Just saw this video for the 1st time even though it's (4) years/old . I'm impressed by these 110gr. loads , their penetration & expansion were "text book" . IMO it's definitely a "Carry" round to consider for those that prefer the lighter weight .38s' , Buffalo Bore delivers ! Great video & test , Gun Sam .
I think a lot more matters. With adrenalin going it would be difficult to do, that's why shooting center mass is trained as a whole. Also as a person carrying for self defense, shooting exactly in a way that a reasonable person would see as trying to kill, would not be good in a legal or civil case.
I like your videos, you shoot from realistic street defensive distances, is other videos out there shooting from unrealistic distances, except probably in home defense scenarios.
Just bought a S&W bodyguard and I know what I want. by way I’m 62 and have a very bad back. I am not ready to be a victim. Thank you for doing this. It makes you a valuable asset to your followers.
Thanks for watching. I'm only 40 but I have Spondylitis in my back and RA, so whatever rounds I test i'm going to be honest about the recoil even if i'm having a good day.
I just bought a Taurus protector poly 357, but I carry 38. I will definitely be using the standard round as my EDC round, thanks for the great videos and super info!! Your jug test ,I feel, are better rep then gel. Keep up the good work! Wheeeeeeeel Guns rule!
New carry round no doubt about it!! Thank you for making this video and thanks to the gentleman that donated it!! That is a very hot STD pressure load that is very close to 9mm
Hey: I just recently discovered your channel, and I have watched several of your videos. And, they are outstanding...well done. I have been researching 38 Special EDC ammo for my snub nose J Frame. I recall you recommending Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain +P for EDC. After watching this review of the BB Lead-Free standard pressure 38 Special ammo, I am curious as to which round you like better for EDC in a J Frame? Again, great videos.
Your videos about the best... either round is great ... I think everyone should realize +P if shot a great number of times will shorten the life of any gun. Seeing snubbies do not go to range a great deal... use the best ammo you can for self protection. Yet if you don't practice with a snubbie you can't hit a barn door unless two feet away. It's why I love my Ruger in 45 long colt/ .45acp moonclip revolver. Easy to shoot, in either. But alas too big for pocket.
I've shot nothing but +P in my alloy .38 and it's the same as day one, tens of thousands of rounds. Maybe you're right in something like 9mm pistols, but .38 Special+P is barely anything for pressure.
Yeah, it's too much shipping. However, most Buffalo Bore ammo is so well made that one box will end your search for the right carry load, so in a sense it's a good deal.
I bit the bullet no pun intended and purchased 2 boxes of the 125 grain 38 + p .... it has great ballistics from a 3 inch barrel it's just shy of 1200 fps ..
VERY impressive performance. Basically standard velocity full-sized 9mm auto performance (4-5 inch barrel auto) from a 1-7/8" snub-nose revolver. Excellent 38 Special ammo from Buffalo Bore.
Another great video thanks. You, Greg Newton and Paul Harrell are favorites. All of you provide useful information with out the condescending overtones. I'll check out this buffalo bore load, been carrying Hornady critical defense due to ease of reload from speed loaders because of bullet profile and these look similar.
I prefer standard 38 or +p rounds and carry the 357 load only during hiking or camping. I appreciate your good content. Excellent as always. I just love revolvers and wish I had more. Happy New Year.
Why the concern with the Ruger LCR .38 using these +p rounds? The way Ruger talks about them, you can pretty much shoot them without any worries. The Buffalo Bore .38 +p 158 gr lswchc could jump the crimp in a lighter revolver, though.
Whoopa! Thanks/Told ya! (and good to know/have evidence!) Flat tremendous! Happy New Year! The 140gn SCHP BuffBarnes do this next level stuff to/for .357 too...
I have a loose plan for sometime this year, hopefully sooner than later, to pick up a snubby .357 just to run tests on. Maybe a Taurus 605 or something like that. Will have to try the .357 Mag stuff in the 4" and snubby!
The thing I like about this ammo is that the pure copper is not going to creep out like the lead+P Buffalo Bore would, and the 110 gr also brings the felt recoil down over a heavier bullet. You would think that with these energy numbers, that the TAC-XP would be more "powerful" than the lead +P stuff as copper has more bore drag, so I was expecting more recoil than I got, but the recoil was much less than the Buffalo Bore 158 +P lead.
@@GunSam What the shooting community pines to see is the Gun Sam AF vid/discussion on HKS vs Safariland Comp Speedloaders. Thanks for the early upload! Again, Happy New Year! (and I got steaks to grill and Fireworks to pop for the in-laws and outlaws.) Best and have a blast/safe 2019!
@@ED-2.0.9. This week i'm going to try to think of how to test those ARX rounds. I usually like to do comparison formats, so maybe a comparison against something traditional? I have a lot of +P JHP's laying around.
It's been a long time since I watched my own video, so I can't confirm what I did or didn't say about SAAMI specs. But one thing is we have to keep in mind that SAAMI maxes out .38 Special at 17,000 PSI ands +P at 20,000 PSI, as where "standard pressure" European CIP specs have .38 Special at 21,700 PSI so there's a lot of room to work with. The biggest thing to remember is that even in SAAMI specs, the max pressure is rarely used in the actual ammo. You might have lead round nose loads around 12,000 PSI from the factory, and +P could be a load loaded to as low as 17,001 PSI. Getting a SAAMI +P load or CIP load within spec to the energy we see here is super easy, but people don't realize this as they assume factory ammo is all 20,000 PSI with the +P ammo they get, rather than know it's probably in the 17,000 PSI range. Buffalo Bore uses both off the shelf powders as well as blends, and they pressure test so whatever they make is safe to use, they just actually load their ammo the way off the shelf brands should, but never do. Think of loading 100,000 rounds in a day, Remington or Federal is going to save thousands of dollars by just using a 9mm powder charge in the .38 Special, leaving them at 12,000 PSI and being done.
My go to carry round for my SW 642 is Buffalo Bore 158gr swc HP short barrel low flash. All soft lead. I prefer penetration vs expansion. Great video! 🤠
Have you done any accuracy testing of the standard pressure from a snubby at closer range? This is a tempting round but I'd like to know what the POI is like at 7-15 yards
Outstanding! Thanks for this, I know those rounds aren't cheap! 38 special really is similar to 9mm in its capabilities. It's too bad most of the big brand ammo makers pud-load it down closer to 380 energy levels. Thank God for Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and the other "boutique" loaders!
Thanks!. Its definitely good ammo. I'm always ridiculed by people about my claims of the .38 Special's power, they just haven't a clue how good it can be.
looking at your vid on 1/1/2024. Just took my 65 yr old sis with hand strength issues shooting. With the current trend of micro high cap 9s, I'm seeing issues. Could rack the 380 ez, but the recoil is still unpleasant for her. Same with 43x. 9m ez she wasn't getting a good grip and it wouldn't fire.( no problems with the 380 ez??) 38+p in a s&w snubbie is also too much recoil. I'm curious about the 32/327 mag recoils and the 38special loads/ lite 38+p loads. Metal 380 wrapons? Metal back strap would increase felt recoil.380 ez in the new metal frame might be nice. or.. does anyone have any experience with the new Rugar 380 lite racking gun. I believe the grip and barrel are a little longer than most. I understand less wieght for ccw , but the easy rack guns are for those with limited hand strength and then are put in a very lite frame that increases recoil. Thank you for your most informative videos!
The copper bullet shape appears to the what Corbon used in their original DPX loads. They offered it in standard pressure and +P in the beginning, but later dropped the standard loading. They have since gone to a different, more rounded, bullet design. I have always found the original bullets with the slightly pointed nose worked great with speed loaders.
I ordered some Barnes TAX-XP 110 gr .357" bullets from Midway for low recoil *and* high energy testing. They come in boxes of 40. I ordered two boxes. I'll certainly be trying them out in both short and long colt brass. I have more confidence that a pure copper bullet can hold together at high velocity than a jacketed lead bullet. Mind you, I also think those things need the velocity to open reliably, so super soft shooting loads are probably only doable with Gold Dots or similar. However, getting these to fly at 1050 fps should be easy enough without blowing up a J-Frame.
I go with ball round because hollow point could get caught up in the clothing that's just my thought I use ball round in the winter and hollow point in warmer weather just my thoughts
That 38 buffalo bore is powerful man these type of video yeah it's good for people that don't think a 38 is not that powerful but proven fact it really is in that's why I watch your videos 💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫
.38 really does have every potential for energy and effectiveness as the 9mm, but to do it you need a good powder blend and usually more powder vs a 9mm.
These look like another great round ,I am still carrying the underwood 150 wad cutters ,I might get a box of the standard pressure ,do they feel like the hornady cd 110+p?
@@GunSam I picked up a box of the hst like 6 months ago and 2 of the rounds in the box had a burr under the rim and would not allow the cylinder to close ,always heard federal had great qc not so sure about that.
I still carry a revolver in duty which is a s&w model 686 with 4 inch barrel with 3 speed loaders on the belt. Here in 2020 I get a lot of looks and double takes but my 38 special +p+ 110 grainers will do the job.
GREAT Review. Honest comparison. Same bullet Standard vs +P & same barrel length. My 340PD, 442 & 49 (albeit steel, but older) are all loaded with the BB Standard Pressure 110 Barnes. My 640 (before 357) is loaded with the Corbon DPX 110 +P, from before they changed it. All fast. All clean. All penetrate. Last box of the Standard Pressure I bought, cost $40 for 20. But it's my life, right? Thanks again.
How is the recoil when using this standard pressure of this Buffalo Bore ammo in a snubnose? I was considering switching to it from the Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain standard pressure.
Had to come back and review these Tac-xp videos. Do you believe this 110gr load is still the most ideal 38 Special snub load? Penetration seems real consistent, bullet opens to .55" or so, recoil and flash isn't terrible... Seems Buffalo Bore and DoubleTap both load this 110gr Barnes bullet, also .357mag options.
Can you compare the 158 grain 38 +p buffalo bore to a .357 in a snub? I read on buffalo bore's website that the 158 grain +p delivers low end .357 ballistics
I was getting 1,000 FPS/350 ft lbs with that round in a snub nose revolver. Most of the .357 Magnum ammo I test in a snub nose revolver is either a 125 gr going 1,200 FPS/400 ft lbs or a 158 gr going 1,050 FPS/387 ft lbs. Those are just quick averages of about what I get with .357 Magnum.
My current .38 spl carry load for my snubbies is the Speer Gold Dot designed for short barreled revolvers, but after seeing this demo, I might be changing to the BB. Thanks.
@@rustyshackleford9604 My biggest thing is that some of my jeans have small pockets, so on those days the J-frame sticks out too much as where the LCP still fits in it fine. I used to carry a SP101, makes a great belt gun and made me feel invincible when I had .357's in it.
The only negative I can think of is that Buffalo Bore did not label the +P with a +P marking on the brass. It would have been nice, so I have to be careful not to mix them up.
any chance for a chronograph test on the monarch (ppu) 158 grain 38 special from academy also the geco 158 grain hollow point that is floating around would be awesome!!
The company says that they can be fired in any .38 Special revolver, but that's not to say they aren't a little hot. Buffalo Bore is a decent company, better than some of the small companies (and I have had issues with these other companies' ammo but not Buffalo Bore). Pressure itself really can't be judged by power I got because they use powder blends that others do not. I personally would not want to myself as they are not one of the top 5 name brand companies, however my gut feeling is it would be alright. If you want something _almost_ as powerful and decent performing in a standard pressure check out the Federal Hydrashok 110 gr low recoil round for .38 Special, it performed well and I was getting well over 900 fps in my J-frame.
@@GunSam Thanks for the information. I'll check into it. For some reason .38 SPL ammo, although plentiful, doesn't come in so many varieties here in Washington. Mostly lead round nose and FMJ in either 130 gr or 158 gr. I don't mind the heavier rounds but I fear over penetration. They have weight behind them and not enough speed, so they just go right through things. I did find some Critical Defense 110 gr and the lighter 90 gr ammo, but the price was ridiculous for the amount of rounds. I finally found semi wadcutters. $11.99 for 20 rounds. Keep up the great videos.
@@FireTrailPCT semi wadcutters are alright, hollow points are better. Just FMJ or LRN in 158 gr are historically not very effective for self defense, and I doubt there would be too much over-penetration as they are not very powerful. I did recently test all if the Critical Defense ammo in a video from both a 4" and 2" barrel, I tested the 90 gr, 110 and 110+P. They were all alright, but if it were me i'd not worry too much about cost as for a revolver you really don't need to fire any as you know they are going to be reliable.
I'll throw this out to you, see if you can get some Vihtavuori N350. Check loading data for Vihtavuori to see which one would best fit your projectiles. I have a feeling you might like it. Not inexpensive tho.
I'm sure that my local store would have it, as they have everything. The Power Pistol I have looks to be a little more powerful than it, but who knows it might be more consistent.
See if you think you want to try one. I will PayPal you the difference between titegroup as a donation to the channel. I'd love to see your results and thought on the Vihtavuori line. You pay for titegroup, I pay the rest! A challenge for Gun Sam.
@@JohnDoe-vq8bg I probably won't be reloading until next month or so, as I have other important things to take care of. Maybe the beginning of February, and my health is in order and my daughter's b-days are over, I might start to reload again. I usually have a period of spring preparation where I load up a few hundred rounds. I usually use Speer bullets, like any variety because my local store has them cheap, considering there's no shipping charge, I would say the the 125 gr TMJ bullets I get for $12.49 per 100 is as good of a deal as online lesser quality plated bullets.
Right now I've got an episode of rumatoid arthritis flare up and refraining from shooting. Got years of lumps to deal with. Happy birthday to the young ladies! I'll promptly PayPal any cash and make sure it doesn't cost you. Plus you'll have time to choose from their line for preference. I've got no problem so you walk in with the extra costs before you buy. And the real John Doe will stand up!
I just started putting a 357 Buffalo Bore round in my carry guns. Do you think that if used in a self defense situation that a Magnum round would be used against me in a court of law?
Personally I don't think any commercially available ammunition of normal caliber would be used against you if it was a clean shoot. Only when the legitimacy of the shoot comes into question is when prosecutors might try to put holes in your character by bringing up ammunition choices and stuff like that. 9mm/.357 mag/.38/.40/.45 etc etc are all very common. Now if you shot someone under questionable circumstances and you were using a .500 Magnum........
I totally agree with Sam on this, though I would add one more factor. If you use some sort of REALLY unconventional ammo, like a shotgun shell loaded with razor blades or some other weird stuff, this is likely to be used against you. Some experts on this subject have seen shooters come under scrutiny over handloads. I think that if some lawyer wants to try that it's only going to work (maybe) if you are loading that ammo super hot, such as beyond what commercially available ammo is capable of, then you could be scrutinized, but otherwise it would be easy enough to produce ammo, sold off the shelf, similar to what you used rendering it a moot point.
The standard pressure, Item 20G, seems like something that would be ideal for me. Sadly it is out of stock :-(. I have no idea if or when it will be back in stock. I never did get around to trying to load my own. I've got piles of unloaded bullets! LOL.
Wow! That stuff is amazing! I may have to rethink my preference for heavier bullets. The +P was absolutely in 9x19mm territory if you recall MAC's little test. You were into the 300+ ft-lbs range which is what I consider to be desirable for personal protection. I wonder what that would do out of a 3" 9x19mm barrel. So many 9s are in that length. The popular Glock 43 is a 3.3" barrel. The snubbie be running with the big dogs here! Connecting at 25 yards is also no mean feat. I really am that impressed.
