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03-22-2013, 04:41 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Buffalo Bore standard pressure .38 Special?
Anyone have any experience using this in 158-grain LSWCHP in a J-frame? They make some pretty strong claims for it--+P velocity from a two-inch barrel, lower pressure and recoil, very soft lead for more reliable expansion, and minimal flash. They say they achieve these remarkable results with advanced powder formulation, as I understand it.
I shoot the old FBI +P load in my EDC, but this stuff sounds fairly impressive if the claims and figures are accurate.
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03-22-2013, 05:19 PM
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It is good ammo, BUT don't expect miracles from a stubby, whether you use your present load or others. Marketing is marketing.
By the way, getting low PEAK pressure does not make for LOW RECOIL since the area under the pressure curve is what does the work pushing out the bullet, and more bullet speed makes more recoil, all else being equal. There is no free lunch in internal ballistics.
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03-22-2013, 06:33 PM
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It may be low pressure but it's not low recoil. They make quality ammo.
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03-22-2013, 07:49 PM
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I'm not really concerned about the recoil (the EDC is a 640 with Pachmayr Compac grips, not an Airweight), nor do I expect a snubby to do the work of an RPG. The low recoil was one of their claims, as I recall. The whole package looked a little iffy to me, which is why I asked. Couldn't quite figure how they could get in excess of 800fps with 158-grain bullets from a two-inch barrel with standard pressure.
How about the flash level? My elderly eyes don't readjust nearly as quickly as they used to--one of several reasons .357 Magnum is not for me anymore. They say their flash retardant is very effective.
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03-22-2013, 07:53 PM
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I bought it because of the low flash for my 642. Have not shot them yet.
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03-22-2013, 07:56 PM
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I purchased some but have not yet been able to get to the range. I'll post my results if I ever get to fire it. Going to fire out of a Ruger GP100 3" barrel and a S&W 360 Airweight Snub.
I bought both the (1) Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Ammo - 158 gr. Soft Lead SWC-HC (850fps/M.E. 253 ft. lbs.) and the (2) Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Ammo - 125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point (900fps/M.E. 225 ft. lbs.
I was just curious and thought, what the heck.
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03-24-2013, 01:04 PM
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My old Speer #10 handloading book shows several standard-pressure 158 gr lead bullet loads producing around 950 fps out of the 6" test revolver, which should equate to between 800-850 out of a 2". This was using the cannister-grade powders of the day. Using specially blended powders (not unusual for cartridge mfr's) to optimize results for snubbies is certainly possible,so I think their claims are quite likely true or at least not exagerated too much.
We'll have to take BB's word for the standard pressure, but the velocity is easy to check if you have access to a chronograph. Has anyone here chrono'd them out of a snubbie?
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03-24-2013, 01:10 PM
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I had fired some Buffalo Bore in .38+P that felt like standard .357. And I've also fired some of their .357 Mag that seriously felt like .44 Mag. They are serious.
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03-24-2013, 06:57 PM
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I have become a BIG BB fan and carry their HEAVY 38 Special 158 grain +P LSWCHP-GC in my Model 60 and after I personally chronographed them many times, they truly do a 1025 - 1040 feet per second out of a 2" barrel! Their claims and stated ballistics are 100% correct! These ballistics are just about low end .357 Magnum out of a a snubby. Not only are they HOT, but they are VERY accurate and VERY consistent as well.
Their NON +P 158's will do about 860 - 880 fps (out of a 2" snub) and are actually hotter than the Big 3's +P offerings. GREAT ammo - just plan on training and familiarization if you intend on using this load for defense as it does take some getting use to.
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03-24-2013, 06:57 PM
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I have chronographed BB's 158g gas check +P load and it is right on for their claimed velocity, almost to the exact fps. I would expect the load you are considering to do what they claim. I'm very impressed with their ammo and carry it in my "38 caliber" revolvers.
Dave
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