Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC – Reliable Low Flash Standard Pressure 20 Round Box

Description

Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC is Buffalo Bore item 3I, a standard pressure defensive load for the 45 Colt. It uses a 225 grain hard cast full wadcutter at about 1,050 fps with a low flash powder, and it comes in a 20 round box.

• Who Makes Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC
• Specifications and Performance
• Field Notes

Who Makes Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC

Buffalo Bore Ammunition, based in Montana, is known for heavy and specialised handgun loads. It publishes velocities from real production revolvers rather than laboratory test barrels, so the figures reflect what you can expect from your own gun.

The bullet is the story here. A full wadcutter has a flat face the full width of the bullet. Buffalo Bore explains that the flat nose crushes tissue as it passes through, rather than sliding through as a rounded nose can, and that this helps keep the bullet path straight and deep. Hard cast lead holds that shape because it does not deform at these speeds.

The company cites the experience of NYPD stakeout officer Jim Cirillo, who favoured wadcutters in his 38 Special revolvers, and it offers similar wadcutter loads in other calibers. Buffalo Bore expects about 24 inches of straight-line penetration from this 45 Colt ammo.

Specifications and Performance

Buffalo Bore lists Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC at 1,050 fps. Its own results include 1,057 fps from a Ruger Vaquero with a 5.5 inch barrel, 1,062 fps from a Freedom Arms Model 97 with a 5.25 inch barrel, 951 fps from a Smith and Wesson Mountain Gun with a 4 inch barrel and 850 fps from a 2 inch Taurus titanium revolver.

Because this load is not +P, Buffalo Bore says it is safe in any 45 Colt firearm. That matters, because many older and lighter 45 Colt revolvers cannot handle the heavy +P 45 Colt loads that are designed only for large-frame modern guns.

The flash suppressed powder is a practical touch for a defensive load. Muzzle flash from a short barrel in low light can leave you unable to see your target after the first shot, and Buffalo Bore uses flash suppressed powders across its defensive range for that reason.

• Product: Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC
• Manufacturer item number: 3I/20
• Cartridge: 45 Colt
• Bullet: 225 grain hard cast full wadcutter
• Velocity: about 1,050 fps (Buffalo Bore published)
• Pressure: standard, safe in all 45 Colt firearms per Buffalo Bore
• Powder: flash suppressed
• Quantity: 20 rounds per box
• UPC: 651815003283

Field Notes

Wadcutters have a sharp shoulder that can be slower to load from speed strips or loaders than round nose bullets. Practise reloading with this ammunition if you plan to carry it. In some lever action rifles and revolvers with tight chamber mouths, also check that the cartridges feed and chamber smoothly.

Hard cast bullets can lead the bore if they are fired fast or with an undersized bullet for your barrel. Inspect and clean your barrel after a range session. If accuracy drops off, check for leading in the first few inches of the bore.

For revolvers chambered in 45 Colt and 410 shotshell, wadcutters can be a useful defensive option, though rifled 410 barrels may not deliver ideal accuracy with any bullet. Test Buffalo Bore 45 Colt 225gr Hard Cast WC in your gun before relying on it.

Buyers must be at least 21 for handgun ammunition from a licensed dealer under federal law, and some states add extra rules. Store ammunition cool and dry.

Browse our full ammunition selection for other 45 Colt ammo, and see Buffalo Bore item 3I for full details.