Benjamin All Things BENJAMIN BULLDOG - Master Thread

This thread is dedicated to Benjamin Bulldog platform. Introduced in 2015, the Bulldog .357 is a mid-tier, 10-shot, PCP, big-bore air rifle platform designed for hunting. It originally was released in .357 caliber designed to shoot pellets and slugs. The first slugs I recall that were marketed for this rifle were the 145 grain Nosler Extreme ballistic-tipped slugs. The original barrels were made by Green Mountain and the newer barrels are made by Lothar Walther (Bulldog Barrel Info). The original Bulldog .357 is hard to find as it is no longer being produced. It has been replaced by the more powerful M357 (in 2024). Benjamin also added the Bulldog .457 (released in 2022 ) and finally the M257 (released late spring 2024). The recent Magnum series includes the M257 and M357. The Magnum series boasts more power as well as the new aforementioned caliber. This platform also lends itself to some powerhouse aftermarket modifications, most notably Pitbull Airguns headed by @TheLakeRat and Veradium Air headed by @bthurman (both based in Texas as of June 22, 2024). There are also veteran AGN members savvy and skilled enough to modify their own Bulldogs to boost performance. A Benjamin brand ambassador runs the @Airgun-Revisions shop based in Pennsylvania. These shops are run by knowledgeable people with whom I have interacted with, purchased parts or guns from, or picked their brains for assistance.

Below I will post site links to the three aforementioned shops, as well as links to YouTube videos (some which may contain graphic images of animals killed w/this air rifle), AGN threads focused upon the Bulldog, digital user manual, exploded diagrams, parts list, ammo tested, discussions on practical application, hunting threads (these likely CONTAIN GRAPHIC IMAGES), user experiences, user error, gun issues, likes, and dislikes. It is my intent to help manage/update this thread over the course of the life of this forum or until the gun is no longer produced. This will require help from AGN members familiar with this platform and its iterations. THIS IS NOT A THREAD TO ADVERTISE YOUR HOMEMADE PARTS OR ACCESSORIES. I don't mind you sharing these things in a couple of posts, but I ask that you not derail the thread with such posts. Please private message (PM) one another with questions on your homemade and 3D printed aftermarket parts or to converse about them. If you’re selling them, I suggest that you check with AGN staff to be sure that you’re clear to advertise your products. If there is something that I have forgotten that you'd like to see, please let me know. If you have links to pertinent information, please feel free to link us to the source of said info in a post. If you have questions feel free to ask, but check the links throughout this thread before asking a ton of questions. The answer(s) may already be posted. Thank you all, now let's get to those Bulldogs and hear about your experiences.


"Definitive Guide to the Benjamin Bulldog" (courtesy of Airgun Depot) https://www.airgundepot.com/benjamin-bulldog.html

Benjamin Bulldog Owner's Manual:
https://www.benjaminairguns.com/owners-manuals (Click the "Big Bore" menu)
*Considering there is no manual uploaded for the M257 and M357 my assumption is that one would use the .457 as of June 22, 2024.

- Benjamin Bulldog .357 Owners Manual https://support.crosman.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/203638246/BPBD3SA515.pdf

Benjamin Bulldog Exploded Parts Diagram:
- Benjamin Bulldog .357 Parts Diagram https://support.crosman.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/203852723/BPBD3S_EVP.PDF

- Benjamin Bulldog .357 (Real Tree) Parts Diagram https://support.crosman.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/203638306/BPBD3SRT_EVP.PDF

Benjamin Warranty Information:

Aftermarket Shops That Work On or Modify the Benjamin Bulldog:
- Pitbull Airguns - San Angelo, TX www.pitbullairguns.com, Ptibull Airguns Repairs Services https://www.pitbullairguns.com/general-1

- Veradium Air - New Waverly, TX www.VeradiumAir.com


*Do your due diligence BEFORE doing business with an aftermarket shop. Read reviews on AGN and elsewhere and determine if you think a shop is right for you to pay for custom work or repairs. Call and speak to the airgunsmith and ask questions*

Crosman/Benjamin Authorized Repair Centers:
- Airgun Revisions - Pennsylvania www.airgunrevisions.com
*
Caveat - I'm leery about who I list here. In the past I have had to call and speak with individuals listed on Crosman's site as authorized service centers to find out that they no longer repair Crosman gear or only work on certain models. One guy only worked on compressors IIRC. In my experience Airgun Revisions is good to go for OEM parts and repairs. OEM parts can also be obtained directly from Benjamin/Crosman.

