The Buffalo Bore .38 S&W 125gr Hard Cast FN Ammunition (Buffalo Bore item 20.5A), also called the .38 Colt New Police, is rated at 1,000 fps. Buffalo Bore built it to give the millions of small revolvers chambered for this cartridge a meaningful defensive load, using modern powders that stay within the SAAMI pressure limit of 13,000 CUP. The company says the hard cast flat nose bullet keeps its profile and crushes through tissue, with 22 to 30 inches of penetration expected.

Key Specifications

• The cartridge is .38 S&W, which the maker also lists as .38 Colt New Police.
• The bullet weighs 125 grains.
• The bullet is a hard cast flat nose (FN) that will not deform on impact.
• Rated muzzle velocity is 1,000 fps, which Buffalo Bore says is roughly 250 fps faster than other commercial ammunition of the same bullet weight it tested.
• Operating pressure stays within the SAAMI limit of 13,000 CUP.
• Buffalo Bore expects 22 to 30 inches of penetration in tissue, depending on clothing and bone.
• Each box holds 20 rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this load within SAAMI pressure limits? Yes. Buffalo Bore says it uses modern powders that remain within the SAAMI pressure limit of 13,000 CUP.

Why a hard cast flat nose bullet? Buffalo Bore says the bullet will not deform on impact and keeps its flat nose profile as it penetrates, crushing through tissue instead of slipping through it.

Should I use jacketed expanding ammunition in this cartridge? Buffalo Bore says that using jacketed expanding ammunition in this weak cartridge would be a mistake.

Buy the Buffalo Bore .38 S&W 125gr Hard Cast FN Ammunition, 20 Rounds

Owners of old .38 S&W revolvers can buy a defensive load built for them. Order it from Buffalo Bore’s selection of handgun ammunition at our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping.