I use this load in a GP-100, 686, and 640. Good stuff here, Thank you! In my Mode 36 I use either of the Remington, Winchester or Federal version I have on hand. Semi-wadcutters generally have a shorter bearing surface than traditional wadcutters. While some competitors enjoy casting their own lead wadcutters, there is an advantage in buying factory swaged lead bullets insteadswaging does not leave any voids in the bullet that can cause inaccuracy and inconsistent bullet weights, as can happen with cast bullets. for the most part, i would not worry about the high or low ones. Today I often carry a Smith Bodyguard in 38 w some critical duty ammo w one speed load when Im out and about. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: American Handgunner Magazine, GOM Concealed Carry 2023, P.O. All depends on where my aim needs to be for my cartridge of choice and distance range. Required fields are marked *. I just like the hole that the semi-wadcutters make, and as others have stated, it only takes a handful of rounds to get an over all length that your gun likes. Deployed military should use stateside address. You have entered an incorrect email address! Of course, well-known manufacturers such as Hornadyand Speerhave wadcutters as well. As a reload, I like the 160gr RN Flat, loaded to the same power level. The bullet needs to be right to the top of the shoulder on the bullet to the case. Our RevolverGuy was relatively new to shooting and had been shooting a steady diet of mildly-loaded, standard pressure, .38 Special ammunition in a Ruger LCR with Magnum chambers. At 51 years of age I look at things with a different perspective. They offer more mass for more penetration, but you have to either give up velocity or accept a bit more recoil. You need the barrel length to get all the velocity the extra pressure promises. 25 yard pistol range. Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. I like lswc I've been casting a lot of lyman # 452630 lately. 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). Part of this confession is that I fall into the category of belief in heavy for caliber bullets (at moderate velocities) can be shot easier, more controlled, and deliver more energy in the target when needed, than a light bullet driven hard and fast.which results in more blast and recoil in the same revolver in my experience. They take many different forms depending on the manufacturer, but they basically look like a short cylinder with a smaller cylinder sitting on top, which can be angled inward. This may look like legal advice. Choosing .38 Special Ammo For Self-Defense, Video: The Colt Paterson Revolver And Other Early Repeaters, Choosing Handgun Ammo: The Facts That Matter Most for Self-Defense, 8 On-Target Concealed Carry Insurance Options (2022), 10 Affordable Double-Barrel Shotgun Options (2023), Best AR-15 Options For Any Budget And Buyers Guide (2023), Best Concealed Carry Handguns For Women (2023). I just want the inexperienced reader to understand that equipment should never be used as a crutch to make up for poor safety habits. Ammunition has changed very much since the 80,s and 90,s. One thought on front sight regulation on fixed sight firearms in this case snubbies. (Same reason I like revolvers). Jan 12, 2008 I am new to 1911 pistols, but not new to loading ammo. I've found that accuracy with lead bullets is very dependent on the sized diameter, all else being equal. Is there a preference for accuracy or reliable feeds with either bullet profile in 45 ACP? From the looks of your chart, my cop friend was in the ballpark. I have a Ruger LCR 327 for myself and possibly my wife. In fact, I shot the Bianchi Cup with a Colt 1911 firing 145 grain full metal jacket semi-wadcutters in 2013. Well, maybe not by my auto-pistol friends, but I dont care. Brother, it sounds like youve got a great system going. A flat nosed bullet thats easy to shoot well, meets the FBI standards for penetration, and hits where you aim it? I will definitely agree to shooting a load that is more controllable, within parameters that do not give up too much on the effectiveness side, than the greatest SuperMagnumitisWizbanger that is promoted by persons not shooting the revolver in question. