Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Buffalo Bore 40 S&W +P ammo delivers 180 grains of jacketed hollow point at 1100 fps — a duty-caliber defensive load engineered for maximum energy transfer in threat-stop scenarios. This is 40 S&W +P ammunition, meaning chamber pressures exceed SAAMI standard-pressure specifications for the 40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. You load this round when stopping power and penetration through barriers matter more than recoil mitigation. Flash-suppressed powder keeps your night sights visible after the first shot; boxer-primed brass cases reload cleanly. Buffalo Bore builds this load for pistols with fully supported chambers — most 1911-pattern 40s, SIG P229/P226, Beretta 96, S&W M&P, Springfield XD, and CZ 75 variants qualify. Glock 22/23/27 pistols ship with partially supported chambers and require aftermarket barrels (Storm Lake, Lone Wolf, KKM) before you can safely fire +P loads. Verify chamber support with a gunsmith or contact your manufacturer before ordering.
Performance at a Glance
The 180-grain jacketed hollow point exits at 1100 fps from a 4.5-inch barrel, generating 484 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. That velocity keeps the projectile in the expansion window for most JHP designs — sufficient hydraulic pressure to open the petals without over-expansion that sacrifices penetration. Buffalo Bore uses flash-suppressed powder to preserve night vision in low-light engagements, a critical advantage when over 90% of defensive encounters occur after sunset or indoors under artificial light. Brass cases and non-corrosive boxer primers mean you reload these once-fired hulls without concerns about mercury contamination or storage degradation.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 40 S&W +P |
| Bullet weight | 180 grains |
| Bullet type | Jacketed Hollow Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 1100 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 484 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Lead Free | No |
Buffalo Bore warns that headstamps may read “40 S&W” without the “+P” designation due to brass supply constraints — the load remains +P regardless of what the case head says. Store this ammunition in a cool, dry location away from moisture and temperature swings that degrade powder stability. This is 40 cal ammo engineered for serious-use applications — verify your pistol meets the chamber-support requirement before you commit to a case lot.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to fire; never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy; be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your pistol features a fully supported chamber before loading +P ammunition. Glock 22/23/27 pistols require aftermarket barrels with full chamber support. Consult a gunsmith if you are uncertain about your firearm’s chamber design.
- Lead-core ammunition may expose users to lead during handling and firing. Wash hands thoroughly after range sessions. California Proposition 65 warnings apply.
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