Buffalo Bore .38 Special 158 gr Semiwadcutter Ammo Test
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- Simple penetration and expansion test of the Buffalo Bore .38 Special short barrel, 158 lead semiwadcutter, using a diluted form of SIM-TEST Ballistic Testing Media. This format is comparable to ballistic gel, and includes four layers of denim. Video includes brief overview of the cartridge, recoil shots, and one shot test. Post-shot evaluation shows bullet path through the block, average diameter, and retained weight. Test gun was a Smith & Wesson model 438, 1 7/8" barrel. Advertised muzzle velocity is 860 fps, my 5-shot average was 850 fps.
CAMERA: Sony HDR-CX560, 60p, 28 mbps, 1920 x 1080 HD.
EDITING: Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10, MP4, 30p, 16 mbps. - Спорт
This sold me. A lot of the comments complain about failure of the round to expand. Well, it didn't "mushroom" but it did expand in a good way. The commonly stated advantage to a wad cutter or semi wad cutter is that it reliably makes a cookie-cutter hole of at least .357" while a jacketed hollow point probably won't expand well from a snubbie and will cause less damage than a wad cutter. I was leery of the hollow point semi wad cutter for fear that it wouldn't expand and might push tissue aside more than a wad cutter. But the bullet in this test expanded to become a "cookie cutter" .413" in diameter! And 19" penetration through denim suggests this thing could hurt a pretty large perp. Wad cutters shoot frighteningly straight and everyone says semi wad cutters shoot just as straight. I think my search for carry ammo for my 642 is over.
I’m 9 yrs late in watching your video, but Thank you. I just decided this is the ammo I will carry in my Colt Cobra, 2 inch barrel, rated .38 Special + P
If anyone wondered, I got 1,002 FPS with the +P variant in my 1.875" J-Frame.
@Big Daddy You might be interested in the 180-grain lead, gas checked bullet. RCBS has that mould and I've always had great luck with it in both 4", 6" and 8" barrels (Dan Wesson and S&W 686)as well as my Marlin 1894CS carbine. Under 2 MOA at 100 yards with the carbine! Sub-MOA at 50 yards.
Bulls lo bore loads a 180 grain at like 1400 FPS magnum obviously. It’s a handful.... it kicked harder than some 158 sjhp@ 1570 FPS I shot after.... I wouldn’t shoot it in anything smaller than a L frame.
That is my normal carry load. NOT pleasant for plinking.
I got 1006 fps with my 1 7/8" J Frame. No joke!
That is fast. I like fast.
The Chicago Police Department issued a similar load for use in the Smith M36. It was a non +p, 158 grain, lead semiwadcutter hollowpoint round. I don't recall who made it, but r et reportedly it was a effective load.
As a disabled Vet, and 73 yoa, I don't get around as well as I used to, and I do carry at home and when shopping. For all my carry needs, I load my Taurus 605 with Buffalo Bore Heavy 38 +P 158 grain soft lead SWC w/gas check and they give me around 1000 fps out of my 2" bbl. It's true that a Taurus 605 is a .357 Mag revolver, but for serious social purposes, this load is all I need. I also have to think about noise abatement while carrying around the house, therefore the .38 Special +P, rather than a .357 load.
I firmly believe the 38 special (standard pressure) with 158gr bullet is plenty for self defense. Excellent knockdown power, good penetration and mild recoil. I love the 38 special.
Nelson
ruizhernandeztrust I wouldn’t want to get shot with one
Old school loads like this still viable round and +P is not even needed.
@@ratagris21 Paul Harrell did a test with these same rounds in his “38 special standard pressure part 3” video. They performed amazingly on his meat target
@@jacobg7966 yrs true I saw that video and loved to like your grandpa does with polo shirt and plaid jacket and backward draw and one handed forward shooting stance.
@Not4nought light recoil would be another perk for it 👍🏻
Fascinating video with good science as always. Even back in 2011, the basic fundamentals are under control. I have not found a bad Buffalo Bore round in any caliber so far. I tend to carry critical defense.
