Buffalo Bore Ammunition: Heavy .45 Colt +P 260 gr JHP – Unrivaled Power for Robust Firearms

Are you seeking the pinnacle of performance for your large-frame .45 Colt revolver or compatible lever-action rifle? Look no further than Buffalo Bore Ammunition's Heavy 45 Colt +P 260 gr Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP). This meticulously engineered load, designed for unparalleled stopping power and deep penetration, is a top choice for discerning shooters, hunters, and those requiring serious protection in the backcountry.

For enthusiasts who demand the absolute maximum from their robust .45 Colt platforms, the Buffalo Bore 3C/20 Heavy 45 Colt +P stands out. It’s not just ammunition; it’s a carefully crafted ballistic solution designed to deliver devastating energy and reliable expansion, making it ideal for a variety of demanding scenarios. From hunting medium to large game to providing formidable protection against dangerous animals, this ammunition transforms your capable firearm into an even more potent tool.

Designed for Power: Understanding the Heavy .45 Colt +P Advantage

What makes this particular Buffalo Bore load so exceptional? It’s a combination of bullet design, weight, and a precise propellant charge, all optimized for specific, strong firearms.

1. The Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) Design:
The 260-grain Jacketed Hollow Point bullet is at the core of this load’s terminal performance. Unlike traditional lead or even full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, the JHP is engineered for controlled expansion upon impact. This expansion creates a larger wound channel, maximizing energy transfer within the target and significantly enhancing stopping power. The jacket ensures reliable feeding and protects the lead core, contributing to superior accuracy and deep, predictable penetration before expansion, which is critical for larger targets or those with heavy bone and muscle. The JHP design aims for a balance: enough penetration to reach vital organs, followed by rapid, incapacitating energy dump.

2. Optimal Bullet Weight – 260 Grains:
A 260-grain bullet for the .45 Colt is considered heavy, offering substantial momentum and sectional density. This weight class excels in several areas:

• Penetration: Heavier bullets inherently penetrate deeper, which is essential when hunting larger animals or needing to reach vital organs through tough hide, muscle, or bone.
• Momentum Retention: The mass of the 260-grain JHP helps it retain velocity and energy downrange, crucial for ethical hunting shots or effective defense at extended practical revolver ranges.
• Energy Transfer: Coupled with the JHP design, the heavy bullet's mass contributes to a more significant transfer of kinetic energy to the target, leading to rapid incapacitation.

3. High Muzzle Velocity and Energy:
This Buffalo Bore Heavy .45 Colt +P load boasts an impressive muzzle velocity of 1450 feet per second (fps) and a formidable muzzle energy of 1214 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). These figures place it firmly in the "heavy hitter" category for the .45 Colt caliber, surpassing the performance of many standard factory loads by a significant margin.

• Velocity Benefits: A higher velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory over typical handgun ranges, making shot placement more precise. It also amplifies the kinetic energy delivered to the target.
• Energy Benefits: The 1214 ft-lbs of energy signifies immense power. For comparison, many popular hunting rifle cartridges deliver energy in this range. This translates directly to terminal effectiveness, making the ammunition suitable for dispatching large game or deterring formidable threats.

Critical Firearm Compatibility and Safety Considerations

It is absolutely paramount to understand and adhere to the firearm compatibility guidelines for this powerful +P ammunition. The " +P " designation indicates that these loads operate at higher pressures than standard .45 Colt ammunition and must only be used in firearms specifically designed and proofed for such pressures.

Safe and Recommended Firearms for Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Colt +P:
This Heavy 45 Colt +P load is specifically engineered and tested to be safe in all LARGE FRAME Ruger revolvers. This includes, but is not limited to, the following robust models:

• Ruger Blackhawk: Renowned for its strength and durability, the Blackhawk platform is an excellent match for these powerful loads.
• Ruger Super Blackhawk: An even more robust variant of the Blackhawk, providing exceptional resilience for high-performance ammunition.
• All pre-2005 Ruger Vaquero models: The original Vaquero, built on the robust Blackhawk frame, is fully capable of handling these +P pressures.
• Ruger Bisley: Known for its ergonomic grip and robust construction, the Bisley variant of the Blackhawk/Vaquero platform is also suitable.
• Ruger Redhawk: A double-action revolver known for its tank-like construction, the Redhawk is an ideal platform for powerful magnum and +P loads.

Crucial Warning: NOT for Small Frame Vaquero Models:
This ammunition is NOT intended for use in the "New Model Vaquero" (small frame) revolvers. The New Model Vaquero was redesigned with a smaller frame closer in size to the original Colt Single Action Army, which is not built to withstand the higher pressures generated by +P loads. Using this ammunition in a New Model Vaquero can lead to dangerous firearm damage and severe injury. Always verify your specific Ruger model before using any +P ammunition. If in doubt, consult your firearm's manual or a qualified gunsmith.

Compatibility with Henry Lever Action Rifles:
Beyond revolvers, this Buffalo Bore load also offers excellent versatility. With an Overall Ammunition Length (OAL) of 1.580 inches, these cartridges are designed to cycle reliably and safely in many Henry Lever Action rifles chambered in .45 Colt. This expands the utility of this powerful ammunition, allowing for a matching rifle/revolver combination for hunting or defense. The precise OAL is critical for smooth feeding and preventing jams in the tubular magazines of lever-action firearms.

Real-World Applications and Why This Ammunition Excels

The Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Colt +P 260 gr JHP is not just a high-velocity, high-energy load; it's a specialized tool for specific demanding applications.

