Fourth load:

Buffalo Bore Heavy 38SPL, 125gr, JHP, #20E/20. Low flash, lower recoil than 38+P, low noise for short barrels. This load was actually manageable with one hand, still hurt the index finger, but I could shoot more cylinders before it hurt too much. This round mimicked my FMJ Federal 130gr range round in kick. It does have lower recoil as advertised than the Buffalo Bore 38+P 110gr round for sure.

So I decided to keep the 340PD loaded with this fourth load. The others have been stored away in my gear bags as backup ammo.

This testing has been unscientific and conducted at an indoor range at a distance of 7 yards on a silhouette target. Except for the 158 gr, all rounds were able to hit center mass, double-handed and single handed with the 125gr 357MAG and the 38+P accounting for a few off center mass strays.

Last week, I installed Hogue bantam grips on the 340PD, but did not notice a significant reduction in recoil. I would like to put the longer Hogue grip on it which would help with control and recoil, but then concealability is reduced. I found my hold on the grip was "convulsive" if that is the proper term for very tight. I had to grip hard to control the pistol with the heavy loads. But then my aim tended to the lower left of POA understandably. Something to keep in mind.

The 340PD conceals easily in my Renegade ankle holster, my Remora pocket holster or my Lobo Gunleather OWB leather pancake holster.

I switch it with my Sig P238 depending on my journey, destination and risk level. The versatility of ammo use in the 340PD is a plus, even though you may not shoot the heavy loads too often, and the light weight is a plus for concealed carry. I can tell the difference in my pocket holster and ankle holster between the 340PD and the P238 in terms of weight and printability. The 340PD is about 1/2" thicker, 1" longer, but the same in height. Neither of them print when carried in their Lobo Gunleather OWB pancake holsters under a loose fitting shirt.

Bottomline, I echo what many forum members have said in the past about lightweight snub nose revolvers – carry a lot, shoot a little.

Hope this helps someone contemplating the purchase of a 340PD.

Richard in Plano, TX

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the different types of ammunition. I have found 158s too much in my 340PD, too. Winchester .357 STHPs are good in my gun, but anything more violent than those, I can do without.

Richard,

Thanks for your comments. I have had one of the 340sc revolvers since their introduction. I tried a few different rounds and finally settled on Golden Saber 357 mag 125gr. The high end of my testing was Federal Hydra-Shok 125gr in 357 mag. All of the magnum and +p loadings are a handful for me, but the Golden Saber was what I settled on. The 340 is a great carry gun due to it's weight, but it can be difficult to practice with.

Good luck with your new carry gun.

Hello SAFireman and M29,

Yes, I agree, a 357MAG 125 gr is about tops for a lightweight gun like the 340PD. That is why I keep them in my belt pouch speed strip and an SL Variant speedloader in my EDC (everyday carry bag).

I figure if my first 5 rounds of that Buffalo Bore heavy 38SPL doesn't stop the threat, then I need to go up a notch to the 357MAG 125 gr. Hopefully, I will never need to reload during a firefight in Plano, Texas!

For future practice, I think I'll wear shooting gloves, the same ones I use for shotgunning. It will protect the skin from being rubbed off on my index finger! The trigger guard hits my finger just behind the first knuckle every time so after about three cylinders, it draws blood.


Richard
USAF Retired, 1971-93

I frequently put a Pachmayr Decelerator grip on my 442 at the range. It's the cushiest Pach available for the J frame and is about the same size as the comparable model for the K frames. But it lets me shoot the 442 a lot more without pain. ( I know, I know, an Airweight 442 is a brick compared to a 340. So I'm a wimp. But hey, I'm old, so cut me some slack.)

Hello wrangler5 and Fellow USAF Member!

I need to take a look at those Pachmayr Decelerator grips again and see how big they are. I can attest to their shock absorbing capability - I have a Pachmayr butt stock pad on my Browning 12 gauge shotgun and it does help a lot.

I am old, too. We old guys need some slack some time.

Cheers,

Richard in Plano TX
USAF, Retired 1971-93

Thanks for the report. I've been carrying the Golden Saber .135 gr. +P in mine. It seems to be the best for control and accuracy.

Good info. Thanks Richard. Be sure to try the Buffalo Bore 20G load. It's a 110gr standard pressure load with the Barnes all copper bullet. Definitely more recoil that other standard pressure 110gr loads but not as bad as +P loads.

BUFFALO-BARNES LEAD-FREE 38 SPL STANDARD PRESSURE

Maggie

RichardK

I have had my 340 PD for about 8 years. Like you said, it's not one you shoot a lot. When I first bought mine the first thing I did was get rid of the boot grip that comes with it and install the Crimson Trace LG-405. The LG-405 has a soft rubber insert in the back of the grip which really softens the recoil. The boot grip that comes with the 340PD is pure torture to shoot more than 5 rounds.

I used to carry various 125 grain jhp loads but now carry the Hornady 38 spcl 110 grain Critical Defense. The load is a good performer and I have not had a problem with the projectile becoming unseated.

With the CT laser grip I have shot about 25 rounds in one session but not often.

By the way my 340PD has a nick name, "Maggie". Anyone that has ever shot one knows why I chose that name.

