Buffalo Bore Ammunition: Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt (LC) 255 gr Gas Checked Soft Cast – Unmatched Power for Your Classic Firearms

For firearm enthusiasts, hunters, and those seeking robust protection in the backcountry, the quest for truly potent yet safe ammunition can be challenging. Many modern 45 Colt loads, often referred to as "weenie loads," fall short in delivering the power and terminal performance required for serious applications. This is where Buffalo Bore Ammunition steps in, offering a masterful solution with their Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt (LC) 255 grain Gas Checked Soft Cast rounds. Engineered to push the boundaries of standard pressure performance, these cartridges provide exceptional power without compromising the safety of your cherished 45 Colt firearms.

Whether you own a classic Colt Single Action Army, a sturdy Ruger Blackhawk, a versatile lever-action rifle chambered in 45 Colt, or any other post-war 45 Colt firearm in good working condition, these rounds are designed specifically for you. They solve the common dilemma of wanting more stopping power and deeper penetration than conventional ammunition offers, all while adhering strictly to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) pressure specifications. This commitment to standard pressure means you can harness serious power without the risks associated with over-pressure loads in compatible firearms.

Why Choose Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt Ammunition?

The 45 Colt cartridge boasts a rich history, known for its significant knockdown power. However, over time, factory loads became progressively weaker due to various factors, including the proliferation of older, potentially weaker firearms and general liability concerns. This led to a gap in the market for powerful 45 Colt ammunition that could still be safely fired in a vast majority of firearms chambered for the caliber.

Buffalo Bore recognized this need and developed their Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt line as a direct answer. Their goal was to create loads that are "substantially more powerful than today's weenie loads," yet remain entirely within the safe operating parameters for any post-war 45 Colt firearm that is in normal working condition. This distinction is critical. Unlike "+P" loads which exceed standard pressure and are only safe in certain modern firearms, Buffalo Bore's Standard Pressure Heavy loads achieve their formidable performance through meticulous powder selection and bullet design, optimizing every component to deliver maximum velocity and energy within SAAMI guidelines.

This commitment means peace of mind for revolver and rifle owners. You no longer have to sacrifice performance for safety, nor compromise safety for power. Buffalo Bore's 3E/20 255 gr Gas Checked Soft Cast ammunition delivers an impressive balance, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of demanding situations.

Unpacking the Performance: Ballistics and Bullet Design

At the heart of the Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt ammunition lies its carefully crafted 255 grain Gas Checked Soft Cast bullet. This bullet design is pivotal to its performance and versatility:

• Weight (255 gr): A heavy-for-caliber bullet like 255 grains ensures deep penetration, a critical factor for hunting medium game or providing effective defense against dangerous animals. Heavier bullets retain their energy more efficiently over distance and are less susceptible to deflection, leading to more consistent terminal performance.
• Soft Cast Lead: Unlike hard cast bullets that might simply punch through, the soft cast lead is designed to deform and expand upon impact, maximizing energy transfer to the target. This controlled expansion creates a larger wound channel, enhancing effectiveness, particularly for hunting applications. Yet, it retains enough integrity to ensure deep penetration without fragmenting prematurely.
• Gas Checked: The inclusion of a gas check – a small copper or brass cup at the base of the lead bullet – is a hallmark of high-performance cast ammunition. It serves several vital functions:
  • Prevents Leading: It prevents hot combustion gases from melting and eroding the base of the lead bullet, which can cause lead fouling in the barrel. This means less cleaning and sustained accuracy.
  • Allows Higher Velocities: By mitigating leading, gas checks enable the bullet to be driven at higher velocities than plain lead bullets, boosting the kinetic energy and effectiveness of the round.
  • Improves Accuracy: A cleaner barrel and stable bullet base contribute to superior accuracy, which is essential for ethical hunting and reliable defense.

