Buffalo Bore Ammunition: Elevating the Legendary .45 Auto Rim for Modern Performance and Timeless Reliability

For owners of classic revolvers, particularly the iconic Smith & Wesson Model 1917 and Colt 1917, finding ammunition that respects their vintage engineering while delivering formidable modern performance can be a significant challenge. The .45 Auto Rim cartridge, designed specifically for these revered firearms to circumvent the need for moon clips when firing .45 ACP ammunition, has long been a niche offering. However, Buffalo Bore Ammunition has redefined what this venerable cartridge can achieve with their 31A/20 Standard Pressure 45 Auto Rim 255 grain Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) load. This meticulously engineered ammunition offers a unique blend of historical compatibility, potent ballistics, and advanced features, making it an indispensable choice for enthusiasts, hunters, and those seeking reliable self-defense.

The Enduring Legacy of the .45 Auto Rim Cartridge

The .45 Auto Rim (.45 AR) cartridge holds a special place in firearms history, born out of necessity during World War I. When the U.S. military adopted the .45 ACP cartridge for its Colt 1911 pistols, a demand arose for revolvers chambered in the same caliber to supplement sidearm production. Smith & Wesson and Colt responded by modifying their large-frame revolvers to fire the rimless .45 ACP rounds using half-moon or full-moon clips. While effective, these clips could be cumbersome for civilian use or reloading in the field. To address this, Peters Cartridge Company introduced the .45 Auto Rim in 1920. This cartridge essentially added a robust rim to the .45 ACP case, allowing it to headspace properly in revolvers without the need for clips.

Today, the .45 Auto Rim remains a beloved choice for vintage firearm collectors and practical shooters alike. Its ability to simplify loading and unloading in classic revolvers like the S&W Model 1917, Colt 1917, and even some later conversions, ensures these historical pieces can still be enjoyed and utilized safely. The challenge, however, has often been finding ammunition that truly unlocks the cartridge's full potential while remaining safe for these older firearms. This is precisely where Buffalo Bore Ammunition excels, bridging the gap between historical integrity and contemporary performance.

Unleashing Power at Standard Pressure: The Buffalo Bore Advantage

Many owners of vintage firearms are understandably cautious about using modern, high-pressure loads that could potentially stress or damage their cherished revolvers. Buffalo Bore Ammunition understands this concern intimately. Their 31A/20 45 Auto Rim load is a testament to sophisticated ballistic engineering, operating at standard 45 ACP pressures while delivering ballistic performance equivalent to what many would expect from a +P load. This means you can achieve powerful, effective results without subjecting your firearm to excessive stress.

This innovative approach is a game-changer for anyone asking: "What is the best ammunition for my antique .45 Auto Rim revolver that delivers strong performance without risking damage?" Or, "How can I get 'magnum-like' results from my .45 Auto Rim without using high-pressure rounds?" Buffalo Bore's solution is a meticulously balanced load, engineered to be safe for use in any .45 ACP revolver in normal operating condition, including the venerable Colt and S&W Model 1917 revolvers. This commitment to safety and performance is a cornerstone of Buffalo Bore's reputation for topical authority and trusted products.

Key Features: Precision Engineering for Peak Performance

The Buffalo Bore 45 Auto Rim 255 gr Hard Cast Flat Nose ammunition is packed with features designed for superior performance and user confidence:

• 255 Grain Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) Bullet: This heavy-for-caliber, non-expanding bullet is engineered for deep, straight-line penetration. For hunters, particularly those pursuing medium-sized game like wild boar or deer, the HCFN design ensures maximum energy transfer and reliable pass-through. In a self-defense scenario, this bullet's ability to punch through tough barriers or heavy clothing without significant deviation is crucial, providing exceptional stopping power. The flat nose design enhances energy dump upon impact compared to a round nose, while the hard cast composition minimizes deformation, ensuring consistent performance.
• Standard Pressure Ballistics, +P Equivalent Performance: This is the defining characteristic. By optimizing powder selection and charge weight, Buffalo Bore achieves a muzzle velocity of 850 feet per second (fps) and a substantial muzzle energy of 409 foot-pounds (ft lbs). These figures put the terminal ballistics squarely in the realm of many .45 ACP +P loads, offering serious power for hunting, self-defense, or outdoor protection without the elevated pressure levels. This answers the crucial question: "Is there a potent .45 Auto Rim load that won't harm my older revolver?"
• Flash Suppressed Powder: Shooting in low light conditions can be disorienting if your ammunition produces a significant muzzle flash. Buffalo Bore addresses this with flash-suppressed powder. This critical feature ensures that tactical situations or nighttime target practice won't be compromised by temporary blindness from excessive flash, allowing for faster follow-up shots and better situational awareness. For individuals relying on their firearm for personal protection, this is a distinct advantage.
• High-Quality Starline Brass Casings: The foundation of reliable ammunition is its casing. Buffalo Bore utilizes premium Starline brass, renowned for its consistent quality, durability, and excellent reloadability. This contributes to consistent pressures, reliable feeding, and extended case life, appealing to those who value precision and perhaps even handloading.
• Optimal Packaging: Each box contains 20 rounds, with 12 boxes per case, making it convenient for both individual purchase and bulk stocking for extensive training or long-term supply needs.

Real-World Applications: Who Benefits from This Ammunition?