Bulldog Reviews:
- "Benjamin Bulldog 257 Review Pt.3" (video courtesy of Pitbull Air groups shown around the 11:54 & 16:47 marks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKR7tNZsT7c

- "Bulldog M257 In the House" thread by shambozzie. I'm confident that this thread will develop thoroughly.

- "Bulldog M257 Airgun Review: Power, Precision, Performance!" video by Shooter 1721 shooting out to over 200 yards!

- Bulldog .357 Review thread w/video by Steve's AEAC https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/finally-a-proper-bulldog-review.97611/

- Bulldog .357 Review thread w/video by Airgun Channel https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...view-ergonomic-lightweight-powerhouse.312806/


- Benjamin Bulldog .357 Unboxing Pt. 1 (Courtesy of Bob Vogel aka Mr. Hollow Point)
and Projectile Testing (pt.2)

- "Benjamin Bulldog .457 Airgun, Tested and Reviewed" courtesy of Field & Stream magazine https://www.fieldandstream.com/gear/benjamin-bulldog-457-airgun-review/

- "Benjamin Bulldog M357 Test Review: .357 Caliber" (courtesy of Hard Air Magazine). Some photos in this article are photos of the older Bulldog .357 https://hardairmagazine.com/reviews/benjamin-bulldog-m357-test-review-357-caliber/

- M357 Impression thread by Ezana4ce https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-m357-impression.1295660/

How to Air Up a Benjamin Bulldog
- Filling a new Bulldog or one with an empty reservoir https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-not-filling-air-leaking-out-of-barrel.1235407/

Barrel Specs and Info:
Bulldog Barrel Specs.png

source of above photo https://www.benjaminairguns.com/faq

Outer diameter of portion of Bulldog barrel (situated within the breech block and secured with a grub screw).
IMG_7110.jpeg

Source of above photo - This thread.

- Bulldog .357 barrel for sale w/specs https://www.airgunrevisions.com/product/benjamin-bulldog-357-barrel-new/

Bulldog Trigger:
- "How the Benjamin Bulldog Trigger Works" (video by Pitbull Airguns)

Info on Benjamin Bulldog Ammo:
.357:
- Benjamin Bulldog .357 https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/best-pellet-for-benjamin-bulldog.527492/

- M357 (slugs were tested throughout this thread)
- Modded Bulldog .357 Ammo https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-ammo.1274798/

- Bulldog .357 Shooting Air Bolts https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/35-air-bolts-for-the-357-benjamin-bulldog.1271564/

- Trip to the range w/Bulldog .357 and a few types of ammo (tips on proper barrel size) https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/first-range-trip-with-the-new-bulldog.1268406/

- Bulldog .357 Bore Size https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bore-size-on-the-benjamin-bulldog.1094894/

- Bulldog .357 shooting .38 pistol releoads https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...-experimenting-with-38-pistol-reloads.873667/

- "Benjamin Bulldog and Cheap .38 Bullets? https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-and-cheap-38-bullets.620792/

- ".357 Bulldog and Slugs" https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/357-bulldog-and-slugs.389450/

.457:
- "Benjamin Bulldog .457 Slug Testing" (video by Michigan Airgunner) https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-457-slug-testing.1289094/

Accessories:
- Carry Handle https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/carry-handle-for-the-bulldog.1297460/

- Info on Bulldog .457 Rotary Magazine (four shot) https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...-benjamin-bulldog-by-pitbull-airguns.1304535/ Buy it here https://www.pitbullairguns.com/prod...mail&cid=f14714fd-cb69-44a5-b8bc-c48a8c13c0c7

- Matt's Modded Mags (.357/M357 they eliminate the rattling sound that ammo makes in the OEM magazines) https://www.pitbullairguns.com/modded-magazines

- Pitbull Barrel Supports (new & improved .357/.457) https://www.pitbullairguns.com/copy-of-regulator-kits

- Tri-rail Air Tube to Picatinny Adapter (for Magnum Series extended reservoirs) https://www.pitbullairguns.com/product-page/tri-rail-for-magnum-bulldogs

