Buffalo Bore 38 +P in 642?
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shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I've heard/read Airweight owners say it kicks like the proverbial mule. I'm hoping to try the 880 fps standard pressure 158 grain in a 640. By all accounts hit does well in a snubby.
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Folks, full power 158 grain stuff kicks in any J frame, even the steel ones! If you really want a thrill, fire a box or two of 38/44 ammo in your J frame. Buffalo Bore makes the load - they call it the Outdoorsman, for obvious reasons. 
It runs a 158 grain Keith type semi-wadcutter at between 1125 and 1150 fps. And, it is SAFE in any modern 38 Special that is in proper working condition, even the J frames. You don't have to get in front to figure out it just went off.
It runs a 158 grain Keith type semi-wadcutter at between 1125 and 1150 fps. And, it is SAFE in any modern 38 Special that is in proper working condition, even the J frames. You don't have to get in front to figure out it just went off. 
medic15al
Member
THE 158 SWC-LHP +p load is the 38-44 load also. the 20a load.
I haven't fired it in my 37-2 but have in other airweights. Velocities over a chrono is accurate with factory claims. Aint pleasant shooting them...
I haven't fired it in my 37-2 but have in other airweights. Velocities over a chrono is accurate with factory claims. Aint pleasant shooting them...
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I've used +P 158-grain LSWCHP (Remington, mostly) in a 640 for years. Thumps a bit, but not painful even with arthritic hands, especially with Pachmayr Compacs. I'm sure it would be far less pleasant in an Airweight or one of the Gnatweights. And even in a steel J the .38-44 doesn't appeal.
Fired in both my LCR and the 642......really mean!
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The 20A load does not really duplicate the velocity of the old 38/44 load. On Buffalo Bore's web site, 20H shows 1,250 fps, while the 20A load you mention is only 1,000 fps, using the "low velocity" hollow point with gas check designed to expand because it is so soft. 20H uses a hard cast keith-type semi-wadcutter. The velocity is what makes it a 38/44, not the type or weight of bullet.
medic15al
Member
My apologies, I went back and looked sat those figures again and for some reason thought I have read them as the same velocity but with the LSWC-HPGC rather than Hardcast. My mistake!
I have fired Buffalo bore 38+p out of my Model 637 j-frame there a little on the stiff side . Stick with Remington Golden Saber
Whip Man (Jimmy) has Pachmayr Presentation Grips on my Model 638.
Yes there is "RECOIL" but if the BG has your air supply cut off-you won't notice the recoil.
Yes there is "RECOIL" but if the BG has your air supply cut off-you won't notice the recoil.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I see no reason to push a bullet that hard when there are other loads on the market that will kick less and do just as good a job, especially for the price Buffalo Bore is asking. I shoot either the Remington FBI Load or the Speer Short Barrel 135gr +P load in all my J frames, including Airweights. Those loads are stiff but controllable. (and street proven)
I shoot a 22 oz. M49 all steel J frame with a Hogue monogrip
and a 158gr LswcHP at 850 fps out of the 1 7/8 inch barrel
will get your attention. My snub nose gets the best groups
and poa with 822 fps down to 800 fps with the 158 bullet.
The Remington loading is all you really need...........but if you
think you need the Buffalo load and your Revolver is +P rated
you can buy a box and see if it is your cup of tea.
As mentioned there are lots of other SD and standard
38 special loads that can work for you. The main thing is that
YOU feel comfortable and have trust in the load for your protection.
and a 158gr LswcHP at 850 fps out of the 1 7/8 inch barrel
will get your attention. My snub nose gets the best groups
and poa with 822 fps down to 800 fps with the 158 bullet.
The Remington loading is all you really need...........but if you
think you need the Buffalo load and your Revolver is +P rated
you can buy a box and see if it is your cup of tea.
As mentioned there are lots of other SD and standard
38 special loads that can work for you. The main thing is that
YOU feel comfortable and have trust in the load for your protection.
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I agree 100%. I have shot the BB +p and yes, the recoil is harsh in a smaller gun, however my biggest problem is the Rim Rock bullets they use that are harder than a hooker's heart. They just don't expand much and that's not good IMO. I choose the same carry loads that you have specified. They are the best in .38 IMO as well.
With the heavy stuff
With the heavy stuff I just shoot enough to keep familiar with the recoil, and save enough to use in emergency situations. Cheap ammo gets shot downrange.
