The Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman .38 Special +P 158gr Hard Cast Keith is a deep-penetrating revolver load sold 20 rounds to the box (Buffalo Bore part no. 20H20). Its 158-grain hard cast Keith bullet is rated at 1,250 fps and was designed for lightweight alloy .357 revolvers and any .38 Special revolver that needs a hard-hitting outdoor load. Buffalo Bore uses a flat-nosed hard cast bullet that the maker says will fully penetrate large animals such as gators and bears, even from 2-inch barrels. The powder is a flash retardant type, so low-light shooting does not blind the shooter. It fits a trail or camp revolver where a quiet pocket gun still needs real penetration.

Key Specifications

• Chambering is .38 Special +P, the designation the maker prints for this load.
• Bullet weight is 158 grains, the weight the maker lists for this load.
• The bullet is a hard cast Keith flat nose, which the maker pairs with enough velocity for full penetration from short barrels.
• Published velocity is 1,250 fps, a figure for the +P loading.
• The bullet is properly lubed hard cast, so the maker says it will not substantially lead the barrel.
• The powder is flash retardant, which keeps the shooter from being blinded in low light.
• Buffalo Bore lists real-revolver velocities such as 1,112 fps from a 3-inch Ruger SP101, which shows a snub-size barrel result.
• The maker also reports 1,255 fps from a 6-inch Ruger GP100, showing the longer-barrel result.
• Box quantity is 20 rounds, the count in each box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this load safe in a .357 Magnum revolver? Buffalo Bore says it is safe to shoot in all .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms of modern design in normal operating condition. Buffalo Bore’s product page also reminds buyers to make sure they use the correct ammunition in their gun.

Can I use it in a lightweight alloy revolver? The maker designed it for lightweight alloy .357 revolvers. In revolvers of around 11 to 12 ounces, it says the bullet will not jump crimp provided you do not subject an unfired round to more than 5 or 6 firings.

Will it lead my barrel? Buffalo Bore says the hard cast bullet is properly lubed and will not substantially lead the barrel, and that you should see no loss of accuracy over many cylinders of fire.

Buy the Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman .38 Special +P 158gr Hard Cast Keith, 20-Round Box

Outdoor revolver shooters often want a load that goes deep without the recoil of a full magnum, and this +P Keith bullet is aimed at exactly that. It works from alloy-frame carry guns and steel service revolvers alike. Order it from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop for fast, insured shipping, and check out our other handgun ammunition.