- Pitbull .357 Single-Shot Tray https://www.pitbullairguns.com/moderators

- Benjamin Bulldog Depinger (I strongly recommend using an aluminum designer instead of plastic depingers) https://www.airgunrevisions.com/product/benjamin-bulldog-depinger/

Repairing Your Bulldog:
- Bulldog .357 Disassembly & Teardown (older video courtesy of Pitbull Airguns with a decent verbal explanation of his understanding of the parts and function of this rifle)

- "COMPLETE Bulldog Disassembly & Reassembly [ASMR]" (2023 video by Pitbull Airguns containing a very detailed visual demonstration with good camera angles. No talking)

- Fixing a Faulty Fill Port https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-not-taking-air.871023/

- Removing the Valve Body in a Bulldog .357 https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-valve-body-removal.802970/

-Purchase a Premium Reseal Kit (o-rings,
valve stem, foster fitting).


Storing Your Bulldog:
- At what pressure should I store my Bulldog? https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/storing-my-pcp-benj-bulldog-pressurized.674680/

"Tuning" Your Bulldog:
- "Can it be downtuned?" https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...downtuned-noise-level-after-moderator.848645/

- "Benjamin Bulldog Tuning Help" https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-tuning-help.518627/

- "Bulldog Trigger Tuning" (video courtesy of Pitbull Airguns)

Bulldog Modification or Customization:
- Discussion on Vinyl Wrapping Stock and Cutting Stock to Accept longer Reservoir: https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/my-bulldog-is-finished.1252516/

- "Benjamin Bulldog Power Upgrade" (good tip on affordable barrel support mod Post #8) https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-power-upgrade.614871/

- "Transforming a Benjamin Bulldog Into a Pitbull" (video courtesy of Pitbull Airguns)
- "Benjamin Bulldog Transfer Port Power Modding" (video with Matt Hedges of Pitbull Airguns)

- "Benjamin Bulldog Regulator and Extended Reservoir Install" (video courtesy of Pitbull Airguns)

- "Cocker Spaniel Charging Handle Install" (A stronger steel handle. video courtesy of Pitbull Airguns)

“Benjamin Bulldog Quick fill Set With Pressure Gauge” by Huma Air https://huma-air.com/benjamin-bulldog-quickfill-set-with-pressure-gauge-by-huma-air/

Bulldog Issues:
- Problem with the early Pitbull Mega Moderator https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-357-grouping-right.348077/

- Problem re-mounting Bulldog .357 shroud https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-shroud-mount-problems.1220730

- Stripped Shroud Screw Bulldog M357 (no resolution) https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/stripped-shroud-screw-on-benjamin-bulldog-m357.1296425/

- Stripped Shroud Screw Bulldog .357 (resolved. And a whole lot of other newb errors) https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...ons-and-fixes-to-benjamin-bulldog-357.922086/

- Diagnosing and Repairing a Regulated Bulldog .357 https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-357-repair-issues.920754/

- Dislodging Jammed Pellets from a Bulldog .357 https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...l-for-fixing-benjamin-bulldog-jamming.872588/


- Bulldog Breech O-ring and Puff of Air to the Face https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-breach-oring.542515/

- Fix for Bulldog Stock Brass Inserts https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/fix-for-bulldog-stock-brass-inserts.588449/

- Bulldog .357 Fill Port Leak (resolution) https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/my-bulldog-is-leaking.529740/

- "Benjamin Bulldog .357" resolved issue of poor shot grouping https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-357.1305743/
 
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continued from post #1

- "Benjamin Bulldog M257" thread about zeroing the M257 https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-m257.1323363/

Bulldogs Replacement and Maintenance Parts:
- O-Ring Kit for Benjamin Bulldog 357 model #BPBD3S (2x Rebuild Urethane) https://www.theoringstore.com/store...iXdqNu-4QEMtKRI1eMrSBa0GcYb62RI9XrvP0mjKa3mJc

- Original Benjamin Bulldog .357 parts and 2x reseal o-ring kit.

