Unleashing Unrivaled Power: The Buffalo Bore 500 S&W Mag 375 gr Barnes XPB Lead-Free Ammunition

For serious handgun hunters and those requiring uncompromising stopping power in dangerous game encounters, the choice of ammunition is paramount. The .500 S&W Magnum stands as a titan among handgun calibers, renowned for its immense energy and capacity to handle the world's most formidable creatures. Within this elite category, the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 18D/20, featuring the 375 grain Barnes XPB lead-free bullet, represents the pinnacle of performance, offering a unique blend of devastating power, deep penetration, and ethical hunting capability.

What makes this specific load a top-tier choice for the discerning outdoorsman? It’s a meticulously engineered cartridge designed to provide reliable, consistent terminal performance against the toughest hides and largest bones. This isn't just another bullet; it's a precisely crafted tool for critical situations, where failure is not an option.

The Powerhouse Caliber: Understanding the 500 S&W Magnum

The .500 S&W Magnum, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 2003, was designed from the ground up to be the most powerful production handgun cartridge ever created. Its purpose was clear: to offer handgun hunters the capability to take down North America's largest game, and even the "Big Five" of Africa, with a handgun. It quickly gained a reputation for its massive recoil and incredible energy transfer, establishing itself as the go-to choice for those venturing into territories where large, potentially dangerous animals roam. This caliber demands respect and, when paired with the right ammunition, delivers unparalleled results.

Introducing Buffalo Bore Ammunition: A Commitment to Extreme Performance

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built its reputation on manufacturing specialized, high-performance ammunition for specific, often extreme, applications. Their "Strictly Business" series, under which this .500 S&W Magnum load falls, signifies their dedication to creating rounds that perform flawlessly when it matters most. They don't just load to SAAMI specifications; they often push the envelope, delivering maximum practical power while ensuring safety and reliability in appropriate firearms.

When seeking an answer to questions like "What is the best 500 S&W ammo for dangerous game?", "Which handgun ammunition offers the deepest penetration for large animals?", or "Where can I find reliable lead-free 500 S&W Magnum rounds?", Buffalo Bore's 375 gr Barnes XPB becomes a compelling solution.

Unpacking the Barnes XPB Lead-Free Bullet: Technology for Ethical Kills

At the heart of this Buffalo Bore load is the 375 grain Barnes XPB (eXpanding Pistol Bullet). Barnes Bullets are legendary for their innovative designs, and the XPB is no exception. This isn't a conventional lead-core bullet; it's a monolithic, all-copper projectile. This design choice offers several critical advantages:

• Monolithic Construction: Being made entirely of copper, the Barnes XPB bullet maintains nearly 100% of its original weight upon impact. This exceptional weight retention is crucial for deep, straight-line penetration, ensuring that the bullet reaches vital organs even after encountering tough hide and bone.
• Controlled Expansion: Despite its ability to penetrate deeply, the XPB is designed for controlled, consistent expansion. Upon striking tissue, the specially designed hollow point opens rapidly, creating a wide wound channel while continuing its deep path. This combination of expansion and penetration maximizes energy transfer and tissue damage, leading to swift and humane kills.
• Spire-Pointed Design: The spire-pointed profile of this bullet is optimized for a flat trajectory. In a handgun caliber like the .500 S&W Magnum, minimizing bullet drop over distance is a significant advantage, particularly when engaging large game that might be at varying ranges. This design ensures that the impressive muzzle velocity translates into effective downrange performance.
• Lead-Free Composition: A critical feature for modern hunters is the lead-free nature of the Barnes XPB. With increasing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements, lead-free ammunition is becoming a necessity in many hunting areas. This ensures compliance with regulations, minimizes environmental impact, and aligns with the principles of ethical and responsible hunting. Hunters asking "Are there effective lead-free options for 500 S&W Magnum?" will find their answer in this offering.

Ballistic Superiority: Speed, Energy, and Terminal Performance

The raw numbers speak volumes about the power packed into each Buffalo Bore 375 gr Barnes XPB round:

• Muzzle Velocity: 1700 feet per second (fps)
• Muzzle Energy: 2406 foot-pounds (ft-lbs)

These figures are astounding for a handgun cartridge. A muzzle velocity of 1700 fps ensures a relatively flat trajectory, making shot placement at typical handgun hunting ranges more manageable. The colossal 2406 ft-lbs of muzzle energy translates directly into immense stopping power. For context, this energy far exceeds that of many popular rifle cartridges, underscoring the .500 S&W Magnum's capability. When this energy is delivered by a deeply penetrating, expanding Barnes XPB bullet, the result is truly devastating terminal performance. This combination means that the bullet hits hard, penetrates deep, and creates a massive wound cavity, ensuring a quick and ethical dispatch of even the largest game animals.

