wadcutters?

[Kevin]

Are Wadcutters ok in revolvers? I was checking online and it seems the only thing in stock are wadcutters.

What are they used for anyway?

 

[contender]

Yep, no problem.
I'm assuming you are looking at 38 Spl wadcutters and using them in a 357? (The most common way folks enjoy them.) If so, you can get a bit of a crud buildup at the point in the cylinder where the end of the 38 spl case ends. When you try to insert a 357 mag round, it can be sticky. Nothing that a bit of cylinder cleaning won't fix.

 

[Cholo]

Wadcutters are all I shoot in my .38's. I also shoot then in my .357 mags., though never in .38 brass.

 

[Kevin]

Great, yes, I was looking at either 38 or 357. I assume it is the same bullet diameter for both?


Contender, I'm going to have to take a vacation and come watch you reload sometime...Perhaps at the East Coast Ruger meet...

 

[Cholo]

Same diameter.

 

[mikld]

Perhaps you could use a copy of The ABCs of Reloading? Many discriptions of bullets, powders, cases, and primers as well as explaining the reloading process...

 

[Kevin]

I'm looking for a new reloading manual this week. I think you are right. It would help. As I get my reloading bench set up again I find I have more and more questions.

 

[volshooter]

Yes, wadcutters are great shooting! They are very accurate when pushed at mid range. The best .38/.357 load is a hollow based wadcutter. Nothing beats it for accuracy! AND, if you want a great home defense load, load them hollow base forward. Killer expansion but not accurate past 25 feet.

 

[mdewitt71]

Wadcutters are the cheaper ammo I have found to shoot....
They work great just require a lil more cleaning.

 

[contender]

Kevin,, just bring your Texas attitude & come to the mountains & visit. Glad to have ya. And,, it don't HAVE to be during the East Coast meet,,, but you will get to see a few more of the Forum folks then,,!
Load them wadcutters up as noted,, about a mid-range load & enjoy.

 

[Kevin]

Contender: Thanks! I'll keep that in mind.

 

[NewportNewsMike]

What are they used for anyway?

The wadcutter-style of bullet comes from the bullseye target shooting world.

It has many positives attributes for bullseye shooting.

First, (speaking here of the 38 Special), the wadcutter round is a little slower than the standard service round - thus a little less recoil, which is a good thing for the bullseye target shooters.

Secondly, a wadcutter will cut a nice, neat full diameter hole that makes target scoring easier. A round-nose service round will cut a smaller hole with torn paper around it.

Although it came from the bullseye target shooting world, it makes an OK defensive round if loaded up to some higher velocity. That full-diameter face cuts meat as well as it does paper.

 

[mikld]

My house gun uses wadcutters. .38 Special,150 gr. PB wadcutters loaded over a stiff charge of W231. Large meplat for tissue damage and shock, with little or no overpenetration.

 

[WESHOOT2]

New book? (or first book, or adding a book): Lyman Pistol & Revolver.