158gr LSWCHP+P again!

[ENGINE18]

Just got back from the range. I fired three different 158gr LSWCHP+P loads from my 65-5, 3-inch, and 638-3 Bodyguard.

The three loads were:
Remington, Federal, and Buffalo Bore Low-flash.

The 65 was much more accurate with the Remis, followed by Federal, with BB in a distant last place.

The Bodyguard liked the Feds better, followed closely by the Remis and BB, in that order.

What I did learn is that, in these two revolvers, for me, the BB wasn't worth the extral money compared to the other two. Go figure!

 

[badge 851]

Just got back from the range. I fired three different 158gr LSWCHP+P loads from my 65-5, 3-inch, and 638-3 Bodyguard.

The three loads were:
Remington, Federal, and Buffalo Bore Low-flash.

The 65 was much more accurate with the Remis, followed by Federal, with BB in a distant last place.

The Bodyguard liked the Feds better, followed closely by the Remis and BB, in that order.

What I did learn is that, in these two revolvers, for me, the BB wasn't worth the extral money compared to the other two. Go figure!

I guess that I am indeed fortunate that the Buffalo Bore® 158gr LSWCHPGC +P is so very accurate in my revolvers. If that load is unavailable I go with the Remington® load as you do in your Mdl 65.

 

[RedBerens]

I had a model 19 that would key hole the Buffalo Bore round, but was fine with the Remington version. It's hard to say why guns do well with one, and not so hot with another.

 

[ENGINE18]

It's strange how loadings so similar can perform so different, in individual guns of the same caliber!

I really wanted the BB 20C to be "all that", but it wasn't. Maybe the BB heavy 20A +P load will be the ticket. I sure hope so. I aquired then to shoot in place of .357s in my K-frame magnums. I have couple of boxes of those too, and I'll try them next range session.

On the positive side Federals and Remingtons, while a bit difficult to find, can be had for less $$.

 

[David Sinko]

As long as the Buffalo Bore bullet doesn't hit sideways or completely miss a man at 10 paces, why in the world would you use anything else? Unless you load them yourself, everything else out there simply lacks velocity.

Dave Sinko

 

[Texas Star]

Might added recoil have affected your ability to shoot BB well? Or, maybe the bullet is too fast unless it's the gas check version. It may be skiding a bit. Did you see signs of leading in your barrels after shooting it?

 

[ENGINE18]

My J-frames perfer the Feds and Remis as well. All things being equal as to accuracy, recoil, leading, weather, the Remingtons were, and are my choice. I will try the heavy BB .38+P however, and hope for better results!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have fired Remington, Federal and Winchester FBI Loads. I like the Rem best for short barrel revolvers because the lead used by Rem is the softest of the three. All three are fine in a 4" barrel but I like the Federals a little better than the Winchester offering because in my revolvers they seem to be the most accurate. (although the older win ammo I have produces more velocity)

 

[Gene K]

As long as the Buffalo Bore bullet doesn't hit sideways or completely miss a man at 10 paces, why in the world would you use anything else? Unless you load them yourself, everything else out there simply lacks velocity.

Dave Sinko

The Remington +P round lacks velocity compared to the standard velocity low flash Buffalo Bore? I thought they were about the same.

 

[chief38]

The BB ballistics blow the competition away. I would say if you can handle the added recoil, and your gun performs well with it, go with BB! Rem, Win & Fed stuff if fine, but the ballistics just are not there compared to the BB ammo (IMHO).

 

[Maximumbob54]

Am I the only one here that is a little sketchy about using BB or Corbon products in .38+P??? That is something I might carry in a smaller .357 but to trust the internal parts, springs, and heat treating with red hot nuclear ammo in a .38 special revolver is how tragedy tends to happen. I have nothing against these two companies or anyone else who loads similar, but this is in my opinion ammo that is far more suited to a 640 than a 642.

 

[SuperMan]

I don't think that BB or CorBon +P ammo is 'dangerous' in lightweight snubbies as long as they are rated for +P ammo, but no two ways about it, they are going to accelerate wear on the guns.

Was just wondering if anyone has chronographed these loads from 2-3-4" barreled guns... From some of the articles I have read the Federal-Remington-Winchester +P 158s HPs from a 4" gun run in the area of 950+- fps but only 775 from a 2".

Bob

 

[ENGINE18]

I'll bet someone around here has crony data on the discussed ammunition. I hope they'll weigh in.

 

[Wayne Dobbs]

Engine18,

It's been a while, but the Remington chrnonographed 842 from one of my 642s and Stephen Camp (member here) has posted on his site that he got an average of about 820 with the RP load from three or four different J-frame guns. The Federal and WW loads didn't break 800 which tracks with my experience. I greatly prefer the Remington based on some industry professional recommendations (from a competitor) due to: softer lead bullet, semi-hollowbased bullet (better accuracy and higher velocity) and larger hollow point cavity.

I've tested the round in water testing and have gotten expansion even through denim testing (which is not the norm). It's been in service for a long time and has decked lots of bad guys. I think it's a keeper.

 

[David Sinko]

I have seen reliable data to indicate that the Buffalo Bore +P load consistently does at least 1030 FPS out of a 2" barrel and often the velocity is higher. It also reportedly extracts easily from the K Frame .38 Special revolvers, which in my opinion is what really makes the load something special. There are handloads that can at least match this performance in the tougher J Frame but so far I can not do it in my "weak sister" Model 64. It seems Buffalo Bore uses a special low flash powder and they are not willing to share with anybody else.

Dave Sinko

 

[bmcgilvray]

Here's a thread I put up last summer after some chronograph tests. The Buffalo Bore is all it's cracked up to be in my view. I'm still carrying the Remington +P load at present. It's not a bad performer at all.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/144598-some-38-special-chronograph-tests.html

 

[ddixie884]

bmc, I want to say that I appreciate your well thought out posts. .41long, and .38spl, especially.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Thanks a lot ddixie! There's suppose to be a ".38 Special II" but life, other handloading needs, and pre-deer season has intruded for the moment.

 

[Dusty Miller]

AH! That beloved velocity!! How we all get sucked up into that magical, mystical world of velocity!!

 

[ENGINE18]

The BB load I used was the 20C/20 Standard Pressre Low Flash. I have not yet tried the 20D/20 Heavy, but will soon.

My comments were just an observation based on accuracy from my guns. I want accuracy first! As a side note, I mentioned the price of the BB vs the Feds and Remis. I'm happy that the Remis are more accurate from my guns, and cost much less than BB offerings. I got lucky!