Tell me about this Buffalo Bore load

TruthTellers · July 26, 2017, 02:50 PM

I'm not a huge .357 Magnum fan, I find the .327 to be more versatile, but I do like revolvers and rifles chambered for .357 because they can also shoot .38 Special and can be pretty effective out to 150 yards in a rifle and take bigger game than the .327 can.

If I had to conceal carry a revolver, I'd still take a .327 though.

BUT, Buffalo Bore makes a .357 load that on paper looks so powerful that I can't help but ask about it. It's the "Heavy 357 Magnum Ammo 125 gr. J.H.C." load that BB is saying can hit 1700 fps from a 6 inch revolver. Here's a link:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=103

Has anyone ever shot this ammo? How was recoil, blast, and flash? Was the accuracy of it any good? Gimme all the juicy details!

Skadoosh · July 26, 2017, 02:57 PM

Buffalo Bore makes gooooood stuff. Even their 'standard' loads are quite stout. I carry Buffalo Bore ammo in my carry snubby exclusively.

mk70ss · July 26, 2017, 03:15 PM

When we trail ride in both black bear country and big cat country, I carry BB solids in both .357 or .45 Colt, depending which revolver I'm carrying. Both are very accurate and both are stout in the recoil department.

gnystrom · July 27, 2017, 09:38 AM

Hunting loads vastly differ from SD loads. BB makes both and depending on the intended usage you can't go wrong with their ammo. Black Hills ammo is another company that offers high quality specialty ammo.

As for your .327, Henry now makes a carbine chambered in that caliber. Fun stuff.

Siggy-06 · July 27, 2017, 10:03 AM

Buffalo Bore makes good ammo, but its a bit on the pricier side. I used Double Tap brand now.

TruthTellers · July 27, 2017, 11:58 PM

I know Buffalo Bore makes good ammo that costs money, but my question is about the specific load I put a link in the OP. I'd like to hear about that load, which is mind blowing considering it can hit 1700 fps from a 6 inch revolver.

KoRn.357 · July 28, 2017, 05:37 AM

Underwood also has a 125gr coming out at 1700fps and 802me. I have a couple hundred of them. They shoot well, and while you definitely know you're shooting hot ammo it's quite fun. I would think anything Buffalo bore loads that hot will be the same.

jmr40 · July 28, 2017, 06:24 AM

Considering the original 357 mag load was a 158 gr bullet at 1500 fps getting 1700 with a 125 gr bullet doesn't seem all that difficult. In fact some of my loading manuals show near 2000 fps possible from a 10" barrel.

I have 2 concerns. Most 125 gr bullets are designed to impact at "normal" speeds when fired from typical 3-4" barreled revolvers. That means around 1300 fps. I'd think that most 125 gr bullets impacting at 1700 fps or faster would likely blow up on the surface and get very little penetration. If that bullet is designed to impact at that speed then fine. If not then it would be a better option for longer distance shots where the speed has slowed down.

The 2nd concern is that the negatives out weigh the positives. Most 125 gr loads are advertised at 1500 fps from long barrels, but actually get closer to 1300 fps from real world guns. That load has proven to work about as well as anything. There is going to be a lot of recoil and blast for very little (if any) real world gain. Plus you'd have to lug around a 6" or longer barreled gun.

I can see a place for these hotter loads when coupled with heavier bullets and long barrels designed for hunters to shoot big game at relatively longer ranges than encountered in most SD situations.

Deaf Smith · July 28, 2017, 10:15 AM

Well the BB 125 gr looks like this:

3 inch S&W J frame

d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1476 fps

➤ 4 inch S&W L frame Mt. Gun

d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1603 fps

➤ 5 inch S&W model 27

d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1543 fps

➤ 18.5 inch Marlin 1894

d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 2298 fps---- Or this?!!!

I just wonder if at 1600 fps or more IMPACT velocity if the bullet will hold together.

Deaf

T. O'Heir · July 29, 2017, 12:00 PM

Really isn't anything one cannot load himself using H110, 296 or H4227. Those are mid range jacketed bullet hand gun loads according to Hodgdon. Not really convinced those 2100 plus Marlin loads are safe. Mind you, nobody would sell ammo that is not safe.

badge851 · July 29, 2017, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruthTellers

I'm not a huge .357 Magnum fan, I find the .327 to be more versatile, but I do like revolvers and rifles chambered for .357 because they can also shoot .38 Special and can be pretty effective out to 150 yards in a rifle and take bigger game than the .327 can.