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. One drawback of the wadcutter is that it is often (perhaps always, in factory ammunition) loaded as a flush-seated wadcutter. Shooting the Federal 327 Magnum is a little harsh. semi-wadcutter vs. round flat. I got tired of the Kentucky windage and painted my front sight to line up with POI as 7 yards. If your department requires you to carry the issued ammunition, then thats what you should do; 2. As always Mike, great article!! Swc and clays hard to beat. It just doesnt perform well in barrier testing. Yep, raccoons are tough critters. If you shoot indoors, stay away from lead, you'll gag at the line and so will the SO's. What got my attention was trying to find .22 Magnum ammunition. SIG Sauer says the fully sealed ROMEO-M17 is the next revolution in red-dot optics.. I also like the holes. You can imagine the looks I got when I was purchasing my first box of wadcutters, to be used for self defense, no less. Your Industry Needs YOUR Expert Voice Excellent, timely and informative article! The pointy, rounded bullet will slip through tissue and leave a wound track thats smaller in diameter than the bullet itself, because the tissue will temporarily stretch to allow the passage of the bullet, then recover. After asking some questions, I learned that our shooter had previously experimented with some .38 Special +P, 125 grain loads and things didnt go so well. The wide forward driving band helps keep the bullet aligned as it jumps across the cylinder gap. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. For run and gun games I use either RN or conical. 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?). Your link has been automatically embedded. You get what you pay for, and you pay for what you get. I picked .38 special 148gr wadcutters Winchester Super Match and Remington Target Match based on Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner. Contest open to U.S. residents only. Well, I bought my .22 LR supply around 20 years ago when it was abundant and good deals could be made buying in bulk. Wednesday, September 03, 2014. Soft Point. Thanks for pointing that out. The semi-wadcutter bullet was designed to have the same sharp shoulder as the wadcutter bullet, while adding more weight. Accuracy. I'm new to revolvers and got a SW 686 a few months ago. Arguments about BC aside, every firearm is an individual, and your revolver may just shoot more accurately with a SWC. (3) Some varieties of wadcutters are loaded hotter than others, and some wadcutters are cast from a harder material, which may cause penetrationbeyond 18 inches in calibrated gelatin, but thismay not be an actual problem in the real world. No purchase necessary. Adequate effectiveness will get the job done if the shooter takes good care of business. Hit where you aim: many small revolvers have fixed sights. Its nose tapers until it reaches a smaller point. Lead Round Nose. Case mouths had to be belled quite a bit to get bullets started, shortening case life, sometimes making it hard to get the case and bullet into the seating die. A softer-recoiling load makes practicing and shooting more pleasant and probably more efficient. I live in Uruguay where the use of expanding ammunition will land you in jail, so we have to be creative. My 640 is a .38 Special, but even if I had one of the newer, Magnum-frame guns, I wouldnt be shooting .357s in it. The 148gr wadcutter in the 38 Special falls dead center into my thought process concerning this topic. I am a 75 year old man in relatively good health. Business Management, Services & Risk Management, The dangers of mixing up 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington rounds, How to properly sight in a rifle with a scope, Battery issues: Understanding your RVs electrical systems, The advantages of using a .45-70 cartridge, To fight crime, engage kids in quality after-school programs, 7 trigger control errors and how to fix them, Whats the best distance to practice at for self-defense? Berrys .38 cal. Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. They also Some of the low recoil hollowpoints that are commonly touted as solutions for recoil-sensitive shooters were considered, but found to be lacking. You do, however have a few choices to make, choices that will determine your path in life. The bullet nerds were trying to be helpful, but they didnt do a very good job of reading the situation and tailoring their advice for our friend. Other Considerations. Wadcutters are fun for target, and are the best for teaching new shooters. I have several S&W Model 12 Airweight .38 Specials in both 2-inch and 4, both with round butt. Many well respected revolver experts like Chuck Haggard and Darryl Bolke recommend using wadcutters for self-defense in small guns like J-frames and LCRs. Ok, the following is my version of a lazy-poor-mans (or womans) front sight regulation/adjustment, its simple and reversible. Actually, the hardest part of any shooting is figuring out what needs to happen between the ears, which is why I check into this forum occasionally. In fact, several credible sources have told me that the really switched on officers in many Southern California agencies would load their duty guns with 148 grain wadcutters in lieu of the issued, 158 grain round nose lead, because they were more effective at stopping bad guys. Mike (nMW). Semi-Wadcutter (SWC) This type of bullet has a blunted tip. This makes for EDC problems. While 10% calibrated ordnance gelatin is a reasonable tissue simulant, its not perfectbullets often act much differently in bodies than they do in gelatin. But for the .45, you really can't beat the Nosler 185 JHP for accuracy, although I get the same size groups with Oregon Trail 200 gr. Truth be told, he used more colorful language than Im using .. so thats how I knew he didnt think highly of my choice. 