I use Buffalo Bore’s +P version of this load from several S&W (Models 27 and 627) five inch barrel and Ruger (SP-101 and GP-100) revolvers. It provides good velocity - with modest recoil - and excellent penetration. In addition, the gas check ensures no/very little leading, which makes cleanup easy. I’d like to offer two comments:
1. This is essentially the renowned “FBI Load” (the standard pressure version really isn’t). Decades ago, Special Agents were issued a 3.5 inch barrel “.38 on a .44 Special frame” revolvers, which were more-or-less an N Frame for .38 Specials (although not as durable or strong as Smith’s .357 “Registered Magnums” that evolved into the M-27). This revolver and round was designed to provide plenty of velocity, to have a somewhat greater sight radius than snubbies, to be quickly drawn, and to be robust and heavy enough to tame recoil while being extremely durable. This combination worked VERY well, although projectile design during that era was comparatively primitive and capacity was limited (but, quite likely more than sufficient for virtually all defensive scenarios).
2. Modern JHPs, of course, offer much improved expansion, however, SHOT PLACEMENT remains supreme. Should one opt to use this round (in either the +P or the standard pressure version) it will do its job if the marksman does his.
Pretty good synopsis but the FBI load came out in the late 70s to use in the k frame smith and wesson 3 inch 64 and 65...matter of fact was used by SA E. Morales to end the Dixie Highway shoot out...ie the Miami Platt Matix shootout...carried the +p 158 lead round for years....performed great....
Amazing! You actually got the published ballistics and in a snub nose revolver. That's rare. I read of so many accounts of substandard performance velocity- wise in firearms journals that it's refreshing to hear that for a change.
Thanks so much for this test. It's not what I expected based upon similar tests I helped conduct as a LEO (THP) in the 1980s using the original FBI load as provided by Winchester. Like your other subscribers I'm looking forward to seeing the same brand tested in +p and also 4 inch barrels. Just yesterday a fellow retired officer and I were talking about how popular the .38 special remains and in fact it's the first line of lethal defense for our families. Thanks again for your efforts.
Ok, I’m definitely ordering some of these for my Model 15-2.
I carry this stuff in my 442 every day. Love it.
I'm glad I bought this ammo. Thank you for the testing.
Thank you for your awsome ammo reviews, and this one is no exception. Keep up the good work.
Great videos, I love ballistic testing, will be doing some myself in the future. I must say Hickok45 and your videos are my favorites, keeps me entertained for hours, keep up the good work !!!!!!
Another great video with useful information. Keep up the good work!
You made an absolutely fantastic, scientific video. Thank you.
Miss your reviews guy!! They were always the best!!
Than you for these tests. I have seen this load advertised for years and passed it by as I have other choices too.
I love the fact it has a gas check. I have vivid memories of trying to get lead out of the barrel in the old days.
I have been waiting for this review. Thank you!
Impressive results...thanks again!
Ah.... just so refreshing to watch your videos. They are like Roman swords, short, sharp, and to the point. I'll probably never own a .38 much less carry one (9mm for me) but I love these videos!
excellent video. Looking forward to watching more
I really like the documentation of variables you are doing. It is good scientific methodology. If this keeps up in Ky, we have folks that are having to go to the emergency room from heat stroke this week from working outdoors. Roofers and pavers must be adapted somewhat. I would use the garage with cooler air too.
That is a wicked looking slug!
Looks like an excellent round. Hunting and selfdefence.
I carry this same bullet in Federal's version in 44 special, so this test was of much interest to me. Clearly the lack of expansion led to over penetration in this example. Had you fired a second shot into the gel without denim, I predict 11-12 inches of penetration with a nice mushroom.
@dphitch I agree with you! So many others are talking about over penetration, but considering the size of many perps and what can be hit inside the body, I like the penetration ability of this round.
This is my carry round in my Taurus
Me too!
Buy a smith and wesson gay
@@michaeloladepo I have many guns, including S&W , WTF does Gay have to do with it. Try and be an adult, I'm sure it's hard, but try.
@@nickcampanale9033 Agreed. Also, IMHO, Taurus actually makes better carry snubbies. Most small SWs are only 5 shot, while Taurus offers 6 and 7 shot. I really like my 856UL.
@@robertroosa285 smith will last
I have a colt .38 special & it will kill easy!! Law enforcement carried for years!! 🗽🦅
Another information filled great video!
The "deal" is that soft lead moves faster down the bore with the same amount of powder as a jacketed load. Less friction.
Gun Sam
Yes sir...winner winner chicken dinner. Finally a man who understands the facts.
Buffalo Bore also uses custom burn rate powders to get the most out of each cartridge while staying within pressure specs. That's what they say anyway. They do load them hot.
