How times have changed! A handgun cartridge with the title of “OUTDOORSMAN” would historically be a revolver cartridge. However, today many people carry “street” or “home defense” pistols when hiking or camping. In response to customer requests, we present our new “Outdoorsman” 200gr. hard cast flat-nosed 40 S&W standard pressure load.
This deep-penetrating load is designed for use against wild animals, where large bones—such as a black bear’s shoulders or skull—may need to be penetrated. It also has tactical applications for defeating soft cover such as stick-frame walls, car doors, windshields, sofas, or any barrier a threat may hide behind. Expect approximately 30 inches of straight-line penetration in flesh and bone.
Modern polymer-framed, lightweight, reliable, accurate, affordable, high-capacity pistols are excellent tools for outdoor use—when paired with the right ammunition. My wife carries Glock 23s in the woods because they weigh no more than her 3-inch steel J-frame .357 magnum, hold nearly three times the ammo, and are easier on the hands. Properly tailored 40 S&W ammo can be just as formidable as .357 magnum ammo.
Using a hard cast bullet allows us to achieve higher velocity than jacketed bullets. Hard cast alloy is slicker than typical jacket material, enabling more velocity with less pressure. If you prefer a jacketed alternative, see our Item 23C. This 200gr. bullet matches the speed of most 180gr. jacketed 40 S&W bullets while remaining within standard pressure limits—thanks in part to the hard cast design.
This is a standard pressure cartridge, meaning it operates within SAAMI specifications and is safe for use in all 40 S&W chambered pistols. The bullet is hard cast—not soft lead—and is safe for use in all Glock pistols. Contrary to rumors, Glock does not prohibit hard cast bullets. For more information, visit our website’s “Technical Articles” section and read “Difference Between Lead & Hard Cast Bullets” and “Hard Cast Bullets in Polygonal Barrels.”
We use flash suppressed powder to prevent blinding muzzle flash in low light—when wildlife and criminal threats are most active.
As always, Buffalo Bore uses real-world, over-the-counter firearms to determine advertised velocities. We reject the misleading practice of using extra-long laboratory barrels that produce inflated velocity readings not achievable in real carry guns.
Real-world velocities from standard pistols:
- 1,033 fps — Custom 1911 with Nowlin barrel, 5-inch
- 989 fps — Browning Hi-Power, 4.6-inch barrel
- 967 fps — Taurus PT100, 4.6-inch barrel
- 962 fps — Glock Model 23 Gen 2, 4-inch barrel
- 969 fps — Glock Model 23 Gen 4, 4-inch barrel
- 961 fps — Sig Model 229, 4-inch barrel
- 976 fps — Kahr Model PM40, 3-inch barrel
