Buffalo Bore in .38

[indiandave]

I use the standard pressure variety of the Buffalo Bore 158 SWCHP's in my carry guns. It shoots close to point of aim with my J frames.

I would like their 150gr wadcutters sometime.

 

[Spotteddog]

All three of ours I've tried the 150 standard pressure, low flash hard cast B/B's in Dave, (2-342PD's and a Model 66 4") shot precisely to their sights (in the case of the 66, it's sights are adjusted for a 158 +P). There was, as advertised zero flash. I can't lay my hands on the data I did across a friends chrono with them, about two+ years ago. (Change of computers lost the info) But, what I do recall was that it actually slightly beat advertised velocity and had extremely tight S/D's out of a 1 7/8" barrel. It's recoil felt softer than it's performance indicated. But that's not an uncommon characteristic in many full wad cutters?
They are the load that currently ride around in my Wife's 342PD with C/T grips. Very easily controlled.

 

[coach22]

Models 49 and 442:
BB Standard Pressure 158's.
Model 640 (38):
First 2 BB Standard Pressure 158's
Next 3 BB 158 +P's.
Model 340 PD:
BB 125 +P's (jacketed so no lead issues).
Ruger SS 357 Speed 6 - 2 & 3/4 inch :
BB 158 +P's.
Beside it, 2 Safariland Speed Loaders with:
Corbon DPX 357's.

 

[Red Tex]

I have great confidence in Buffalo Bore's 38 Spl offerings. I've used the 158gr +P, 158gr std and 150gr hardcast all with excellent results. As others have mentioned, the +P is VERY stiff in an Airweight snub. For me, it's what I keep in a 4" Model 13 for HD. The std pressure works well in the snubbies.

 

[stevieboy]

I find this "high" - "low" discussion to be intriguing. I have several 38/357 revolvers. With one exception, they all shoot exactly to point of aim with 158gr .38+Ps or 158gr magnum rounds. The exception is my little J frame 36. That gun shoots consistently high with heavier rounds and hits right at POA with 125gr rounds. I've wondered if the difference was me, and not the gun. The 36 has fixed sights and a tiny front sight that is very difficult for me to visualize. I suspect that I tend to aim consistently high with the gun and the 125gr rounds compensate for my aiming error. In any event, I'm not complaining, because shooting the 125s makes me dead on accurate.

 

[RMcL]

+P pressure

.38 Special:

Standard 17,000 psi
+P 20,000 psi (raised from 18,500 psi)
Proposed +P+ 21,500 psi (not adopted)
BB +P 22,000 psi (equal to old CUP standard for +P)

 

[Batjac]

Yesterday I received a box of the BB LSWCHP +P. They look like a quality product. One thing I noticed right away is that the hollow point is alot deeper cavity than other manufacturers...IE: Rem & Win. I hope my model 10 shoots them well.

I have been using this as my carry load in my 2" model 64 with good results.

Also it is my understanding any model marked k-frame will handle +p ammo.

 

[Jitterbug]

I'm looking for a carry load in a 442, the 158 LSWHP in standard pressure sounds like a good load. Any thoughts about wear and tear on the gun?

 

[BreakerDan]

I'm looking for a carry load in a 442, the 158 LSWHP in standard pressure sounds like a good load. Any thoughts about wear and tear on the gun?

Shouldn't hurt your gun at all. S&W J frames are tuff. Mine has survived +P+.

 

[Jitterbug]

I went to the BB site after posting and it looks like the 158 grain LSWCHP standard pressure load might be a good starting point for the aluminum J frame.

I've been out of the .38/.357 world for some time and need to re-educate myself to what is the latest and greatest...or time tested round available.

 

[Hobie]

Even the experts argue endlessly about this question and many, I'm sure, will post their opinions. I wouldn't want to play catch with either load. Try a box of each, see which one the combination of you and your gun shoot the best with repeated accurate hits and you will have the best for you. There are just to many variables to make one universal best for everyone.

I agree. I've used both in a couple of guns.

 

[tripledipper]

After reading a lot of posts on this topic I ordered some BB standard pressure 158gr LSWCHP from Midway for my 36 no-dashs and Colt Cobra. Will probably try their wadcutters too. Like a poster said, they were designed to shoot this type of round. Already have some Federal standard 110gr fmjhp's to compare.