This meticulous design translates directly into impressive ballistic figures: a muzzle velocity of approximately 1000 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of 566 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). For a standard pressure 45 Colt load, these numbers are exceptional and demonstrate Buffalo Bore's dedication to maximizing cartridge potential. This level of power is significantly greater than most off-the-shelf 45 Colt rounds, providing a substantial increase in capability for various uses.

Ideal Applications and Use Cases

The Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt 255 gr Gas Checked Soft Cast ammunition is incredibly versatile, designed to excel in situations where reliable power and deep penetration are paramount.

• Hunting Medium Game: Are you planning a hunting trip for deer, wild hogs, or even black bears? These rounds are an excellent choice for ethical and effective harvesting. The heavy, soft cast bullet provides the necessary penetration and energy transfer to humanely dispatch game. Its ability to deform ensures a wider wound channel, while the gas check maintains accuracy for precise shot placement.
• Backcountry and Trail Defense: For hikers, campers, or anyone venturing into areas where encounters with dangerous animals like cougars, coyotes, or even aggressive wild hogs are possible, having reliable defense is crucial. This ammunition offers a potent deterrent and stopping power against such threats, providing peace of mind when far from civilization.
• Self-Defense (Specific Scenarios): While potentially over-penetrating for typical urban self-defense scenarios, this ammunition could be a formidable choice where barrier penetration (e.g., through vehicle doors, heavy clothing, or light cover) is a concern, or in environments where larger threats are possible.
• Recreational Shooting and Training: Even for target shooting, experiencing the true potential of the 45 Colt caliber with these powerful yet safe loads can be incredibly satisfying. It allows shooters to train with ammunition that closely mimics the performance they would expect in a real-world defensive or hunting scenario.
• Historical Firearm Enthusiasts: Owners of iconic firearms like the Colt Single Action Army, various SAA replicas (from Uberti, Pietta, etc.), and classic Winchester or Marlin lever-action rifles can enjoy robust performance without fear of damaging their valuable investments. These rounds respect the design limitations of older firearms while still delivering modern effectiveness.

When considering what ammunition to choose for demanding situations, the question often arises: "What's the best ammunition for my 45 Colt for [X activity]?" For those seeking a powerful, non-magnum solution that prioritizes safety and terminal performance, Buffalo Bore's 255 gr Gas Checked Soft Cast offering consistently emerges as a top recommendation.

Compatibility and Safety: Firing in Your 45 Colt Firearm

A common concern among 45 Colt firearm owners, especially those with vintage or replica models, is ammunition compatibility and safety. Buffalo Bore explicitly addresses this by designing their Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt loads to be safe and effective in "ANY post-war 45 Colt firearm that is in normal working condition."

What does "post-war" typically imply in this context? Generally, it refers to firearms manufactured after World War II, which usually incorporate stronger metallurgy and improved manufacturing techniques compared to early 20th-century or 19th-century designs. This broad compatibility ensures that a wide range of popular 45 Colt firearms can safely and reliably fire these rounds. Examples of compatible firearms include:

• Ruger revolvers: Blackhawk, Vaquero (both original and New Vaquero models), Redhawk (though Redhawks can handle hotter loads, these are still perfectly safe and effective).
• Colt and Colt-clone revolvers: Post-war Colt Single Action Army models, and modern, high-quality replicas from manufacturers like Uberti, Pietta, Cimarron, etc., assuming they are in good working order.
• Lever-action rifles: Such as those from Winchester, Marlin, Henry, and Rossi chambered in 45 Colt. These rifles often benefit greatly from the increased velocity and energy of these loads for hunting.

It's crucial to always ensure your firearm is in good working condition and has been inspected by a qualified gunsmith if there are any doubts about its safety. However, for the vast majority of commonly owned 45 Colt firearms manufactured after WWII, these Buffalo Bore loads are a proven and reliable choice, offering a significant upgrade in power without the risks associated with true "+P" designations.

