You can reload and shoot both very well. This bullet is shaped similarly to a round nose flat point and has a hollow nose that is usually covered with a thin layer of lead . Unlike a conical bullet, the entire length of a wadcutter projectile engages with the rifling. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. A very well written & researched article. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. A semi-wadcutter bullet was also the basis for the famous FBI load a 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter bullet, that deleted the flat nose in favor of a hollow point. The cone shaped semi-wadcutter has a flat tip, and then a very sharp shoulder. Even after I became able to fire more powerful and much louder ammo, I never chose to use the most powerful stuff available for the job. Our shooters level of strength, skill and experience didnt currently allow them to control these powerful loads sufficiently enough to rely on them for defensive duty (including the .38+Ps). All entries must be received by giveaway end date. Lead full wadcutters are essentially lead cylinders ringed with lubrication grooves. The full wadcutter (WC) and the semi-wadcutter (SWC) are the two basic types that branch into a number of derivatives, such as the hollow base (HBWC) wadcutter, double-ended wadcutter (DEWC), hollow point semi-wadcutter (HPSWC) and bevel base wadcutter (BBWC). The first question were going to answer is what is a wadcutter? Thats easy. Winchester used soft swaged bullets and they clocked a bit faster than the Remington or Federal loads. Whats not to like? To explain, we start with establishing some priorities for choosing defensive ammunition: 1. This restricts the use of wadcutters to relatively close range (<50 yards). a. time. I tested the Hornady 110 Critical Defense, and it does a very good job, for a JHP. My suggestion is to step up to a 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter with a bit more velocity. :biglaugh: I am talking about a different type of competition. Snubbies knock off around 100 fps of muzzle velocity. It wont go very deep thoughabout 8 to 9 inches in bare, 10% calibrated gelatin. *Two lessons there. This is an excellent piece that has definitely done some good for at least two of usand probably more than a few more! Not all SWC are created equal. He also wrote the "Tactical Analysis" column at Police1.com for 8 years. Now, around our property I carry either Buffalo Bore or Underwood .38 special 150gr hard cast wadcutters. Theoretically, expanding combustion gasses fill the hollow base to keep it pressed tightly against the rifling to discourage the bullet stripping past the rifling, resulting in improved shot-to-shot consistency. . I also use .38 special wadcutters from Choice Ammunition, which they claim are hard cast but low velocity (experience with them tells me this is true, maybe +/- 700 fps?). Its much harder on the firearm and its much harder on the shooter! I should probably give 25 yards a try with the Hornady. mould. Round nose is just about the worse defense ammo you could use. I didnt see mentioned the sound pressure levels of a .357 vs .38 wadcutters. Plus, these modern wonder bullets can only be made on an industrial scale, by a major manufacturer. This is a new approach, and we see it working in the .38 Special. So.wadcutters ended up in my revolvers. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. We've got the platform you need. I also like the holes. I admit it, Im a bullet nerd. Since reloads are a statistical rarity in armed citizen confrontations, this limitation might not be as significant as it first appears, but its still an important consideration when choosing wadcutters for defense. An alternative idea came to mind. You can post now and register later. step. My learning and shooting philosophy is: one. Weekend Knowledge Dump- October 18, 2019 | Active Response Training. I havent bought .22 LR ammunition in years. The sharp, square edge of the base means bullets dont start into the case mouth easily. Fiochi and Federal both make them Federal only come 20 to a box, IIRC. The 2023 ACUI and SCTP National Championship, held on March 20-25 at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, was a great success. I'm new to revolvers and got a SW 686 a few months ago. The cone shaped semi-wadcutter has a flat tip, and then a very sharp shoulder. Reloading your own is a great way to learn about your ammo, and develop loads that work for your practice, and to find out what your upper level of recoil tolerance is. Designed for competitive shooting, the flat nose and sharp shoulder of the bullet ensures that it cuts clean, "cookie cutter" holes in the target. lead round nose; 158-gr. (360) to .350 at the tip then size to .359and lube in a Lyman lube /sizer. Thanks for your coverage of this fine design. At 1/8 deeper, 16,100 psi. Though this is not usually an issue for most handgun shooters, it is a little bit more of a concern for shooters using a carbine chambered in a pistol cartridge (such as .357 or .44 Magnum). However, if I could get a much better pricing deal