Is The Spice Worth The Price?...Buffalo Barnes .380 acp Self-Defense Ammo Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on September 15, 2024
Duration: 14:13

This video details a ballistic gel test of Buffalo Bore's .380 ACP +P ammunition, featuring Barnes Tac-XP solid copper projectiles. The test measures velocity from two Smith & Wesson firearms (Bodyguard 2.0 and M&P EZ) and evaluates projectile expansion and penetration through a clothing barrier. The presenter concludes that while the ammunition offers good energy for its caliber, its high cost and performance comparable to less expensive options make it a questionable value proposition for most users.

Quick Summary

Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P ammunition, featuring an 80-grain Barnes Tac-XP solid copper projectile, achieved average velocities of 1170 ft/s (S&W Bodyguard) and 1259 ft/s (S&W M&P EZ). It demonstrated significant expansion to about 0.70 inches with 9-10 inches of penetration in gel, but its high cost is not justified by superior performance over cheaper alternatives.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 01:04Ammunition Details: Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P
  3. 01:44Test Firearms: S&W Bodyguard & M&P EZ
  4. 02:30Velocity Testing: S&W Bodyguard
  5. 04:18Velocity Testing: S&W M&P EZ
  6. 06:05Ballistic Gel Test: S&W Bodyguard Shot
  7. 07:08Ballistic Gel Test: S&W M&P EZ Shot
  8. 07:29Gel Results Analysis: Penetration & Expansion
  9. 09:49Projectile Examination
  10. 10:35Measurements: Weight & Size
  11. 11:20Conclusion: Performance vs. Price
  12. 12:05Final Verdict: Is Buffalo Bore Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of Buffalo Bore's .380 ACP +P ammunition tested?

The Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P ammunition features an 80-grain Barnes Tac-XP solid copper projectile. It is advertised with a velocity of 1275 ft/s and is designed for self-defense applications, utilizing a +P pressure rating for increased performance.

What were the measured velocities for Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P from different firearms?

From a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 (2.75-inch barrel), the average velocity was 1170 ft/s. From a Smith & Wesson M&P Performance Center EZ (3.75-inch barrel), the average velocity was 1259 ft/s, which is close to the advertised 1275 ft/s.

How did Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P ammunition perform in ballistic gel tests?

The ammunition showed significant expansion, with projectiles reaching diameters around 0.70 inches and retaining their full 80-grain weight. Penetration was approximately 9-10 inches through a clothing barrier and gel, which is considered adequate but not exceptional for .380 ACP.

Is Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P ammunition considered a good value for its price?

The presenter concludes that while the ammunition offers good energy for a .380 ACP, its high cost makes it a questionable value. Performance is comparable to less expensive alternatives, suggesting it's only worth the premium if solid copper is a mandatory requirement.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Tools&Targets

View all →