Where to buy a Benjamin Bulldog:
United States
-Airgun Revisions (One of the lowest prices): M357 https://www.airgunrevisions.com/product/magnum-m-357-bulldog/, .457 https://www.airgunrevisions.com/product/bulldog-457/
-Airgun Depot https://www.airgundepot.com/benjamin-bulldog-bullpup.html#AGD-359211208
-Benjamin Airguns https://www.benjaminairguns.com/air-guns/big-bore
-North East Airguns - .457 https://northeastairguns.com/collections/benjamin-air-rifles/products/benjamin-bulldog-457, M357 https://northeastairguns.com/collections/benjamin-air-rifles/products/benjamin-bulldog-357
-Pyramyd AIR https://www.pyramydair.com/product/benjamin-bulldog-357-bullpup-shrouded?m=3592
-Utah Airguns https://utahairguns.com/product/benjamin-bulldog-magnum-series-357-airgun/

Europe
- Krale in the Netherlands
Sources for Benjamin Bulldog Ammo
:
.257 -
- Griffin Airgun Ammo, Knoxville, TN https://griffinairguns.com/collections/257-caliber-rbt

.357/M357 -
- Airguns of Arizona https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/bullets/?filters[16]=99#panel-catalog-products-filters
- Airgun Depot, Draper, Utah (I strongly suggest avoiding H&N Grizzly slugs) https://www.airgundepot.com/airgunpellets.html?Caliber=.357
- Airgun Revisions, Pennsylvania https://www.airgunrevisions.com/product/custom-lead-solutions-145g-357-fireballs/
- Griffin Airgun Ammo, Knoxville, Tennessee https://griffinairguns.com/search.php?search_query=.357
- Mr. Hollowpoint (call or email) https://www.mrhollowpoint.com/22-cal-to-375-cal--balls.html
- Nelson Specialty Ammo (NSA) based out of Missouri - https://nielsenspecialtyammo.com/collections/357-cal
- Pitbull Airguns, San Angelo, Texas https://www.pitbullairguns.com/ammo-1
- The Pellet Shop, New York https://www.thepelletshop.com/collections/35-caliber
- Pyramyd AIR, Salon, Ohio - (I strongly suggest avoiding H&N Grizzly slugs) https://www.pyramydair.com/ammo/air-gun-ammo/slugs?Caliber=0.357

.457 -
- Airguns of Arizona (Be sure that you're buying .457 slugs before checkout) https://www.airgunsofarizona.com/bullets/?filters[16]=101#panel-catalog-products-filters
- Airgun Depot Draper, Utah (in my experience Senaca ammo arrives pretty beat up within the box) https://www.airgundepot.com/airgunpellets.html?Caliber=.457
- Airgun Revisions, Pennsylvania https://www.airgunrevisions.com/product/457-290g-fireballs/
- Griffin Airgun Ammo, Knoxville, Tennessee https://griffinairguns.com/collections/griffin-lead-air-gun-slugs-457-caliber
- Mr. Hollowpoint https://www.mrhollowpoint.com/40-cal-to-50-cal.html
- NSA, Missouri, https://nielsenspecialtyammo.com/collections/45-cal
- The Pellet Shop, New York https://www.thepelletshop.com/collections/45-caliber
- Pyramyd AIR Salon, Ohio https://www.pyramydair.com/ammo/air-gun-ammo/slugs?Caliber=0.457

Bulldog Photo Threads:
- The custom stock in posts 19 & 20 is nice!! https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/let-see-them-bulldogs.686078/
- Veradium Air Bulldozer and Taurus pics https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/benjamin-bulldog-veradium-air-style.731939/

- "Bulldog Night Shoot" https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-night-shoot.743003/

