Unlock Unrivaled Power: The Definitive Guide to Buffalo Bore Ammunition .45 Colt +P 225 gr Barnes XPB Lead-Free

For serious handgun hunters, wilderness adventurers, and those who demand the utmost performance from their .45 Colt firearms, the choice of ammunition is paramount. Many seek a load that delivers deep penetration, reliable expansion, and ethical harvests, especially when facing large game or potentially dangerous encounters in the wild. If you're searching for premium .45 Colt ammunition engineered for maximum effectiveness and environmental responsibility, look no further than the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3G/20 Buffalo-Barnes Lead-Free .45 Colt (LC) +P 225 gr Barnes XPB.

This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of this exceptional ammunition, addressing common questions and providing insights into why it's a top-tier choice for discerning users.

Why Choose Buffalo Bore Ammunition's 3G/20 Buffalo-Barnes Lead-Free .45 Colt +P?

The Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3G/20 Buffalo-Barnes Lead-Free .45 Colt (LC) +P 225 gr Barnes XPB stands out in a crowded market by offering a unique combination of power, precision, and environmental consciousness. It's specifically designed to answer the call for a high-performance .45 Colt round capable of tackling big game, a task traditionally reserved for magnum cartridges. This isn't just another .45 Colt load; it's an advanced, high-pressure offering that redefines the cartridge's capabilities.

Key benefits that make this ammunition a preferred choice include:

• Exceptional Deep Penetration: Engineered to reach vital organs on even the largest North American game.
• Lead-Free Composition: Environmentally friendly and offers consistent, reliable terminal performance.
• Superior Terminal Ballistics: The Barnes XPB bullet ensures reliable expansion and high weight retention.
• Optimized for Strong Revolvers and Rifles: Unleashes the full potential of compatible firearms.
• Buffalo Bore Reliability: A brand renowned for its commitment to powerful, consistent, and meticulously crafted ammunition.

The Core of Its Performance: Barnes XPB Lead-Free Bullet Technology

At the heart of the Buffalo Bore 3G/20 load is the 225 grain Barnes XPB (X-Pistol Bullet). This isn't your average lead-core projectile. The Barnes XPB is an all-copper, hollow-point design, representing a significant leap forward in bullet technology.

What makes the Barnes XPB so effective?

• Monolithic Construction: Unlike traditional bullets that may fragment or shed weight, the XPB's solid copper construction ensures near 100% weight retention. This translates directly to deeper penetration and a more consistent wound channel.
• Controlled Expansion: The precisely engineered hollow-point cavity allows for rapid, yet controlled, expansion upon impact. This creates a larger temporary and permanent wound cavity, maximizing energy transfer to the target.
• "Long-for-Weight" Design: As noted in its specifications, this bullet is "long-for-weight." This characteristic contributes significantly to its impressive sectional density, which is a key factor in a bullet's ability to penetrate deeply. A higher sectional density means the bullet can overcome resistance more effectively, driving deeper into tissue.
• Lead-Free Advantage: Beyond environmental benefits, the lead-free nature of the Barnes XPB bullet means no lead fouling in the bore and consistent performance without the variables of lead-core separation. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting in areas with lead-free ammunition restrictions.

When asking, "What makes a bullet penetrate so deeply?", the answer often lies in its construction and design, and the Barnes XPB excels in these areas.

Understanding .45 Colt +P Ammunition: Power with Precision

The "+P" designation on ammunition signifies a higher pressure load than standard cartridges of the same caliber. In the case of the Buffalo Bore Ammunition .45 Colt +P, this means significantly increased muzzle velocity and energy.

• Muzzle Velocity: With a stated muzzle velocity of 1500 feet per second (fps), this load delivers exceptional speed for a .45 Colt. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory over shorter to medium ranges and a more decisive impact.
• Muzzle Energy: Generating an impressive 1124 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of muzzle energy, this Buffalo Bore load truly transforms the .45 Colt into a formidable big game cartridge. This energy figure is comparable to, and often exceeds, many traditional magnum handgun loads. For hunters, this kinetic energy translates directly into stopping power and ethical harvests.

Crucial Firearm Compatibility: Safety First with +P Loads

While the power of +P ammunition is undeniable, it is absolutely critical to understand that these loads generate higher pressures and MUST ONLY BE FIRED IN FIREARMS RATED FOR +P AMMUNITION. Firing +P ammunition in an incompatible firearm can lead to catastrophic failure, severe injury, or even death.

Buffalo Bore explicitly lists compatible firearms for this specific 3G/20 load:

• ALL LARGE FRAME RUGERS: This includes iconic models such as Black Hawks, all Red Hawk iterations chambered in .454 Casull and .45 Colt, and pre-2006 Vaqueros. These firearms are built with the strength and robust engineering required to safely handle the increased pressures of +P loads.
• Colt Anaconda: A classic revolver known for its sturdy construction.
• ALL FA Revolvers: This specifically includes Freedom Arms revolvers chambered in .454 Casull and .45 Colt. The original description highlights that the short cartridge OAL (Overall Length) of 1.572" allows it to fit perfectly into the shorter cylinder of the FA Model 97, a testament to Buffalo Bore's attention to detail and practical application.
• Dan Wesson Revolvers: Certain Dan Wesson models are also compatible.
• Winchester and Marlin Model 1894: Lever-action rifles chambered in .45 Colt can safely handle this powerful load, making it an excellent pairing for a compact hunting rifle.
• All Falling Block Actions made of Modern Steel: These actions, found in rifles like the Ruger No. 1, offer exceptional strength.
• TC Encore and Handi Rifle: Single-shot platforms known for their robust build and ability to handle high-pressure cartridges.

If your firearm is not on this list, or if you are unsure, consult your firearm's owner's manual or a qualified gunsmith before using +P ammunition. The safety of the shooter is paramount.

Performance on Game: From Whitetail to Elk and Beyond

This Buffalo Bore .45 Colt +P load is specifically designed for hunting applications, offering the deep penetration and reliable expansion needed for humane game harvesting.

• Whitetail Deer: For whitetail, the 225 gr Barnes XPB will deliver through-and-through penetration, ensuring a clean exit wound and maximum blood trail if needed. Its controlled expansion minimizes meat damage while still creating a devastating wound channel.
• Elk: This is where the "+P" power and Barnes XPB technology truly shine. The ability to penetrate deeply and retain weight means it can reach the vitals of large, heavily muscled animals like elk, even through bone and tough hide. Hunters often ask, "What is the best .45 Colt ammunition for elk?", and this Buffalo Bore offering is a leading contender due to its proven terminal performance.
• Other Large Game: Its capabilities extend to other medium-to-large game animals, making it a versatile choice for various hunting scenarios across North America. Many also consider it a potent defense round for bear and other dangerous animals in close quarters, thanks to its deep-penetrating qualities.

The consistent expansion of the Barnes XPB, coupled with its high weight retention, ensures that the bullet delivers maximum impact and creates a wide, permanent wound channel, leading to a quick and ethical take-down.

The Enduring Legacy of the .45 Colt Cartridge

The .45 Colt, originally introduced in 1872, boasts a long and storied history as a powerful handgun cartridge. While it has seen many iterations over its lifespan, modern manufacturing and innovative bullet designs, like those from Buffalo Bore, have breathed new life into this classic.

• Versatility: Traditionally known for its large-caliber knockdown power, the .45 Colt has always been a favorite for its effectiveness. The Buffalo Bore +P loads elevate this effectiveness, pushing the cartridge into magnum-level performance without requiring a magnum-specific firearm (provided the .45 Colt firearm is robust enough for +P).
• Beyond Standard Loads: While standard pressure .45 Colt loads are excellent for general use and target practice, they often lack the raw power and penetration required for challenging hunting scenarios or dangerous animal defense. The Buffalo Bore 3G/20 load fills this gap, offering a specialized solution for those critical applications. It answers the question, "How can I maximize the power of my .45 Colt for big game?"

Key Features for the Discerning Shooter and Hunter

When evaluating ammunition, specific features highlight its value and intended use. The Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3G/20 Buffalo-Barnes Lead-Free .45 Colt (LC) +P 225 gr Barnes XPB excels in several key areas:

• Lead-Free Design: Environmentally conscious, compliant with lead-free hunting zones, and ensures consistent terminal performance without lead fragmentation.
• Deep Penetration: The 225-grain Barnes XPB bullet, combined with +P velocities, guarantees sufficient penetration for large game, even through dense bone and muscle.
• High Energy Transfer: Over 1100 ft-lbs of muzzle energy ensures devastating impact and rapid energy transfer, maximizing the likelihood of a quick, humane harvest.
• Reliable Expansion: The monolithic copper construction of the Barnes XPB ensures reliable, controlled expansion across a wide velocity range, creating a significant wound channel.
• Optimized OAL (Overall Length): At 1.572 inches, the cartridge is specifically designed to fit into revolvers with shorter cylinders, such as the Freedom Arms Model 97, expanding its compatibility.
• Premium Brass Casing: High-quality brass casings ensure reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent performance.
• Buffalo Bore Quality: Known for rigorous quality control and delivering ammunition that performs as advertised, often exceeding expectations. Each box contains 20 rounds, with 12 boxes per case, making it convenient for stocking up.

Choosing Your Ammunition Wisely: A Buyer's Guide

For those considering the Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3G/20 Buffalo-Barnes Lead-Free .45 Colt (LC) +P 225 gr Barnes XPB, here are some considerations:

1. Verify Firearm Compatibility: This cannot be stressed enough. Ensure your .45 Colt firearm is explicitly rated for +P ammunition.
2. Intended Use: This is a specialized hunting and wilderness defense round. While it can be used for practice, its cost and power make it more suited for serious applications.
3. Recoil Management: Given its high power, expect significant recoil. Practice with your firearm and this ammunition (if safe to do so) to ensure proficiency and manageability.
4. Ballistic Performance: Understand what 1500 fps and 1124 ft-lbs mean for your hunting distances and target animals.
5. Environmental Regulations: If hunting in an area with lead-free ammunition requirements, this round is fully compliant.

The Buffalo Bore Ammunition 3G/20 Buffalo-Barnes Lead-Free .45 Colt (LC) +P 225 gr Barnes XPB is not just ammunition; it's a performance solution for the most demanding scenarios. It exemplifies Buffalo Bore's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cartridge performance while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to maximize the potential of their robust .45 Colt firearms, this powerful, lead-free option stands as a testament to modern ammunition engineering.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail
Brand	Buffalo Bore Ammunition
Series	Strictly Business
Model	Buffalo-Barnes
Caliber	.45 Colt (+P)
Bullet Type	Barnes VOR-TX XPB Lead-Free
Bullet Weight	225 grain
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	12
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Velocity	1500 fps
Muzzle Energy	1124 ft lbs
Application	Hunting
SKU	86280
MPN	3G20
UPC	651815003276