What I have gotten from research over the years, is that in 3" 9mm pistols like the Glock 43, the Ruger LC9 and the like- on average with standard pressure 115 gr ammo such as the Critical Defense (which you get 1,150 fps/338 fpe in a 4") you will get about 1,080 fps/298 fpe, or about that range. So, the +P in the snubby is definitely in the range and above a 3" 9mm power.
@@GunSam I'm sure there is also hot 9mm ammo for 3" barrels. Of course you have to test that it feeds reliably, something you don't have to do with a revolver. You only need it to hit near point of aim and clearly your 342PD likes that ammo. Still down on round count, but is that really a compromise? If five for sure gets you through 95% of self defense scenarios (and you are unlikely to ever need to shoot someone in your lifetime), then the only other issue is reload speed. I'm sure there are drills to close the gap to being able to deal with nearly 100% of realistic situations. I know speed strips are slower than reloaders. But after watching Lionquest's latest video, I'm thinking of mastering those as they would have the same technique in either a five or six shot revolver and they are a lot flatter/easier to carry.
@@freedomfirst5420 MAC didn't even shoot .38 Spl or .357 Magnum ammo that was anywhere near the relative class of 9x19mm he shot. It was a rigged demo in favor of the 9mm. If you want to tout the advantages of 9mm, go with the real one. You can carry twice as many rounds in a similar sized gun to a J-Frame.
I'm not sure how Buffalo Bore does this sorta powder magic. I have some 38 S&W ammo from them. If you'r not familiar. 38 Smith is a LOT less powerful than 38 Special. Buffalo Bore has a 38 smith load that has a 125 gr bullet chugging along at 1024 fps. in my 4 in. Victory model. That's some voodoo right there considering that it doesn't have a +p rating! It's normally plodding along at around 600 fps. It doesn't kick and it's deadly accurate. It's also two bucks a round.
I have never fired them but am sort of aware they are less power/pressure than .38 Special and can sometimes fit and fire in a .38/.357 revolver if the chamber tolerance is big enough for that particular revolver.
Just saw this video for the 1st time even though it's (4) years/old . I'm impressed by these 110gr. loads , their penetration & expansion were "text book" . IMO it's definitely a "Carry" round to consider for those that prefer the lighter weight .38s' , Buffalo Bore delivers ! Great video & test , Gun Sam .
Aim for the face, nothing else matters.
I think a lot more matters. With adrenalin going it would be difficult to do, that's why shooting center mass is trained as a whole. Also as a person carrying for self defense, shooting exactly in a way that a reasonable person would see as trying to kill, would not be good in a legal or civil case.
@@GunSam Lol 🤗
May have found a winner. Standard pressure for a J frame S&W
I like your videos, you shoot from realistic street defensive distances, is other videos out there shooting from unrealistic distances, except probably in home defense scenarios.
I like your videos, the way you talk makes me feel like I know you personally.
I'm just a regular dude lol.
Ok!
great video as usual
Just bought a S&W bodyguard and I know what I want. by way I’m 62 and have a very bad back. I am not ready to be a victim. Thank you for doing this. It makes you a valuable asset to your followers.
Thanks for watching. I'm only 40 but I have Spondylitis in my back and RA, so whatever rounds I test i'm going to be honest about the recoil even if i'm having a good day.
I carry a Ruger LCR snub nose revolver with Buffalo Bore 158 grain semi wad cutter hollow point. The standard pressure does the job.
I just bought a Taurus protector poly 357, but I carry 38. I will definitely be using the standard round as my EDC round, thanks for the great videos and super info!! Your jug test ,I feel, are better rep then gel. Keep up the good work!
Wheeeeeeeel Guns rule!
Good stuff Sam. Looks like a winner.
Thank you.
Thanks again. Every time I have a knew question you have the answer I need. Thanks again.
New carry round no doubt about it!! Thank you for making this video and thanks to the gentleman that donated it!! That is a very hot STD pressure load that is very close to 9mm
Thank you. He was very generous and there are some more videos coming up with more great ammo he provided.
@@GunSam Happy New Year's bro!!🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
GS ,Great Job on this year's videos. Have a great New Year.
Thank you. Happy New Year!
Hey: I just recently discovered your channel, and I have watched several of your videos. And, they are outstanding...well done. I have been researching 38 Special EDC ammo for my snub nose J Frame. I recall you recommending Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain +P for EDC. After watching this review of the BB Lead-Free standard pressure 38 Special ammo, I am curious as to which round you like better for EDC in a J Frame? Again, great videos.
Your videos about the best... either round is great ... I think everyone should realize +P if shot a great number of times will shorten the life of any gun. Seeing snubbies do not go to range a great deal... use the best ammo you can for self protection. Yet if you don't practice with a snubbie you can't hit a barn door unless two feet away. It's why I love my Ruger in 45 long colt/ .45acp moonclip revolver. Easy to shoot, in either. But alas too big for pocket.
I've shot nothing but +P in my alloy .38 and it's the same as day one, tens of thousands of rounds. Maybe you're right in something like 9mm pistols, but .38 Special+P is barely anything for pressure.
