Buffalo Bore .38 Special 158 gr Semiwadcutter Ammo Test

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.

VERY IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING AMMO TESTS ON THIS CHANNEL:

Early on, I used wetpack for ammo testing, with or without denim. Beginning in 2011 I use SIM-TEST calibrated to ballistic gel specs plus 4 layers of denim. The denim is an IWBA standard simulating the density of heavy clothing. Please understand that these techniques are merely representations to indicate possible ballistics; they are not intended to replicate real-world street results. Even by adding bone, additional clothing, etc., there are just too many factors involved in a self-defense scenario to offer a 100% degree of accuracy when compared to street results. It is essential to perform exhaustive research on your carry choice, which could yield actual use data. The law-abiding citizen bears ultimate responsibility for their ammunition choice and insuring reliability in their handgun.

CAMERA: Sony HDR-CX560, 60p, 28 mbps, 1920 x 1080 HD.
EDITING: Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10, MP4, 30p, 16 mbps.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Buffalo
• Bore
• semiwadcutter
• semi
• wadcutter
• soft
• lead
• bullet
• 38
• .38
• Special
• 158
• gr
• grain
• SWC
• HC
• hollow
• cavity
• penetration
• expansion
• ballistic
• ammo
• ammunition
• short
• barrel
• Smith
• Wesson
• 438
• snub
• snubby
• test
• review
• self
• defense
• defensive
• concealed
• carry
• handgun
• pistol
• automatic
• SIM-TEST
• gel
• gelatin
• denim
• HD
• high
• def
• definition
• 1920
• 1080
• firearm
• sports
• shoot
• shooting

[hammerogod]

All of us 'Snubby' shooters have worked hard to get our little short barreled handguns to hit what we are aiming at.

1500 practice rounds before I could consistently get 4-5 inch groups at distances beyond 20 yds...and I am a highly experienced shooter....'Snubbys' are just hard to master.

Shame that we can't find a larger variety of ammo that supports guns that average under 1000 fps.

Find me one and I will buy it by the case.

[tnoutdoors9]

@hammerogod

You just summarized the trade-off. Optimum concealment, tons of load options, but finding something that doesn't make the gun jump out of your hand while still providing desired ballistics.

[12799MaDeuce]

Velocity too low? Lead alloy too hard? Combo of both?

[tnoutdoors9]

@12799MaDeuce

Bullet design, its sole purpose is to penetrate. More velocity with harder lead alloy and this might have made it to the woods.

[sig0]

First, great video and we are grateful that you make these. That said, I cant comprehend testing this and not the 158 +p. Lot of demand to see that one.

[tnoutdoors9]

@sig0

The 158+P will get done sooner than later. I have a good local source for this ammo.

[sdvten]

Another standard pressure .38special round you may want to test out is the Federal Nyclad.

[thegangvault2]

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!

[corax2012]

@corax2012 Oh, that's out of a S&W Air Weight snubby ... +p rated.

[corax2012]

I use that BB round, but in a +p ... man does that have some snap. As my carry round, I don't worry about it being not up to the task.

[main095099]

most of the +p that ive encounterd was less than 158 grain/ typycaly 125 grain./ i had a hard time understanding that for a spell , but then it made sence to me ? / " LESS CAN BE MORE"

[papawx3]

Hope is not a strategy {Obama proved that}. I was surprised that the bullet did'nt expand more. Maybe BB does'nt use a soft enough lead? I have used this type round by Georgia Arms, and got similar results. Went back to tried and true "Green Box". I believe they use a softer lead which is crucial to expansion, even if the cavity gets plugged. I like Remington ammo, use the Golden Sabers too in my snubbie {S&W 642}. Remington lead can't be beat!

[EMTYREE]

PLEASE RETEST WITHOUT THE DENIM THANK YOU

[sig0]

@austin3161324 It doesn't look like he is going to do it. I've been checking in every week for 6 months to see if he fulfilled his promise on that.

[hogdoc357]

@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.

[hogdoc357]

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!

[bscottmitchellful]

Where is the +p version of this load????????