Description
Buffalo Bore engineered this load to bring serious terminal performance to the .44 Special platform. The 200 grain Barnes TAC-XP is a solid copper hollow-point bullet that delivers controlled expansion on impact while penetrating deeper than traditional lead-core ammunition of the same weight. You can expect roughly 16 to 18 inches of penetration, which matters when you're counting on reliable performance.
Barnes TAC-XP Design and Lead-Free Construction
The TAC-XP bullet excels in real-world conditions. All-copper construction means no lead contamination, which is useful for anyone shooting in ranges with environmental restrictions or simply preferring to reduce lead exposure. The large deep hollow cavity is engineered to expand reliably while the solid copper design prevents fragmentation, keeping the bullet together for maximum energy transfer.
Flash Management for Low-Light Situations
Buffalo Bore included flash retardant powder in this load because they understand where self-defense situations actually happen. Nearly all civilian defensive encounters occur in low light, when criminals are active. A minimized muzzle flash means you maintain your vision and tactical advantage if you need to take follow-up shots or assess the situation. This is a detail many ammo makers overlook.
Real-World Testing and Velocities
Buffalo Bore publishes velocities tested in actual consumer firearms, not laboratory barrels. This matters because the 1100 fps and 537 ft-lbs figures you get represent what happens in real revolvers in the real world. The company uses standard over-the-counter guns to verify every load specification, so you won't be disappointed by a gap between advertised and actual performance.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .44 S&W Special
- Bullet Type: Barnes TAC-XP Hollow Point
- Bullet Weight: 200 Grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1100 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 537 ft-lbs
- Case Material: Brass
- Primer Type: Large Pistol Boxer
- Lead-Free: Yes (All-Copper Bullet)
- Powder Type: Flash Retardant
- Penetration Depth: 16 to 18 inches in living tissue
- Manufacturer: Buffalo Bore Ammunition
- Model Number: 14D20
- UPC: 651815004464
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of .44 S&W Special ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this ammunition be fired safely in a .44 Magnum revolver?
Yes, this load is safe to use in .44 Magnum firearms. The .44 Special cartridge is smaller and operates at lower pressures than the .44 Magnum, so modern .44 Magnum revolvers handle it without any issues. Note that this ammunition should not be used in Charter Arms Bulldog models, which are specifically excluded from this load's design.
Why does Buffalo Bore use flash retardant powder in this load?
Most defensive encounters happen in low light conditions when criminals are active. Flash retardant powder minimizes muzzle flash so your eyes stay adjusted and you maintain your vision for follow-up shots or assessing the threat. It's a practical detail that makes a real difference when it matters.
How does the Barnes TAC-XP bullet compare to traditional lead hollow points?
The solid copper construction delivers deeper penetration than most lead-core bullets of the same weight while still expanding reliably on impact. You get the terminal performance benefits of the TAC-XP design plus the added advantage of being lead-free, which is important for ranges with environmental restrictions or anyone wanting to reduce lead exposure.
What kind of recoil can I expect from this ammunition?
The .44 Special is known for being more manageable than the .44 Magnum while still delivering serious stopping power. At 1100 fps with a 200 grain bullet, this Buffalo Bore load generates more velocity than many standard loads but the recoil characteristics remain approachable for most shooters, especially compared to magnum revolver cartridges.



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