@@GunSam Nice to know...thanks
Missed this one...wish we could get Buffalo Bore .38 Spl of any kind right now. Thanks sir.
The TAC-XP is not in stock but the 125 gr JHP is, and that was very comparable for power.
The standard pressure is definitely the way to go from your tests. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching.
Went to order some of this ...they want 30$ for shipping...the ammo was like 29$
Yeah, it's too much shipping. However, most Buffalo Bore ammo is so well made that one box will end your search for the right carry load, so in a sense it's a good deal.
I bit the bullet no pun intended and purchased 2 boxes of the 125 grain 38 + p .... it has great ballistics from a 3 inch barrel it's just shy of 1200 fps ..
VERY impressive performance. Basically standard velocity full-sized 9mm auto performance (4-5 inch barrel auto) from a 1-7/8" snub-nose revolver. Excellent 38 Special ammo from Buffalo Bore.
Yes. And it's performance is great as that pure copper is pretty hard and it's expansion is based on design so it expands too.
Good ammo.Thanks for the video.
thanks for watching
The +p was way more consistent in the snubby!!!
Another great video thanks. You, Greg Newton and Paul Harrell are favorites. All of you provide useful information with out the condescending overtones. I'll check out this buffalo bore load, been carrying Hornady critical defense due to ease of reload from speed loaders because of bullet profile and these look similar.
Thank you. I been carrying Critical Defense as well, I happen to have the TAC-XP+P in my snubby right now, but I may switch to the standard pressure.
I prefer standard 38 or +p rounds and carry the 357 load only during hiking or camping. I appreciate your good content. Excellent as always. I just love revolvers and wish I had more. Happy New Year.
Thank you, same to you...I want more revolvers too! I bought 3 semi auto's in 2018 and no revolvers :(
Buffalo Bore is very underrated, in my opinion. They make some of the best defense ammo on the market, no question about it.
Wanted to know about the buffalo bore standard pressure. Now I do! Great video, thanks!
great vids bro. great .38 option. I have the 342 myself.
Thank you. I been carrying the standard pressure for the past month, it is the highest power option for a J-frame with the lowest recoil.
Great test as usual Sam and may you and yours have a Happy New Year dude..........
Thank you, same to you.
Great video and informative,thanks!!
Thanks for watching.
Why the concern with the Ruger LCR .38 using these +p rounds? The way Ruger talks about them, you can pretty much shoot them without any worries. The Buffalo Bore .38 +p 158 gr lswchc could jump the crimp in a lighter revolver, though.
Great video, gotta get me some of this.
Thanks!
Whoopa! Thanks/Told ya! (and good to know/have evidence!) Flat tremendous! Happy New Year!
The 140gn SCHP BuffBarnes do this next level stuff to/for .357 too...
I have a loose plan for sometime this year, hopefully sooner than later, to pick up a snubby .357 just to run tests on. Maybe a Taurus 605 or something like that. Will have to try the .357 Mag stuff in the 4" and snubby!
The thing I like about this ammo is that the pure copper is not going to creep out like the lead+P Buffalo Bore would, and the 110 gr also brings the felt recoil down over a heavier bullet. You would think that with these energy numbers, that the TAC-XP would be more "powerful" than the lead +P stuff as copper has more bore drag, so I was expecting more recoil than I got, but the recoil was much less than the Buffalo Bore 158 +P lead.
@@GunSam What the shooting community pines to see is the Gun Sam AF vid/discussion on HKS vs Safariland Comp Speedloaders. Thanks for the early upload! Again, Happy New Year! (and I got steaks to grill and Fireworks to pop for the in-laws and outlaws.) Best and have a blast/safe 2019!
@@ED-2.0.9. This week i'm going to try to think of how to test those ARX rounds. I usually like to do comparison formats, so maybe a comparison against something traditional? I have a lot of +P JHP's laying around.
@@GunSam sounds like a plan! Be prepared to be surprised tho'
th-cam.com/video/dhmBP5NS12s/w-d-xo.html
Those Tac XP bullets do not need high velocity to perform perfectly in many calibers, Barnes loads them slow but they kick ass in gel...
That is some great performing standard pressure! Might have to order some for the my 357 lcr
The recoil was surprising like that of a standard pressure. But better performance than a lot of +P's.
Good shooting... Nice expansion on the standard pressure. Great info. Happy new year.
Thank you. Same to you.
Great video! I believe that'll be my new carry round for my .357.
I think these little things would work like gangbusters in 38 Long Colt brass.
in a .357 revolver, yes. In a .38 revolver you might lose your screws out of the aluminum!
@@GunSam That sounds like a great new expression. "You might lose your screws", or some variation of it. :)
Does anyone know how buffalo bore is able to get these velocities without going over Sammi spec? Do they have special powders developed?