If I had to conceal carry a revolver, I'd still take a .327 though.

BUT, Buffalo Bore makes a .357 load that on paper looks so powerful that I can't help but ask about it. It's the "Heavy 357 Magnum Ammo 125 gr. J.H.C." load that BB is saying can hit 1700 fps from a 6-inch revolver. Here's a link:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=103

Has anyone ever shot this ammo? How was recoil, blast, and flash? Was the accuracy of it any good? Gimme all the juicy details!

Here is the same loading from another manufacturer with the exact same ballistics that is 43.6% cheaper...

https://underwoodammo.com/shop/357-magnum-125-grain-bonded-jacketed-hollow-point/

TruthTellers · July 29, 2017, 06:54 PM

^ Thanks badge, not to mention they come in an appropriately sized box too.

**44 AMP** · August 1, 2017, 03:11 AM

The same bullet weight and speed may NOT be the same loading.

The pressure might be different.

You would think that X amount of pressure = x amount of velocity. It sounds reasonable, right? well, while its often the case, its not always the case.

Sometimes the pressure needed to reach a certain speed will be higher, or lower, it depends on a lot of variables.

TruthTellers · August 1, 2017, 05:03 PM

If Underwood says it's safe to shoot in any steel frame revolver, than that's good enough for me, especially in a Ruger GP100.

Buffalo Bore specifically states that they recommend that their 1700fps 125 grain load be shot only in a steel frame revolver, not because it's unsafe to shoot in an alloy revolver, but because those revolvers are so light that the bullets may jump crimp.

Onward Allusion · August 1, 2017, 09:53 PM

I've shot that load out of my 6" 608. Gotta keep in mind that this is one heavy gun at over 3 lbs. Perceived recoil was nil. Out of a 6" barrel, flash was minimal, even at an indoor range. The load is quite loud indoors, however.

Now...out of a 2" 617 . . . recoil still not bad at all. Flash and bang, however, rivals a 6" S&W 500.

Of course, none of that proves squat because I didn't chrono'd it.

Mort k · August 17, 2017, 09:39 AM

Any one know what year and model a S & W 38s Ser. number 978133 ?

Carne Frio · August 17, 2017, 10:26 AM

Welcome Mort; ask your question here:
https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=277680

July 26, 2017, 02:50 PM	#1
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	Tell me about this Buffalo Bore load I'm not a huge .357 Magnum fan, I find the .327 to be more versatile, but I do like revolvers and rifles chambered for .357 because they can also shoot .38 Special and can be pretty effective out to 150 yards in a rifle and take bigger game than the .327 can. If I had to conceal carry a revolver, I'd still take a .327 though. BUT, Buffalo Bore makes a .357 load that on paper looks so powerful that I can't help but ask about it. It's the "Heavy 357 Magnum Ammo 125 gr. J.H.C." load that BB is saying can hit 1700 fps from a 6 inch revolver. Here's a link: https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=103 Has anyone ever shot this ammo? How was recoil, blast, and flash? Was the accuracy of it any good? Gimme all the juicy details! __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

July 26, 2017, 02:57 PM	#2
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	Buffalo Bore makes gooooood stuff. Even their 'standard' loads are quite stout. I carry Buffalo Bore ammo in my carry snubby exclusively. __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired

July 26, 2017, 03:15 PM	#3
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	When we trail ride in both black bear country and big cat country, I carry BB solids in both .357 or .45 Colt, depending which revolver I'm carrying. Both are very accurate and both are stout in the recoil department. __________________ Say when.....

July 27, 2017, 10:03 AM	#5
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Buffalo Bore makes good ammo, but its a bit on the pricier side. I used Double Tap brand now. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

July 27, 2017, 11:58 PM	#6
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	I know Buffalo Bore makes good ammo that costs money, but my question is about the specific load I put a link in the OP. I'd like to hear about that load, which is mind blowing considering it can hit 1700 fps from a 6 inch revolver. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

July 27, 2017, 09:38 AM	#4
gnystrom Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 308	Hunting loads vastly differ from SD loads. BB makes both and depending on the intended usage you can't go wrong with their ammo. Black Hills ammo is another company that offers high quality specialty ammo. As for your .327, Henry now makes a carbine chambered in that caliber. Fun stuff.

