BUFFALO BORE Chronograph Results - J-Frame

AR_Black

AR_Black

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Tried out some Buffalo Bore ammo today over the chronograph.
Other ammo I had already tested over the last few years.

S&W J-Frame Model 637 Airweight



  • Precision Delta 148-grain HBWC
  • Federal Hydra-Shok 110 grain JHP
  • My reloads: 158-grain L-SWC with Win 231
  • My reloads: 125-grain SJHP with Win 231




38-AMMO.png



OBSERVATIONS:
  1. I have been carrying this gun around for 10 years with the Hydra-Shok 110 grain ammo.
    Yes, I would bet my life on this round. I've shot enough of it to be confident in the gun and the ammo.
    Recoil is not bad. Energy is 184 ft-lbs.
  2. Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure. Very nice ammo. I will probably make this my new carry load after I shoot more of it.
    Recoil noticeably more than the Hydra-Shok, but not bad. Energy is 213 ft-lbs.
  3. Buffalo Bore +P. Way too much recoil in the Airweight J-Frame. Possibly in an all-steel *MODERN* J-Frame rated for +P, or a 640 chambered in .357 MAG. I skinned my trigger finger on the inside of the trigger guard - yes I was holding on! I won't be shooting any more of this in my Airweight.
    Energy 337 ft-lbs.

*** Note on Chronograph Setup - I typically set the screens out five feet. Buffalo Bore website says the +P shot out of a Model 60 2-inch gun will be 1040 FPS. I got 980 FPS @ 5-feet......Box is marked 1000 FPS.

I'm a recoil Junkie. However, I did put some big Hogue rubber grips on my J-Frame ahead of time, knowing the Buffalo Bore was going to jump.

All shots were done single-action thru the chronograph.

I'll have to shoot some of the STANDARD PRESSURE Buffalo Bore and get comfortable with it before totally switching my carry load over in the future. Yes, I plan to switch. I'm running low on my Hydra-Shok stash, and so I'm looking for a replacement. I won't carry a gun or ammo until I've proven it out over more than just a few rounds.
 
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Thank you for taking the time, running some tests and sharing.

My experience with both Buffalo Bore loads in an Airweight is identical to yours...
 
+1;
thanks for the test data.
780 in a snub is possible with most powders for those that load the J frame.
I don't know if I want to shoot the 980 fps +P loading in my J frame.
I got Blue Dot up to 948 fps but only fired 3 of the 5, with a heavy
crimp in a 158gr Lswc bullet, in one of my final test. Recoil was THERE.

Might be one reason that Winchester ammo is below 800 fps with the 158gr ?
Good shooting.

PS
about that 125gr reload........
My LOWEST fps was with 4.6gr of Red Dot, f100, at 777 fps......... a nice target load.
 
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Buffalo Bore is known for backing up their claims. They always list guns used in their velocity testing.

Their +p+ 45AR and 38spl Outdoorsman loads look pretty impressive.
 
I carry the BB+P 158 grain gas checked hollow points in my all steel j frames. It shoots to point of aim at 10-15 feet. To me, recoil with the load in the Model 60 and 36 isn't nearly as punishing as full power .357 loads in a 2.5 inch Model 19.

Thanks for writing this up. At least two other members here have done similar range tests, and your info corroborates theirs.
 
I've been carrying the FBI +P load in my guns for well over 40 years based on my experience using it on the street during my LEO career. Current load is the Federal 158 grain +P, but it's about a year old. I'll probably replace it w/the Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 grain since I too have found the +P load to be too much for follow up shots from a light J frame.
 
Been testing the "Big Three" ammo Co's. FBI +P loads (recently manufactured) and have chronographed them way below what they advertised velocities are..... WAY LOW!

In my 2" (all steel) M60 I do carry the Buffalo Bore 20A 158 gr. +P LSWCHP-GC and have clocked them to exactly what they advertise. I also tested the Speer GD Short Barrel load of 135 grains and that has chrinographed about 20-30 fps shy of what they advertise - but still in the ball park of respectable.

My BB results are a bit higher than yours but that could easily be due to the individual guns B/C gap and characteristics, ambient temperature, and different Chronograph. Still a hell of a Load if you can accurately and rapidly put your shots where they need to be.

I personally would not use the BB +P's in an Airweight. I'd go with either the Speer GD-Short Barrel +P 135 or the NON +P BB's.
 
chief38 said:
My BB results are a bit higher than yours but that could easily be due to the individual guns B/C gap and characteristics, ambient temperature, and different Chronograph.
Click to expand...

HI Chief - How far out from the muzzle do you setup your chronograph? I'm out 5-feet. And I agree on the gap, temp, model.

chief38 said:
I personally would not use the BB +P's in an Airweight. I'd go with either the Speer GD-Short Barrel +P 135 or the NON +P BB's.
Click to expand...

I'm going to use the Non +P Buffalo Bore in my Airweight.

I do have a Model 49 Bodyguard, but I just can't bring myself to shoot it (way too nice).


Rick_A said:
Buffalo Bore is known for backing up their claims. They always list guns used in their velocity testing.
Click to expand...