It's been a long time since I watched my own video, so I can't confirm what I did or didn't say about SAAMI specs. But one thing is we have to keep in mind that SAAMI maxes out .38 Special at 17,000 PSI ands +P at 20,000 PSI, as where "standard pressure" European CIP specs have .38 Special at 21,700 PSI so there's a lot of room to work with. The biggest thing to remember is that even in SAAMI specs, the max pressure is rarely used in the actual ammo. You might have lead round nose loads around 12,000 PSI from the factory, and +P could be a load loaded to as low as 17,001 PSI. Getting a SAAMI +P load or CIP load within spec to the energy we see here is super easy, but people don't realize this as they assume factory ammo is all 20,000 PSI with the +P ammo they get, rather than know it's probably in the 17,000 PSI range. Buffalo Bore uses both off the shelf powders as well as blends, and they pressure test so whatever they make is safe to use, they just actually load their ammo the way off the shelf brands should, but never do. Think of loading 100,000 rounds in a day, Remington or Federal is going to save thousands of dollars by just using a 9mm powder charge in the .38 Special, leaving them at 12,000 PSI and being done.
@@GunSam that is a hell of an answer.
Awesome for standard pressure!!
Seems pretty good!
My go to carry round for my SW 642 is Buffalo Bore 158gr swc HP short barrel low flash. All soft lead. I prefer penetration vs expansion. Great video! 🤠
Have you done any accuracy testing of the standard pressure from a snubby at closer range? This is a tempting round but I'd like to know what the POI is like at 7-15 yards
Outstanding! Thanks for this, I know those rounds aren't cheap! 38 special really is similar to 9mm in its capabilities. It's too bad most of the big brand ammo makers pud-load it down closer to 380 energy levels. Thank God for Buffalo Bore, Underwood, and the other "boutique" loaders!
Thanks!. Its definitely good ammo. I'm always ridiculed by people about my claims of the .38 Special's power, they just haven't a clue how good it can be.
Great shooting! Really terrific video, I had to smile watching you laugh when you blow up the water jugs...be happy in your work!
Thank you.
Dang! Looks like Buffalo Bore is good stuff in general. Standard pressure seems the way to go for a light gun. Great video!
Thank you. It seems to be pretty good.
looking at your vid on 1/1/2024. Just took my 65 yr old sis with hand strength issues shooting. With the current trend of micro high cap 9s, I'm seeing issues. Could rack the 380 ez, but the recoil is still unpleasant for her. Same with 43x. 9m ez she wasn't getting a good grip and it wouldn't fire.( no problems with the 380 ez??) 38+p in a s&w snubbie is also too much recoil. I'm curious about the 32/327 mag recoils and the 38special loads/ lite 38+p loads. Metal 380 wrapons? Metal back strap would increase felt recoil.380 ez in the new metal frame might be nice. or.. does anyone have any experience with the new Rugar 380 lite racking gun. I believe the grip and barrel are a little longer than most. I understand less wieght for ccw , but the easy rack guns are for those with limited hand strength and then are put in a very lite frame that increases recoil. Thank you for your most informative videos!
The copper bullet shape appears to the what Corbon used in their original DPX loads. They offered it in standard pressure and +P in the beginning, but later dropped the standard loading. They have since gone to a different, more rounded, bullet design. I have always found the original bullets with the slightly pointed nose worked great with speed loaders.
+p & standard bullets go bang dont matter to me. More videos please. 🔫 👍
It looks like you're in the state of Maine!
@@zed9955 lol I know but it looks like Maine! I guess it looks like any State! Lol
I ordered some Barnes TAX-XP 110 gr .357" bullets from Midway for low recoil *and* high energy testing. They come in boxes of 40. I ordered two boxes. I'll certainly be trying them out in both short and long colt brass. I have more confidence that a pure copper bullet can hold together at high velocity than a jacketed lead bullet. Mind you, I also think those things need the velocity to open reliably, so super soft shooting loads are probably only doable with Gold Dots or similar. However, getting these to fly at 1050 fps should be easy enough without blowing up a J-Frame.
Also frustrating that Barnes' +P load data doesn't get close to the velocity as Buffalo's standard pressure loads...
Yes, powder blending/ selection is what sets BB apart, I suspect they use vihtavuori...
I think I'm gonna have to pick up some of that ammo. It looks like it would be ideal for an EDC handgun. Great video. 👍
Thanks!
Same here
What do you think would be the better home defense round?
I go with ball round because hollow point could get caught up in the clothing that's just my thought I use ball round in the winter and hollow point in warmer weather just my thoughts
I'm sold!👍
Don't see how they get such speed, from a 38 , comparing to other loads/Mfgr's. Gonna get me some.
They have the velocity that is easily obtainable from a .38 Special. The real question is why do so many manufactures' load theirs so low.
oooh, flowers!
That 38 buffalo bore is powerful man these type of video yeah it's good for people that don't think a 38 is not that powerful but proven fact it really is in that's why I watch your videos 💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫💯🔫
.38 really does have every potential for energy and effectiveness as the 9mm, but to do it you need a good powder blend and usually more powder vs a 9mm.
These look like another great round ,I am still carrying the underwood 150 wad cutters ,I might get a box of the standard pressure ,do they feel like the hornady cd 110+p?
Yeah i'd say recoil is similar, maybe a little less than the critical defense +P but close.
@@GunSam I picked up a box of the hst like 6 months ago and 2 of the rounds in the box had a burr under the rim and would not allow the cylinder to close ,always heard federal had great qc not so sure about that.
I still carry a revolver in duty which is a s&w model 686 with 4 inch barrel with 3 speed loaders on the belt.
