How to Choose the Best Cowboy Action Ammo: Buffalo Bore 45 vs. Federal Syntech
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when the sun starts dipping low over the mesa, casting long, jagged shadows across the range. You can almost hear the faint echoes of spurs jingling on a wooden boardwalk and the distant whistle of a steam engine. For those of us who live and breathe Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), it’s not just about the score on the clock; it’s about stepping back into the rugged days of the American frontier. It’s about the smell of burnt powder, the weight of a single-action revolver in your hand, and the satisfying ping of lead meeting steel.
But as any trail boss will tell you, your gear is only as good as the lead you’re feeding it. When you’re standing at the line, heart hammering against your ribs like a trapped bird, you need to know your ammunition is going to perform. Today, we’re looking at two heavy hitters in the world of cowboy lead: the old-school reliability of Buffalo Bore .45 Colt Cowboy and the high-tech precision of Federal Syntech.
The goal? Speed, accuracy, and authenticity. Let’s dive into which one deserves a spot in your belt loops.
The Heart of the West: The .45 Colt Legacy
Before we talk brands, we have to talk caliber. The .45 Colt: often called the .45 Long Colt by those of us who appreciate the distinction: is the undisputed king of the Wild West. It’s the cartridge that tamed the plains and sat comfortably in the cylinders of the legendary Peacemaker. In the world of Cowboy Action Shooting, it remains a favorite for its nostalgic thump and historical accuracy.
However, shooting modern, high-pressure .45 Colt loads through a vintage-style Uberti or Taylor’s & Co. revolver is a recipe for disaster. You need "Cowboy Loads": rounds specifically designed to be lower in velocity, easier on your lever-action rifles, and compliant with SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) regulations.
Buffalo Bore .45 Colt: The Traditionalist’s Choice
When you think of Buffalo Bore, you might think of high-powered woodsman loads designed to stop a charging grizzly. But their "Cowboy" line is a completely different animal. This is ammo designed by people who actually shoot the sport. It’s built for the purist: the shooter who wants their experience to feel as close to 1880 as possible without the hassle of black powder.
The Technical Grit: Buffalo Bore’s .45 Colt Cowboy load typically features a 255-grain lead semi-wadcutter (LSWC) or flat-nose bullet. It’s clocked at a mellow velocity: usually hovering around 750 to 800 feet per second (fps).
Why it Wins on the Frontier: ✔ Authentic Feel: There is a certain "thump" to Buffalo Bore that feels right. It has enough recoil to let you know you’re shooting a real caliber, but not so much that it disrupts your transition to the next target. ✔ Standard-Setting Accuracy: Because they use high-quality hard-cast lead, these rounds are incredibly consistent. At the 7 to 20-yard distances typical of a CAS match, Buffalo Bore is "cloverleaf" accurate. ✔ High-Quality Brass: If you’re a reloader (and let's be honest, most of us are), Buffalo Bore uses top-tier brass that holds up to multiple trips through the press.
The Nostalgia Factor: Loading these into your revolvers feels like a ritual. The dull grey of the lead against the shiny brass is a sight that hasn't changed in over a century. It smells like history.
Caption: A box of Buffalo Bore Cowboy loads resting on a weathered wooden table, ready for the range.
Federal Syntech: The Modern Maverick
On the other side of the campfire, we have Federal Syntech. Now, some old-timers might scoff at the sight of a purple or red-coated bullet, but don’t let the modern look fool you. This is performance-driven technology designed to solve the age-old problems of lead fouling and heat.
The Technical Grit: Federal Syntech replaces the traditional wax-lubricated lead bullet with a Total Synthetic Jacket (TSJ). In their Action Pistol and Cowboy-friendly lines, they offer heavy-subsonic options that mimic the low-recoil feel of traditional cowboy loads while keeping your barrel pristine.
Why it’s a Game Changer: ✔ Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: Shooting 10 stages of a match with traditional lead bullets will leave your barrel caked in lead and grease. Syntech eliminates lead-to-metal contact. Your cleaning time is cut in half. ✔ Cooler Barrels: The polymer coating creates less friction than raw lead or copper. This means your guns stay cooler during rapid-fire strings, which helps maintain accuracy and extends the life of your barrel. ✔ Reduced Splash-Back: Because there’s no copper jacket and the polymer is soft, the "splash-back" when hitting steel targets at close range is significantly reduced. Safety first, partner!
The Nostalgia Gap: The only downside? It doesn't look "period correct." If you’re a stickler for the visual aesthetics of the 1870s, seeing a purple bullet in your cartridge belt might feel a little out of place. But when you’re winning the stage because your gun didn't gum up, you might find you don't mind the color so much.
Head-to-Head: Which One Should You Load?
Choosing between these two is like choosing between a trusty cow pony and a fresh-off-the-line stallion. Both will get you where you’re going, but the ride is different.
| Feature | Buffalo Bore Cowboy | Federal Syntech |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Type | Traditional Hard-Cast Lead | Polymer-Coated (TSJ) |
| Cleanliness | Dirty (Traditional Lube) | Extremely Clean |
| Recoil | Moderate/Traditional | Very Low/Soft |
| Accuracy | Match Grade | High Consistency |
| Aesthetic | 100% Authentic | Modern/Sporty |
Use Buffalo Bore If: You value the soul of the sport. You want the smell, the look, and the historical weight of a 255-grain lead slug. You don't mind spending an extra twenty minutes at the cleaning bench after the match because the performance in the dirt was worth it. You can find our full ammo collection here.
Use Federal Syntech If: You are a high-volume competitor. If you’re shooting hundreds of rounds a week in practice, the lack of lead fouling is a lifesaver. It’s the perfect choice for the shooter who wants the technical advantage of modern material science while staying within the velocity rules of Cowboy Action.
Pro Tip: Don't Forget the "Scattergun"
While we’re talking ammo, remember that your revolvers are only part of the story. A true cowboy is a master of three trades: the pistol, the rifle, and the shotgun. When you’re picking out your .45 Colt loads, make sure you’re also stocked up on low-recoil lead birdshot for your shotguns. Consistency across your entire kit is what builds muscle memory and chops seconds off your stage time.
The Verdict from the General Store
Here at the Western Gun Store, we see shooters of all stripes. We see the "Gamer" types who want every modern edge, and we see the "Traditionalists" who won't touch a piece of gear if it doesn't look like it fell out of a John Wayne movie.
If you’re just starting out, we often recommend grabbing a box of each. Run a few cylinders of Buffalo Bore through your single-shot rifles or revolvers to feel that authentic thump. Then, switch over to the Syntech and see how much faster your follow-up shots become when the recoil is softened by that polymer coating.
The dust of the old ghost towns might be settled, but the spirit of the frontier is alive every time we step onto the range. Whether you choose the grit of Buffalo Bore or the slick tech of Federal Syntech, the most important thing is that you’re out there, keeping the legend alive.
Saddle up, check your sights, and let’s make some noise.
Ready to find your perfect load?
- Browse our Cowboy Action Ammo
- Learn more about The Spirit of the Old West
- Got questions? Contact the team at Western Gun Store
Caption: A shooter in full cowboy attire aiming a lever-action rifle during a competition.
Your next adventure is waiting at the end of the trail. We’ll see you at the range!
: Jason Marsh, Owner, Western Gun Store