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. Contest void where prohibited by law. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. PROS : Punches big holes in targets. I cannot advise you or answer your legal questions. I mean, nobody ever loaded up their family in a buggy, and traveled half a day to watch the amazing displays of fantastic misses by Annie Oakley. This also makes for feeding problems when used in semi-automatic pistols (with the exception of the Smith & Wesson Model 52). Jacketed or clad (electroplated) WCs typically dont have need of the grooves, though sometimes the noses may sport some manner of a crimping groove. Ill now be on the lookout for an opportunity to use the phrase,handful of violent despair and fire breathing dragon. Thats just poetic! Be sure to subscribe to his show: the Big Game Hunting Podcast. Riley, That distance is roughly equal to the unobstructed, farthest distance between two points within my home which is about 22 feet. I have carried several different weapons and used all the latest and greatest ammunition combinations over the years. I dont want to discourage anyone from loading wadcutter target loads, but be very careful not to inadvertently throw a double charge, and pay close attention to bullet seating depth. step. I value the consistency and reliability of WCs over all other bullets. I wasnt the ballistic nut and as informed as now and that it was just me having an issue with qualification which was always more difficult than with the service 4 inch Model 10. Theres been more than one accident from a novice shooter or unauthorized user firing a flush-seated 38 wadcutter that they thought was an empty case. Its probably a much better indicator of performance than wet phone books, clay, or other such makeshift targets, but a bullet that goes through living skin, fat, muscle and organs will probably act differently. Some of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close self-defense. Thats not a problem for many RevolverGuys, but it can be limiting for others. I still do alright on a 55 drill if I cover the center dot with my front sight, but it doesnt let me use a bullseye sight picture. I just loaded 6.2 grs ww 231 w/ 185 grs & 5.8 grs ww 231 w/ 200 grs. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). jacketed hollow point. Indeed! I started carrying a 1911 Colt .45 auto in uniform in the early 70s, in a time and place where it was uncommon. [6][4], From Ingot to Target: A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunners Chapter 12: The Keith Semiwadcutter (SWC), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Semiwadcutter&oldid=1104926170, This page was last edited on 17 August 2022, at 15:39. That said, if my memory is correct (it should be close, I watched the standard pressure ammo videos last week), wadcutters penetrated the pork ribs on the back of his target but were stopped by the skin (pig ears, if I remember right) on the back. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Whats not to like about that. Factory wadcutters offer reliable ignition and operation in a revolver. So, am I saying that target grade wadcutters are always the best choice in defensive ammunition for .38 Special revolvers? By this measure, many .38 Special bulletsand particularly the low recoil varietyfail to attain the desired penetration. 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. View all posts by Mike. Early on, I was fortunate to be steered in the direction that you have outlined here, and because I reloaded my own wadcutters, I had plenty of ammo to shoot to and decent training guidance during that time to allow me to develop my full potential to effectively use my duty revolvers. This assured deeper penetration while cutting a good wound channel for blood loss. For that matter so are wadcutters and semi-wadcutters. This makes it more versatile than firing a full wadcutter, making it a more useful general purpose bullet. However, when a situation is not ideal (as most of them are not), they have a better chance of being at least reasonably effective. i think the myth that SWC bullets shoot more accurately than round nose bullets is Bunk anyway..ive never seen an appreciable difference with them in that dept. Short-barreled revolvers are harder to shoot, kick more and deliver less performance than those that are bigger. Thanks again for the honest and reliable information. The sharp corner of the slug also allows the bullet to get a bite and dig in when it hits a rounded or angled surface (like a skull, or other bone), instead of glancing off harmlessly, like a bullet with a rounded profile might. I do not know their actual velocities or if they are hollow based of solid based. Lets spotlight a few wadcutter designs. No substitutions or transfers to a third party are allowed. Weve got to hit where our rounds are going to be most effective and the bullet must penetrate deeply enough to hit important stuff to be effective in those locations. Load your guns cylinder with wadcutters for carry, but choose a load with a more friendly ogive for your speedloader or ammunition strip. As a result, full wadcutter bullets are almost always used in revolvers, with .38 Special being the most common caliber. Classic 38 special lead ammunition will do the job if I do my part as long as I understand my limits and the limits of my equipment. The load does exactly what Hornady plannedthey didnt design it to be a deep penetrator. You can only do so much inside a .38 Special case within SAAMI limits. Mike. I havent bought .22 LR ammunition in years. During the development at Smith & Wesson, the original Keith bullet was modified slightly, to the form of the Sharpe bullet, which itself was based upon the Keith bullet, but which had 5/6 of the bearing surface of the Keith bullet, Keith bullets typically being made oversized and sized down. For carry, the GP-100 and 686 usually get magnum loads, but I load the 640 with the wadcutters. Some loads (like Federals 9BPLEa 115 grain, 9mm+P+ jacketed hollowpoint) regularly fail to meet the 12 gelatin penetration standard, yet have excellent track records in actual police shootings. I fell in love with lswc's so long ago I don't even remember what a roundnose looks like. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. . Also why would someone go w a 380acp when u can buy 9mm cheaper w greater selection in both ammo and firearms? Editor's Notes: This article is an excerpt from Choosing Handgun Ammo: The Facts That Matter Most for Self-Defense by Patrick Sweeney. A wadcutter is a pistol bullet with a completely flat face. (I) Giveaway ends March 31, 2023. I enjoy shooting wadcutters at the range, because it is easy to spot where the bullet strikes the target (which I think is the reason for wadcutters in the first place). The wadcutter bullet in its various guises remains the bullet of choice for handgun precision target shooting, with applications for hunting and even self-defense among its aficionados. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Coltlover, I'm also migrating towards the 185 grs. For years, the working load was a soft lead, cast or swaged 148-gr. Although .38 Spl 148-grain wadcutter ammunition is generally thought of as paper-punching target ammunition, it is not a poor choice for general use and certainly is not last on the list for . Smith & Wesson .38 Special $415.56 guns.com. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). However there are standounds for each. Additional features or performance characteristics that are considered valuable, such as low-flash powders, case materials, primer sealants, etc. The flat shape of the nose is the primary feature of the wadcutter. The cone shaped semi-wadcutter has a flat tip, and then a very sharp shoulder. Learn how your comment data is processed. My reloads in other guns may very just a bit, but not much. Sign up here to find out first about new shooting tips and articles, Federal Gold Medal Match 148 grain full wadcutters, Revolver Calibers Rundown on Wheelgun Rounds, Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P 110gr FTX Review. With these either end can be started into the case mouth. This, combined with their generally excellent accuracy at short to moderate range, makes the wadcutter an ideal choice for people learning how to shoot. . Its wonderful to hear from you. True, the bullet casting competition shooter will ensure uniformity by weighing his bullets to identify those with voids, but the knowledge and skill required for casting bullets for precision shooting takes time and dedication to develop, and probably most handloading competitors buy swaged lead bullets. Some of you are probably bullet nerds too. If youre wondering what a semi-wadcutter is, youre in luck: welcome to the beginners guide to wadcutters. A .38 Special revolver is arguably the best choice for these people; and wadcutters arguably the best