With the heavy stuff I just shoot enough to keep familiar with the recoil, and save enough to use in emergency situations. Cheap ammo gets shot downrange.
bmcgilvray
Member
I've shot the "Remingchester" +P 158 grain lead SWC loads in the Model 642 as well as somewhat heaver handloads using the same weight bullet. The revolver is configured as it is seen below. It's doable but is not pleasant at all.
I've shot Buffalo Bore +P 158 grain loads in other .38 Special revolvers in most barrel lengths and the company exhibits "truth in advertising." The loads clock every bit of what Buffalo Bore claims. It is very difficult to equal those velocities with any published handload, even from manuals from bygone times.
I've shot Buffalo Bore +P 158 grain loads in other .38 Special revolvers in most barrel lengths and the company exhibits "truth in advertising." The loads clock every bit of what Buffalo Bore claims. It is very difficult to equal those velocities with any published handload, even from manuals from bygone times.
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badge 851
US Veteran
The Buffalo Bore® 158gr LSWCHCGC+P (20A) load will be ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL in an Airweight® Mdl 642! I would advise using the Buffalo Bore® Standard Pressure 158gr LSWCHCGC (20C) instead. This load is designed specifically for light weight guns like the S&W® Airweight®. It is very accurate in my guns & is my daily carry load.....
• https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110
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Actually they are identical in performance bullet construction aside. If you click on the product details you will see they perform identically when fired from a 4" barrel. Both will average about 1150fps when fired from a 4" barrel according to their website.
It's not so much the recoil that bothers me about the 642, it's that 1/16" of aluminum under the barrel that keeps me awake. Slamming a big slug at 850fps into a forcing cone held in place by this tiny piece of frame just doesn't sound like a long term proposition(even though it's clearly marked "+P" on the barrel). The torque of engaging the rifling will have a different effect on aluminum than steel. At least that's what my tiny brain can figger. I have never shot +P out of my 642. I have carried it with 110 gr Fed HS (puny), 158 gr RNL (widowmakers), 130 gr ball (Hey, the Armed forces used these for like 30 years). I guarantee any miscreant shot with any of the aforementioned loads will be mighty surprised and might even lose some of the original enthusiasm to get froggy in the first place. Joe
DanWales
Member
Ya'll Talkin my language
I enjoy shooting a Friendswood 148 DEWC out of my 642. Set it in front of 3.4 231 and it is fun to shoot a few cylinders.
When I put the megalithic blasters in I wear a golf glove.
I don't shoot a lot of those it's just stupid to me to punch paper or rattle a little steel with those at their cost.
Nothing wrong with a 158 LSWC sittin on 4.0 to 4.2 231 either.
I have a 640 that should be here sometime soon I'm kinda interested on how that's going to feel in comparison to the 642.
Megablasters in that may not be a bundle of joy either, but for sure they will do what they are intended. Some stout .38 may be fun.
Dan
I enjoy shooting a Friendswood 148 DEWC out of my 642. Set it in front of 3.4 231 and it is fun to shoot a few cylinders.
When I put the megalithic blasters in I wear a golf glove.
I don't shoot a lot of those it's just stupid to me to punch paper or rattle a little steel with those at their cost.
Nothing wrong with a 158 LSWC sittin on 4.0 to 4.2 231 either.
I have a 640 that should be here sometime soon I'm kinda interested on how that's going to feel in comparison to the 642.
Megablasters in that may not be a bundle of joy either, but for sure they will do what they are intended. Some stout .38 may be fun.
Dan
BB +P are a Little Stout
I'm not real savvy on bullet loads. Most important to
me, is making sure there's something in each chamber.
That said, I tend to stick with 158gr bullets, because
that's what the guns were designed for. (I think)
Whether that's true or not, it's 158gr, and now I'm
using some 200gr. loads. I shoot only a cylinder full or
two of the heavy stuff at a time, so I won't forget how.
Lighter loaded 158's for most practice. I've never had to
ask anyone if the rounds went off.
TACC1
I'm not real savvy on bullet loads. Most important to
me, is making sure there's something in each chamber.
That said, I tend to stick with 158gr bullets, because
that's what the guns were designed for. (I think)
Whether that's true or not, it's 158gr, and now I'm
using some 200gr. loads. I shoot only a cylinder full or
two of the heavy stuff at a time, so I won't forget how.
Lighter loaded 158's for most practice. I've never had to
ask anyone if the rounds went off.
TACC1
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