Wadcutter Bullets Use and Loading

[MEHavey]

No problem loading the Hornady 148 HBWCs ... but I've had an absolute fit trying to get
them to perform in a 38 Special/`94 Marlin. (feed just fine. Just all over map at 50 yards
-- multiple loads/multiple powders
Anyone succeed there, let me know.

On the other hand when I cast up the extinct IDEAL 358495* soup can -- Pure Lead &
Lyman #2 alike -- (Eastwood PC'd), both shot under an inch at 50 yards this afternoon
w/ that Marlin using 3.0gr Bullseye.

Hollow Bases don't like me


*https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160404/b4088afca6b71954461703934ed38f86.jpg

 

[CJ8281]

My go to was 3.0gr of Bullseye but that is pretty much gone now so I have had to go to Titegroup. I had to push my load up to 3.3gr to get the same accuracy as Bullseye. I haven't tried W231 one yet.

 

[DMW1116]

I have brass cleaned, sized and trimmed. I have enough for a full load work up with 231. It’s the slowest of the powders I have. When I shoot these up I will likely switch to a double end wadcutter unless these just shoot really well. I still have to fool around with the flaring die to keep from shaving the projectile.

 

[DMW1116]

Finished loading these up and plan to test them today. I also loaded a few extra at the lowest charge for sighters and for plinking just in case they shoot really well. The bottom end is 3 grains and the top is only 0.4 grains higher. That’s over 10% more at the top, but not a lot of margin for error on a scale that’s graduated to 0.1 grains. All it needed was just a little more flare.

 

[DMW1116]

As odd as they look these shot really well; noticeably better than the Fiochi FMJ loads I’ve been using. I have some conical FMJ bullets from them to try as well.

I’m a bit shocked because they actually out shot my Victory 22 target pistol at 25 yards. I’ll definitely replicate the best load, which was the lowest powder charge.

The case mouth still shaves a little wax off but normally no lead. One bullet lost a little when I seated it but it was still ok.

I’ll continue in the long range handgun thread.