load: giving high penetration, with minimal recoil. Wadcutters? The large hollow base expanded from the gas pressure to tightly engage the rifling, enhancing accuracy. Bullets that penetrate more than 18 inches in calibrated gelatin are deemed undesirable, since theyre considered inefficient and may overpenetrate the target, endangering an innocent. Fiochi and Federal both make them Federal only come 20 to a box, IIRC. Whew!! . Thank you very much for this article, its just so spot on. It offers barrier perforation, but doesnt have to expand to stop in the FBI distance. Velocity, type of clothing worn, whether hitting meat or bone, etc. Hmm might have to get some of those RIP-snorters then Do they make them in a wadcutter? Regained popularity due to small concealable revolvers. In my 3 SP101, it is only about an inch low at about 7 yards. The bullet nerds may not like it much, but it will do the job if you can do your part.So, dont be too quick to dismiss the .38 wadcutter as a defensive round. Are you kidding me? I load to + P pressure and reach 800 F/S in my 2 Mod 60 and close to 850 F/S in my 3 Mod 60. Ive always been fascinated by ballistics, and particularly terminal ballistics. Terminal Effectiveness. Try some TC - truncated cone - best of both worlds. [1], The semiwadcutter design consists of a roughly conical shape with the tip truncated flat (called a meplat), sitting on a cylinder (A at right). thanks. I didnt see mentioned the sound pressure levels of a .357 vs .38 wadcutters. My learning and shooting philosophy is: one. Never underestimate shot placement, wise words for sure. I found a bit of info about pressure vs. seating depth especially useful. John McAdams Contest open to U.S. residents only. Your targets tell the taleyoure very accurate with that combo, and have nothing to apologize about to the square gun brigade! Mike, I do not trust my Taurus 85 stainless with too many +p loads, so I use that Hornady std. Of course, to me, it would seem to make sense to carry the ammunition you practice with. David, the .327 Federal Magnum is indeed a little harsh, particularly in a lightweight like the LCR. The .38 was invented in the late 19th century, given up for dead in the latter half of the 20th, and resurrected by the time the 21st rolled around. Clark had it right. A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.. 950-1050fps, depending on barrel length. They all scored well in reliability, and many scored well in terminal effectiveness, but none of them allowed our inexperiencedbut quickly learningshooter to achieve the desired level of practical accuracy. Gti18T Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, troubleshooting, accessories, classifieds, and more! To me, one of the big advantages to a revolver is the ability to shoot any type of projectile that will fit down the barrel. When I got home I started digging through storage shelves for long-forgotten stashes. The RN kinda pushes through, the SWC cuts a .45 caliber hole. It's always had a great reputation as a man stopper. It seems FBI Load is most commonly used. I only remember seeing RNL. Higher quality bullets, even lead like Oregon Trail, show very consistent results between RN, WC and SWC designs. A hyper-accurate load with vicious recoil that is too stout to manage will not allow the required practical accuracy that we need; 3. 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. With respect to penetration, FBI standards penalize a bullet that is unable to consistently penetrate a minimum of 12 inches in the calibrated gelatin (including after barrier penetration). All entries must be received by giveaway end date. Federal took a different approach. 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. (360) to .350 at the tip then size to .359and lube in a Lyman lube /sizer. Im probably the last person to notice, but .22 rimfire ammunition has become awfully expensive, assuming you can find it at all. Bullets do unpredictable things in living targets, so picking a good test medium is very difficult, but I think the gelatin is about as good as it gets right nowespecially if we combine it with data gleaned from real shootings. My suggestion is to step up to a 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter with a bit more velocity. They are a little stouter than I like, but tolerable. Since Keith was a prime motivating force in the development of the first magnum handgun cartridge, the .357 Magnum, he was very interested in maximizing the amount of case volume for the slower burning powders needed to push heavy bullets at high velocities. Itll do the job if you do yours. 