Wow another reloader/ caster
I just came here to say this but Sam beat me to it. Love your channel btw. Follow revolver aficionado if you enjoy wheel guns
But doesn't soft lead foul the barrel faster than a jacketed round??
I bought some for my pre-model snub M&P, based on this video.
I would rather load an effective round into my gun that I know will be safe to shoot if I need to protect my children than rely on the unverifiable personal dogma that surrounds shooting +P ammo in old S&W's found in abundance on the internet.
Until I can afford a +P or .357 snub (or find one, for that matter,) this less-than-ideal solution will do.
Thank you sir, keep up the videos. Very informative.
Looks like a really nice round. It reminds me of the Nyclads I used to carry. I prefer to err on the side of "too much" penetration.
Gonna try some of these in my wife's Rossi Model 68 (S&W Model 36 knockoff). Thanks for the vid and the info!
I had to use this round on a suspect in the early ‘80s and it works.
They're still viable rounds.
I got the +p swc-hp loaded in my 38 special. Nice stuff!
I sent in an inquiry with Federal to obtain the ballistics on these rounds in the Federal Premium +P 158gr. SWC-HP NYCLAD nylon coating variety (P38G) which you can still obtain online today for $44.98/50 Rds.. I bought 150 rounds this week delivered to my door for $150 TOTAL. 890 FPS and 270 FPE at the muzzle. From a 4 inch barrel. Down range ballistics is very good too. Speed and Energy are well maintained. 870 FPS and 265 FPE at 25 yards. 860 FPS and 260 FPE at 50 yards. Mid-range Trajectory is 0.3 at 25 yards. and 1.4 at 50 yards. I have a S&W model 10-5 Snub nose, and a S&W model 15-4 with 4 inch barrel. Anxious to go to the range and test these out.
these are semi-wadcuter-hollow cavity, or semiwadcutter hollow points.
thank you for the test, TN.
Cool test, hot weather!
Very nice test!
AWESOME! Lead goes faster than copper- weight for weight.
Those that cast their own know that a slightly lighter bullet with even softer lead will expand MUCH more than that one did. My Lyman devestators are 130g and cast of totally soft lead expand to .6"-.65" EVERY TIME (in wet media such as this.)--------- NONE THE LESS ----GREAT TEST AGAIN!
Thank you for this video, some of us have or will have in the near future a non+P rated 38 special, For ourselves or for the wife. This is looking promising
Sir, one other point, Many older revolvers are more accurate with 158 loads because the rate of twist in the barrel was designed for that bullet weight. So, my 1966 D S Special no longer shoots low.
i really enjoyed this video. a simple design and ( i supppose) cheap ammo NON +p can do a perfect job for self defense. impressive penetration and not bad expansion. regards from Spain.
Not cheap. Buffalo Bore is premium ammunition.
I've actually shot a few through pork rib. If you get a solid impact on bone it does flatten the bullet out a bit more, but it keeps on trucking after it hits it. Even moving relatively slow, that big heavy bullet has a lot of momentum and does a surprising amount of damage. I could easily put my index finger through the hole it blew in that rib.
I like the Idea of a WC round for self defense. I believe that Marsian Banaskers that break into my house at night or fall all over me on a gas station are not made of Pudding, they will have bones. Hit a bone and it will open up regardless and it will be a different ballgame.
But thanks for the test, for me very informative to know that Grandpas ammo still could play a roll in our time. All this fancy DWTREUIJPHSJ computer bullets do the same than Grandpas wadcutter. 19" is something to talk about.
Thanks again for your work.
Excellent display
The +P version of this load expanded when I tested it in gelatin: .38 spl gel test: Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP +P
Great video! Thanks!
The Classic "FBI Load". This is close to it and it does have a LOT of street credit. Many a bad guy is on the dark side of the grass because of it. However, the original recipe for a 158gr LSWCHP like this is intended to be cast of dead soft/pure lead and driven at +P velocitys. It needs that velocity to get the cavity to bloom and when they do, it is impressive, a large lead mushroom forms. I would not hesitate to carry this load in a little pocket .38 and the 3" 686 Plus on my night stand has a cylinder full of the Remington +P 158gr LSWCHP. Gotta have that velocity!
A lot of folks also used soft lead hollow base target wadcutters loaded backwards/ base forward for an ad-hoc hollow point. Also a nasty round but loaded to hot would blow them out and leave a cylinder of lead behind!