Hello Photoman44,

Sounds like the only difference in your Buffalo Bore standard pressure 38SPL 110 gr and my 20E standard pressure heavy 38SPL 125 gr is the bullet weight? So we need a hotter powder load to propel the heavier bullet, and we get more felt recoil as a result?

Terry,

From one new member to another, Welcome!

Crimson Trace LG-405? Some padding on the backstrap would be nice. My wife has the Hornady 38 spcl 110 grain Critical Defense in her 642, which she can handle with the finger groove grip from Pachmayr. You and Photoman44 both recommend the 110 gr round. Guess I need to buy a box to try.

On the Crimson Trace, I am wondering if it will still fit into my holsters?

And why do you call your 340PD "Maggie"?

Cheers,

Richard in Plano, TX
USAF (Retired 1971-93)

What would really be interesting to know besides recoil, is how fast the various loads travel and how far they penetrate in something common like wet newspaper for comparison. Is the standard Buffalo bore ammo any better than a .38spl +p federal??

RichardK said:

Hello Photoman44,

Sounds like the only difference in your Buffalo Bore standard pressure 38SPL 110 gr and my 20E standard pressure heavy 38SPL 125 gr is the bullet weight? So we need a hotter powder load to propel the heavier bullet, and we get more felt recoil as a result?

Click to expand...

There are a lot of different variables that contribute to recoil and felt recoil of a round. That 110gr load uses the all copper Barnes bullet which seems to have less recoil than a standard lead/copper bullet of the same weight and velocity (in my experience). If you get a chance, give that load a try. It might work for your situation and the Barnes bullet is one of the best designs for self defense.

Edit to add: I find ALL of the Buffalo Bore ammo to be rather excessive in the recoil department even though many of them are standard pressure. I use 110gr standard pressure Remington SJHP's in my Airweights.

Maggie

Richard,

Well I gave it the name when a couple of my friends tried it out and exclaimed that is one heck of a magnum. We started calling it Maggie because it could sure hurt you.

I have several holsters I use. I have a Galco IWB (think it's called the summer partner or cozy partner), an old Bianche IWB that I used to carry my Chiefs Special in years ago. The CT grips will work with most holsters I have run into as long as it's not high on the right side. Don't know about left handed holsters though.

My son is a Tec Sarge stationed at Offutt AFB in Nebraska, heading out to see him in two weeks. He has to go to Afghanistan in November.

Welcome to you as a new member. I am not actually a new member. I went by 45acp2go for about 8 years and something happened with that user name and they re-registered me as Terry.

Hello Photoman44,

You have a point there about Buffalo Bore being on the high side of recoil compared to other similar loads. I guess that is possible, but then I am not a ballistics expert by any means.

Never knew all copper bullets produce less recoil than lead/copper bullets. I guess using lead with copper reduces the cost since Buffalo Bore lead-free ammo is about $5.00 more a box than their lead/copper counterparts. I guess I shoudl try that 110 gr all copper 38SPL.

Terry,

Same thing happened to me on another forum; somehow something got reset with my username and I lost all credit for past posts and was reclassified as a new member. Moderators said there wasn't anything they could do to bring my post count back. Oh well.

Ah yes, Maggie, from Rod Stewart musical fame!

Say hello to your son from a retired USAF guy.

Richard in Plano TX
USAF (Retired 1971-93)

I don't see how an all copper bullet will produce less recoil than a copper jacketed lead bullet, velocity being equal. The all copper bullet is always longer and takes up more powder space, so these bullets are usually loaded to a lower velocity.

I believe your Load #4 is more comfortable to shoot simply because it lacks velocity. It would be interesting to know the actually velocity of that bullet in your short barrel.

Dave Sinko

Yes, it's my personal experience that the all copper bullet has less recoil. Just my perception and not science at all.

I recently bought the MP 360.
I tried Wnchester .38 +P. Stout but controlable.
I tried some 158 gr. Remington .357. Lots of recoil. I could shoot it but not for long.

I recently bought some Speer Gold Dot short barrel .357. I figured if I didn't like it in the 360, my M66 would love it.

The GDSB .357 is controllable for me and not overly stout in recoil. But truthfully, I wouldn't consider it a magnum load. It does spare the ring in the cylinder from .38.
That is my carry load for now.
I didn't have any jusmp crimp. No issues at all.
I'm also using Hogue Bantam grips for concealment.
Dave N

Hello All,

Sent off my 340PD to S&W last week for a trigger enhancement - smoothing and pull lessening. S&W says turnaround time is about 6-8 weeks.

I also put a Pachmayr Gripper Declerator grip (#145531) on it. Still concealable in my Lobo pancake holster and my Renegade ankle holster, but gives me a better grip than the factory Hogue grips. Plus I like the padded backstrap.

Will see how the combination of the trigger enhancement and the grip work with those 357MAG Buffalo Bores when I get it back in a few weeks.

Cheers,

Richard in Plano, TX
USAF (retired 1971-93)

Be sure to let us know the results of that trigger work by S&W.

I put the Crimson Trace on mine after I shot it a few times and I like the feel. I tried a lot of 357 & 38's and I settled on 38 wadcutter seems to handle better and less recoil than any other load I tried.