CCI standard velocity ammo is shown as 1070 fps. That is basically in the transonic zone but is generally considered subsonic. "Some" semi's may not cycle it reliably enough but most seem to not have any issues. High velocity ammo is all rated as supersonic at the muzzle.

You may be surprised to find out how much "target" grade ammo is actually subsonic and rated in the same 1070 fps range. Speed does not necessarily equate to accuracy.

CCI mini-mags are of course supersonic.

There are several threads here discussing the differences between ammo labeled as "sub sonic" vs standard velocity which more than likely will be sub sonic as well.

Any ammo with a muzzle velocity of greater than the speed of sound(for a given day) will cause a sonic "crack" to be heard as the round travels through the air. That is generally considered to be around the 1100 fps range....give or take.

 

The barrel and action of this pistol have been made with substantial
safety margins over the pressures developed by established American
loads. However, we assume no responsibility for incidents which occur
through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimension or those
developing pressures in excess of SAAMI (Sporting Arms and
Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) established standards

right out of owners manual,
the only thing you have to worry about is the buffer wearing out which is an easy replaceable part, and on a new gun with fresh springs you should have zero problems, once the guns gets well used and springs worn then i might think about replacing springs to prevent excessive buffer wear. :t

 

Okay, thanks for the replies. I just went onto the CCI website and saw the spec sheets on the various rounds they manufacture. The CCI Mini Mags are the high velocity rounds which many say is a good choice for the Buckmark. The CCI Standard Velocity line is just that, their standard velocity round and not a CCI Mini Mag! I think I should be fine with the ammo I purchased. When I exhaust these, I may just try the Standard Velocity. Thanks - Rick

 

I have pumped many thousands of high velocity rounds of many brands through my 1995 Buckmark Camper with no problems as a result.

It does seem to me that the standard velocity and subsonic loads that run between 1050 and 1100 fps. are the most accurate in my pistol. For paper punching the extra velocity is not needed and most of my shooting at the range is at 25yds or less.

For off hand shooting, the pistol/ammo combination is much more accurate than I am with any decent quality ammo including most bulk ammo.

The only high velocity or high power ammo I avoid is CCI Stingers because Ruger and some other semi-auto mfgs. recommend against them.

 

When looking at published velocities and muzzle energy, you have to remember they are usually what you get from a rifle length barrel unless stated otherwise. It will be be roughly 25-30% less from a handgun. So even high velocity won't make it to supersonic with a 4-6 inch barrel.

HV will still be faster than SV, with more stress and wear on the gun.

 

I agree with the good information in the replies plus I might add that if you're shooting a new pistol a few boxes of mini mags will probably help break it in more quickly. Enjoy!

 

Not new, this is a production year 1987 Buckmark Plus, Bull barrel slab side, was used when I purchased it back in the 90's. I read where many Buckmark owners stated the CCI Mini Mags were a good choice for Buckmarks. I bought 5 boxes of the Mini Mags and then read several threads where others were using the Standard Velocity rounds. In reading Mort Canard's post above, I can see where the High Velocity might not be needed for target practice. I just want to make sure I am not harming the pistol by shooting the high velocity rounds thru it. From what I have read others say that's all they shoot with theirs. Things have changed over the years; used to be .22 shorts, .22 Longs and .22Long Rifle rounds and that was it! I think I will be okay firing these. Not like I will be entering any competions where I would be going thru lots of rounds with it. I'll be doing good just firing the 500+ rounds I have! Thanks all for the input! Be safe and happy shooting! - Rick

 

Another round to consider is the CCI Blazer.

1235fps like the Minimag!
Less expensive, but just not copper-washed.

I can get it over here with no probs, but I understand that supply of Blazer can be a bit sporadic in the US at the moment.

I used to use Blazer exclusively in my Marlin 795, but since I have done a bit of "top-end" polishing (they cant touch you for it!) it now cycles CCI Std reliably, so I tend to stick with that.

1235fps is not "silly" fast, so I cant see any harm in it's regular use.

Peter.

 

Blazer, especially when you can find it for $25 per brick, is excellent ammo. My CZ shoots it nearly as good as target ammo costing 2 or 3 times as much. I find it suffers some in the colder weather, which I blame the hard wax for, but in warmer weather it works very well for me.

 

Rick,

Did you buy the gun in the 90s and then store it for 20 or so years? Just wondering because you said you were new to shooting and owning the Buckmark. I'm just a little confused, but that is easily done.

 

Ike - New to the Buckmark, not new to shooting. Yes, I purchased the Buckmark back in the mid 90's but never shot it. I more or less got away from shooting for awhile as I was victim to a robbery where I lost my 40 year gun collection. I now only have 5 handguns which is about the most I will want, well maybe a couple more won't hurt.

I had a Ruger MKIII and loved that pistol and I do look forward to shooting the Buckmark. Once I break it down and do a thorough cleaning and lube, I will be ready to go shoot it. Last December, I purchased two .380 pocket rockets for my wife and me, but, they are not very pleasant to shoot! I think my wife will really enjoy shooting the Buckmark. Anyway, thanks for asking, that is my story. I look forward to being a part of the RFC forum community! - Rick :t

 

My Buckmark loves the 40gr Mini-mags. It shoots them much better at 200 yards than a standard velocity round. I'm guessing with the short barrel it's running them just subsonic since it doesn't do the crazy transition thing around 150 yards like the rifles do with them.

I've shot thousands upon thousands of rounds thru mine and other than an occasional cleaning of the action it's performed great. It's scary accurate, I have a Leupold 2 1/2- 8 scope on it and it's zeroed at 230 yards. Hand it to new visitors at our range and tell them to hold dead on a distant steel target and the look on their face is priceless when they hear the ding.

Just saying, superb handgun that is uber reliable and scary accurate and loves Mini-mags.

Good luck with yours.

Topstrap

 

Topstrap - Very much looking forward to shooting the Buckmark. Only downside to it, the .22 ammo has been scarce, but I think that will change soon. I have been watching some of the gun trader sites and it looks like some who bought great quantities are now wanting to sell, maybe to give it one last push to get that big profit before the quantities come back and prices go down!

Anyway, thanks for your words of encouragement! Have a nice day! - Rick

 

Rick,

Thanks for the reply and interesting story. Too bad about the burglary, that sense of violation is difficult to describe. I know, been there too.

In any case, welcome back to shooting and welcome to RFC!

Peace,
Ike1518