July 28, 2017, 05:37 AM	#7
KoRn.357 Member Join Date: November 24, 2016 Posts: 20	Underwood also has a 125gr coming out at 1700fps and 802me. I have a couple hundred of them. They shoot well, and while you definitely know you're shooting hot ammo it's quite fun. I would think anything Buffalo bore loads that hot will be the same.

July 28, 2017, 06:24 AM	#8
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	Considering the original 357 mag load was a 158 gr bullet at 1500 fps getting 1700 with a 125 gr bullet doesn't seem all that difficult. In fact some of my loading manuals show near 2000 fps possible from a 10" barrel. I have 2 concerns. Most 125 gr bullets are designed to impact at "normal" speeds when fired from typical 3-4" barreled revolvers. That means around 1300 fps. I'd think that most 125 gr bullets impacting at 1700 fps or faster would likely blow up on the surface and get very little penetration. If that bullet is designed to impact at that speed then fine. If not then it would be a better option for longer distance shots where the speed has slowed down. The 2nd concern is that the negatives out weigh the positives. Most 125 gr loads are advertised at 1500 fps from long barrels, but actually get closer to 1300 fps from real world guns. That load has proven to work about as well as anything. There is going to be a lot of recoil and blast for very little (if any) real world gain. Plus you'd have to lug around a 6" or longer barreled gun. I can see a place for these hotter loads when coupled with heavier bullets and long barrels designed for hunters to shoot big game at relatively longer ranges than encountered in most SD situations. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

July 28, 2017, 10:15 AM	#9
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Well the BB 125 gr looks like this: 3 inch S&W J frame d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1476 fps ➤ 4 inch S&W L frame Mt. Gun d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1603 fps ➤ 5 inch S&W model 27 d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 1543 fps ➤ 18.5 inch Marlin 1894 d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 2298 fps---- Or this?!!! I just wonder if at 1600 fps or more IMPACT velocity if the bullet will hold together. Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

July 29, 2017, 12:00 PM	#10
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Really isn't anything one cannot load himself using H110, 296 or H4227. Those are mid range jacketed bullet hand gun loads according to Hodgdon. Not really convinced those 2100 plus Marlin loads are safe. Mind you, nobody would sell ammo that is not safe. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 29, 2017, 06:54 PM	#12
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	^ Thanks badge, not to mention they come in an appropriately sized box too. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 1, 2017, 03:11 AM	#13
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,833	The same bullet weight and speed may NOT be the same loading. The pressure might be different. You would think that X amount of pressure = x amount of velocity. It sounds reasonable, right? well, while its often the case, its not always the case. Sometimes the pressure needed to reach a certain speed will be higher, or lower, it depends on a lot of variables. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

August 1, 2017, 05:03 PM	#14
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	If Underwood says it's safe to shoot in any steel frame revolver, than that's good enough for me, especially in a Ruger GP100. Buffalo Bore specifically states that they recommend that their 1700fps 125 grain load be shot only in a steel frame revolver, not because it's unsafe to shoot in an alloy revolver, but because those revolvers are so light that the bullets may jump crimp. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

August 1, 2017, 09:53 PM	#15
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	I've shot that load out of my 6" 608. Gotta keep in mind that this is one heavy gun at over 3 lbs. Perceived recoil was nil. Out of a 6" barrel, flash was minimal, even at an indoor range. The load is quite loud indoors, however. Now...out of a 2" 617 . . . recoil still not bad at all. Flash and bang, however, rivals a 6" S&W 500. Of course, none of that proves squat because I didn't chrono'd it. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

August 17, 2017, 09:39 AM	#16
Mort k Junior Member Join Date: August 11, 2017 Posts: 1	Any one know what year and model a S & W 38s Ser. number 978133 ?

August 17, 2017, 10:26 AM	#17
Carne Frio Senior Member Join Date: August 28, 2008 Location: Near Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 829	Welcome Mort; ask your question here: https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=277680