I was wandering if anybody has tried Buffalo Bore's +P 38 Special Outdoorsman load. It is said to run a 158 grain hard cast Keith bullet at a average of 1250fps. I am curious if the ammo actually will come close to this stated velocity. If this load does then it would make for a dandy backpack round for my Colt Diamondback.

Can't provide the actual numbers without getting the book out.
But, know I'm getting more than that in a 6" K-38 and the same bullet. But, with recycled range lead material my castings weigh 147gr.
That's not a hard velocity to reach in a fair length barrel. Might not make it in a snubby.

Buffalo Bore ammo usually runs very close to their stated velocity. They are your guns and not mine, so its none of my business, but in my opinion, such 38/44 loads are too heavy for frequent use in K frame .38's or Colt Diamondbacks, and will likely cause premature wear with sustained use.

I would like to see the pressure figures on these loads. Don't know that I would want to shoot them in a lot of 38spl guns.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
I would like to see the pressure figures on these loads. Don't know that I would want to shoot them in a lot of 38spl guns.

Any K-frame S&W should handle those loads fins since K-frames were also chambered in 357 magnum.

I think I will give them a go. My Diamondback has a 4" barrel and packs well. These loads will not be regular fodder for the gun, but I will shoot them enough to get a feel for them and see where they print. This load will enable me to get this gun out more on the trail. Most of my backpacking takes place east of the Mississippi so this loading will work out real well for my purposes.
I was just wandering if anyone had any first hand experience with them as I do not own a chronograph.
Thanks for the replies.

quote:

I was just wandering if anyone had any first hand experience with them as I do not own a chronograph.

I always wonder why some one who is interested in firearms doesn't own a chronograph.

You can buy one for around 85 dollars the price of 58, 38/44 rounds of buffalo ammo.

Just wondering chronographs are fairly inexpensive today.

Well sir part of the problem is I have owned two chronos (Chrono and a Competition). The Chrono crapped completely out after a few years use (no it wasn't shot) and another one kept toasting a condensers.
I would entertain purchasing another one and wouldn't mind spending more for one just don't want to end up wasting money on something that won't last.

I'm not recommending this but IMO it is safe to load and fire in modern revolvers. 158 gr LEAD SWC over 8 gr SR4756 should give you around 1250 in a 6 inch barrel, 4 inch should be slightly less (over 1225). Use at your own risk and I'd work up to it. As mentioned, a chrono would be helpful.