SUPER Buffalo!...Buffalo Bore VS American Eagle .38 Super +P Self- Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on May 10, 2026
Duration: 14:41

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test comparing Buffalo Bore's 115-grain .38 Super +P ammunition against Federal's American Eagle 115-grain .38 Super. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, highlights a significant performance disparity between the two loads. The Buffalo Bore ammunition demonstrated superior velocity, expansion, and penetration, while the American Eagle load underperformed significantly, showing minimal expansion and excessive penetration depth. The instructor emphasizes the importance of high-energy ammunition for self-defense.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing Buffalo Bore and Federal American Eagle .38 Super +P 115gr ammunition, Buffalo Bore achieved an average velocity of 1527 fps with excellent expansion to 0.539 inches and 16-inch penetration. Federal American Eagle averaged only 1154 fps, showed no significant expansion, and penetrated nearly 27 inches, making Buffalo Bore the superior choice for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction and Range Conditions
  2. 00:20Setup: Gel Blocks, Chronographs, Clothing Barrier
  3. 00:38Clothing Barrier Details
  4. 00:54Ammunition Introduction: Buffalo Bore vs. Federal American Eagle
  5. 01:04Manufacturer Ballistics: Federal American Eagle
  6. 01:19Manufacturer Ballistics: Buffalo Bore
  7. 01:39Cartridge Comparison: Design and Construction
  8. 01:56Test Platform: Colt Gold Cup National Match 1911
  9. 02:10Chronograph Setup and Averaging Method
  10. 02:46Federal American Eagle Velocity Test
  11. 03:10Federal American Eagle Velocity Results and Analysis
  12. 03:34Buffalo Bore Velocity Test
  13. 04:35Buffalo Bore Velocity Results and Analysis
  14. 05:55Ballistic Gel Test: American Eagle Shot
  15. 06:25American Eagle Gel Test Results (Initial)
  16. 06:59Ballistic Gel Test: Buffalo Bore Shot
  17. 07:25Buffalo Bore Gel Test Results (Initial)
  18. 09:30Projectile Close-Up: Buffalo Bore vs. American Eagle
  19. 10:02American Eagle Projectile Analysis
  20. 10:06Buffalo Bore Projectile Analysis
  21. 11:36Projectile Weight and Size Measurements
  22. 12:27Final Comparison and Conclusion
  23. 13:38Summary: Great vs. Junky Ammo
  24. 14:05Viewer Engagement and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between Buffalo Bore and Federal American Eagle .38 Super +P ammunition?

Buffalo Bore .38 Super +P 115gr ammunition demonstrated significantly higher velocity (average 1527 fps) and superior expansion (0.539 inches) in ballistic gel tests compared to Federal American Eagle 115gr .38 Super (average 1154 fps, minimal expansion). Buffalo Bore also achieved better penetration depth for self-defense.

How did the .38 Super ammunition perform in ballistic gel tests?

In ballistic gel tests, Buffalo Bore .38 Super +P 115gr expanded well to over half an inch and penetrated to about 16 inches. Federal American Eagle 115gr .38 Super showed no significant expansion, tumbled, and penetrated to nearly 27 inches, indicating poor terminal performance.

Which .38 Super ammunition is recommended for self-defense based on the test?

Based on the ballistic gel test, Buffalo Bore .38 Super +P 115gr ammunition is highly recommended for self-defense due to its superior velocity, consistent expansion, and effective energy transfer. The Federal American Eagle load was deemed inadequate for defensive use.

What were the measured velocities for Buffalo Bore and Federal American Eagle .38 Super?

The Buffalo Bore 115gr .38 Super +P averaged 1527 fps, while the Federal American Eagle 115gr .38 Super averaged 1154 fps when fired from a 5-inch barrel. This represents a substantial velocity difference of over 370 fps.

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