1. Hunting Medium to Large Game:
For hunters utilizing their .45 Colt revolvers or lever actions, this ammunition is a game-changer. It provides the necessary power and terminal performance for ethically taking down animals like:

• Deer: Ensures quick, humane kills.
• Wild Boar/Hogs: The heavy JHP can penetrate the tough hides and thick bone structure of these resilient animals.
• Black Bear: Provides a substantial defense or hunting round where legal and appropriate, offering a significant upgrade over standard .45 Colt loads.
• Other Medium to Large North American Game: Its energy and bullet construction make it effective for a range of targets at appropriate ranges for a handgun or pistol-caliber carbine.

2. Backcountry Protection Against Dangerous Game:
For adventurers, hikers, or those who spend time in areas frequented by large predators (like bears in non-magnum caliber restricted zones), this load offers a potent layer of defense. The deep-penetrating and expanding 260 gr JHP can provide the necessary stopping power to deter or stop a charging animal in an emergency, especially when paired with a robust revolver like a Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk. While no handgun round guarantees stopping a determined large animal, this Buffalo Bore load maximizes your chances.

3. Serious Self-Defense and Home Defense:
While often considered an "overkill" for typical urban self-defense scenarios due to its immense power and potential for over-penetration in residential settings, the Buffalo Bore 45 Colt +P 260 gr JHP is an exceptionally powerful personal defense round. For those concerned with maximum stopping power against human threats, particularly if facing multiple assailants or heavily clothed individuals, this round delivers immense energy. However, users should be mindful of their environment and potential for over-penetration if using it indoors. Its primary strength lies in its ability to quickly incapacitate a threat.

4. Performance Target Shooting and Training:
While powerful, consistent practice with this ammunition in your compatible firearm builds confidence and proficiency. Understanding its ballistics and recoil characteristics is vital for accurate shot placement in high-stakes situations. It allows shooters to train with the exact load they might rely on for hunting or defense, ensuring familiarity with its specific feel and performance.

The Buffalo Bore Ammunition Difference

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has earned a reputation among serious shooters for its commitment to delivering maximum performance and uncompromising quality.

• Premium Components: Buffalo Bore utilizes only the finest components, including high-quality brass casings (for reliable feeding and reloading potential), clean-burning powders, and dependable primers. This ensures consistency from round to round and optimal reliability when it matters most.
• Meticulous Load Development: Each load is developed with precision, pushing the boundaries of caliber performance while maintaining strict safety standards. Their "Heavy" series, including this .45 Colt +P, exemplifies this dedication to maximizing ballistic potential within safe operating pressures for specified firearms.
• Quality Control: Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control checks, ensuring that each box of ammunition lives up to Buffalo Bore's reputation for consistency, accuracy, and terminal effectiveness. This attention to detail means you can trust every round.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Colt +P

To further assist in understanding this potent ammunition, here are answers to common questions:

Q: Is Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Colt +P safe for my specific .45 Colt firearm?
A: This ammunition is safe ONLY in large-frame Ruger revolvers (Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, pre-2005 Vaquero, Bisley, Redhawk) and Henry Lever Action rifles chambered in .45 Colt. It is NOT safe for the Ruger New Model Vaquero (small frame) or any other firearm not specifically rated for +P loads. Always confirm your firearm's capabilities before use.

Q: What is the primary difference between +P and standard .45 Colt ammunition?
A: +P (or "plus P") indicates that the ammunition is loaded to higher internal pressures than standard SAAMI specifications for that cartridge. This results in higher muzzle velocities and energy, providing significantly more power, but it also requires stronger, more robust firearms designed to safely contain these increased pressures.

Q: What kind of recoil can I expect from this ammunition?
A: Given its high muzzle energy and heavy bullet, you can expect significantly more recoil than standard .45 Colt loads. The felt recoil will vary based on the weight of your firearm. In larger, heavier revolvers, the recoil will be stout but manageable for experienced shooters. In lever-action rifles, the recoil will be notably less due to the rifle's increased weight.

Q: Can I use this ammunition for target practice or general plinking?
A: While you can certainly use it for serious training and understanding its performance, given its power and cost per round, it is generally recommended for specific applications like hunting or defense. For casual target shooting, standard .45 Colt loads are more economical and suitable.

Q: Where can I reliably purchase Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Colt +P ammunition?
A: For genuine Buffalo Bore Ammunition, including the 3C/20 Heavy 45 Colt +P 260 gr JHP (UPC 651815003238), DEGuns is a trusted source. They offer a wide selection of premium ammunition and firearms, ensuring you get authentic products for your shooting needs.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3C/20 Heavy 45 Colt +P 260 gr Jacketed Hollow Point is more than just a round; it’s a commitment to maximum performance and reliability in situations where power matters most. Whether you're a seasoned hunter venturing into challenging terrain, a backcountry enthusiast seeking ultimate protection, or simply a shooter who appreciates the raw potential of the .45 Colt caliber in a robust platform, this ammunition delivers. With its potent combination of a heavy JHP bullet, high velocity, and tremendous energy, it redefines what's possible from your large-frame Ruger revolver or Henry Lever Action rifle. Invest in the power and precision that Buffalo Bore offers, available at DEGuns, and experience the difference true heavy-hitting ammunition makes.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Description
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Model	Heavy
Caliber	45 Colt
Bullet Type	Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Bullet Weight	260 gr
Muzzle Velocity	1450 fps
Muzzle Energy	1214 ft lbs
Rating	+P (Overpressure)
Rounds Per Box	20
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Target Shooting, Hunting, Defense
UPC	651815003238