Buffalo Bore is a quality ammunition boutique that designs several effect loads for both hunting and target shooting in a wide variety of calibers. This particular load is designed to be used as a defensive round for revolvers.
20 Rounds per box
Features and Specifications:
Manufacturer Number: 20.5A/20
Caliber: .38 Smith & Wesson
Bullet Type: Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN)
Bullet Weight: 125 Grains
Rounds: 20 per Box
Muzzle Velocity: 1050 fps
Bullet Diameter: .361
Muzzle Energy: 306 ft/lbs
Bullet Material: Lead
Casing: Brass
Reloadable
Uses: Personal Protection, Self Defense
Price is per 20 round box.
20 Rounds per box
Features and Specifications:
Manufacturer Number: 20.5A/20
Caliber: .38 Smith & Wesson
Bullet Type: Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN)
Bullet Weight: 125 Grains
Rounds: 20 per Box
Muzzle Velocity: 1050 fps
Bullet Diameter: .361
Muzzle Energy: 306 ft/lbs
Bullet Material: Lead
Casing: Brass
Reloadable
Uses: Personal Protection, Self Defense
Price is per 20 round box.
3rd range trip merits buying again: be wary on extraction
Went for a 3rd range trip with my son on his army holiday leave. We both continue to be impressed with Buffalo Bore results in a 1922 Police Positive with 4" barrel. See prior review below, which should read that BB's SWC bullet design mimics the original Colt NEW Police round. In anticipation of trip, gave the Colt an especial cleaning with the Hoppe' s 9 and brush. Still does not extract the Bore rounds after firing. But also tested recently purchased PRVI Partisan rounds which extract but lack same power of course. Buffalo remains the champ for power that did not hurt the firearm, while producing clean wadcutter holes in target. I limit use to 3-6 rounds per visit for cost and wear reasons, but it definitely makes the round a "contender." Shoots about 1" high at 7 yards (measured by bright red range markers). I am not a crack shot. Son is with his ATI .45 and Beretta M9 clone in 9mm so I'm trusting his results. A bigger, but still friendly-to-the-hand bang. Well worth the price. Now have compared to 4 other brands, which limit their power--for understandable reasons--in deference to more weak top breaks out there for which Buffalo's loading is not suited. As made clear on their own website. Pros: Accurate...just correct for 'bout 1" high @ 7yds
January 4, 2019
Good product, but something you should know...
First, a bit of background: used in a 1922 Colt Police Positive with a 4 inch barrel. Tested the ammunition (which comes well packaged in a plastic box with individual cells for each cartridge in a handy size box of 20). True to all claims, the ammunition did NOT harm my nearly 100 year old solid frame revolver. And it clearly is "hotter"than average. (I have previously shot Winchester 145 grain LRN, Fiochi 145 grain FMJ, and even Matts' boolits 200 grain.) This is shortest. And the flatter hard cast SMWC design is closest to the original Colt Official police round designed for this revolver if you research things. I have NO issue with Buffalo Gore's quality or value for the money and, in fact, bought a second box. Here's the only caveat for those planning to use in emergencies or stopping threats where you believe a quick extraction and reload would be necessary. The cases of Buffalo Bores (and Matts' 200 grain) "swell" (not bulge) ever so imperceptibly. Result is that, while they do not deform and would probably be suitable for reloading, they do NOT extract easily when the hand ejector is pressed. Instead, cases are best pushed out with thin screwdriver, punch, knitting needle, etc.... Easy to do, not especially time-consuming, but if you wanted speedloader results or depended on that, you would possibly have issues. Your "mileage may vary" from my two range experiences but you should definitely test, not just load and leave in a drawer. I have every faith this may perform near to 38 special specs as claimed in Buffalo Bore stats and believe this has high performance... Highest among all manufacturers. For lower "zip" but straightforward operation, its the Winchester. And for those seeking original 200 grain results from their Webleys and Enfield revolvers, Matts' may work, though the extraction issues of the Buffalo Bore are present. (Hoppe's used to clean without issue and a light dose of RemOil for the record.) I trust this review helps. Good Product BB! Pros: Closer to original Colt bullet design in Pol Spc Cons: Does not extract quickly when hand ejector pushd
October 12, 2018
Haven't fired them-bought
Haven't fired them-bought as a defensive round for my Enfield No. 2, Mk I*. If you haven't had HCFN rounds, they are un-jacketed, semi-wadcutter-looking rounds. Don't really care so long as they stop a threat. Note-box much bigger than expected. Tiny short little .38 S&W rounds were in packaging that would fit .45/70 rounds. Thought at first they'd sent the wrong ones.
September 2, 2016
Will this ammunition work with a Merlin Holbert manufactured by Hopkins and Allen around the mid 1880’s?
Answer:
While there is anecdotal reports of using .38 S&W in the Merwin & Hulbert .38 M&H pistols it should be noted that they are still different cartridges and issues doing so have been reported including damaging these rare collectors items. According to Buffalo Bore, this cartridge was made using modern smokeless powder to the upper range of SAAMI spec for the .38 S&W. For these reasons I would not recommend using this ammunition in a Merwin & Hulbert .38 M&H pistol. .38 M&H is an obsolete cartridge that was discontinued in the early 1900's. Your best bet is to find a custom ammo manufacturer/reloader who can craft the ammunition to the original specs.
Is this same as 38 special?
Answer:
No, this is a different cartridge and is not compatible with firearms chambered in 38 Special.
What ammo for colt 38 ?
Answer:
There is more than one kind of 38 ammunition. The cartridge your firearm is compatible with should be written on the side of the barrel. If you would like additional assistance you can reach our product techs Monday thru Friday from 8am to 5pm central time at 1-800-421-8047 or by using our live chat feature.
I have an older Iver Johnson 38 revolver, top break for cylinder access. Will this ammo work okay?
Answer:
Buffalo Bore does not recommend using this ammunition in S&W top break revolvers.