Buffalo Bore Heavy 38 load? [Archive]

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Josh-L

07-13-11, 17:41

BuckskinJoe

07-13-11, 17:53

Thoughts on these as a BUG round in a J frame?

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

Excerpt from the above link:
"This bullet will mushroom violently on impact and will penetrate roughly 14 inches in human flesh."

Perhaps, the manufacturer could elaborate on its testing protocols!?

DJK

07-13-11, 18:10

Thoughts on these as a BUG round in a J frame?

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

I have read the 380 vs 38 sticky but it hasn't been updated since these came out I don't think.

About a year ago there was a lot of discussion about this load on the S&W Forum. You might want to try a search there. The reviews were positive enough that I bought 200 rounds of the standard load (20C) to try. I ran a hundred through my 442 and had leading despite the gas checks, which was a real surprise. I went back to the Speer 135 +p load for my 2", 3", & 4" .38/.357s.

Josh-L

07-13-11, 18:56

Hmmm leading is a deal breaker. I did a search on the S&W forum and everyone said it kicks really hard. I guess I'll stick with wadcutters. Which ones have a sharper edge that Doc suggests to look for?

Fail-Safe

07-13-11, 19:00

Excerpt from the above link:
"This bullet will mushroom violently on impact and will penetrate roughly 14 inches in human flesh."

Perhaps, the manufacturer could elaborate on its testing protocols!?

Thats one of the many issues with Buffalo Bore. They make these claims, but they dont back them up. No data, just guesstimations.

BuckskinJoe

07-13-11, 20:34

Thats one of the many issues with Buffalo Bore. They make these claims, but they dont back them up. No data, just guesstimations.

I was more concerned about who they got to volunteer to be the test media! :smile:

Eliakim

07-13-11, 20:44

I've shot a bit of this through my S&W 642 light weight .38 snub nose. I don't know how well the 20A/20 performs on flesh, but it certainly has a lot of recoil from a short barrel aluminum frame revolver.

I also shot some through my 4" M66 S&W. The recoil seemed a little lighter than regular 158 gr. jacketed .357 magnum loads.

Gibson

08-02-11, 23:10

Thoughts on these as a BUG round in a J frame?

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

I have read the 380 vs 38 sticky but it hasn't been updated since these came out I don't think.

cf. here (also at S&W forum and others, no doubt): http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/handgun-reloading/84375-38-special-chronograph-test.html

I know neither the guy nor his methods. It appears that he 'chrono'ed' multiple rounds through various barrel lengths the results are what they are. Not to denigrate this rather herculean effort, but obviously it is not a rigorous scientific test. Nevertheless. . .

As for 14" I do not know of either cadavers or (prior to testing) live volunteers but it sans doubt one could google up some gel tests that demonstrate BB will handily penetrate 14" in gel :) Brassfetcher, maybe?

I'll make some tests in the coming weeks. But after much research I have become reluctantly convinced to try several of BB's offerings.

Busy a lot with my son so it may take a while. . .

Edit: I almost forgot, best of luck on whatever ammo you decide on.

Jake'sDad

08-06-11, 21:23

Seems pretty similar to what a lot of us carried back in the late 70's. I wouldn't be surprised if they'll go 14" in bare gel, as long as they're not expanding a lot.

The switch we made from 158 grain SWC/SWCHP's to the 125 grain HP's of that time was a dismal failure. Another case of fixing something that wasn't broken.