Chronographed - Buffalo Bore 38 Spl +P 158 gr SWC “Outdoorsman”

[38SPL HV]

I had one unopened box of Buffalo Bore “Heavy 38 Spl +P Outdoorsman 158 gr Hard Cast Keith.” Chronographed ten of these at my shooting spot this morning:

Firearm: Ruger 4 5/8 in Blackhawk
10 shots:
Hi 1186 fps
Lo 1147 fps
Avg 1163 fps
ES 39
SD 11

Notes: Nearly 80 fps slower than Underwood’s 158 gr 38 Spl +P. Buffalo Bore “Outdoorsman” load is exactly that, an excellent duplicate of the Rem UMC 38-44 round of yesteryear. Buffalo Bore did advertise it at 1250 fps, oh well, test barrel specs I believe. Also double the price of Underwood’s heavy 38 Spl +P with same bullet weight. I’m not purchasing anymore but do recommend this load to those wanting a velocity duplicate of the original 38-44 Rem UMC load at 38 Spl +P pressures. I wouldn’t use it in other than a heavy frame 357 Magnum…but that’s me. Please refer to Buffalo Bore’s published information for details.

 

[ike1518]

My chrono results of Buffalo Bore 38 Special hard cast Outdoorsman -

Model 66 2.75” barrel: 1,066 fps
Model 686 4” barrel: 1,132 fps

 

[Nevada Ed]

I noticed the the 158 gr LFN was loaded for "Bear" at 1250fps, while
the 158 LHP round was loaded to just 1,000fps for two legged bears.

To me, ANY 158 gr bullet in a 38 case is a hand full, over 1,000fps.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I only have one designated 4" 38 special revolver . It's a Colt Police Positive Special in immaculate condition . I load 38 special loads for it but won't shoot the " hot " stuff in it , ie: Underwood / Buffalo Bore etc .
If I was to buy those , I only use a 357 revolver . I just don't know how they can achieve those figures and not operate at some pretty high pressure . I'm not saying it can't be done . Just saying I would load them in a hand gun built for higher pressure . Regards Paul

 

[Bald1]

I’ve put plenty of the Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman load through several K frames. No I’ll affects.

 

[Rudi]

I thank you guy for posting these results. Always good to see some first hand data.