A nice hard cast solid with a wide meplat or a full wadcutter will do some serious damage plowing through a bad guy.
I love the FBI load
Problem solved
Copper gas check behind soft lead wad cutter LOAD HER HOT!
BUFFALO BORE does make a +P version of this round. It is has close has I have found to the old FBI/Treasury .38SPL Round.
This 'standard load' from the video is as powerful as original FBI loads. The question is whether the lead is the same. Supposedly it's soft lead. Buffalo Bore's +P version of this is more powerful than all of the other brand +P rounds, except Underwood, and far exceeds the original FBI load.
Another great vid. BB is interesting brand. Getting advertised velocity from a snubbie is a big surprise.
Good review thanks for your time.
Perfect performance IMO.
This seems like a great round.
If you take the lead wad cutter round and cut an X in the top and when it hits the target it splits up into 4 different pieces. Providing 4 different wound cavities. Ideal for stopping a threat using the .38 special round out of a snubbie.
i'm a legacy load old school gun fighter. bb is making me take notice. good field data
By the way tn , great presentation and vid.
My new load for the back 110, works wonders on critters!
Love it..... Nice vid!
Proof newer design isn't always better.
Good video. Probably would be a good round to use in my 357 mag.
You know when I need info on Ammo I go striaght to your Page. Thanks ✌
Thanks for the video.
I shoot an old 5-inch S&W 38 special that I inherited from my grandfather.
I prefer to use 158 grain flat-nose soft-lead standard pressure ammo.
The Buffalo Bore in your video would work for me except I cannot find it locally.
Will you please review the hornady critical defense .38 special +p I love your reviews, you're honestly the only guy who's test I trust, I go to you every time I buy ammo haha. Preferably from a 4 inch barrel but any would be really appreciated.
The Outpost armory is a couple miles from my house, so I've been there several times. Nice place ,but they seem really high on their firearms to me. Good prices on their reloading products though. Great video! Very well done as always.
Great video. This has always been the debate of this round vs. the 135 grain Speer GD Short Barrel round (The old FBI Load vs. the NYPD Load). It seems that the GD was a better performer in this case.
This standard pressure load outperforms all major factory plus p lhp loads. The plus p out of my Colt D frame clocked 1035 .
I have no doubt this round will be effective in a self defense situation. I want a projectile capable of crushing bones too and this bullet with its weight can do the job no problem. Too bad my local gun shop don't sell them. :(
Thanks for the test.
Incredible penetration on that 38 Special.
Sure am looking forward to seeing how the BB .380 does.
Not really. It didn't expand. Most .38 special or 9mm FMJ will penetrate to 18 inches if not farther (20 inches +).
Recently shot the Outdoorsman .38+p flat nose out my 442 airweight. It was a real BRUISER!😅😸
I miss these videos
good video i think i might try this ammo at the range and see if i like it then i will use it for my carry revolver
Nice review. This is a good round in my book. Personally, I'd like a little more bbl length w/this combo if it were me, but this round seems adequate either way.
Remington SWCHP +P has very soft lead and perform excellent in a snub nose revolver. The Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P is the best performing in .38 special.
Just purchased a box of this stuff. I'll take these results any day.
I just loaded a bunch of 38Spl using the Speer 168 SWC HP. It is soft lead. My ammo is 900 fps in a 4" and 800 in a 2".
Most of my revolvers are old ones. I have a couple Colt Detective Special's 1965 and 1974, Smith and Wesson model 36 and model 49 1958 and 1977 and a Ruger Speeds Six 1981. All of those are .38 specials except for the Speed Six which is a .357. I've run at least 5k rounds of +p ammo through all of them with no issue. The DS's and the Model 49 have and still handle them beautifully. Now, my Colt Cobra, Colt Agent and Smith Model 38 Airweight, I do not run +p through them but I carry them with +p. Thinking is if you're going to shoot them at the range use the standard stuff but carry the +p when carrying. If you can come across a Detective Special by Colt or a Model 49 or Model 36 by Smith for a great price, don't hesitate to get it. They can handle the +p with no issue. You can fire off a 20-25 round box at the range to get a feel for them and then carry it with them. Just practice with standard stuff as it'll get expensive if you're practicing with +p all of the time.
Just my $0.02
the original ds (first and second) they said was not +p rated but could take up to about 1000 rounds. The third and fourth Gen (shrouded barrel models) were recommended to be sent to colt for a check up and potentially a replacement frame. If you really fired that many +p your gun is ruined. Remember this it will fire while its still completely unsafe. Please send that in to c&s to get it fixed before some chap gets it and it finally blows up.
GhanTech Mobile Using +p ammo in a non+p gun is fine unless the gun is shit. Ammo made prior to the 1970s is on par with the +p of today. The SAAMI standard changed in the 70s.
So, no other "Chap" is going to get them as I don't sell my revolvers off. Secondly, I don't shoot tons of +p through any pre '72 model Colts at the range steadily just for function and feel. I shoot regular stuff. But I do carry +p in them for SD carry. My guns are fine not ruined I'm a revolver guy and I've seen trash revolvers with stretched frames or cracks in the cone. Tend to actually see that in Smiths more than anything. Colts issues usually have to do more with the cylinder timing getting out of whack than anything else.
I am looking forward to the +P version test. That is what I have loaded in my 642
Love the tests! You need to get/borrow as .357 so you can test BB's short barrel .357 loads.
Excellent test! Please consider doing an identical test with the Buffalo Bore Short Barrel Low Flash .38 special (non +P) 150 gr Hard Cast Wad Cutter. Thanks!
Nice test. I hope you test the +P version in the future.
I have had good luck with that BB ammo. Good video.
hi,do you think if this was a +p round,it would have opened up and dumped it's energy with less penetration? thanks
would love to see you test the +p version.
Great job - looks like an impressive round. I would trade some expansion for reliable penetration (12 inches or greater) any day.
Years ago, I used to put x-cuts in the tip of my carry 158gr. LSWHP +P. Got pretty good results. I know this is standard pressure, but I believe the lead might be softer. Would that help?
Good video
Nice stuff! Even today, quite pricey for lead.
Nice test results for this round. Impressive out of the little .38spl. If I had a .38 this would be high on the list or rounds I might use. I think a rib cage is going to effect the penetration on any bullet, so to me 12-18" of penetration in gel is a good thing. I really can't imagine this round going all the way through a human chest in any direction, once it hits the back side of the ribcage the energy loss by that time wouldn't allow total penetration.
Wouldn't matter if it did go out the back. It would leave a hell of a hole going out and cause more blood loss. A hollow point going all the way through you isn't going to stop you any less. It still did the same damage inside you either way.
This load performed excellent in my opinion. Drilling holes and takin souls!
Have me a Henry big boy All Weather repeating Rifle in .357 mag/.38 SPL.. I'll give a box of these bad boys a try. We do have Hornady .38 SPL 158 gr XTP that are pretty serious in a 20" barrel... I'm sure these will work. Thanks for sharing. Blue
Alot more lead to those semi wads than that I'm use to. Alot fuller than the ones I used back in the day.
Do the test with a bone/rib substitute and maybe a standard semi wad without the hollow point.
Just picked up a box of .357 heavy outdoorsman. 1400 fps with a 180 gr bullet? nuts. Would love to see what it does to some ballistic gel.
@tnoutdoors9 First off I want to say your videos are great and very educational, I am currently carrying the winchester pdx1 hollow points in my 38 S&W Body Guard, I saw how the bullets did not open up in both of your tests from your snub nose and was wondering which bullets you would recommend for carry. Thanks again for great videos
Buffalo Bore does not water down the +P ratings. They keep or load to the full potential of the .38 Special cartridge ( 22,000 psi max). Most all other factory ammo still use the 18,500 psi as max for +P cause of all the light weight revolvers.
Do you think it's a bad idea to use?
+nick podgorski Not in a all steel revolver and not regularly in a alloy frame. Life or death not practice use only.
I bought some to carry in my Taurus 85. All steel but it's a Taurus... Kind of nervous about shooting it lol. I just want to fire 5 or 10 then carry.
Taurus is a strong forged steel. no worries
+Wireman134 thanks for your input. Appreciate it.
I used this ammo in a .38 LCR and it kicks like hell.
Lol, that's why I posted above against people saying it is good for 'low recoil.' I don't know of any Buffalo Bore that is low recoil.
Very interesting test. 82 Degrees! where the crap you at? Alaska? lol
Once shooting jacketed hollow points in a 38 special, a jacket got stuck in my barrel, never really trusted jacketed hollow points since then, I mostly rely on wads.