Real-World Applications and Ideal Use Cases

The Buffalo Bore 500 S&W Mag 375 gr Barnes XPB is engineered for scenarios where absolute reliability and maximum power are non-negotiable.

1. Hunting Dangerous Game:

• North America: This ammunition is an ideal choice for hunting formidable North American game such as grizzly bears, brown bears, polar bears, large moose, and bison. Its deep penetration is essential for reaching vital organs through thick hide, muscle, and bone. Hunters wondering "What ammunition is best for grizzly bear defense with a 500 S&W?" or "Can a 500 S&W Magnum ethically harvest a bison?" will find this round provides a definitive 'yes'.
• African Big Game (excluding elephants and rhinos in all cases): While rifle calibers are generally preferred, for those seeking the ultimate handgun challenge, this load is capable against species like Cape buffalo, given precise shot placement and understanding of the animal's anatomy. Its ability to penetrate the tough hide and bone structure of a Cape buffalo is a testament to its design.

2. Backcountry Protection:

• For adventurers, hikers, and guides operating in areas with large predators, carrying a .500 S&W Magnum loaded with this Buffalo Bore ammunition provides unparalleled peace of mind. Its immediate and overwhelming stopping power is critical in a close-quarters self-defense scenario against a charging bear or other dangerous animal. This answers the question: "What is the most effective handgun round for bear defense?"

3. Ethical Hunting in Lead-Restricted Zones:

• As more states and regions implement lead-free ammunition requirements for hunting, the Barnes XPB's lead-free construction makes this load a compliant and highly effective option. Hunters needing to adhere to environmental regulations without sacrificing power or performance will find this to be an indispensable choice. "Are there good lead-free options for 500 S&W Magnum hunting?" is a common question, and this round is a prime answer.

Important Considerations for Shooters

While exceptionally powerful, this ammunition requires responsible handling and awareness of its unique characteristics:

• Firearm Compatibility: This ammunition is safe for use in any and all 500 S&W chambered firearms, with one critical exception: guns that are fed from magazine tubes. For firearms with tubular magazines, it is imperative to use flat-nosed bullets to prevent potential primer detonation caused by a pointed bullet resting against the primer of the cartridge ahead of it under recoil. Always ensure your firearm is appropriate for this ammunition.
• Recoil Management: The .500 S&W Magnum generates significant recoil. Shooters should be proficient with their firearm and prepared for the powerful impulse. Proper grip, stance, and practice are essential for accuracy and safe handling.
• Practice and Proficiency: To maximize the effectiveness of this premium ammunition, consistent practice is vital. Knowing your firearm and how this particular load performs at various ranges will build the confidence needed for critical hunting or self-defense situations.

Why Choose Buffalo Bore for Your 500 S&W Magnum?

Choosing Buffalo Bore Ammunition for your .500 S&W Magnum means investing in a product known for:

• Uncompromising Power: Delivering maximum velocity and energy within safe pressure limits.
• Deep Penetration: The Barnes XPB bullet is engineered for extreme penetration on large game.
• Consistent Expansion: Reliable expansion to create a wide wound channel.
• Lead-Free Compliance: Meeting modern ethical and regulatory standards for hunting.
• Reliability: Each round is manufactured to stringent quality controls, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot.

For those who demand the utmost from their .500 S&W Magnum handgun, whether for pursuing the largest game or for defense in the wildest frontiers, the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 18D/20 with the 375 grain Barnes XPB bullet stands as a testament to specialized, high-performance engineering. This is ammunition designed not just to perform, but to excel in the most challenging environments.

This elite ammunition, along with a wide array of other high-quality firearms and accessories, is readily available at DEGuns.com. DEGuns is committed to providing enthusiasts with the best products and expertise for their shooting and hunting needs, ensuring you have access to the specific, high-performance options like the Buffalo Bore 500 S&W Mag 375 gr Barnes XPB Lead-Free.

Product Specifications: Buffalo Bore 500 S&W Mag 375 gr Barnes XPB Lead-Free

Feature	Detail
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Series	Strictly Business
Model	Buffalo-Barnes
Caliber	500 S&W Mag
Bullet Type	Barnes VOR-TX XPB Lead-Free
Bullet Weight	375 gr
Muzzle Velocity	1700 fps
Muzzle Energy	2406 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	12
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Hunting
MPN	18D20
SKU	86281
UPC	651815018041