Saw that on their website. My results were pretty close, very satisfied customer here.
 
this is the most recent BB 38 special thread, so I decided to post my findings here. I have used Buffalo Bore for hunting and defense exclusively for the last couple of years, so I don't want this to come off as a complaint as much as general info. In fact, BB does not recommend using their FBI +p loads in Airweights because of the potential to jump crimp. I was made a believer this past weekend when I ran about 10 of the 158 grain +p rounds (former carry ammo) through my EDC 442. I stopped after the 4th round and sure enough, the 5th round jumped crimp, twice. I guess I will be downsizing to the non +p rounds for my EDC.
 
AR BLACK:

I have not gone back to this thread until now so sorry about not responding sooner - I have just seen your questions.

I am shooting about 6 - 7 feet away from my Chronograph.

I would choose the Speer GD 135 grain +P over the BB NON +P load. From what I have seen, the NON +P BB does not reliably expand whereas the Speer GD does. The permanent stretch cavity of the GD is also way better and the cutting action of the GD is way better as well. The NON +P BB is also subject to over penetration because of its lack of expansion.

I am a big fan of the BB +P 158 grain LSWCHP but NOT the NON +P version. Out of an Airweight I'd go with the 135 grain GD. Just my personal opinion of course...........
 
i use the standard pressure 38 in my hand ejector for SD. i was getting different readings from my crono so i need to re test. its my 'hunting' load. it does have a bit more recoil.
 
Velocity and energy are only two factors when considering a bullet's overall effectiveness on the target.

Penetration and expansion are also very important. Overpenetration can be a problem. Underexpansion can be a problem.

Take a good look at the Gold Dots and the Golden Sabers.

Check youtube for tests of the BB and others. Very helpful.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvVNtKicux4[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnq8YVCn3Yk[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRe6BzIqu6U[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k890Rio2oBY[/ame]
 
Great thread to revive. Again, some very savvy shooters here. I still have several boxes of late 60s/early 70s-vintage W-W LHP and SWC +P loads for serious use. Some even pre-date the +P case head designations. I would guess these are not too different from BB's 158gr offerings. I shot some modern Federal LHP loads today in a 64 pencil-barrel and they feel little different from the FMJ practice ammo.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
ALSO......

Also, One reason I like 3" long barrel is to get the velocity up and keeping the flip down. May not make a difference to most people, as at close range a .38 snub is plenty effective but I'd like to get over 1000 fps without tearing my hand off.
 
Last edited:
Moxie - thanks for posting the vidoes.

IF I could find some 135-gr Gold Dot .38+P Short Barrel ammo, I would try them out. Maybe someday.

But until then, I'm still going to consider the Buffalo Bore 158-grain Soft Cast LSWHP-GC # BBAC-20C. I'll need to shoot some more of this ammo to get more comfortable with it.

And as always .... remember shot placement is key.

Sidenote: Last year went to qualify for concealed carry.... several guys there had guns they had NEVER shot - and were going to use that gun to qualify and carry :eek: I'm a firm believer in test your equipment, and be proficient with it before betting your life on it.
 
Rhetorician Question?

AR_Black said:
Tried out some Buffalo Bore ammo today over the chronograph.
Other ammo I had already tested over the last few years.

S&W J-Frame Model 637 Airweight



  • Precision Delta 148-grain HBWC
  • Federal Hydra-Shok 110 grain JHP
  • My reloads: 158-grain L-SWC with Win 231
  • My reloads: 125-grain SJHP with Win 231




38-AMMO.png



OBSERVATIONS:
  1. I have been carrying this gun around for 10 years with the Hydra-Shok 110 grain ammo.
    Yes, I would bet my life on this round. I've shot enough of it to be confident in the gun and the ammo.
    Recoil is not bad. Energy is 184 ft-lbs.
  2. Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure. Very nice ammo. I will probably make this my new carry load after I shoot more of it.
    Recoil noticeably more than the Hydra-Shok, but not bad. Energy is 213 ft-lbs.
  3. Buffalo Bore +P. Way too much recoil in the Airweight J-Frame. Possibly in an all-steel *MODERN* J-Frame rated for +P, or a 640 chambered in .357 MAG. I skinned my trigger finger on the inside of the trigger guard - yes I was holding on! I won't be shooting any more of this in my Airweight.
    Energy 337 ft-lbs.

*** Note on Chronograph Setup - I typically set the screens out five feet. Buffalo Bore website says the +P shot out of a Model 60 2-inch gun will be 1040 FPS. I got 980 FPS @ 5-feet......Box is marked 1000 FPS.

I'm a recoil Junkie. However, I did put some big Hogue rubber grips on my J-Frame ahead of time, knowing the Buffalo Bore was going to jump.

All shots were done single-action thru the chronograph.

I'll have to shoot some of the STANDARD PRESSURE Buffalo Bore and get comfortable with it before totally switching my carry load over in the future. Yes, I plan to switch. I'm running low on my Hydra-Shok stash, and so I'm looking for a replacement. I won't carry a gun or ammo until I've proven it out over more than just a few rounds.
Click to expand...

Thanks friend for the research.

So then I can expect more recoil etc. from my Model 360PD Scandium / Titanium 357 that weighs 12 oz? Is that a good assumption?

My thought.

Yours?

Advise when possible!! :)
 
Last edited:
Airweight 637 weighs 15 ounces empty according to S&W website.

So the 12-ounce Scandium 360PD is going to have more felt recoil.

- - - -

Add ammo @ 236 grains each round = 0.54 ounces. --> 5 rounds will weigh 2.7 ounces. (Buffalo Bore # 20C)

Of course, any gun gets lighter with every shot, so theoretically more felt recoil on each shot. :)
 
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