Target Full Wadcutter - SD Load for 38 Snub Nose

[Steve C]

I have heard and read many folks touting the virtues of the 148 grain full wadcutter for self defense use particularly from a snub nose revolver.

People have all sorts of ideas and paradigms they've created through imagination. While uncalled for confidence in a load isn't necessarily a bad thing overconfidence can be fatal. The wad cutter is a poor choice for a self defense round in any barrel length when compared to other available ammo that at least has some track record and lab testing. Many people have used .22 LR solids to defend themselves and kill other people but that doesn't make the .22 the best choice either.

The wad cutter makes a great paper punch hole in targets making for easy scoring but as a SD round its simply the imagination of the flat point damage that gives it the small fallowing of users. Its unlikely its any better than any solid bullet of other design from LRN to FMJ. Not that it won't work in a SD scenario just not any better. If you want a lead bullet with a decent record buy some LSWCHP's from Speer or Hornady and load them with +P data to achieve near 800 fps from a snub nose for something better.

 

[HankB]

HankB you really need a newer manual.

Nah, too many of the newer manuals have cut way back on their loading data.

(Did you know a full case of Bullseye will yield really high velocities, not just of the bullet, but often parts of the gun as well? )

 

[StrawHat]

...The wad cutter is a poor choice for a self defense round in any barrel length when compared to other available ammo that at least has some track record and lab testing ... The wad cutter makes a great paper punch hole in targets making for easy scoring but as a SD round its simply the imagination of the flat point damage that gives it the small fallowing of users. Its unlikely its any better than any solid bullet of other design from LRN to FMJ...

If you talk to Coroners or ER MDs, you might learn the wadcutter does a lot more damage than the SWC or the LRN.

Kevin

 

[V-fib]

I've been reading this thread with much interest as I want a self defense round that is accurate, easy on the recoil for follow up shots and produces as STRAWHAT said:

If you talk to Coroners or ER MDs, you might learn the wadcutter does a lot more damage than the SWC or the LRN.

Anyway now that I'm into reloading I've been working up some loads with Berrys 148gr plated DEWC'S and have found them very accurate in point and shoot shooting and with the recoil of my .22lr revolver. Compared to the accuracy of my LSWC'S and recoil I may switch them to my carry round in the future.

V-fib

 

[Panzerschwein]

This looks like a great load for non +P snub revolvers: https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=111

It's a Buffalo Bore 150 grain hard cast .38 special full wadcutter, standard pressure with flash suppressant. Here is what they say about it:

Item 20D utilizes a very hard cast 150gr. WAD CUTTER bullet. The bullet is made hard, so it won't deform or mushroom. It cuts/crushes a "cookie cutter", full diameter hole in human flesh just like it does on a paper target. It penetrates deeply (roughly 14 to 16 inches in human tissue) and its full diameter profile maximizes blood loss as it cuts and crushes (not slips or slides) its way through tissue. Although I've never been shot with a full profile wad cutter bullet, I must assume that the initial impact of that wide flat nosed bullet, is crushingly formidable. As a teenager, I took to the woods on a regular basis and killed many a critter with heavily loaded 38SPL wad cutters'. The effect of a full profile wad cutter on small game was obvious and amazing, compared to regular round nosed bullets. That flat nose, literally hammers living things. These bullets are hard and properly lubed and will NOT lead your barrel. Note my velocities from real world "over the counter" revolver s- NOT TEST BARRELS!

This is the numbers from a S&W mod. 60, 2 inch barrel - 868 fps (251 ft. lbs.)

Very impressive. I might get a box of these for my Dad's old S&W Model 37.

 

[ThomasT]

Nah, too many of the newer manuals have cut way back on their loading data.

You are correct. S ome do have reduced loads. Thats because they have changed the testing methods for pressure and found some of the old loads were over the limits. And speer was one of the worst particularly with some of the rifle loads.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A case could be made for wadcutters. If you read Guns, Bullets and Gunfights by Jim Cirillo, he did a lot of experimentation with them - even fabricating them for the first round to be hand chambered in an autoloader - and found them more effective. But he handloaded them to considerably greater velocity than factory target loads. No police department would permit that today. Also, this was over 40 years ago. Better loadings than the 158-gr. round nose lead, the only thing available then, have come along since. I wouldn't select target wadcutters for protecting my life, personally.

Something that has not been brought up is that while wadcutters may be OK to carry in the gun, they are terrible for reloading the gun. I recommend you select any number of JHP loads, whose bullet shape slips right into a chamber when using a speedloader or speed strip, for your reload.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

Something that has not been brought up is that while wadcutters may be OK to carry in the gun, they are terrible for reloading the gun. I recommend you select any number of JHP loads, whose bullet shape slips right into a chamber when using a speedloader or speed strip, for your reload.

Great point! If one was to run full wadcutters in a defensive gun it would be wise to have a speedloader or speed strips backed up with something pointier, easier to load.

 

[That Chimichanga Dude]

My Dad carried wad cutters in his .38spl throughout his career as a police officer. After he retired the department "upgraded" to 9mm auto-loaders in exchange for the union's support of an "assault rifle" ban.

Dad and I both agreed that they would have been better off keeping the wheel-guns and retaining their self-respect.