double tap vs. buffalo bore

Both of them make ammo that runs the ragged edge. Both of them are boutique companies. Buffalo Bore seems to be on a larger budget while Double Tap has more of a "small business run by few people" kind of look to them.

Biggest difference is the price. Buffalo Bore is stupid expensive while Double Tap ends up being similar or cheaper than the big ammo companies' high dollar defense loads. That's because Double Tap sells most all of their ammo in 50 round boxes... not 20 rounders like everyone else in the game. (And like Buffalo Bore)
 
Just comparing

Just a comparison: these are straight from their websites.

9mm+P 115gr JHP
Ballistics : 115gr @ 1415fps / 511ft. lbs. from a G17.
Glock 19 velocity - 1395fps.
$36.95 / 50 rounds ($0.74 per round)

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_37&products_id=298



9mm Luger (+P+) 115 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point
(1,400 fps/M.E. 500 ft.lbs.)
Browning Hi Power MK111, 4.6 inch barrel---------1426 fps
Beretta 92F, 4.9 inch barrel----------------------1402 fps
Glock 19, 4.0 inch barrel-------------------------1389 fps
$25.33 / 20 rounds ($1.27 per round)

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=118


You can do the rest for yourself. Of course it also comes down to availability in your area and any sales that may also dictate prices.
 
I personally prefer Double Tap due to the price. However, DT has recently discontinued my preferred weights in a couple calibers (namely 158grn .357 Magnum and 124grn 9mm) so for those I prefer BB.
 
From what I have seen Double Tap seems more in tune with semi-auto ammunition and Buffalo Bore with revolvers and rifles. But both companies cover both well. I like the fact that Buffalo Bore lists velocities from specific guns and barrel lengths. The cost is not an issue for me as I reload what I practice with to get as close as possible to Buffalo Bore Spec and use the real deal for carry. For me I'll trust Buffalo Bore - standard pressure .38/.357 short barrel low flash ammunition and standard presure .45 Colt. If I had a 10 mm Glock I would get the FMJ Double Tap.
 
I have shot DoubleTap in several different calibers, and carry their 125gn 357mag load right now. Their ammo has been great in every caliber I have bought.
I refuse to pay BuffaloBore's ridiculous prices.
 
Just from OTHERS experiances:

But Doubletap has more problems with their ammo NOT reaching their claimed velocity.
 
It does out of his guns, not all guns are the same of course... I have found that his loads are pretty damn close to advertised...
 
right now i'm using double tap 180 gr controlled expansion hp's in my Glock 29.They do quit nice and are more controllable than i thought.
 
Cor-Bon is also overpriced. I simply do not spring for ammo that is $1 or more per shot. Pistol ammo should come in 50 round boxes and cost less than $50.
 
But Doubletap has more problems with their ammo NOT reaching their claimed velocity.
Click to expand...

I have had one experience with DT not reaching their stated velocities and I have chronographed five different caliber's (.38, .357, .40, .45 and 9mm) with 2-3 grain weights per caliber. The load in question was their 125gr gold dot .38+P loading. They claim 1100fps out of a ~2" barrel. My ammo never broke 1000fps out of a 2, 4 or 5" barrel! Luckily that was the only ammo that I have purchased from them that was disappointing. All of the others calibers were +/- 50fps of their claimed velocity. I regularly carry their .357 and .40 ammo in my guns.
 
I wouldn't be surprised if DT had increased supply and QC issues over the past year, what with the pandemonium since the election and all. FWIW, DT isn't the only manufacturer to have these types of complaints, I've heard similar reports about Buffalo Bore and Black Hills (namely switching to Montana Gold, Speer Uni-Cor, or Hornady XTP bullets rather than Speer Gold Dots).
 
just recieved a box of 10mm 135gr from double tap, according to my wife it is much louder than the umc. works great in my delta elite. the ammo is like thor's hammer. but frag nasty into wet mud. my wife is now asking if a 9mm is availble from dt and buffalo bore, right now i have her carring power ball by corbon, she has a usp compact two tone 9mm.
 
FWIW:

I use DoubleTap jhp's in all of my 9MM pistols, and my single 45ACP (CS45)..

So far, never had a problem.. I like 'em.:D


Best Wishes,

jesse
 
10mm

right now i'm using double tap 180 gr controlled expansion hp's in my Glock 29They do quit nice and are more controllable than i thought.
Click to expand...
I'm using the 200 gr controlled expansion. (XTP?) Love them. Double Tap for me for sure.
 
"*** FWIW, DT isn't the only manufacturer to have these types of complaints, I've heard similar reports about Buffalo Bore and Black Hills (namely switching to Montana Gold, Speer Uni-Cor, or Hornady XTP bullets rather than Speer Gold Dots)."
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Agree with this.

And the public complaints are not just about the so-called "Boutique" ammo companies. (BHs by the way, also a small-time family company, supplies our military with its 77gn Mk 262 MOD 1 5.56mm ammo).

Since before the election last year, the increasing demand for pistol & rifle ammo and components has not only driven up the general retail price, but it's also resulted in a step-up in QC issues from ALL the U.S. ammo-makers.

A good example is seeing the recurring comments of AR-guru Pat Rogers in his SWAT magazine pieces about the duds and misfires in his training courses among factory .223/5.56mm ammo from the "reputable" Big Three. :rolleyes:

As far as Double Tap's advertised boxflap velocities for its pistol ammo, McNett generally chronographs these loads from stock Glock pistols at high elevation in Utah. Factoring for all the variables like elevation, temperature, humidity, type of pistol used, etc., you'll find posts from DT users across the U.S. reporting both lower and higher velocities - and, as often as not, velocity readings that are spot-on. :rolleyes:

So, IMO, this issue's a wash.

As for comparative prices, I think Buffalo Bore makes great ammo, and I really like their 10mm 180gn load. That said, for what you pay for 20-rds/box from BB, you'll do better getting 50-rds/box from DT.

:cool:
 
I once chanced to mention my interest in a chronograph in a gun shop (the old Loading Bench in Annandale, Virginia) and the comment I got was that was when I'd start getting in trouble with my handloads. Nevertheless, I went through a period of moderate experimentation, chiefly with .44 S&W Specials. But I never did buy a chronograph.

However, it might be interesting if you had one. I've read that you can get just as much variation in velocities from different guns of the same barrel length as you can from different barrels. I don't know how much that might be true but I guess the moral of the story is that you should put too much stock in published velocity figures. I notice that some loading data offers performance figures without any reference to the firearm. Shooter beware.
 
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