Description
Buffalo Bore's 3A20 Outdoorsman load represents the kind of ammunition that separates casual target rounds from serious fieldwork. This is a 325-grain hard cast lead flat-nose bullet at +P pressure, which means it's built for revolvers designed to handle the extra power. At 1325 fps and 1267 ft-lbs of energy, you're working with ballistics that punch way above the standard .45 Colt category.
The penetration advantage of Buffalo Bore's 3A20 design
Flat-nose bullets work differently than rounded or hollow-point designs. The wide, flat face crushes tissue as it travels through, and the hard cast construction means the bullet won't deform on impact. That straight nose profile keeps the bullet path true and deep. Field testing has shown this load outpenetrates comparable offerings, including some full-bore magnum rounds. If you're hunting or need a defensive load for backcountry work where you might face heavy game or large animals, penetration depth matters more than expansion.
Built for modern wheelguns
These rounds are specifically designed for modern, strong-frame revolvers like Ruger Redhawks, Freedom Arms, and larger-frame platforms. The recoil is substantial, a long heavy push rather than a sharp snap. This isn't casual practice ammo, and experienced users will tell you to expect a meaningful kick when you pull the trigger. The real-world testing Buffalo Bore does comes from actual firearms, not lab test barrels, so you're looking at performance that's grounded in how the round shoots in your gun.
From Montana to your range
Buffalo Bore manufactures their ammunition in Montana using quality brass cases and premium components. The consistency of these rounds comes from attention to load development and field-proven results. For hunters, this load works on everything from whitetail deer through elk. For anyone needing serious backcountry protection, this is the kind of ammunition that gets the job done.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .45 Colt (Long Colt)
- Pressure Rating: +P
- Bullet Weight: 325 grains
- Bullet Type: Lead Flat Nose (LFN)
- Bullet Construction: Hard Cast
- Muzzle Velocity: 1325 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1267 ft-lbs
- Case Type: Brass
- Reloadable: Yes
- Rounds per Box: 20
- Manufacturer Part Number: 3A20
- UPC: 651815003214
- Manufacturer: Buffalo Bore Ammunition
- Made in: Montana
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of .45 Colt +P ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Buffalo Bore 3A20 ammunition work in my .45 Colt revolver?
This load is designed specifically for modern, strong-frame revolvers. It will NOT work safely in vintage single-action revolvers like the New Model Vaquero (small frame) or older firearms. Make sure your revolver is a large-frame model designed to handle +P pressure. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer of your revolver to confirm it can safely handle +P loads at these pressure levels.
Why is the recoil on the 3A20 so noticeable compared to standard .45 Colt ammo?
The 325-grain bullet at +P pressure generates significantly more power than standard-pressure .45 Colt rounds. You're looking at 1325 fps and 1267 ft-lbs of energy, which creates a long, heavy push rather than a sharp jolt. This is working ammunition, not range plinking ammo, so felt recoil is part of the package when you're loading this much performance into the .45 Colt cartridge.
What makes the flat-nose bullet design better for hunting?
The wide, flat face of the bullet crushes tissue as it passes through, and the hard cast lead won't deform on bone or impact. This keeps the bullet path straight and true, allowing for deep, consistent penetration. That's why this design works well on large game from whitetail to elk, where you need reliable penetration to reach vital organs reliably.
Can I reload the brass from Buffalo Bore 3A20 ammunition?
Yes, the cases are reloadable brass. Just make sure you're loading for +P pressure and working with the same specifications. If you're new to reloading, consult a reliable .45 Colt reloading manual that covers +P loads specifically, since standard pressure loads will not deliver the performance this ammunition is designed to provide.





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