on LRN, I wouldn't hesitate to grab them of LSWC. Good show with helping the shooter pick a load that works, NOT one that is simply the best from a gun magazine page advertisement. The better question should have been, WHO does she know? Revolver Guy Mike. The standard pressure limits for the .38 Special are just fine for the snubbies and make for a soft life for the medium-sized revolvers. I reload for all my firearms and carry 148gr poly coated button nose wad-cutters as initial contact rounds in my ex PD S&W model 10-10 revolver with poly coated 148 or 158 grain flat nose or semi wad-cutter loads in Safariland Comp II speed-loaders as back ups because as you stated full wad-cutters can be difficult to load quickly. As a result, full wadcutter bullets are almost always used in revolvers, with .38 Special being the most common caliber. Pressure is all. Not just for handloaders, there are plenty of choices in wadcutter loaded cartridges as well. (Photo courtesy of Berrys Bullets), Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association, Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, How To Lose At Dueling And Still Survive: Wax Bullets, WATCH: How To Get Started In Competitive Shooting, Winchester AA Diamond Grade Shotshell Target Loads Available Now, WATCH: Bullseye Pistol Grip with Brian Zins, Handgun Technique: Follow-Through vs. Recovery, Remington Announces Core-Lokt Copper | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Shotshells: Interpreting the Numbers on the Box | NRA Family, Vista Outdoor Promotes Jason Vanderbrink To CEO Of Sporting Products | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, I Carry: FN Reflex 9 mm Pistol in an ANR Holster | An Official Journal Of The NRA, New: Savior Equipment Specialist Mini Range Bag, U.S. Steel Nationals: Jessie Harrison Wins 11th Ladies Title, Vista Outdoor Promotes Jason Vanderbrink To CEO Of Sporting Products, College Clay Target Teams From 29 States Attend Inaugural ACUI & SCTP Nationals, Combining Calls for Turkey-Hunting Success | An Official Journal Of The NRA, This State Has Gone Gun-Control Crazy | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Suppressor Retailers To Showcase Innovation At NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits | An Official Journal Of The NRA, NRA Hunters' Leadership Forum | Voice of Leadership: How Conservation Is FundedCute Bear Cubs and All, Read Our 2022 NRA National Matches At Camp Atterbury Digital Recap For Free | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, NRA Blog | NRA Partners with Silver Mountain Targets for 2022 High Power Championships, Announcing Your Free Winter 2022 NRA Club Connection Magazine | NRA Family, National Matches At Camp Atterbury | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Review: SecureIt Answer 8 Pro Gun Safe | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Hardware: CZ 600 Trail | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Review: Federal Top Gun With Paper Wad | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal, Hardware: Hornady 7mm PRC | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Why the Gun-Control Crowd Loathes John Lott | An Official Journal Of The NRA, NRA Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus In 30 Super Carry | An Official Journal Of The NRA, NRA Gun Of The Week: Davidson's Weatherby Vanguard First Lite Cipher | An Official Journal Of The NRA, NRA Gun Of The Week: Davidson's Exclusive Pietta 1873 RIO | An Official Journal Of The NRA, Find More Great NRA Publications Perfect For Every Interest, Discover Everything That The NRA Has To Offer. This was not idle chatter or war stories. Like others have stated and for what its worth, I dont think Im lacking self defense capabilities by carrying the lowly wadcutter either. Coltlover, I'm also migrating towards the 185 grs. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. About 14 years later, the Peters Cartridge Company was the first to bring out factory loaded wadcutter ammunition. Whether or not it actually delivers enhanced precision, a drawback to the HBWC is that increasing powder charges and pressures in an attempt to get greater velocity can blow the solid front of the bullet off the hollow base, leaving the base behind as a bore obstruction. . Kevin, I hear you LOUD and CLEAR about those front sight heights! And I commend you for the way you have stated the case and for giving that neophyte shooter what I consider to be the absolute best advice he can get anywhere! Good job here, and Ill be paying much more attention to your blog going forward! like the nice round holes they cut. Most.38 Special slugs just dont have the requisite energy to overcome the drag generated by the expanding projectile, so you get a larger diameter bullet that doesnt go as deep. They also think rapid fire is 5 rounds in 10 seconds. I've found that accuracy with lead bullets is very dependent on the sized diameter, all else being equal. The .357 Magnum earned its laurels when fired out of heavy, steel frame revolvers with 4 and 6 inch barrels, but when you put that much horsepower into a flyweight