Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Buffalo Bore 380 ACP 100 grain flat nose load addresses the 380 auto’s historical performance gap with hard cast projectiles and measured velocities. Chambered for compact pistols where concealment outweighs capacity, this ammunition delivers 975 fps and 211 ft-lbs from a 3.75-inch barrel — real-world figures recorded from service pistols, not test barrels. Flash-suppressed powder preserves low-light vision during the defensive encounters that constitute 95% of civilian shootings. The flat nose profile cuts through tissue rather than sliding around bone, maintaining straight-line wound channels past 20 inches in calibrated gelatin. Boxer-primed brass cases support handloaders who track their defensive carry supply. For shooters carrying BDA, Walther PPK, Colt Mustang, or Kel-Tec platforms in 380 ACP, this is Buffalo Bore’s answer to the round nose full metal jacket loads that dominate the category.
Load Profile
Buffalo Bore machines this 100 grain projectile from hardened lead alloy, then shapes a flat meplat across the nose. The flat displaces more frontal area than ball ammunition, interrupting momentum transfer and generating temporary cavitation in elastic tissue. Velocity recorded from common 380 pistols: BDA (3.75-inch barrel) at 1,011 fps, Walther PPK (3.5-inch) at 995 fps, Colt Mustang Pocket Lite (2.75-inch) at 910 fps, Kel-Tec at 902 fps. Energy at the muzzle reaches 211 ft-lbs — adequate to meet FBI penetration standards when paired with controlled expansion or, in this case, non-expanding hard cast construction. Flash-suppressed propellant burns clean in short barrels without the sodium flare common to ball powders, preserving the shooter’s adapted night vision. Brass cases accept standard small pistol primers and reload consistently through multiple firing cycles.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 380 ACP |
| Bullet weight | 100 Grains |
| Bullet type | Hard Cast Flat Nose |
| Muzzle velocity | 975 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 211 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Buffalo Bore |
This load ships in 20-round boxes and fits all firearms chambered in 380 ACP that remain in proper working condition. Verify your pistol’s owner manual permits +P-adjacent pressure loads — Buffalo Bore runs standard SAAMI pressures but achieves higher velocities through propellant selection and case capacity optimization. For shooters requiring proven defensive ammunition in the 380 platform, this flat nose load belongs in the rotation alongside hollow point options, particularly where barrier penetration or deep-tissue tracking matters more than expansion. See our full inventory at 380 ammo.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 21 years old for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearm safety: treat every gun as loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until sights are on target, and know your target and what lies beyond it. Review NRA firearm safety guidelines.
- Verify that your ammunition matches the caliber stamped on your firearm’s barrel and chamber. Do not mix cartridges. Confirm your state and local laws permit possession and use of this ammunition before purchasing.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling ammunition or spent casings. Use adequate ventilation when shooting indoors. For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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