38 Snub Nose - Target Full Wadcutter vs JHP

[cal44mag]

Anyone tried the Federal 130 HST? I'm looking at that round myself.

M

I picked up a couple boxes at Walmart but haven't tried them yet.

There are a couple gel tests out on the Internet and the results look favorable.

 

[Water-Man]

Underwood Defender 38spl 100gr +P

 

[the Black Spot]

I like the sharp edges of the front of the wadcutter over the rounded sides of the HP

 

[springer99]

AFAIC there's nothing wrong with carrying DEWC's over a stiff load of HP-38 in my 642. The only downside to them is when you try and use them in a speed-loader or speed strip. That's why I ultimately switched to LSWC.

 

[tbob38]

As a .38 spl short barreled carrier, may I offer a 3rd choice? I favor the ARX Interceptor 77 grain fluted copper-polymer non expanding projectile. Seeing as though expansion is hit or miss at relatively low velocity. The “new” cartidge offers hardball penetration with a focus on fluid displacement since in a self defense situation the target is mostly fluid seems logical. The 77grain projectile has far less recoil due to low weight and higher velocity to penetrate clothing, while shattering on unintended hard targets. If the projectile hits bone it shatters and dumps all that energy inside the target. The polycase ARX has reduced recoil, reduced flash and high velocity. What more could one want from a small business gun. That’s my choice.
I have read some old timers used to load waddcutters backwards to make a super hallow point. Unfortunately I don’t reload. The down side is ARX is $18 for 20 cartidges.

I guess qualify as an old timer, at 79. Anyway many years ago, ran a custom ammo operation and had a product using HBWC's loaded backwards. Labeled MANSHOK. Not very accurate at distance but did definitely open up on impact.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

I'trust my wadcutters to take care of business. If I can't get them I use the old FBI load 158 grn lswchp they work very well out of a snubby also .