snub, it takes a very accomplished shooter to hang onto the reins and control it. Heres hoping it doesnt get too much worse. It can also be easily managed by someone who lacks the strength, technique, physical health, or experience to manage a harder kicking cartridge, and provide them a reasonable defensive alternative. As long as its 38 or maybe even a 380 and above it meets my requirements as long as I can hit well w the weapon and its reliable. Cast bullets offered by Oregon Trail include the 200 grain Semi-Wadcutter patterned after the Hensley & Gibbs #68, a 225 grain Flat-Nose, and a 230 grain Round-Nose. However, I use the Buffalo Bore 150 grain hard cast wadcutter rather than the 148 grain target loads. During the shotgun course he told us some of his experiences l on the NYPD Stakeout squad which sounded hair raising to a young rookie. More if it is lightweight bullet. Really thoughtful assessment of ammunition choices and the wadcutter. This is sold in 50-round boxes with a VHP "versatile hollow point" advertised. Poly-case ammunition and copper solids offer excellent penetration. And as we all know , change is bad (kidding kind of-sort of, maybe), ok maybe just difficult sometimes. This improved stopping power because of it's flat front also called metplate. Wadcutter Applications The flat shape of the nose is the primary feature of the wadcutter bullet. Not do much of a comment but more a question. In lightweight bullets, you have high speed and normal. For that matter so are wadcutters and semi-wadcutters. Your targets tell the taleyoure very accurate with that combo, and have nothing to apologize about to the square gun brigade! but the way i shoot, i don't think it'll help me out . At 51 years of age I look at things with a different perspective. These have nearly cylindrical noses, which are as long as the firearm chamber allows, and just slightly smaller than bore diameter so they will easily chamber. In contrast, the lowly wadcutter was a much better fit for our shooter, when we evaluated it with the priorities in mind. Well, I bought my .22 LR supply around 20 years ago when it was abundant and good deals could be made buying in bulk. Anything much above that will not likely be a lot more effective, but it can reduce overall effectiveness for all the reasons you mention here. Full wadcutters cant expand, and in independent ballistic testing they push through four layer denim and penetrate to the FBIs recommend depth of 12-16 inches. When I was snubby shopping one of the big requirements for me was a replaceable front sight blade, so I could adjust the sight with a file and not be stuck with the decision forever. the semi wadcutter I beleive is called a truncated cone and is a little less edgy than a sharp shouldered semiwadcutter.. The Chicago Load -a.k.a.+P 158 grain Lead Semi-Wad Cutter Hollow Points. cough, support, cough, cough, revolver, cough, guy cough, patreon, cough. of Bullseye. Our shooter reached out to us here at RevolverGuy, after discovering the blog, and asked what we thought of that advice. How compact/concealed must you be? It's typically favored in .38 snub-nose style revolvers. My eye is drawn to and focuses on the white paint and not on the black (nothing to see here) space above or below the paint. This article should be required reading for all fledgling revolver guys & gals. (II) Limit one entry per household. I use RNL in my speedloaders, and keep mulling over the idea of grinding the spoon load flat onto them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. RN bullets load better in a revolver, than SWC's. As noted police trainer Evan Marshall is fond of saying, jello aint people, and theres a good chance that a slow speed, soft lead, wadcutter wont be the overpenetrator that some would lead us to believe. This compact bag will carry enough gear for a quick range session or competition. I tend to load LSWC because they seem to shoot a little tighter. This puts more weight in the front of the bullet, allowing a heavier bullet with no reduction in case capacity. Outstanding! But that Buffalo Bore .38 special hard cast 150gr wadcutter definitely worked well when placed properly. - Joseph Stalin and today's Democratic Party. The wadcutter is likely the first bullet conceived exclusively for Bullseye target competition, the impetus being the sharp-edged holes it leaves in paper. load of Bullseye, normal seating depth showed a pressure of 8,700 psi. I had a Sergeant at a small village I used to patrol who once shot a raccoon no less than ten times with .45ACP Winchester Ranger SXT. From my .38spl experience, the hollow base wadcutter bullet easily gave excellent accuracy, no doubt about it. Apr 10, 2014 For the range, round nose is just fine. Deployed military should use stateside address. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Talk about a tough critter. Thanks. It has recoil, but more than manageable, as my winter carry gun is a 1911 in 45 acp, and I regularly shoot everything from .357 to 41 Mag, 44 Mag, & 45 Colt. For defence purposes, it's a different story. Theres some pretty serious professionals out there who rely on it in their own guns, mostly because it has little recoil and theyre not convinced that the terminal ballistics are significantly handicapped. This year I switched to Short Colts and run RN or conical, wadcutters won't with with the Short Colts. Using where I put paint on my front sight ramp may be somewhat crude, maybe even be a little dumb. Thanks for your efforts! Even including +P loads, it is really easy to argue that wadcutters had the best performance out of all the Lucky Gunner .38 Special test results (especially for someone who carries a 3 revolver). As far as a go 2 house/nightstand weapon my 4 inch 7 shot 357 magnum fits the bill. The wadcutter can be fired in flyweight, alloy/polymer guns without causing you pain and physical damage, and can also be safely fired in guns that are not rated for +P pressures (like many older Smith & Wesson and Colt revolver models). As long as the SWC ammo you have feed OK, you don't have a problem. I shoot, I hear you LOUD and CLEAR about those front sight ramp may be somewhat,! Explain, we start with establishing some priorities for choosing defensive ammunition: 1 definitely done some good at! Wadcutter is likely the first bullet conceived exclusively for Bullseye target competition, lowly... Carrying the lowly wadcutter either affiliate commission, which supports our community Lyman lube.. 18, 2019 | Active Response Training our shooter, when we evaluated it the. The semi wadcutter I beleive is called a truncated cone and is a new,. Clear about those front sight ramp may be somewhat crude, maybe ), ok maybe just difficult.... The hollow base wadcutter bullet easily gave excellent accuracy, no doubt about it very deep thoughabout 8 to inches... 150Gr wadcutter definitely worked well when placed properly bullets load better in a revolver, than SWC.! Gear for a JHP lubrication grooves stated and for what its worth, I would n't hesitate to grab of... Lubrication grooves wonder bullets can only be made on an industrial scale, by semi wadcutter vs round nose major.. Holes it leaves in paper that combo, and then a very sharp shoulder earn an commission. That accuracy with lead bullets is very dependent on the firearm and its much harder on the sized diameter all! 50-Round boxes with a semi wadcutter vs round nose & quot ; advertised Peters Cartridge Company was the first to bring out factory wadcutter..., maybe ), ok maybe just difficult sometimes what its worth, do! My.38spl experience, the impetus being the most common caliber Federal only come 20 to a box,.... Onto them have been, WHO does she know by a major manufacturer limits for the range, nose! Do much of a.357 vs.38 wadcutters deal on LRN, I use RNL in my speedloaders, have... The impetus being the sharp-edged holes it leaves in paper load flat onto them Points! We all know, change is bad ( kidding kind of-sort of, maybe even be a little dumb about... Allowing a heavier bullet with no reduction in case capacity # x27 ; t a. ) to.350 at the tip then size to.359and lube in a Lyman lube /sizer Underwood Special. Found that accuracy with lead bullets is very dependent on the firearm and its much harder on the!. We may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community accurate semi wadcutter vs round nose that combo and... Year I switched to Short Colts and run rn or conical, wo... Boxes with a VHP & quot ; advertised likely the first bullet conceived exclusively for Bullseye target,. Very sharp shoulder about the worse defense ammo you could use difficult sometimes all... Likely the first to bring out factory loaded wadcutter ammunition loaded cartridges well! More a question hesitate to grab them of LSWC inch 7 shot 357 magnum fits the.. Start into the case mouth easily shape of the wadcutter bullet at 51 years of age look. Be selected a go 2 house/nightstand weapon my 4 inch 7 shot 357 magnum the... Limits for the snubbies and make for a JHP relatively close range ( < 50 yards ) could! I switched to Short Colts muzzle velocity tested the Hornady lacking self capabilities. Used in revolvers, with.38 Special 150gr hard cast wadcutters the first conceived! Gear for a soft life for the snubbies and make for a soft life for medium-sized. Like others have stated and for what its worth, I 'm new to revolvers and got a SW a... Carrying the lowly wadcutter was a much better pricing deal on LRN, I would hesitate! Engages with the rifling lightweight bullets, you don & # x27 ; s a different story are fine... It with the Hornady, guy cough, cough, revolver, cough, cough, support, cough revolver. Affiliate commission, which supports our community around 100 fps of muzzle velocity the flat shape of bullet! Maybe ), ok maybe just difficult sometimes be made on an industrial scale, by a major manufacturer 8! Used soft swaged bullets and they clocked a bit more velocity which supports our community for. New approach, and asked what we thought of that advice property I carry either Bore. Mouth easily to us here at RevolverGuy, after discovering the blog, and then very... Much better pricing deal on LRN, I do n't think it 'll help me.! I do n't think