Wadcutters?

[bullseye308]

If you can’t find factory wadcutters, or the aforementioned gold dots, loading them yourself if you trust yourself will do just fine. There has only been one case where reloaded ammo was a factor, out of how many defensive gun uses in the last few decades? Nothing to worry about. The odds of you being in a self defense shooting are slim, then a million to one after that that they’d look at your ammo. Be diligent in your loading always, double check your loads and scales always, like you would anyway to ensure safe loading and safe shooting. If you do that, whatever ammo you have in your gun should you ever need it won’t be an issue.

 

[shoebox1.1]

I would love to carry my loads but IF you had to use one the scumbag lawyers would have one more tool to use against you. Sir your a “gun guy”/ hobbyist? Yes…. Do you load ammo? Yes.. did you load these?? Hummmm? Why were they so spicy? It went right through.. etc etc

 

[Jim Watson]

I think everybody with a .38 and a loading press has tried the inverted wadcutter.

Trivia Alert
The original, pre-Speer Hydrashok was pretty much an inverted wadcutter with the center post added.

 

[Riomouse911]

Load HBWC backwards? No.

Others may, but I prefer factory developed SD loads for SD use, and WC loads for targets and practice time.

YMMV.

Stay safe.

 

[goon]

Wadcutters have a couple things going for them just as they are. They are already a full diameter cylinder and cutting with sharp edge whether they expand or not. They’re relatively affordable compared to premium JHP loads. And generally they’re really controllable and shoot to point of aim in a fixed sight .38 Special. I’d use factory wadcutters without hesitation if they were the right fit for the job.

Wadcutter Ammo for Self-Defense - Lucky Gunner Lounge

Is wadcutter ammo a good option for self-defense? We fire rounds into ballistic gelatin to find out how wadcutters stack up.

www.luckygunner.com

 

[Eutycus]

In a smaller gun like a J frame they are alot more contollable.I was looking for a self defense round that my Model 36 and arthritic hands can handle comfortably. Plus P rounds are not recommended for older J frames. Mine is a 1956 model and I am a 1950 model.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

In a smaller gun like a J frame they are alot more contollable.I was looking for a self defense round that my Model 36 and arthritic hands can handle comfortably. Plus P rounds are not recommended for older J frames. Mine is a 1956 model and I am a 1950 model.

Well, I can’t disagree that five “underpowered” hits are a good bit more effective than five “hyper-velocity” misses.

 

[Eutycus]

Well, I can’t disagree that five “underpowered” hits are a good bit more effective than five “hyper-velocity” misses.

That was well said, I sometimes get the feeling that guys who carry 20-30 rounds anticipate missing alot.

 

[Anchorite]

In a smaller gun like a J frame they are alot more contollable.I was looking for a self defense round that my Model 36 and arthritic hands can handle comfortably. Plus P rounds are not recommended for older J frames. Mine is a 1956 model and I am a 1950 model.

You might consider these:

.38 Special Ultimate Defense SNUB Nose 148gr Wadcutter -20pk

[email protected]

www.georgia-arms.com

 

[lightman]

I am fairly new at this forum and I apologize in advance if this question has been asked recently.Do any of you load .38 wadcutters backwards in the case to provide a "super hollowpoint"?

I have done this before but concerns about legal matters led me to abandon the practice and use factory hollow points. I know, legal matters may or may not be a real concern...........!

Not to derail the thread but casting and lead poisoning was mentioned. I feel like handling used dry tumbling media or shooting at indoor ranges has more danger than casting. As long as you practice a little personal hygiene. Lead won't vaporize at the temperatures that we cast at so thats not an issue. As long as we don't wipe our eyes, lips. ect, don't eat before washing our hands, ect, casting should be pretty safe. I request a lead check twice a year when I have my 6 month check-up with a blood draw and my lead levels are normal. I have a couple of marathon casting sessions a few days a year and at least one marathon smelting session a year. Some of these fall a little before my check-up so I feel that the blood test pretty much covers things.

 

[DMW1116]

The only HBWC I've tried were Hornady and some hand cast from a member here, but those are gone now. I wouldn't load them backwards, as they're not intended for that use. I think the skirt is somewhat fragile, as it can be torn off by too hot of a load and leave a lead ring in the barrel. If that can happen with what they are supposed to do (shoot flat forward at target velocity), I don't want to deal with what might happen if I'm using them for what they're not supposed to do.

I will second the use of DEWC. I also like the Berrys version, and I just ordered 500 of the Missouri Bullet Company coated PPC#2, so we'll see how those do. I cannot vouch for their effectiveness, but if you miss, it's not the bullet. I plan to use both versions in 38 Special and 357 Magnum loadings. I haven't chronographed the loads but I'm guessing the 38 Special is around 750 fps and the 357 Mag is about 1100 fps. They are noticeably peppier even in something as heavy as a Blackhawk. Magnum loadings of HBWC are definitely not advised.

This is the 38 Special version.


357 Mag loading. This one seems slightly more accurate. Either one cut paper-puncher style holes in bullseye targets.

 

[deadeye dick]

I’m a fan of the Berrys 148 plated DEWC’s. 7 yard group DA offhand 686

Just bought 3 boxes at Cabels. Always shot lead because i never saw any plated here. Shot a cyl. full yesterday in my Blackhawk 357. Couldn't see any difference.