Buffalo Bore 357 Magnum Vs 45 Colt: Which Is Better For Your Cowboy Action Rig?

March 26, 2026

The sun hangs low over the horizon, casting long, jagged shadows across the sagebrush. You can almost hear the faint echo of spurs jingling against a wooden boardwalk and the distant whistle of a steam locomotive cutting through the quiet of the frontier. For those of us who live for the smell of spent gunpowder and the rhythmic "click-clack" of a well-oiled lever-action, the Old West isn't just a chapter in a history book: it’s a way of life.

When you’re standing at the firing line of a Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) match, or just out in the backcountry with your favorite six-shooter holstered at your hip, the gear you choose matters. It’s about more than just hitting the steel; it’s about the soul of the machine and the fire in the chamber.

Today, we’re stepping into the saloon to settle an age-old debate that has kept campfire conversations going until the embers died out: Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum vs. .45 Colt. Which of these heavy-hitters deserves a spot in your cowboy action rig?

The Heart of the Matter: Why Buffalo Bore?

Before we dive into the calibers, let’s talk about the name on the box. Buffalo Bore isn't your run-of-the-mill, big-box-store ammunition. When you slide a Buffalo Bore round into your cylinder, you’re loading a cartridge designed with a specific purpose. Whether they are crafting low-recoil leads for competition or "Heavy" loads for the trail, Buffalo Bore is known for squeezing every ounce of potential out of a caliber.

For the cowboy shooter, this means consistency. It means knowing that every time you hammer back that single-action, the round will go exactly where you pointed it with the authority you expect.

Classic Western Firearms Selection

The .45 Colt: The Legend of the Peacemaker

There is no sound quite like the "thump" of a .45 Colt. Born in 1872, this cartridge is the definitive voice of the American West. If you’re looking for absolute historical authenticity, the .45 Colt is your huckleberry.

The Pros of the .45 Colt Rig:

Authenticity: It was the original chambering for the Colt Single Action Army. It feels right.
The "Big Hole" Factor: There’s something immensely satisfying about a 255-grain lead slug.
Buffalo Bore Options: Buffalo Bore offers "Standard Pressure" heavy loads that are safe for modern replicas (like those from Uberti or Taylor's & Co) but pack a punch far beyond the wimpy "cowboy" loads of other brands.

The Cons:

Cost: Generally, .45 Colt is more expensive to shoot and reload than the .357.
Recoil: If you’re chasing speed in a competition, the .45 Colt has a bit more "muzzle flip" to manage.

For many, the .45 Colt is non-negotiable. It’s the caliber that won the West, and carrying it makes you feel like you’ve stepped right out of a Frederic Remington painting. If you're looking to build a rig that honors the legends, check out our collection of revolvers to find your perfect match.

The .357 Magnum: The Modern Maverick

While the .357 Magnum didn’t arrive until 1935, it has earned its spurs in the world of cowboy shooting. Why? Because it is arguably the most versatile cartridge ever put into a lever-action rifle.

The Pros of the .357 Magnum Rig:

Two-in-One: A .357 Magnum firearm can also shoot .38 Special. This is the "cheat code" for Cowboy Action Shooting. Use light .38 Specials for the match to get lightning-fast split times, and swap to Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum when you want to feel the power.
Velocity: Out of a 20-inch rifle barrel, a Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum round moves with incredible speed and flat trajectory.
Economy: You can often find .357 and .38 components more easily and at a better price point than the big .45.

The Cons:

Anachronism: Some purists scoff at the .357 because it wasn't around in 1880.
Smaller Diameter: It lacks the "heft" and visual impact of the .45's massive lead bullet.

Lever-action carbine and ammunition in a vintage Western setting, ideal for a .357 Magnum cowboy action rig.

Buffalo Bore Performance: A Side-by-Side Look

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. How do these two actually perform when you’re out on the range or in the brush?

✔ The .45 Colt (Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure)

Buffalo Bore’s Standard Pressure .45 Colt loads (Item 20I) use a 255gr. Soft Cast Flat Nose bullet.

Velocity: Roughly 1,000 FPS out of a 5.5-inch barrel.
Energy: It delivers a heavy, bone-crushing blow without the high pressure that would damage a vintage-style replica.
Feel: A solid, rolling push against the palm.

✔ The .357 Magnum (Buffalo Bore Heavy)

Their Heavy .357 Mag (Item 19C) is a different beast entirely.

Velocity: Can reach upwards of 1,400 FPS in a revolver and nearly 1,800 FPS in a lever gun.
Energy: It hits like a freight train.
Feel: A sharp, snappy "crack" that lets everyone at the range know you aren't playing around.

The goal? Speed, accuracy, and authenticity. If you want to dive deeper into the technical side of things, our guide to the science behind cowboy ammo breaks down why pressure and velocity matter so much in these old-style designs.

Which One for Competition?

If your "Cowboy Action Rig" is strictly for SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) or other competitive matches, the .357 Magnum often takes the trophy.

Most competitors run .38 Special loads in their .357 guns because the recoil is negligible. This allows you to stay on target and cycle your lever-action with blistering speed. However, for the "Wild Bunch" or "Senior" categories where power factors matter, the .45 Colt remains a stalwart favorite.

Western Storefront and Gear

Which One for the "Working" Cowboy?

Not everyone is shooting at steel plates. Many of our customers at the Western Gun Store want a rig they can take into the woods: a "Working Cowboy" setup.

If you’re carrying a revolver for protection against predators or as a backup while hunting, the Buffalo Bore .45 Colt (in a modern, strong-framed gun) is hard to beat. It throws a massive, heavy bullet that creates a significant wound channel.

That said, the .357 Magnum in a carbine is one of the best "ranch rifles" ever devised. It’s light, holds plenty of rounds, and with Buffalo Bore ammo, it’s effective on deer-sized game at reasonable distances.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Rig

Choosing between these two is like choosing between a trusty cow pony and a spirited mustang. One is dependable, classic, and steeped in history; the other is fast, versatile, and packs a modern punch.

Choose .45 Colt if:

You want the most authentic experience possible.
You love the history of the Colt Peacemaker.
You prefer a big, slow-moving bullet with a "thump" instead of a "snap."
You want a round that looks impressive in your gun belt's loops.

Choose .357 Magnum if:

You want the versatility to shoot cheaper .38 Specials for practice.
You want the fastest possible times in competition.
You want a rifle/revolver combo that can double as a serious survival or defensive tool with Buffalo Bore's heavy loads.
You’re looking for a more cost-effective way to spend a long day at the range.

Classic single-action revolver in a leather holster with .45 Colt ammo for a traditional cowboy action shooting rig.

Saddle Up and Gear Up

At the end of the day, your cowboy action rig is a reflection of you. Whether you choose the thunderous .45 Colt or the versatile .357 Magnum, the most important thing is that you’re out there, keeping the spirit of the frontier alive.

Here at the Western Gun Store, we’re more than just a shop: we’re enthusiasts who love these firearms as much as you do. From finding the right ammo to picking out your next lever-action rifle, we’re here to help you build the rig of your dreams.

Don’t let the dust settle on your holster. Your next adventure is waiting just past the ridge. Grab a box of Buffalo Bore, head to the range, and let the steel ring!

Ready to find your perfect match?

Keep your powder dry and your aim true, partner. We’ll see you on the range!

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