Here in 2020 I get a lot of looks and double takes but my 38 special +p+ 110 grainers will do the job.
GREAT Review. Honest comparison. Same bullet Standard vs +P & same barrel length.
My 340PD, 442 & 49 (albeit steel, but older) are all loaded with the BB Standard Pressure 110 Barnes.
My 640 (before 357) is loaded with the Corbon DPX 110 +P, from before they changed it.
All fast. All clean. All penetrate. Last box of the Standard Pressure I bought, cost $40 for 20.
But it's my life, right?
Thanks again.
How is the recoil when using this standard pressure of this Buffalo Bore ammo in a snubnose? I was considering switching to it from the Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain standard pressure.
Thanks good Information
Had to come back and review these Tac-xp videos. Do you believe this 110gr load is still the most ideal 38 Special snub load? Penetration seems real consistent, bullet opens to .55" or so, recoil and flash isn't terrible...
Seems Buffalo Bore and DoubleTap both load this 110gr Barnes bullet, also .357mag options.
I gotta get me some of that stuff
Very nice video 38 special +p is close to 357 magnum.
Happy New Year!
Thank you.
Can you compare the 158 grain 38 +p buffalo bore to a .357 in a snub? I read on buffalo bore's website that the 158 grain +p delivers low end .357 ballistics
I was getting 1,000 FPS/350 ft lbs with that round in a snub nose revolver. Most of the .357 Magnum ammo I test in a snub nose revolver is either a 125 gr going 1,200 FPS/400 ft lbs or a 158 gr going 1,050 FPS/387 ft lbs. Those are just quick averages of about what I get with .357 Magnum.
My current .38 spl carry load for my snubbies is the Speer Gold Dot designed for short barreled revolvers, but after seeing this demo, I might be changing to the BB. Thanks.
I have used the Gold Dot 135 gr. Recoil was less than the Gold Dot with this standard pressure , and just a tad more than the Gold Dot with the +P.
Which gun do you carry most?
I would say I carry the snubby .38 70% of the time and the LCP .380 the other 25%, then my Security 9 9mm the other 5%.
@@GunSam that's similar to me i carry the ruger sp101 70-80% and the lcp the rest when i don't feel like carrying something heavy lol
@@rustyshackleford9604 My biggest thing is that some of my jeans have small pockets, so on those days the J-frame sticks out too much as where the LCP still fits in it fine. I used to carry a SP101, makes a great belt gun and made me feel invincible when I had .357's in it.
Thanks Sam. Definitely got my attention with these rounds. What's not to like?
The only negative I can think of is that Buffalo Bore did not label the +P with a +P marking on the brass. It would have been nice, so I have to be careful not to mix them up.
any chance for a chronograph test on the monarch (ppu) 158 grain 38 special from academy also the geco 158 grain hollow point that is floating around would be awesome!!
I will if I ever get any. I will keep it in mind.
Do you think the standard pressure Buffalo Bore is still safe for non plus P revolvers, like my older model 36.
Buffalo Bore claims that it is. They are not a SAAMI member though. I feel like it is safe, but I understand the hesitation to use it.
@@GunSam , Thank you.
Would you risk running the SP through a model 36 with a 1 7/8" barrel?
The company says that they can be fired in any .38 Special revolver, but that's not to say they aren't a little hot. Buffalo Bore is a decent company, better than some of the small companies (and I have had issues with these other companies' ammo but not Buffalo Bore). Pressure itself really can't be judged by power I got because they use powder blends that others do not. I personally would not want to myself as they are not one of the top 5 name brand companies, however my gut feeling is it would be alright. If you want something _almost_ as powerful and decent performing in a standard pressure check out the Federal Hydrashok 110 gr low recoil round for .38 Special, it performed well and I was getting well over 900 fps in my J-frame.
@@GunSam Thanks for the information. I'll check into it. For some reason .38 SPL ammo, although plentiful, doesn't come in so many varieties here in Washington. Mostly lead round nose and FMJ in either 130 gr or 158 gr. I don't mind the heavier rounds but I fear over penetration. They have weight behind them and not enough speed, so they just go right through things.
I did find some Critical Defense 110 gr and the lighter 90 gr ammo, but the price was ridiculous for the amount of rounds. I finally found semi wadcutters. $11.99 for 20 rounds.
Keep up the great videos.
@@FireTrailPCT semi wadcutters are alright, hollow points are better. Just FMJ or LRN in 158 gr are historically not very effective for self defense, and I doubt there would be too much over-penetration as they are not very powerful. I did recently test all if the Critical Defense ammo in a video from both a 4" and 2" barrel, I tested the 90 gr, 110 and 110+P. They were all alright, but if it were me i'd not worry too much about cost as for a revolver you really don't need to fire any as you know they are going to be reliable.
I'll throw this out to you, see if you can get some Vihtavuori N350. Check loading data for Vihtavuori to see which one would best fit your projectiles. I have a feeling you might like it. Not inexpensive tho.
I'm sure that my local store would have it, as they have everything. The Power Pistol I have looks to be a little more powerful than it, but who knows it might be more consistent.
