When you carry a .380, you’re usually carrying it because it’s the gun you’ll actually have on you—small, light, and easy to conceal. The challenge is getting maximum practical defensive performance from a compact cartridge while keeping reliability high in micro pistols. That’s exactly where Buffalo Bore Ammunition Standard Pressure “Strictly Business” .380 ACP 100gr Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) stands out. Built around a heavy-for-caliber 100 grain hard cast flat nose bullet, this load prioritizes straight-line penetration and consistent performance while staying standard pressure for broad firearm compatibility. Packaged 20 rounds per box and 12 boxes per case (240 rounds per case), this model is Item 27E20 with UPC 651815027050. buffalobore.com+1
Standard pressure .380 that’s built for real-world carry guns
Many .380 pistols are compact blowback designs or ultra-light locked-breech carry guns where reliability matters as much as ballistics. Buffalo Bore designed this loading as part of their standard pressure .380 Auto lineup, specifically to improve defensive capability without requiring +P ammunition. buffalobore.com
For buyers looking for a standard pressure .380 defensive load with a different performance focus than hollow points, the 27E20 is built to deliver.
100gr Hard Cast Flat Nose: penetration-first bullet design
This cartridge uses a 100gr hard cast flat nose (HCFN) bullet—chosen for shooters who want deep, consistent penetration and a nose profile that tends to track straight and “bite” rather than relying on expansion. Buffalo Bore explicitly identifies this load as a 100gr HARD cast bullet with a flat nose. buffalobore.com
That makes it a strong option for:
Carry in compact .380 pistols where expansion can be inconsistent
Shooters who prefer penetration-focused defensive ammo
Situations where barrier performance and straight-line travel are prioritized (within the limits of the caliber)
Published performance: 975 fps and 211 ft-lbs
Retailer-published specifications commonly list this load at 975 feet per second with 211 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, along with brass cases, boxer priming, non-corrosive components, and reloadable brass—all useful details for shoppers comparing premium defensive loads. Outdoor Reloads+1
Buffalo Bore also notes the load is traveling over 1,000 fps from a 3.75" test pistol, underscoring its performance intent while remaining standard pressure. buffalobore.com
Why “Strictly Business” is a smart choice in .380
Buffalo Bore’s “Strictly Business” philosophy is simple: defensive ammunition should be designed for the worst day, not for marketing fluff. For .380 users, that often means selecting a load that:
Cycles reliably in small pistols
Delivers consistent terminal behavior
Maximizes capability while staying within standard pressure expectations buffalobore.com
Ideal uses: EDC, backup guns, and deep concealment
The 27E20 is an excellent fit for:
Everyday carry in compact .380 pistols
Backup guns where size and concealability matter most
Users who want a hard cast option instead of a hollow point
Defensive-minded shooters who rotate carry ammo and keep consistent inventory
As always, function test any carry ammunition in your specific handgun and magazines before relying on it.
Packaging made for stocking up: 20 per box / 12 per case
This SKU is packaged to support both evaluation and long-term carry rotation:
SEO-friendly product identifiers and specs
If you want a standard pressure .380 ACP defensive load that prioritizes penetration and consistency with a 100gr hard cast flat nose bullet, the Buffalo Bore Strictly Business 27E20 (651815027050) is a practical, performance-driven choice for the compact pistol you carry every day.
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