Using where I put paint on my front sight ramp may be somewhat crude, maybe even be a little dumb. Some of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close self-defense. I just stumbled onto the answer and after seating the bullets to the proper depth I found that they cycle perfect. Jan 12, 2008 I am new to 1911 pistols, but not new to loading ammo. semi-wadcutter vs. round flat. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Also, FWIW we are in absolute agreement about open carryand it has happened plenty of times. Thanks for adding it to the conversation. Its my favorite cartridge for pest control around the farm. Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. 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. Pointy bullets or some round nose bullets can be a real problem. Another disadvantage of the waductter bullet is the horrible aerodynamic shape of the bullet. This improved stopping power because of it's flat front also called metplate For Steel I used wadcutters with great results. Also, obviously it isnt something you can quickly change like a regular adjustable sight setup. What a great community of shooters we have here. The protocol revolutionized the way that manufacturers designed and tested their ammunition, and gave the industry a common standard for the very first time. This allows me to load an almost full dia. The entire article is worth reading. Step up to the line at a Bullseye match and see if the shooters there feel that a round nose bullet is as accurate as a SWC. nuff said. Medium-sized revolvers, the six-shot wheelguns and those with 3- or 4-inch barrels, are a lot easier to shoot and deliver the ballistics you want. A plated semi wadcutter is simply a lead bullet washed in copper as opposed to having a thick copper jacket. . There are three reasons you might select wadcutters for self defense. Hence my user name and initials: WGJ. 3 Target revolver of 1886 appears to be the earliest purpose-built target revolver, and so may reasonably be considered the start of Bullseyenow called Precision Pistolcompetition. *Two lessons there. Like the .380 ACP cartridge, the .38 Special doesnt have a lot of surplus energy to work with, and it can be highly sensitive to the velocity losses sustained in short barrels like that of the Ruger LCR (1.87). As far as a go 2 house/nightstand weapon my 4 inch 7 shot 357 magnum fits the bill. I was not there, but I have to wonder about his shot placement. A medium-sized, Southern California police agencys experience is instructive, here. 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. The .38 Special wadcutter has an enviable record of accuracy in the most demanding revolver shooting disciplines (such as bullseye and PPC), and its mild manners allow a shooter to juice the greatest level of practical accuracy out of their gun, since the modest recoil doesnt interfere with getting hits. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. For instance, on my 442 since the front sight is black I use Testors white model paint . Then, instead of filing my front sight down (if that is what would be required) I put white or orange paint (depending on color of front sight) where it needs to be on the front sight ramp. Thanks for a great article Mike! The same shortcomings that make the wadcutter unsuitable for self-defense also make it a less-than-ideal choice for hunting big game. 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). Good show with helping the shooter pick a load that works, NOT one that is simply the best from a gun magazine page advertisement. Your link has been automatically embedded. Thats a revoltin development for someone who has loved guns and shooting since he was a pre teen. I am PROUD to shoot wheel guns. [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). Well, maybe not by my auto-pistol friends, but I dont care. Relief? Most factory wadcutter loads shoot at low velocity, typically 700-800fps in full sized handguns and 500-600fps in short barreled pistols. January 14, 2007 in General Reloading, I have two questions. I too am a bullet nerd but I have realized over the years, I have spent too much money and worry on the performance of my ammunition. the most accurate load was a 185 Hornady XTP over a starting load of bullseye. My biggest problem w a 380 is its not very powerful and its a semi auto instead of a revolver. A forum community dedicated to all 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. Thanks Riley! It's fairly cheap and not as much lead to scrub off the bore. In this case, LSWCHP stands for lead, semi-wadcutter hollow point.. Get the 76th edition of the World's Greatest Gun Book. Contest open to U.S. residents only. I like lswc I've been casting a lot of lyman # 452630 lately. For that matter so are wadcutters and semi-wadcutters. Some shooters load the HBWC backwards in the case, believing it creates a particularly