[Vanzpp]

Hi, everyone.

Is it safe to use Buffalo Bore 158 gr. LSWCHP +P rounds in an aluminum Smith 642? The gun is +P rated, but the specs on the Buffalo Bore web site state that the round delivers 1000fps and 351 ft lbs.

That's hard core!! Will that damage the gun if I use these rounds? Thanks!

[DAdams]

Buffalo Bore 158 +P in your 642. Since it says + P on the barrel? No problem, get jiggy with it. I spoke with Tim Rundle about his loads for an hour a couple months ago, low flash, low smoke.
If not, use the Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure. Which still isn't shabby. ;)

[Vanzpp]

Thanks for the input!

I really like BB ammo! It's great stuff. However, I'm a firm believer that one should practice with the ammo one carries. How much BB +P ammo can I expect to be able to put through my 642 until problems begin?

[PaladinX13]

In all honesty, likely more than you can afford... BB's great but not cheap!

[DAdams]

How much BB +P ammo can I expect to be able to put through my 642 until problems begin?

No more or no fewer than if you use Speer Golddot 135 +P I feign.

Perhaps 327 fewer than COR BON DPX 110gr Plus P. ;)

Lifetime warranty. Doesn't it make you sleep better at night?

[ArchAngelCD]

The gun is +P rated, but the specs on the Buffalo Bore web site state that the round delivers 1000fps and 351 ft lbs.
It's not the velocity or energy that will blow up your gun, pressure is the enemy. No manufacturer will produce a product that exceeds safe pressures so don't worry.

[Gary A]

Corbon used to make a 115 grain .38 Special +P+ (now discontinued)that was recommended to be fired in .357 revolvers. I was told by someone at Corbon (some years ago) that it produced something on the order of 27,000 psi and was intended to be used in .357s for those who were prohibited from carrying .357s. I was told not to use it in a 642-1. It would not blow up the gun but would wreck it in fairly short order. There is a difference in blowing up a gun and turning it into a paperweight although both render the weapon useless. There are plenty of hot .45 Colt loads produced by manufacturers that are specifically not safe in plenty of .45 Colt firearms. I'm not saying Buffalo Bore falls into that category, just that the fact that a load is produced by an ammunition maker does not necessarily mean it is safe in every firearm that can chamber it.

[Hutch]

I'm trying to imagine the experience of shooting that 1000fps load in a revolver that light. I've shot Remchesteral FBI loads in Airweight revolvers, and they are all I want to handle. Haven't tried the 135gr +P Speer yet.