The Ultimate Backcountry Powerhouse: Buffalo Bore 44 S&W Spl 255 gr Heavy Outdoorsman Ammunition

For serious adventurers, professional guides, and anyone who demands uncompromising performance in the wild, the choice of ammunition can be the difference between a safe outing and a perilous encounter. When facing the unpredictable challenges of the great outdoors, from dangerous game to potential threats, a dependable, potent load is not just a preference—it's a necessity. This is precisely the need met by the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 14B20 Heavy Outdoorsman 44 S&W Special 255 gr Hard Cast Semi-Wadcutter.

This isn't your average .44 Special load. Engineered by Buffalo Bore, a name synonymous with extreme performance and specialized cartridges, the 14B20 is crafted to deliver deep, straight-line penetration and immense stopping power, making it an indispensable tool for personal protection and hunting in environments where stakes are high.

Why Choose the .44 S&W Special for Serious Applications?

Often overshadowed by its more powerful sibling, the .44 Magnum, the .44 S&W Special has a rich history as a potent, versatile cartridge. Traditional .44 Special loads are known for their manageability and accuracy, making them popular for target shooting and self-defense against human threats. However, for those needing to contend with formidable wilderness encounters—think charging bears, aggressive wild hogs, or other large, robust animals—standard loads simply fall short.

This is where Buffalo Bore redefines the capabilities of the .44 S&W Special. By pushing the envelope with advanced propellants and heavy-for-caliber hard cast bullets, Buffalo Bore transforms the .44 Special into a legitimate big-game and dangerous-game cartridge suitable for specific, high-stress scenarios. It bridges the gap between typical defensive loads and magnum-level power, providing a substantial boost in performance without requiring a magnum-chambered firearm, though it is perfectly safe and highly effective in .44 Magnum guns as well.

Unpacking the Performance: What Makes the 14B20 So Effective?

The Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman 14B20 load is meticulously designed for maximum impact. Every component is selected to ensure reliability and superior terminal performance, critical when every shot counts.

The Power Behind the Punch: Velocity and Energy

• Muzzle Velocity: 1000 feet per second (fps)
  • This velocity is significantly higher than most standard .44 Special factory loads, which often hover around 750-850 fps for similar bullet weights. The increased speed translates directly to greater kinetic energy delivered to the target.
• Muzzle Energy: 566 foot-pounds (ft lbs)
  • With 566 ft lbs of energy, this load packs a punch traditionally associated with much larger or more powerful cartridges. This substantial energy figure underscores its ability to transfer significant force, crucial for incapacitating large animals quickly and humanely. This energy, combined with the bullet's design, ensures it can push through thick hide, muscle, and bone, reaching vital organs.

The Hard Cast Semi-Wadcutter Bullet: Deep Penetration Defined

The core of this load's effectiveness lies in its unique bullet: a 255 grain Hard Cast Semi-Wadcutter (HCSWC). This is not an expanding bullet; its design is deliberately focused on achieving maximum straight-line penetration, making it ideal for large, dangerous game where overwhelming barrier penetration is paramount.

Key Characteristics of Hard Cast Semi-Wadcutter Bullets:

1. Non-Expanding Design: Unlike hollow-point or soft-point bullets designed for expansion, the hard cast bullet maintains its original diameter upon impact. This rigid construction prevents mushrooming, ensuring the bullet retains virtually all of its weight and kinetic energy as it travels through the target.
2. Unmatched Penetration: The combination of its heavy weight (255 grains), high velocity, and robust, non-deforming structure allows the HCSWC to penetrate much deeper than typical expanding bullets. This is vital for reaching the central nervous system or vital organs on large animals, which often have thick hides, heavy muscle, or dense bone structures.
3. Flat Nose Profile: The semi-wadcutter design features a sharp, flat nose. While it doesn't expand, this flat meplat (or nose) creates a larger, more efficient wound channel than a round-nose bullet and drives a powerful impact without glancing off bone or thick hide. It essentially "cuts" a hole rather than pushing through tissue.
4. Straight-Line Tracking: Due to its density and non-deforming nature, the HCSWC bullet is less prone to deflecting off bone or dense tissue. It maintains a truer trajectory through the target, increasing the likelihood of hitting critical areas on an animal, even when shots are less than ideal.
5. Bone-Breaking Capability: The sheer mass and hardness of the lead alloy used in Buffalo Bore's hard cast bullets allow them to smash through heavy bone structures like shoulders, skulls, and ribs, continuing their penetration. This ability is crucial for quickly stopping a determined charge from a large animal.

Real-World Applications: When to Trust the 14B20

For those asking, "What's the best ammunition for bear defense?" or "Can I hunt large game with a .44 Special revolver?", the Buffalo Bore 14B20 provides a compelling answer.