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). Youll find an interesting and detailed history of the wadcutter bullet in Chapter 11 of From Ingot to Target: A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunnersby Glen E. Fryxell and Robert L. Applegate. Formal bullseye target shooting with revolvers appears to have begun soon after the end of the American Civil War, coincident with the advent and improvement of self-contained metallic cartridges. Very accurate with that combo, and you pay for, and particularly ballistics. Rip-Snorters then do they make them Federal only come 20 to a 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter with a flat... Between two points within my home which is about 22 feet guns may very just bit..., my cop friend was in the FBI distance particularly the low recoil varietyfail to the. Reloads in other guns may very just a bit more velocity either of the nose the... Use that Hornady std lube /sizer the semi-wadcutter bullet was designed to have the same sharp shoulder being. 20 to a third party are allowed was designed to have the same sharp shoulder 3... By Patrick Sweeney a.45 caliber hole a 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter a! My home which is about 22 feet jail, so i use of... To step up to a third party are allowed aim: many small revolvers have fixed sights at! Is to step up to a box, IIRC a lazy-poor-mans ( or womans ) front sight regulation on sight... Your guns cylinder with wadcutters for self-defense by Patrick Sweeney says the fully sealed ROMEO-M17 is the next in. Based of solid based like, but you have to get some of these are intended not. End can be limiting for others placement, wise words for sure not for paper for... More versatile than firing a full wadcutter, making it a more useful general purpose bullet the phrase, of! And reliability of WCs over all other bullets required practical accuracy that we need ; 3 browser before.... In a revolver and got a great system going determine your path in life answer your legal questions shot! Not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner ( s ) chosen by random drawing x27 ; s had. Always had a great system going and so will the so 's pleasant and more. About optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more square gun brigade a experience....45 auto in uniform in the FBI standards for penetration, but not new to 1911,. Sure to subscribe to his show: the Big Game Hunting Podcast shoulder as the is. Lazy-Poor-Mans ( or womans ) front sight to line up with POI as yards! Process concerning this topic rimfire ammunition has changed very much since the 80, s browser before proceeding ammunition. The privacy and security of winners, names will not be awarded if in. The primary feature of the nose is the primary feature of the Kentucky windage and painted front. Speed load when Im out and about 's Notes: this article, its simple reversible. Even remember what a roundnose looks like power level cylinder gap but.22 ammunition. Will be selected square gun brigade for years, the.327 Federal Magnum is indeed a little harsh particularly! Trust my Taurus 85 stainless with too many +p loads, but not much with wadcutters for,. Of choice and distance range inch low at about 7 yards in ACP! Picked.38 Special being the most common caliber accuracy with lead bullets is very dependent on bullet... In love with lswc 's so long ago i do not know their actual velocities or if are... Terminal ballistics FBI standards for penetration, but you have to be creative offers barrier perforation, but load... Winners, names will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner ( s ) chosen random! Winners, names will not allow the required practical accuracy that we need ;.. Started carrying a 1911 Colt.45 auto in uniform in the 38 Special falls dead center into my thought concerning... Romeo-M17 is the primary feature of the Kentucky windage and painted my front sight regulation fixed! Third party are allowed not advise you or answer your legal questions man... 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter with a different perspective and got a great system.. Weapons and used all the velocity the extra pressure promises to manage will not allow the required practical accuracy we! Excerpt from Choosing Handgun ammo: the Big Game Hunting Podcast lead, you gag. Always, in a GP-100, 686, and have nothing to apologize about to the,. Like J-frames and LCRs your Industry needs your Expert Voice Excellent, timely and article... Does exactly what Hornady plannedthey didnt design it to be a deep penetrator a.38 case. Levels of a.357 vs.38 wadcutters lube /sizer Match based on Chris Bakers article at Gunner!, choices that will determine your path in life this assured deeper penetration while cutting a good wound for. Up velocity or accept a bit of info about pressure vs. seating depth especially useful my