The Buffalo Bore Difference

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built a reputation as a specialist in crafting powerful, heavy-hitting ammunition for a variety of calibers. Their philosophy revolves around maximizing the performance of a cartridge within its safe operating limits, often pushing standard pressure limits to the very edge without exceeding them. This dedication means that when you choose Buffalo Bore, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in meticulously engineered cartridges designed for:

• Maximum Performance: Delivering the highest possible velocity and energy that can be safely achieved within a given pressure standard.
• Reliability: Consistent ignition, precise bullet seating, and quality components ensure dependable performance when it matters most.
• Specialized Design: Focusing on specific bullet types (like gas-checked soft cast) optimized for particular terminal effects, such as deep penetration and significant energy transfer.
• Safety First: Their "Standard Pressure Heavy" designation is a clear signal that power is achieved responsibly, making their ammunition suitable for a wider range of firearms than high-pressure alternatives.

Buffalo Bore's 3E/20 45 Colt load exemplifies this commitment, providing an outstanding solution for anyone who finds modern 45 Colt offerings underwhelming. It represents a significant step up in capability, transforming your 45 Colt firearm into a more formidable tool for hunting, defense, or serious outdoor pursuits. You can find this exceptional ammunition, along with a wide range of other high-quality firearms and accessories, available at DEGuns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt Ammunition

Q1: Is this ammunition truly safe for my older 45 Colt revolver?
A1: Yes, if your 45 Colt firearm is a "post-war" model and is in "normal working condition," these Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Heavy loads are safe to use. They are specifically engineered to remain within SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) standard pressure specifications. This ensures compatibility with a very wide range of 45 Colt firearms manufactured after WWII, unlike hotter "+P" loads.

Q2: What's the difference between "Standard Pressure Heavy" and "+P" ammunition?
A2: This is a crucial distinction. "+P" ammunition exceeds SAAMI standard pressure limits and is only safe to fire in firearms explicitly rated for "+P" loads. "Standard Pressure Heavy" ammunition, like this Buffalo Bore 45 Colt offering, is designed to achieve maximum performance within SAAMI standard pressure limits. This means it's much more powerful than typical factory standard loads, but does so without exceeding the pressure ratings safe for the vast majority of post-war 45 Colt firearms.

Q3: What kind of game can I hunt with the 255 gr Gas Checked Soft Cast bullet?
A3: The 255 grain Gas Checked Soft Cast bullet is an excellent choice for hunting medium-sized game. It is highly effective for animals such as deer, wild hogs, and even black bears, provided good shot placement. The heavy bullet and deep penetration characteristics make it suitable for a clean and ethical harvest.

Q4: Why a gas-checked soft cast bullet instead of a jacketed hollow point?
A4: The choice of a 255 gr Gas Checked Soft Cast bullet is deliberate for its specific performance characteristics. While jacketed hollow points (JHPs) are designed for rapid expansion in soft tissue, the soft cast bullet offers superior deep penetration, which is often preferred for hunting larger game or for defense against dangerous animals where reaching vital organs through bone and muscle is critical. The gas check prevents leading at higher velocities, allowing for the impressive 1000 fps performance without compromising barrel integrity or accuracy.

Q5: Will these rounds lead up my barrel quickly?
A5: No. The "gas checked" design is specifically implemented to prevent lead fouling (leading) in your barrel. The gas check creates a seal that protects the lead bullet from the hot propellant gases, allowing for higher velocities without the typical leading issues associated with plain lead bullets. This means less cleaning and sustained accuracy.

Q6: Where can I purchase Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3E/20 Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt?
A6: This high-performance ammunition, with UPC 651815003252, is available for purchase at DEGuns. Visit DEGuns.com to explore this and other premium ammunition options.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Detail
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Series	Strictly Business
Model	Standard Pressure
Caliber	45 Colt
Bullet Type	Gas Checked Soft Cast
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, Backcountry Defense, Target Shooting
SKU	80773
MPN	3E20
UPC	651815003252