• Backcountry Defense Against Dangerous Animals: This is arguably the primary application for the Heavy Outdoorsman line. For hikers, campers, hunters, and professionals venturing into areas populated by grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, or aggressive wild hogs, a reliable defense against a potentially life-threatening encounter is paramount. The 255 gr HCSWC is designed to penetrate deeply enough to reach the vitals of even large, thick-skinned animals, offering a last line of defense in an emergency.
• Big Game Hunting: While many hunters opt for magnum cartridges for big game, the 14B20 extends the hunting capabilities of .44 Special firearms. For species like deer, wild boar, or even elk in close quarters, where deep penetration is required for a clean pass-through or to break heavy bone, this load provides serious efficacy. Its ability to penetrate through heavy muscle and bone ensures a higher probability of humane takedowns.
• A Reliable Survival Companion: For those who carry a firearm for general wilderness protection or in survival scenarios, having ammunition that can handle a wide range of threats, from two-legged aggressors to four-legged predators, is invaluable. The 14B20 offers versatility and power in a package that's still manageable in a handgun.
• Guide and Outfitter Choice: Many experienced guides and outfitters operating in remote, wild areas choose heavy, hard cast loads for their personal defense sidearms due to their proven effectiveness against dangerous game. The Buffalo Bore 14B20 fits this professional requirement perfectly.

Firearm Compatibility and Important Safety Considerations

The Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman 44 S&W Special 255 gr load is designed with broad compatibility in mind, ensuring a wide range of firearms can safely chamber and fire it.

• Universal Compatibility: This ammunition is safe for use in all .44 S&W Special handguns and rifles, assuming they are in good working order and manufactured by reputable companies. This includes a vast array of revolvers and some lever-action rifles chambered in .44 Special.
• .44 Magnum Firearms: Crucially, it is also safe for use in all .44 Magnum chambered firearms. This offers significant versatility, allowing shooters with .44 Magnum revolvers or rifles to utilize a potent, lower-recoil option that still delivers exceptional penetration.
• The Charter Arms Bull Dog Exception: It is vital to note the explicit warning from Buffalo Bore: this load is NOT designed for use in Charter Arms Bull Dog revolvers. The Charter Arms Bull Dog is a lightweight, compact revolver typically designed for standard-pressure .44 Special loads. The immense power and pressure of the Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman load exceed the design limitations of this particular firearm, potentially leading to damage or catastrophic failure. Always consult your firearm's manual for ammunition compatibility.
• General Safety: As with all ammunition, proper firearm handling and safety practices are paramount. Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection, ensure you are in a safe shooting environment, and never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from children and unauthorized access.

The Buffalo Bore Ammunition Advantage: A Commitment to Excellence

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built a sterling reputation among serious shooters, hunters, and law enforcement for producing specialized, high-performance ammunition. Their philosophy is simple: create loads that deliver maximum practical power and unmatched reliability for specific, demanding applications.

• Specialized Loads: Unlike mass-market manufacturers, Buffalo Bore focuses on niche, powerful loads that excel in their intended purpose. The Heavy Outdoorsman line is a testament to this, addressing the unique challenges of wilderness defense and hunting large, robust animals.
• Uncompromising Quality: Each round is meticulously crafted with premium components and subject to rigorous quality control. This attention to detail ensures consistent performance, shot after shot, which is critical when your safety or the success of a hunt depends on it.
• Real-World Testing: Buffalo Bore's loads are developed and tested in real-world scenarios, often in harsh outdoor environments, to ensure they perform exactly as advertised under pressure.
• Trust and Authority: For those who cannot afford to compromise on ammunition performance, Buffalo Bore stands as a trusted authority. Their commitment to delivering superior terminal ballistics and reliable function makes them a top choice for discerning individuals.

Comparing 14B20 to Standard Loads and Why It Matters

Consider the vast difference between a standard 240-grain .44 Special lead round nose (LRN) load, which might achieve 750 fps and around 300 ft lbs of energy, and the Buffalo Bore 14B20. The 14B20 provides:

• 33% Higher Velocity: A significant boost in speed for flatter trajectories and faster energy delivery.
• Nearly Double the Muzzle Energy: This translates to a vastly greater shock and incapacitation potential.
• Superior Penetration: While standard lead bullets might deform or fragment, the HCSWC blasts through barriers, offering unmatched depth against heavy hide and bone.

This isn't just a minor upgrade; it's a fundamental re-imagining of the .44 Special's capabilities, pushing it into a league where it can reliably contend with threats previously reserved for magnum cartridges. When precision and power are non-negotiable, the 14B20 distinguishes itself as a premier choice.

Acquiring Your Buffalo Bore Ammunition

For those ready to equip themselves with the formidable power of the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 14B20 Heavy Outdoorsman 44 S&W Spl 255 gr Hard Cast Semi-Wadcutter, this specialized ammunition is available through reputable dealers. You can find this essential backcountry load and other high-performance ammunition at trusted online retailers like DEGuns.com. Ensure you are prepared for whatever the wild throws your way by choosing ammunition engineered for the most demanding conditions.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Model	Heavy Outdoorsman
Caliber	44 S&W Spl
Bullet Type	Hard Cast Semi-Wadcutter
Bullet Weight	255 gr
Muzzle Velocity	1000 fps
Muzzle Energy	566 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	12
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Hunting, Dangerous Game Defense
MPN	14B20
UPC	651815004440
SKU	82117