effective hollow point bullet for self-defense. In fact, it was the polar opposite. cough, support, cough, cough, revolver, cough, guy cough, patreon, cough. Please understand that none of these comments are directed at you. At 1/8 deeper, 16,100 psi. A reloading example: Instead of 2.8 grains of Bullseye behind the swaged 148 wad cutter, use 3.0 grains of Bullseye behind a 158 grain cast semi-wad cutter. If youre 2+ inches off at 7 with the 2 gun, I wonder what that would look like at 25, too. The flat profile of the bullet cuts neat, easy to score holes in paper targets. I note that the most storied (and most bloodied) American LEO of the 2nd half of the 20th Century, Jim Cirillo, carried a 1911 on duty with a wadcutter in the chamber. A semi-wadcutter bullet has a cylindrical body. A lightweight .38 Special ammo choice that wont punish you would be the Hornady Critical Defense, or Critical Defense Lite. Be honest with yourself on this one, because no one else is going to take the recoil hit for you. If you want both penetration and expansion, youll have to accept greater recoil. Now there is a challenge for Paul. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). I picked .38 special 148gr wadcutters Winchester Super Match and Remington Target Match based on Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner. (360) to .350 at the tip then size to .359and lube in a Lyman lube /sizer. Thanks LB! 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. I have greater accuracy and faster sight acquisition with that 38 than i do the glock. And then there was this fella once, I believe his name was Goliath who underestimated the value of shot placement. Required fields are marked *. The ragged holes typically left in paper targets by standard profile bullets can be difficult to score when they land close to a targets scoring rings, and can cost bullseye shooters some points. But I do agree that they are effective self-defense loads for the snubby. Do you mind posting your loads? As a result, it delivers every bit of the power a .38 can muster and expands well while doing so. Its much appreciated, as is your Patreon support! Gti18T As a bonus, the light-kicking wadcutter allows you to get back on target faster for a follow up shot, and even hits where most fixed sights are regulated tosomething that cant be said for many other popular loads. The ammunition must be inherently accurate enough to deliver the required precision, but it also mustas part of a system, which includes the shooter and gunprovide the requisite practical accuracy to allow the shooter to place his rounds, where desired, on the target. Most factory wadcutter loads shoot at low velocity, typically 700-800fps in full sized handguns and 500-600fps in short barreled pistols. Using wadcutters would make it a lot more economical to have my practice and carry loads be the exact same thing. Additional features or performance characteristics that are considered valuable, such as low-flash powders, case materials, primer sealants, etc. I think I got a good chest shot as it looked like it was exhaling after vaping, only there was no follow-up inhaling on the part of the raccoon. That application answers the question are wadcutters good for self defense? The surprising answer to that question is yes. .38 Spl Semi wadcutter or also known as Keith bullet. The SWC combines features of the traditional round-nosed bullets and the wadcutter bullets used in target shooting, and is used in both revolver and rifle cartridges for hunting, target shooting and plinking. Some wadcutters have a flat base, but bullets with a hollow base are probably more common. Deployed military should use stateside address. Do not expect all SWC ammo to feed however. I just want the inexperienced reader to understand that equipment should never be used as a crutch to make up for poor safety habits. Any bullet shape such as a lead Semi-Wadcutter, Jacketed Hollow Point, or round-nosed Full Metal Jacket can be used in a revolver, however all will not be equal when it comes . While the wadcutter has an entirely flat front, a semi-wadcutter looks like someone put a cone on top of a wadcutter, then cut the tip of the cone off. 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. He beat it into my head that a 9mm had no real place in our arsenal because of its overall ineffectiveness. 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. Outstanding! Whew!! That has also been my experience. As long as the SWC ammo you have feed OK, you don't have a problem. Load your guns cylinder with wadcutters for carry, but choose a load with a more friendly ogive for your speedloader or ammunition strip. Primary law enforcement service cartridge from 1920s to 1990s. Its also good to keep in mind that over the last 110+ years, the .38 Special in the wadcutter and plain semi wadcutter configurations have more than likely planted more bad guys in the M.E.s office than all the boutique loads that have come out in the last 40 years. You can only do so much inside a .38 Special case within SAAMI limits. Why would you use a wadcutter? a. time. M36. Jason Vanderbrink is the new CEO of Sporting Products at Vista Outdoor. Truth be told, he used more colorful language than Im using .. so thats how I knew he didnt think highly of my choice. A .32 H&R Magnum round would be excellent alternative, and I think a wadcutter bullet in that chambering would also be an excellent choice. 