Buffalo Bore Ammunition: The Ultimate .44 Special Heavy 180 gr JHP for Uncompromised Personal Defense

When the stakes are highest, choosing the right ammunition is paramount. For discerning individuals seeking unparalleled performance from their .44 S&W Special firearms, the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 14A20 Heavy 44 S&W Spl 180 gr Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) stands as a definitive choice. Engineered for serious applications, this "Heavy" series load from Buffalo Bore is designed to deliver decisive stopping power and deep, reliable penetration, ensuring maximum effectiveness in critical situations.

This specialized ammunition answers the pressing question for many firearm owners: "What is the best .44 Special ammunition for self-defense or animal defense?" It's crafted to provide a superior ballistic profile that translates directly into reliable terminal performance, whether for personal protection, home defense, or as a potent backup round in the wilderness. The meticulous design focuses on delivering high energy and controlled expansion, vital characteristics for any defensive cartridge.

Unpacking the Power: Key Features for Optimal Performance

The Buffalo Bore 14A20 isn't just another .44 Special round; it's a meticulously engineered cartridge built for serious intent. Understanding its core features reveals why it's a trusted option for those who demand the best from their defensive ammunition.

• 180 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) Bullet: The heart of this round is its 180-grain JHP projectile. Unlike traditional lead-core bullets, this particular JHP utilizes a "Barnes X type" design. What does this mean for performance?
  • Monolithic Construction: Barnes X type bullets are typically constructed from a single piece of copper, ensuring superior structural integrity. This robust design virtually eliminates bullet fragmentation, leading to exceptional weight retention upon impact. Why is weight retention crucial? It directly contributes to deeper penetration, allowing the bullet to reach vital organs and inflict maximum damage, even through tough barriers like heavy clothing or bone.
  • Consistent Expansion: The JHP design is engineered for rapid and consistent expansion upon striking soft tissue. This expansion creates a larger wound channel, maximizing energy transfer and incapacitating potential. The Barnes X type takes this a step further, often featuring petals that peel back in a controlled manner, enhancing tissue disruption without sacrificing penetration.
  • Deep Penetration: While many expanding bullets prioritize expansion over penetration, the Barnes X type bullet excels at both. It’s specifically designed to penetrate more deeply than most expanding lead-core bullets of similar weight. This characteristic is critical for defense against larger threats or in situations where overcoming intermediate barriers might be necessary. It ensures that the bullet reaches its target effectively, even if encountering obstacles.
• Optimized Muzzle Velocity and Energy: With a blistering muzzle velocity of 1150 feet per second (fps) and a formidable muzzle energy of 543 foot-pounds (ft lbs), this "Heavy" .44 Special load significantly surpasses the performance of standard .44 Special ammunition. These ballistic figures are not just numbers; they represent the raw power delivered to the target.
  • Velocity: Higher velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory over shorter defensive distances, making the round more accurate. More importantly, it directly influences the energy transferred to the target.
  • Energy: Muzzle energy is a key indicator of a round's stopping power. 543 ft lbs is substantial for a .44 Special cartridge, placing it firmly in the effective range for personal defense and even some light hunting applications where regulations permit. This energy ensures that the bullet delivers a powerful hydraulic shock and causes significant tissue damage.
• Premium Brass Casing: Each round features a high-quality brass casing. Brass is the industry standard for reliable ammunition due to its durability, excellent sealing properties, and resistance to corrosion. For those who handload, these brass casings are also highly sought after for their reusability, offering an economical benefit without compromising on performance or safety.
• "Strictly Business" Series Reliability: The "Strictly Business" series from Buffalo Bore underscores the company's commitment to serious defensive loads. This isn't plinking ammunition; it's engineered for reliability under duress, consistent performance, and the confidence that comes with knowing your ammunition will perform as expected when it matters most.

Compatibility and Safety: Answering Your Firearm Questions

A common question among firearm enthusiasts is, "Is this ammunition safe for my particular handgun or rifle?" Buffalo Bore Ammunition is renowned for producing powerful loads, and specific compatibility details are crucial for safe operation.

