Description
If you own a classic .38 S&W revolver, you've probably noticed that factory ammunition for this cartridge tends to be underwhelming. Buffalo Bore built this load specifically to change that. The 125 grain hard cast flat nose bullet is designed to maintain its shape on impact rather than deforming, which means it penetrates straight through tissue instead of tumbling or bouncing around. That flat nose profile crushes tissue as it goes, creating a permanent wound channel that's significantly more effective than the round nose ammunition most manufacturers still offer for this caliber.
What Makes This Load Different
The real advantage here is velocity. These rounds move roughly 250 feet per second faster than typical commercial .38 S&W ammunition, giving you ballistics that match or exceed standard .38 Special loads. That added speed comes from modern powder technology while still respecting the 13,000 CUP pressure limit designed for older firearms. From a 6-inch barrel, you're looking at around 1,030 fps, though velocity varies with barrel length.
Flash-Suppressed Powder for Low-Light Use
Buffalo Bore uses flash-suppressed powder in this load, which matters more than people realize. If you ever need to shoot in low light, the reduced muzzle flash means you won't blind yourself with your own gun fire. That's genuinely useful for both defensive situations and range shooting after dark.
Penetration and Real-World Performance
With this ammunition, expect 22 to 30 inches of penetration depending on what obstacles are in the way. The hard cast bullet won't expand but it won't clog either. The .30-inch flat nose creates a consistent wound channel from impact all the way through. This load respects the heritage of your revolver while giving it actual defensive capability.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .38 S&W (38 New Colt Police)
- Bullet Weight: 125 grains
- Bullet Type: Hard Cast Flat Nose
- Muzzle Velocity: 1050 fps (6" S&W Regulation Police)
- Muzzle Energy: 306 ft-lbs
- Pressure: 13,000 CUP
- Case Material: Brass
- Powder Type: Flash-Suppressed
- Rounds per Box: 20
- Penetration: 22-30 inches (estimated)
- Manufacturer Part Number: 205A20
- UPC: 651815020297
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of .38 S&W ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Buffalo Bore load safe to shoot in older .38 S&W revolvers?
Yes. These rounds stay within the 13,000 CUP pressure limit designed for solid frame revolvers, including vintage models. The ammunition is tested specifically for safety in classic firearms. Just make sure your revolver is in good mechanical condition before shooting anything more powerful than standard commercial loads.
How much faster is this ammunition compared to standard .38 S&W loads?
Buffalo Bore's hard cast rounds move roughly 250 fps faster than typical commercial .38 S&W ammunition. From a 6-inch barrel you'll get around 1,030 fps, which puts it in the same ballistic range as standard .38 Special ammunition but designed specifically for the smaller .38 S&W case.
Will this hard cast bullet deform on impact?
No. The bullet is designed to maintain its flat nose profile as it penetrates. This means it won't mushroom or change shape, but the flat nose itself creates consistent, straight-line penetration through tissue. That flat profile also resists clogging, unlike some hollow point designs.
What's the benefit of the flash-suppressed powder?
Flash-suppressed powder reduces muzzle flash, which is genuinely useful if you ever need to shoot in low-light conditions. It prevents the bright flash from temporarily blinding you with your own gunfire, whether you're shooting for defense or just practicing at dusk at the range.




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