Buffalo Bore .38's--UPDATED!!!!

[Mohawk]

  Picked up a couple of boxes for small game, maybe close range deer. They are the .38 SWC-lead hollow point-non+P. They rate at around 950fps out of a 4" barrel. Just curious if anyone has used them in a fixed sighted revolver such as a S&W model 10. I'm guessing they'll shoot a little low due to the higher velocity since fix sighted 4 inchers are usually regulated to the 158 gr. 755fps standard .38.. I've used the old 158gr SWCHP +P for years but the buffalo's are a bit faster with less pressure.

  Anyone used these?

[Dee]

NOPE! But the FBI used the 158 grain lead SWCHP all the way into the eighties as a carry round in their model 10s. I would not feel unarmed at all with such a load, and a deer rib as you already know MOHAWK, ain't that hard to get thru. Let me know how they worked.

[Mohawk]

  Will do Dee. I have used the Remington FBI version on a deer caught in a fence back in '92 when we hunted near Sonora, Tx. From about 2 feet away behind the shoulder, broadside angle, it did fine. Exited too. It was the only shot we had that was vital since the deer was very scared and no chance of putting one in the head. Died pretty quick.

[Mohawk]

Just got back from the ranch and did some range testing with the .38 Spl Buffalo Bore SWC-HP (standard pressure).

GREAT STUFF!!!! It shot nearly point of aim, maybe closer to on top of the front sight of my S&W Model 10 4". Very accurate! Recoil was nothing worse than a standard .38 round. And they are rated between 950-970fps. BB did a great job of increasing velocity without having to resort to +P pressures. I see these being close range deer getters.

[Badnews Bob]

Thanks for the report, Although I can't say I'd recommened a .38 for deer hunting I do believe they would get the job done just fine.

My .38s are crazy accurate and out to 40 yards You put one where it needs to be and its backstrap for breakfast.

That being said I almost always carry a .357mag, A 6" .357 is my favorite sidearm.  I am gonna hunt with a .357 maximum this year, I hope I can entertain everyone with a story about that this fall.

Good luck with your .38.

[Mohawk]

  Actually turned down a .357 Max several months ago and wish I hadn't. I was worried about ammo availability. The .38 does ok for small central Texas whitetails. 80 lb hoof weight is average. Wouldn't use if for bigger deer or mulies, but standard .38's have never let me down yet with around 5 deer killed with it. Just was looking for a good expanding, penetrating load that wouldn't beat the tar out of my guns. And keep in mind that my shots are under 15 yds, 10 yds is normal.  The Rem 110gr SJHP's are ok(with double lung hit), the standard LRN do fine(with double lung hit), but wanted a good all-around field load. That's the only loads I've ever taken whitetails with except the one tied up in a fence metioned above that was with the old FBI load. Tried to get some Ultramax 158gr. SWC's but they were back ordered. I'll see how the Buffalo Bore does this fall, November 7th to be exact.

[billy_56081]

Have you Chono'd any of the B Bore loads?

The only 38 I have is a 58 rem copy with a conversion cylinder. It is my favorite handgun.

[Mohawk]

Have you Chono'd any of the B Bore loads?

The only 38 I have is a 58 rem copy with a conversion cylinder. It is my favorite handgun.

  Sure haven't. I am going by the fps numbers that BB has on their website. They have been in business long enough and have a good following so I trust it, at least as I trust Remington, Win, Fed. Would love to chrono them though. If you figure the recoil, velocity, bullet weight, etc they hit about where I thought they would. I know loads from the big manufacturers were always loaded conservatively. The +P loadings may not be loaded to actual +P pressures, so I have heard. That would be an interesting thread, considering increased pressure does not always mean increased velocity. Don't know how all that works, but I have heard you can push a lead bullet faster at the same pressure than you can a jacketed bullet. Again, don't know since I don't reload or create loads etc. Fiocchi currently advertises a FMJ .38 158gr at 950fps, yet Remington +P 158gr lead is only 890fps. Can anyone explain?

[billy_56081]

I was looking at the midway sight, looks like the 158 lead is rated at 854 fps for non plus p and 1000 fps for +p. Now both look like some pretty good loadings.

[Mohawk]

I was looking at the midway sight, looks like the 158 lead is rated at 854 fps for non plus p and 1000 fps for +p. Now both look like some pretty good loadings.

Yes, but BB rates their velocity out of 2" barrels. If you go to their site they give a good break down of barrel length and load. Here is the link. The 4" barrel is rated at like 979fps.


http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=110

[billy_56081]

Cool that is a nice load then.

[Mohawk]

Cool that is a nice load then.

 Definately, Billy. Seen a lot of things killed, and seen a lot of nasty wounds, with the Remington 158gr LHP +P clocked at 890fps so it will be interesting to see these things in action on a central Texas whitetail. About a .65" hole through both lungs should do nicely.