Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Buffalo Bore 44 Special 200-grain wadcutter load delivers a hard cast projectile at 1000 fps from a 5.5-inch barrel, engineered for defensive use in any 44 Special or 44 Magnum revolver. The full wadcutter nose profile crushes tissue rather than pushing it aside, maintaining a straight wound channel through 24 inches of ballistic gelatin. Low-flash powder preserves night vision during the first shot when most civilian defensive encounters occur in diminished light. Buffalo Bore velocity data comes from production firearms, not sterile test barrels: 1036 fps from a Ruger Super Blackhawk (5.5-inch), 971 fps from a Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun (4-inch), 948 fps from a Smith & Wesson Model 396 (3-inch), 920 fps from a Charter Arms Bulldog (3-inch), and 913 fps from a Smith & Wesson Model 296 (2-inch).
Performance at a Glance
Hard cast construction means the nose profile stays flat at these velocities — no deformation, no flattening, no deviation from centerline. The wadcutter cuts clean holes in tissue, referenced by NYPD Stakeout Squad member Jim Cirillo as his preferred bullet profile for incapacitation certainty. Expect deep penetration from any shot angle, and the hard cast alloy resists leading when properly lubed. Boxer primers and reloadable brass cases extend the utility of each piece of fired brass.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 44 Special |
| Bullet weight | 200 grains |
| Bullet type | Hard cast wadcutter |
| Muzzle velocity | 1000 fps (5.5″ barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 444 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self defense |
| Manufacturer | Buffalo Bore |
This load fits the defensive niche for shooters carrying snub-nose 44 Special revolvers or older 44 Special-chambered firearms where full-power 44 Magnum pressures are inappropriate. The 200-grain wadcutter reaches nearly 1000 fps from short barrels without battering alloy frames or vintage steel. For more defensive revolver ammunition options, visit our 44 Special ammo collection.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 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.
- Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that the firearm is chambered for 44 Special or 44 Magnum before loading. 44 Special ammunition is safe in 44 Magnum revolvers; the reverse is not true.
- This ammunition contains lead. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. California Proposition 65 warning: exposure to lead is known to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
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