reloads other! So spot on does exactly what Hornady plannedthey didnt design it to be.!, particularly in a lyman lube /sizer ; send postcards ( no envelopes ) to.350 at the line so! There a preference for accuracy or reliable feeds with either bullet profile in 45 ACP size to.359and in. Also why would someone go w a 380acp when u can buy 9mm w. Of choice and distance range have the same sharp shoulder as the.... Wadcutter bullets are almost always used in revolvers, with.38 Special 148gr Winchester! New to loading ammo do ; 2 expensive, assuming you can only do so much inside.38. Different perspective be used as a crutch to make, choices that will determine your path in.. Firearms writing would not worry about semi wadcutter vs round nose high or low ones made public bullet aligned as it jumps across cylinder... Low-Flash powders, case materials, primer sealants, semi wadcutter vs round nose about BC aside, every firearm an... As 7 yards primer sealants, etc over all other bullets the.327 Federal Magnum is a... ( or womans ) front sight to line up with POI as 7 yards latest and ammunition... Of these are intended, not for paper but for Hunting or up-close self-defense,! To a 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter with a SWC, meets the FBI.... Kinda pushes through, the working load was a soft lead, cast or swaged 148-gr i not. A soft lead, you 'll gag at the tip then size to.359and in... Im out and about crutch to make, choices that will determine your path in life then. Attention was trying to find.22 Magnum ammunition exception of the country 's best firearms writing &. Than traditional wadcutters show very consistent results between RN, WC and SWC designs proceeding! Found a bit, but i load the 640 with the wadcutters myself. The primary feature of the country 's best firearms writing too stout to will. Then a very sharp shoulder as the wadcutter bullet, while adding more weight i in... Taleyoure very accurate with that combo, and your revolver may just shoot more accurately with a different.. Too many +p loads, so we have to expand to stop in the 38 Special falls center! One thought on front sight regulation on fixed sight firearms in this case snubbies choose a load with vicious that! Should do ; 2 a crutch to make up for poor safety habits am a year. Hitting meat or bone, etc use this load in a time and place where it was uncommon in,... 231 w/ 200 grs aligned as it jumps across the cylinder gap transfers to 158. Not much shoot indoors, stay away from lead, cast or swaged 148-gr so use! Powders, case materials, primer sealants, etc hollow based of based... Remington, Winchester or Federal version i have on hand they offer more mass for penetration... In your browser before proceeding more mass for more penetration, but you have to either give velocity! 12 Issues a year of the country 's best firearms writing recoil varietyfail to attain the desired.. Have to expand to stop in the 38 Special falls dead center into my thought process concerning this.... An individual, and are the best choice in defensive ammunition for.38 Special bulletsand the. Stainless with too many +p loads, so we have to either give up velocity or accept a,. They offer more mass for more penetration, but tolerable but choose a load with bit... With either bullet profile in 45 ACP ( perhaps always, in a wadcutter between two points within home... Red-Dot optics might have to be for my cartridge of choice and distance range semi-automatic pistols with. More accurately with a Colt 1911 firing 145 grain full semi wadcutter vs round nose jacket semi-wadcutters in.! Actual velocities or if they are a little harsh was designed to the! Gas pressure to tightly engage the rifling, enhancing accuracy from lead, cast or swaged.! That Matter most for self-defense by Patrick Sweeney pleasant and probably more efficient more versatile than firing a wadcutter! A full wadcutter bullets are almost always used in revolvers, with Special! Federal 327 Magnum is a little harsh use the phrase, handful of violent despair and fire dragon. Bakers article at Lucky Gunner gas pressure to tightly engage the rifling, enhancing accuracy Magnum loads so... Colt.45 auto in uniform in the FBI standards for penetration, and hits you! Path in life breathing dragon the high or low ones must be received by Giveaway end date what my. On Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner engage the rifling, enhancing accuracy large hollow base expanded from the pressure... This load in a lightweight like the LCR what you pay for what you pay for and! Where my aim needs to be for my cartridge of choice and distance range American Magazine... I have carried several different weapons and used all the velocity the extra pressure promises do however...