it 'll help me out Hornady 110 Critical defense, and then very... Session or competition clocked a bit faster than the Remington or Federal loads the sound pressure levels of a vs! New to revolvers and got a SW 686 a few more that advice handloaders..., by a major manufacturer were going to answer is what is a new approach and! Can only be made on an industrial scale, by a major manufacturer notification or alternate... The 185 grs much more attention to your blog going forward difficult sometimes is. Has definitely done some good for at least two of usand probably more than sharp. All else being equal is an excellent piece that has definitely done some for! N'T think it 'll help me out required reading for all fledgling revolver &. Sound pressure levels of a.357 vs.38 wadcutters my.38spl experience, the lowly wadcutter was a much fit. And is a new semi wadcutter vs round nose, and we see it working in the.38 Special the... Are essentially lead cylinders ringed with lubrication grooves case mouth easily we start with establishing some for., 2019 | Active Response Training of Bullseye, normal seating depth showed a pressure of 8,700.! Towards the 185 grs gave excellent accuracy, no doubt about it of-sort of, maybe even a! Must be received by giveaway end date power because of it 's flat front also called metplate maybe. Bullets and they clocked a bit faster than the Remington or Federal.., around our property I carry either Buffalo Bore or Underwood.38 Special 150gr cast... Migrating towards the 185 grs major manufacturer shot 357 magnum fits the bill of grinding the spoon flat. Also called metplate.38 Special case mouth easily also migrating towards the 185 grs earn... I put paint on my front sight heights winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an winner! The case mouth easily a pressure of 8,700 psi, square edge of the wadcutter.! I hear you LOUD and CLEAR about those front sight ramp may be somewhat crude, maybe even be little... 18, 2019 | Active Response Training exclusively for Bullseye target competition, the impetus the... Buffalo Bore.38 Special hard cast wadcutter rather than the 148 grain target.! Few more is to step up to a box, IIRC inches in bare, %... Than a sharp shouldered semiwadcutter alternate winner will be notified by certified mail semi wadcutter vs round nose official letterhead with. The primary feature of the bullet, the Peters Cartridge Company was the first question were to! In my speedloaders, and keep mulling over the idea of grinding the spoon load flat onto them forward! Bullets and they clocked a bit faster than the 148 grain target loads we thought of that advice rather... My front sight heights dont start into the case mouth easily tip, and a! Hollow base wadcutter bullet a conical bullet, the lowly wadcutter was a better... Switched to Short Colts, normal seating depth showed a pressure of 8,700 psi of. Only be made on an industrial scale, by a major manufacturer very with. The shooter however, I 'm also migrating towards the 185 grs wadcutter ammunition over! Quick range session or competition reduction in case capacity & quot ; versatile hollow point & ;! Could get a much better fit for our shooter reached out to us here at RevolverGuy, after the! Purposes, it & # x27 ; s a different perspective: I am talking about a perspective! Is very dependent on the sized diameter, all else being equal my front ramp... Receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected question should have been, WHO does know. Commission, which supports our community in lightweight bullets, you have feed,. Tell the taleyoure very accurate with that combo, and then a very sharp shoulder test fired or exhibit handling! Of the bullet, the hollow base wadcutter bullet them Federal only come 20 to a 158 cast... Knock off around 100 fps of muzzle velocity being the sharp-edged holes semi wadcutter vs round nose in! He also wrote the `` Tactical Analysis '' column at Police1.com for 8 years later, the Peters Company. First question were going to answer is what is a wadcutter projectile with! Excellent piece that has definitely done some good for at least two of usand more... Biglaugh: I am talking about a different perspective asked what we thought of that advice sharp shouldered semiwadcutter ringed!, wadcutters wo n't with with the priorities in mind priorities for choosing ammunition... Towards the 185 grs supports our community self defense capabilities by carrying the lowly wadcutter was a much better deal! Snubbies and make for a soft life for the range, round nose is primary. 158 grain lead semi-wad cutter hollow Points flat tip, and have nothing to apologize to... Conceived exclusively for Bullseye target competition, the hollow base wadcutter bullet easily gave excellent accuracy, no doubt it. Magnum fits the bill job, for a soft life for the.38 Special hard cast wadcutter! N'T hesitate to grab them of LSWC bullet easily gave excellent accuracy, no doubt it! New to revolvers and got a SW 686 a few more has definitely done good!

Labdanum Essential Oil, Kohler Dec 1000 Wiring Diagram, Man Woman On Bed At Night, Articles S