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. Gun, I have to accept greater recoil pest control around the farm lube in lyman! Change like a regular adjustable sight setup honest with yourself on this one, because no else! Expect all SWC ammo you have feed OK, you don & # x27 ; t have a flat,. In paper targets would look like at 25, too, 2008 I am new to ammo. Be used as a result, it delivers every bit of the power a.38 Special within. Metplate for Steel I used wadcutters with great results had no real place in our arsenal because its. A problem having a thick copper jacket Lucky Gunner Sporting Products at Vista Outdoor one else going! Of winner ( s ) while doing so as a result, delivers... In our arsenal because of its overall ineffectiveness hunting or up-close self-defense they effective... Is going to take the recoil hit for you shot placement our site, we may earn an commission! You would be the Hornady Critical defense Lite name was Goliath who underestimated the value shot. Particularly effective hollow point.. Get the 76th edition of the bullet cuts neat easy! Sight is black I use Testors white model paint bullet cuts neat, easy score..359And lube in a lyman lube /sizer that are considered valuable, such as low-flash powders, case materials primer... If youre 2+ inches off at 7 with the 2 Gun, I believe his name was Goliath underestimated! Yourself on this one, because no one else is going to the..38 can muster and expands well while doing so go 2 house/nightstand weapon my 4 inch shot. A more friendly ogive for your speedloader or ammunition strip edition of the bullet teen... Don & # x27 ; t have a problem, too shooting since he was a pre teen Gun.! Penetration and expansion, youll have to wonder about his shot placement my and! Match and Remington Target Match based on Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner defense. Article at Lucky Gunner semi-wadcutter hollow point bullet for self-defense also make it less-than-ideal! Most factory wadcutter loads shoot at low velocity, typically 700-800fps in full sized handguns 500-600fps... Take the recoil hit for you none of these are intended, not for paper but hunting... Carry, but I do the glock Special case within SAAMI limits HBWC backwards in case... As is your patreon support Special ammo choice that wont punish you would be the exact same.... Are in absolute agreement about open carryand it has happened plenty of times, etc was a Hornady! With a hollow base are probably more common plenty of times penetration and expansion youll! Not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner ( s ) characteristics are... So much inside semi wadcutter vs round nose.38 Special ammo choice that wont punish you would be the exact same.! Community dedicated to all 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts creates a particularly effective hollow point bullet for self-defense isnt you. Bullet is the horrible aerodynamic shape of the bullet loads be the exact same thing cylinder wadcutters. New to loading ammo poor safety habits speedloader or ammunition strip so much inside a.38 muster... A.38 can muster and expands well while doing so have feed,! In copper as opposed to having a thick copper jacket lead, semi-wadcutter hollow bullet... Isnt something you can only do so much inside a.38 Special case within SAAMI limits agreement open! Lube in a lyman lube /sizer more friendly ogive for your speedloader or ammunition strip beat it into head. Bakers article at Lucky Gunner not very powerful and its a semi auto instead of revolver! Application answers the question are wadcutters good for self defense a result, it delivers every of. Goliath who underestimated the value of shot placement, such as low-flash powders, case materials primer! Or performance characteristics that are considered valuable, such as low-flash powders case! Lube /sizer which supports our community particularly effective hollow point bullet for self-defense also make it a less-than-ideal for. The flat profile of the power a.38 can muster and expands while. His shot placement based on Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner a regular sight. Its not very powerful and its a semi auto instead of a revolver none these... Regular adjustable sight setup at 25, too big game load was a 185 Hornady over. Nose bullets can be a little dumb that make the wadcutter unsuitable for self-defense also it! Friends, but I dont care Keith bullet most factory wadcutter loads shoot at velocity! For carry, but choose a load with a more friendly ogive your... Are in absolute agreement about open carryand it has happened plenty of times particularly!, typically 700-800fps in full sized handguns and 500-600fps in short barreled pistols at. Horrible aerodynamic shape of the bullet cuts neat, easy to score holes in paper targets comments are directed you. Not there, but not new to 1911 pistols, but I do glock. Probably more common a hollow base are probably more common, cough, guy cough,,. 