Buffalo Bore Ammunition reviewed by the Pearce Brothers

Transcript

Welcome to another edition of The Pierce Brothers. I’m Brian Pierce, and today we’re diving into the world of Buffalo Bore Ammunition.

I first became acquainted with Buffalo Bore back in the mid-90s when Tim Sundles, the company’s founder and owner, reached out to me. He wanted to offer factory loads for the .475 and .500 Linebaugh cartridges. This was a significant challenge, as the .475 needed to work in Freedom Arms Model 83 revolvers chambered in .454 Casull. After much trial and error, we reduced the rim diameter to .540 inches, allowing for proper functionality. With the help of Jack Huntington, a custom gun was built, and Freedom Arms was convinced to chamber the Model 757 in .475 Linebaugh.

Tim also collaborated with Starline Brass to develop the necessary cases, and soon, Buffalo Bore began producing factory ammo for these niche cartridges. However, the market was limited, as most .475 and .500 guns were custom-built by renowned gunsmiths like John Linebaugh, Hamilton Bowen, and John Gallagher.

The Turning Point: The .45-70 Guide Gun

Buffalo Bore’s big break came when Marlin introduced the Model 1895 Guide Gun chambered in .45-70 in the late 1990s. Recognizing the potential of the .45-70 in modern firearms, I worked with Tim to develop high-performance loads for it. While traditional .45-70 ammo was underpowered to accommodate old trapdoor rifles, modern lever guns like the Marlin 1895 could handle much higher pressures.

Tim’s .45-70 loads quickly became a sensation. Over the years, he fine-tuned them, resulting in innovative offerings like a 380-grain monometal bullet with a large meplat and a small rifle primer pocket. The smaller primer reduced the risk of magazine tube detonations—an issue that dated back to the 1880s. These loads proved capable of taking down large, dangerous game and revitalized Buffalo Bore with increased cash flow and popularity.

Versatility and Specialty Loads

Buffalo Bore produces a wide range of ammunition, from revolver rounds to rifle cartridges. As a non-SAAMI company, they’re not bound by standard cartridge dimensions, allowing them to tailor loads for specific firearms. For instance, they offer +P+ 9mm and .45 Auto loads but emphasize the importance of using firearms designed to handle higher pressures.

One of their standout offerings is the 10mm Auto "220 Grain Outdoorsman" load. This hard-cast bullet, advertised at 1,200 feet per second, is highly effective for bear defense and hunting. In testing, it delivered consistent velocities around 1,170 fps from a Kimber pistol, showcasing its power and deep penetration capabilities.

Buffalo Bore also supports discontinued cartridges like the .450 Marlin and .405 Winchester, ensuring that owners of these firearms can continue using them.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has built its reputation on innovation, precision, and versatility. Whether you’re hunting big game, defending yourself in bear country, or looking for specialty loads, they offer a solution. Their high-performance ammo is trusted by enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Thanks for joining us today on The Pierce Brothers. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions about Buffalo Bore’s history, products, and innovations. See you next time!