#48 in this chart, a little slower than power pistol. Finland makes second to none.
www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/burn-rate-color.pdf
See if you think you want to try one. I will PayPal you the difference between titegroup as a donation to the channel. I'd love to see your results and thought on the Vihtavuori line. You pay for titegroup, I pay the rest! A challenge for Gun Sam.
@@JohnDoe-vq8bg I probably won't be reloading until next month or so, as I have other important things to take care of. Maybe the beginning of February, and my health is in order and my daughter's b-days are over, I might start to reload again. I usually have a period of spring preparation where I load up a few hundred rounds. I usually use Speer bullets, like any variety because my local store has them cheap, considering there's no shipping charge, I would say the the 125 gr TMJ bullets I get for $12.49 per 100 is as good of a deal as online lesser quality plated bullets.
Right now I've got an episode of rumatoid arthritis flare up and refraining from shooting. Got years of lumps to deal with. Happy birthday to the young ladies! I'll promptly PayPal any cash and make sure it doesn't cost you. Plus you'll have time to choose from their line for preference. I've got no problem so you walk in with the extra costs before you buy. And the real John Doe will stand up!
Good ammo!!
I just started putting a 357 Buffalo Bore round in my carry guns. Do you think that if used in a self defense situation that a Magnum round would be used against me in a court of law?
Personally I don't think any commercially available ammunition of normal caliber would be used against you if it was a clean shoot. Only when the legitimacy of the shoot comes into question is when prosecutors might try to put holes in your character by bringing up ammunition choices and stuff like that. 9mm/.357 mag/.38/.40/.45 etc etc are all very common. Now if you shot someone under questionable circumstances and you were using a .500 Magnum........
I totally agree with Sam on this, though I would add one more factor. If you use some sort of REALLY unconventional ammo, like a shotgun shell loaded with razor blades or some other weird stuff, this is likely to be used against you. Some experts on this subject have seen shooters come under scrutiny over handloads. I think that if some lawyer wants to try that it's only going to work (maybe) if you are loading that ammo super hot, such as beyond what commercially available ammo is capable of, then you could be scrutinized, but otherwise it would be easy enough to produce ammo, sold off the shelf, similar to what you used rendering it a moot point.
The standard pressure, Item 20G, seems like something that would be ideal for me. Sadly it is out of stock :-(. I have no idea if or when it will be back in stock. I never did get around to trying to load my own. I've got piles of unloaded bullets! LOL.
Wow! That stuff is amazing! I may have to rethink my preference for heavier bullets. The +P was absolutely in 9x19mm territory if you recall MAC's little test. You were into the 300+ ft-lbs range which is what I consider to be desirable for personal protection. I wonder what that would do out of a 3" 9x19mm barrel. So many 9s are in that length. The popular Glock 43 is a 3.3" barrel. The snubbie be running with the big dogs here! Connecting at 25 yards is also no mean feat. I really am that impressed.
What I have gotten from research over the years, is that in 3" 9mm pistols like the Glock 43, the Ruger LC9 and the like- on average with standard pressure 115 gr ammo such as the Critical Defense (which you get 1,150 fps/338 fpe in a 4") you will get about 1,080 fps/298 fpe, or about that range. So, the +P in the snubby is definitely in the range and above a 3" 9mm power.
@@GunSam I'm sure there is also hot 9mm ammo for 3" barrels. Of course you have to test that it feeds reliably, something you don't have to do with a revolver. You only need it to hit near point of aim and clearly your 342PD likes that ammo. Still down on round count, but is that really a compromise? If five for sure gets you through 95% of self defense scenarios (and you are unlikely to ever need to shoot someone in your lifetime), then the only other issue is reload speed. I'm sure there are drills to close the gap to being able to deal with nearly 100% of realistic situations.
I know speed strips are slower than reloaders. But after watching Lionquest's latest video, I'm thinking of mastering those as they would have the same technique in either a five or six shot revolver and they are a lot flatter/easier to carry.
Yeah, I'd neglected to mention, that was some impressivo Snubbie shooting!
Yeah, MAC didn't shoot Buffalo Bore ammo.
@@freedomfirst5420 MAC didn't even shoot .38 Spl or .357 Magnum ammo that was anywhere near the relative class of 9x19mm he shot. It was a rigged demo in favor of the 9mm. If you want to tout the advantages of 9mm, go with the real one. You can carry twice as many rounds in a similar sized gun to a J-Frame.
too much recoil from a snub in standard pressure. velocity isn't everything. control is.
The standard pressure had very little recoil.
@@GunSam didnt look like lititle recoil.
Great review btw. I have a 342 myself. Best EDC.
bUhH mAh 9mM!!!! 😹
I'm not sure how Buffalo Bore does this sorta powder magic. I have some 38 S&W ammo from them. If you'r not familiar. 38 Smith is a LOT less powerful than 38 Special. Buffalo Bore has a 38 smith load that has a 125 gr bullet chugging along at 1024 fps. in my 4 in. Victory model. That's some voodoo right there considering that it doesn't have a +p rating! It's normally plodding along at around 600 fps. It doesn't kick and it's deadly accurate. It's also two bucks a round.
I have never fired them but am sort of aware they are less power/pressure than .38 Special and can sometimes fit and fire in a .38/.357 revolver if the chamber tolerance is big enough for that particular revolver.