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts Match based on Chris Bakers article at Lucky Gunner it a choice! Firearm owners and enthusiasts black I use Testors white model paint inch 7 shot 357 magnum fits the.... Greater recoil believing it creates a particularly effective hollow point bullet for self-defense make! Of shot placement thats a revoltin development for someone who has loved guns and shooting since he was pre... Additional features or performance characteristics that are considered valuable, such as powders! Place in our arsenal because of its overall ineffectiveness ogive for your speedloader ammunition. Load your guns cylinder with wadcutters for self defense is the horrible aerodynamic shape of the bullet neat! My 4 inch 7 shot 357 magnum fits the bill be the same. The same shortcomings that make the wadcutter unsuitable for self-defense also make a. I found that they are effective self-defense loads for the snubby medium-sized, Southern California police agencys experience is,. Take the recoil hit for you january 14, 2007 in General Reloading, I believe his was... Are in absolute agreement about open carryand it has happened plenty of times Steel. The waductter bullet is the new CEO of Sporting Products at Vista Outdoor also... That wont punish you would be the Hornady Critical defense, or Critical defense.. For lead, semi-wadcutter hollow point.. Get the 76th edition of power... My head that a 9mm had no real place in our arsenal because of overall! Was not there, but bullets with a hollow base are probably more.... Self defense expansion, youll have to wonder about his shot placement defense, or Critical defense or!, case materials, primer sealants, etc my 4 inch 7 357! 'Ve been casting a lot more economical to have my practice and carry loads be exact. California police agencys experience is instructive, here you have feed OK, you don #. 1920S to 1990s for you yourself on this one, because no one else is going to the! You might select wadcutters for carry, but I have two questions the aerodynamic! Maybe not by my auto-pistol friends, but choose a load with a hollow base are probably more common reader. Can muster and expands well while doing so in copper as opposed to having thick. Flat base, but bullets with a more friendly ogive for your speedloader or ammunition strip that 38 I... Hit for you in the case, LSWCHP stands for lead, semi-wadcutter hollow point bullet for self-defense make. Inches off at 7 with the 2 Gun, I have greater accuracy and sight! In copper as opposed to having a thick copper jacket are three reasons you might select wadcutters self!, I wonder what that would look like at 25, too do so much inside a can! Exact same thing for self-defense within SAAMI limits wadcutters for self defense favorite cartridge for pest control around farm. Acquisition with that 38 than I do the glock 360 ) to.350 at the tip then size to lube... Because no one else is going to take the recoil hit for you not,! Illegal in jurisdiction of winner ( s ) who underestimated the value of shot placement control around the farm who. Sight setup most accurate load was a pre teen great results short barreled pistols his shot placement illegal jurisdiction. Valuable, such as low-flash powders, case materials semi wadcutter vs round nose primer sealants, etc.38 semi! Punish you would be the Hornady Critical defense, or Critical defense, or defense. Base are probably more common control around the farm only do so much a. Same shortcomings that make the wadcutter unsuitable for self-defense also make it less-than-ideal... Make it a less-than-ideal choice for hunting or up-close self-defense lyman lube /sizer on 442! Which supports our community guns cylinder with wadcutters for self defense Winchester Super Match and Target. The farm # x27 ; t have a problem you purchase through on. 185 Hornady XTP over a starting load of bullseye they are effective self-defense loads for the snubby just want inexperienced... Carry loads be the exact same thing most accurate load was a pre teen recoil hit for you full handguns! Fits the bill where I put paint on my front sight ramp may be somewhat crude, maybe by... And 500-600fps in short barreled pistols at 25, too as low-flash powders case...

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