Hunting with Bulldogs (WARNING - Links may contain GRAPHIC IMAGES OF DEAD OR DYING ANIMALS):
- Hunting with a .457 Bulldog (video by Michigan Airgunner aka @Cheplicki)
https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/deer-hunting-with-benjamin-bulldog-457-crop-damage.1294580/
- "Whitetail Spike Taken Christmas Eve 2023 w/Benjamin Bulldog M357" (hunting thread with graphic photos) https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...-eve-2023-with-benjamin-bulldog-m357.1303528/
- "Small Bulldog Buck" https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/small-bulldog-buck.1277773/
- "Veradium Air Taurus .357 and West Texas White-Tailed Deer" (thread courtesy of @wadeatl)
- Coyote Taken w/Bulldog .357 (hunting video showing dead animal)
- "400 lb Hog with Veradium Air Bulldog" (thread) https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/400-lb-hog-with-veradium-air-bulldog.692686/
- Fred Eichler Takes a Hog with His Benjamin Bulldog .357 Air Rifle (video courtesy of Fred Eichler)
- Benjamin Bulldog .357 for Hunting Deer (hunting video courtesy of The Management Advantage)
- South Carolina Deer Hunting with the Benjamin Bulldog 357. cal PCP (video courtesy of Bushwacker Taxidermy and Outdoors)
Here's another subsequent hunt by the above YouTuber contributor
- Benjamin Bulldog Strikes Again (tree stand deer hunting video courtesy of Georgia Assassin)
- Bulldog Shuts Down Raccoon (video of backyard pesting courtesy of @dizzums)
https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/bulldog-shuts-the-special-kitty-down.1297808/
- "Another Coon Gets Bulldogged" (pesting video @dizzums)
https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/another-coon-gets-bulldogged.1298168/#post-1579731
- "3 Groundhogs Down at Permission" (pesting video courtesy of @N2 Shooter)
https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/3-groundhogs-down-at-a-permission.1294180/#post-1545606
- "Benjamin Bulldog Airgun Turkey Hunt 2016" (courtesy of The Airgun Hunter aka "Airgun Man" corny name, I know. Also his use of hold over/hold under are confusing. If you're not familiar with these terms look them up instead of trying to learn them from this guy)
 
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One thing that bothers me about this platform is that I haven't figured out a way to confidently mount a Bulldog to a tripod securely. If you have found a way to mount a Bulldog to a tripod with a ballhead/arca clamp or within a saddle, please tell us about your method. If you have photos are can take photos please post them.
 
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Picked up a 357 Bulldog a couple of weeks ago from a member. My first big bore. I’m hooked! Just tonight installed Pitbull’s 160cc plenum, Depinger, long moderator and barrel supports. Excited to see how this affects grouping with the slugs that I cast. 105g semi wadcutters. May get a 125g round nose mold if these don’t work out. Also will try some 000 round balls just for kicks. I did dry fire the gun once just to hear the difference from stock. Quieter, certainly not quiet, and no more ping. Much better in that aspect. Won’t need earpro. If I get her shooting well, I may look at regulating her in a couple of months.
The seller included a variety of slugs and pellets for me to try. Nothing grouped very well. I was a little disappointed. But, as usual, I had forgotten to clean the barrel before I went out. Now, with a sparkling clean barrel, and the barrel supports and moderator, I am expecting much better results.
Since I lost my bottom rail, I looked at a top rail mounted bipod. Didn’t relish spending that kind of money on a bipod, so instead,I have a set of keymod mount style legs coming. I figured I could modify the stock with my dremel to fit them. I will keep you posted how all this works out, and include some pics.
 
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Sure. Was just thinking that since I used thethis one to find Pitbull that I would continue here. But,” I’m a man , I can change.”(Red Green)
Here is a link to "New to Me Bulldog 357" thread by @bivy53. It's always a please for me to read someone's journey in exploring these rifles.

 
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In seeking out a muzzle brake for a Bulldog M357, I contacted Pitbull Airguns asking if they made or sold any muzzle brakes or could point me in the right direction of where I could obtain one. I was told that if I bought a commercially available brake and sent it to them, they would thread it to mate with the moderator adapter that comes on the Bulldog M357. www.pitbullairguns.com
 
Veradium Air has muzzle brakes for the bulldog for some time now.

@bthurman It's quite obvious that you put muzzle brakes on custom Bulldogs, but do you sell them separately? How much does a .357 muzzle brake cost out the door? They certainly haven't been listed for sale separately on your site any time I have visited in the past.
 
What height scope rings is everyone using. I've been using "mid" height rings in an effort to keep the scope closer to the bore but it's not optimal . Tired of the awkward cheek weld and neck twisting to get a clean sight picture.
@msouth12368 I use a picatinny rail riser and mount my scope atop one of those. That helps. I think I use medium height UTG rings with my SWFA scope. It's hard to say, it's different with different scopes. My Vector Continental uses the rings that came with it and the objective rests slightly above the pic rail with no riser on my M357. My cheekweld is comfortable.
 
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