• Designed for All .44 S&W Special Handguns and Rifles (with one exception): The Buffalo Bore 14A20 "Heavy" .44 Special load is safe and effective for use in virtually all firearms chambered for .44 S&W Special. This broad compatibility means that owners of classic revolvers, modern revolvers, or even certain pistol-caliber carbines chambered in .44 Special can confidently utilize this potent ammunition.
• The Charter Arms Bull Dog Exception: It is explicitly stated that this ammunition should not be used in the Charter Arms Bull Dog. Why the exclusion? The Charter Arms Bull Dog, while a popular and compact .44 Special revolver, is known for its lighter frame construction. The "Heavy" designation of this Buffalo Bore load indicates higher pressures and energies than standard .44 Special rounds. Using such high-performance ammunition in a firearm not designed to withstand those pressures could lead to excessive wear, damage to the firearm, or, in extreme cases, even personal injury. Always adhere to manufacturer recommendations for ammunition use.
• Safe for All .44 Magnum Chambered Firearms: A significant advantage for owners of .44 Magnum firearms is the ability to safely and effectively use this .44 Special ammunition. .44 Magnum chambers are designed to safely accommodate the shorter .44 Special cartridge. This provides versatility, allowing .44 Magnum users to practice with a lower recoil round or carry a powerful, yet slightly less forceful, defensive option without compromising safety or reliability. This is particularly useful for those who might find .44 Magnum full-power loads excessive for certain defensive scenarios but still desire substantial stopping power.

Real-World Applications: Where Does This Ammunition Excel?

The Buffalo Bore 14A20 "Heavy" .44 S&W Spl 180 gr JHP is an ideal choice for several critical applications where reliability and terminal performance are non-negotiable.

• Home Defense: For home defense scenarios, the ability of this JHP to expand reliably and penetrate deeply through typical barriers (like drywall, clothing, or light furniture) while minimizing the risk of over-penetration in residential settings is a significant advantage. Its substantial energy transfer ensures that threats are neutralized swiftly and effectively.
• Personal Protection/Concealed Carry: For those who carry a .44 Special revolver for personal protection, this ammunition offers a potent and dependable option. Its compact nature, combined with the power of the 180-grain JHP, provides a significant deterrent and effective defensive capability.
• Backwoods/Wilderness Defense: While not a dedicated bear load, the Buffalo Bore "Heavy" .44 Special offers a robust defense against various two-legged and potentially lighter four-legged threats in outdoor environments. Its deep penetration and reliable expansion make it a formidable choice when venturing into areas where encountering dangerous animals is a possibility.
• Law Enforcement (Specific Applications): Some specialized law enforcement units or off-duty officers who carry .44 Special firearms might find this ammunition suitable for its proven effectiveness and strong ballistic performance.

Why Choose Buffalo Bore Ammunition? Signals of Authority and Trust

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built a reputation on delivering uncompromising performance and specialized loads that push the boundaries of conventional ammunition. They are known for:

• Hotter Loads, Safe Pressures: Buffalo Bore is famous for maximizing the potential of various calibers within safe pressure limits. This means you get more velocity and energy than typical factory loads, translating to superior on-target performance.
• Quality Components: Only premium components are used, from the brass casings to the specific bullet designs, ensuring consistency and reliability from one round to the next.
• Application-Specific Design: Each Buffalo Bore load is designed with a specific purpose in mind, whether it's heavy big-game hunting, dangerous game defense, or personal protection. The 14A20 is clearly optimized for defensive scenarios.
• Expert Endorsement: Many professional guides, hunters, and personal defense experts trust and recommend Buffalo Bore for their demanding needs, a testament to the brand's reliability and effectiveness.

For those seeking the pinnacle of .44 Special ammunition for serious applications, the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 14A20 Heavy 44 S&W Spl 180 gr Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) offers a compelling combination of power, precision, and proven terminal performance. These products are all available at DEGuns, ensuring you can acquire this high-quality ammunition conveniently and reliably for your defensive needs. Equip yourself with confidence, knowing you have chosen ammunition engineered for real-world effectiveness.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Series	Strictly Business
Model	Heavy
Caliber	.44 S&W Special
Bullet Type	Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Bullet Weight	180 grains (gr)
Muzzle Velocity	1150 feet per second (fps)
Muzzle Energy	543 foot-pounds (ft lbs)
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Home Defense
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	12
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)	14A20
SKU	86247
UPC	651815004433