Upping my game with Buffalo Bore for 1st Time

[Redcoat3340]

After a bit of research (and I shoulda asked here first) I'm trying some Buffalo Bore -- to turn my .38S&W Terrier into a viable pocket carry (the Buffalo Bore gives respectable numbers vis-a-vis regular factory stuff and near comparable to some .38 special I think).

Also went for a box of "Standard Pressure Short Barrel Flow Flash Heavy .38 Special non plus-p which is supposed to optimize performance out of 2" j frames.

Wondering if anyone has had experience with either type of round.

 

[ike1518]

I have the 20C in my home defense gun, a Smith 66 with 2.75” barrel. It chronies at 940 per second out of this gun. It is accurate and has sufficient speed for my purposes. The +P version, 20A, very nearly simulates the the 38-44 loads which was the precursor to the 357 Magnum cartridge.

The non +P 20C is way plenty ample for me. Good luck, I find Buffalo Bore to be a very good company to deal with.

 

[John Patrick]

I have both the standard pressure and the +P.

The standard pressure is for my alloy Colt’s Agent and my alloy 638 (and, in theory, my Diamondback, but I don’t carry it or use it for home defense.)

The +P is for my steel 38s and 357s and my alloy 386s.

FWIW, I watched a YouTube video comparing the standard and the +P versions shot into ballistic gel. Both did very well, with the +P expanding and penetrating a bit more.

The guy who did the test said he favored the standard load because of the near enough equal performance and the ability to get back on target quicker. I don’t recall what revolver he was using but I think it was a 2” alloy J frame.

 

[heeter3]

I buy Buffalo Bore whenever I get a chance it's my go to hiking round for all my .38s.If you get a chance look up the article about the guide in Alaska who killed a brown bear with a 9mm loaded with Buffalo Bore hardcast rounds and saved the 2 people he was working for.Its an amazing story.

 

[Rudi]

I have found Buffalo Boar to be good ammo. Hot, in .357 and .45 Auto Rim.

 

[newtonguitars]

I shot the BB 38 standard pressure low flash ammo in my M 442 and almost lost the gun thru recoil. Call me a wimp, but I think the ammo is too hot for an alloy snub J frame. I am happy with the performance of 148gr HBWC in that gun.
I also carry a 2" M 10 some, so the BB will do service in the heavier gun.

 

[chief38]

According to the BB website spec's, BB ammo will give you about the best performance from a Terrier that I know of. They state the following below with a 125 grain bullet. If you carry a Terrier, this ammo is probably the best you'll find. I'd suggest testing a cylinder or two first and see if recoil is objectionable - if you are OK with it, I would use the BB for self defense and practice with standard ammo. Remember, a Terrier is only an I Frame and would not want to push it.

➤ 1030 fps -- S&W Regulation Police 6 inch
➤ 977 fps -- S&W Regulation Police 4 inch
➤ 926 fps -- S&W Regulation Police 4 inch
➤ 874 fps -- S&W 2 inch

 

[38SPL HV]

Personally, I would treat your S&W Terrier 38 S&W kindly and not make it a practice to use BB ammo in it…too hot in my opinion. That’s a real nice revolver and hard to find nowadays why subject it to any abuse?

You would be better served with your J frame 38 Spl. The 38 Spl BB load is a good one but it’s velocity exceeds 38 Spl +P Rem/Win/Fed 158 gr LSWCHP factory loadings; I would treat it as a +P; although, BB alleges it isn’t.

I find that I can have quicker follow-up shots in my Airweight J frame using lighter bullets, and prefer Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr FTX either in +P or it’s standard loading. I do like a standard velocity 158 gr cast SWC over 4.0 grs W231 as my general purpose load - shoots to sights and is very manageable.

 

[walnutred]

I agree with Chief38. When my daughter was looking for a house gun one of the ones we had on hand that she wiled was an I frame 38 S&W with 3 1/2 in ch barrel. I bought a box of BB to test and they are noticeably stouter than factory ammo. We practice with my reloads, which are 126gn SWC BTW, but the BB live in the little revolver. I would not use them for practice ammo but for just in case ammo they work for me.

 

[hardknocks]

38 S&W

Hi all
I have a 1950 terrier & shot some BB 125 grain.
Snappy and impressive.
Too expensive to shoot often.
I believe it can be used for self defence.
Love terriers.
Good luck