This Buffalo Bore .45 Auto Rim load is not just a niche product; it solves specific problems for several groups of firearm owners:

• Historical Firearm Enthusiasts and Collectors: For those who cherish their S&W Model 1917 or Colt 1917 revolvers, this ammunition offers a way to safely and effectively shoot these classics. It provides confidence that their valuable firearms are not being unduly stressed, while still experiencing the cartridge's full potential. Questions like, "What is the safest yet most powerful ammunition for my Colt 1917?" are directly answered here.
• Hunters: The 255 grain HCFN bullet delivers exceptional penetration and energy transfer, making it a viable option for hunting medium-sized game. For those who prefer to hunt with a large-bore revolver, particularly one chambered in .45 Auto Rim, this load provides the necessary terminal performance for ethical and effective takes. "Can I use .45 Auto Rim for hog hunting?" The answer, with this Buffalo Bore load, is a resounding yes.
• Self-Defense Practitioners: While modern semi-automatics dominate the self-defense market, many individuals still rely on the proven reliability of revolvers. The 255 gr HCFN offers deep penetration and significant stopping power, crucial for effective personal protection. The flash-suppressed powder is an added tactical advantage in low-light confrontations.
• Backcountry and Outdoor Enthusiasts: For those venturing into remote areas where encounters with dangerous animals are possible, a powerful and reliable sidearm is essential. This Buffalo Bore load provides the necessary punch for deterrent or defensive use against larger threats.
• Practical Shooters and Trainers: Individuals seeking to maximize their .45 Auto Rim revolver's performance for target shooting, practice, or tactical drills will appreciate the consistency and power of this ammunition.

The Science Behind Superior Ballistics

The combination of bullet weight, design, and carefully selected powder is what sets this ammunition apart. The 255-grain bullet weight is heavy for the .45 caliber, maximizing momentum and contributing to deep penetration. The "Hard Cast" designation means the lead alloy used for the bullet is tougher than standard lead, resisting deformation upon impact and ensuring a straight, deep wound channel. The "Flat Nose" profile, while not expanding, transfers significant energy upon striking a target, creating a wider, more devastating permanent wound cavity than a round nose design of similar construction.

At 850 feet per second, the muzzle velocity is optimized to ensure both reliability in various barrel lengths common to .45 Auto Rim revolvers and effective terminal performance. The resulting 409 ft lbs of muzzle energy signifies a substantial kinetic force available for target incapacitation or game taking. This balance of velocity and energy, combined with the penetrative qualities of the HCFN bullet, represents a thoughtful design for real-world effectiveness.

Choosing Buffalo Bore: A Mark of Quality and Trust

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built a sterling reputation on its commitment to producing specialized, high-performance ammunition for specific applications. Their philosophy revolves around maximizing the potential of each cartridge while prioritizing safety and reliability. When considering ammunition for your valuable .45 Auto Rim revolver, selecting Buffalo Bore means:

• Uncompromised Quality: From the Starline brass to the precisely engineered bullet and flash-suppressed powder, every component is chosen for excellence.
• Rigorous Testing: Buffalo Bore subjects its ammunition to extensive testing to ensure consistent performance, reliability, and adherence to advertised specifications.
• Specialized Expertise: Unlike mass-market manufacturers, Buffalo Bore focuses on niche cartridges and specific performance objectives, often exceeding the capabilities of more generic offerings.
• Respect for Firearms: Their dedication to delivering +P equivalent performance at standard pressures demonstrates a deep understanding and respect for the integrity of the firearms these cartridges are designed for, particularly older models.

In conclusion, the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 31A/20 Standard Pressure 45 Auto Rim 255 gr Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) is not merely another box of ammunition. It is a carefully crafted solution for those who demand peak performance from their .45 Auto Rim revolvers without compromising the safety or longevity of their cherished firearms. Whether you're a collector preserving history, a hunter seeking ethical and effective game loads, or an individual prioritizing reliable self-defense, this Buffalo Bore offering provides a unique and powerful answer. It stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of the .45 Auto Rim cartridge, elevated to modern standards by expert engineering.

This superior ammunition, along with a wide array of other premium firearms and accessories, is available at leading retailers like DEGuns.com, providing enthusiasts with convenient access to the best products on the market.

Technical Specifications: Buffalo Bore 45 Auto Rim 255 gr HCFN

Feature	Specification	Details
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition	Renowned for high-performance specialty loads.
Model	Standard Pressure	Engineered for safety in vintage revolvers.
Caliber	45 Auto Rim	Compatible with S&W/Colt 1917 revolvers.
Bullet Type	Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN)	Optimized for deep penetration and energy transfer.
Bullet Weight	255 Grains	Heavy-for-caliber for significant impact.
Muzzle Velocity	850 feet per second (fps)	Consistent speed for reliable performance.
Muzzle Energy	409 foot-pounds (ft lbs)	Potent power equivalent to many +P loads.
Casing Material	Starline Brass	High-quality, durable, and reloadable.
Powder	Flash Suppressed	Reduces muzzle flash for low-light shooting.
Rounds Per Box	20	Standard quantity for convenience.
Boxes Per Case	12	Ideal for bulk purchase and stocking.
Application	Target Shooting, Hunting,	Versatile for various shooting needs.
	Self-Defense
Series	Strictly Business	Reflects serious performance capabilities.
UPC	651815031019	Unique Product Code for identification.