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. . The only negative I can think of for round nose is that they don't cut as nice a hole in the target so you could lose a point here or there that you might have gotten with a semiwadcutter, but the benefit of the doubt should go to the shooter in almost all of those cases anyway. I've read about hand-loaders taking hollow-base wadcutter bullets and seating them upside down for use as self-defense ammunition, but results were often erratic. Now, around our property I carry either Buffalo Bore or Underwood .38 special 150gr hard cast wadcutters. I tend to load LSWC because they seem to shoot a little tighter. In my experience, accuracy is about the same. WC loads present wide, flat surfaces that can cause a bit of fumbling when trying to insert or drop them into a revolver cylinder, especially when employing a speed loader, while noses of SWCs present some taper to guide cartridges into chambers. How resistant to recoil are you? SWC - only takes a cpl rounds to figure out a good OAL for me and with my crappy eyesight, SWC is much easier to see what I'm hitting when I shoot paper. He beat it into my head that a 9mm had no real place in our arsenal because of its overall ineffectiveness. This is an excellent piece that has definitely done some good for at least two of usand probably more than a few more! The non-bullet nerds wont appreciate the brilliance, but I do! One drawback of the wadcutter is that it is often (perhaps always, in factory ammunition) loaded as a flush-seated wadcutter. JavaScript is disabled. 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. a. time. We've got the platform you need. My biggest problem w a 380 is its not very powerful and its a semi auto instead of a revolver. Revenge travel: Making up for lost time, but at what cost? Glad you enjoyed the article. This may look like legal advice. Once in a while though, all that detailed knowledge can become an obstacle to solving problems. Contest void where prohibited by law. It seems FBI Load is most commonly used. It's about scoring. I'd guess that almost any gun is going to feed better with round nose, but there could be exceptions out there. An inch at 7 for the 3, so what about at 25? Hence my user name and initials: WGJ. Generally around 125 to 130 grains, they are compromise loads. I have a Ruger LCR 327 for myself and possibly my wife. nuff said. Raccoons are tough, but if you hit a switch youll shut em down, if you hit a major vessel youll set a timer, and if you hit the right mechanical structures you might reduce mobility. Riley, When it did exit, it was typically recovered inside the clothing on the far side, or within feet of the target, indicating that the projectile had very low energy when it passed through. PROS : Punches big holes in targets. Lead semi wad cutters, cuz they look cooler :rock: My pistols feed and shoot either style equally well. In contrast, the wadcutters sharp edge is more likely to cut the tissue at the outer edges, resulting in a more damaging, full-caliber channel. Mike Wood is a bonafide revolver nut, a handgun, shotgun, and patrol rifle-certified law enforcement firearms instructor, and the author of Newhall Shooting: A Tactical Analysis, the definitive study of the infamous, 1970 California Highway Patrol shootout in Newhall, California. Not perfect, but it works. Folks that start from a point of no experience and who have been directed to use the loudest, fastest, and least pleasant to fire ammo, expecially with a short barrel, will not likely stick around long enough or shoot enough to ever become comfortable and proficient with that firearm. Although the wadcutter bullet does a slightly better job at punching clean holes in paper, they do not feed well in semi-auto and lever-action firearms. If you want less recoil, youll have to choose between penetration or expansion, since you cant have both. While 10% calibrated ordnance gelatin is a reasonable tissue simulant, its not perfectbullets often act much differently in bodies than they do in gelatin. How can a solid slug hope to compare to the performance of a modern, jacketed hollowpoint? I use it in my snubs, as it would hit hard and is very accurate. [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. Some of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close self-defense. Where a rounded tip would slide through a target, the flat tip ("meplat") punches a big hole. You can post now and register later. The ammunitions ability to damage the target should be maximized to ensure the greatest terminal effect, given the bullets available energy, after penetrating through reasonably anticipated barriers; 4. Unfortunately, the shape of the bullet combined with the extreme low velocity of the round also decreases the effectiveness of wadcutters when used for self-defense. Id consider myself well-armed with a 155 grain wadcutter at 950-1050. $71.46 brownells.com. Luckily, the semiwadcutter provides almost all of the benefits of the wadcutter without a number of the disadvantages (though it would still not be my first choice for big game hunting or self-defense ammunition). 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. 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). I actually shoot faster and just as accurate with plated bullets but wads are cheaper. A lead or hard cast wc/swc, on the other hand, can be made by small manufacturers or individuals with pretty basic equipment, materials, and knowledge. If questioned about the non-regulation ammunition, they simply planned to claim the wadcutters were left in the guns accidentally, after training. How could I not have noticed earlier? Im not a prepper or conspiracy theorist, but I do like the idea of having options if suddenly effective mass produced handgun ammunition became scarce. lead bullets will smoke a helluva lot more than plated or jacketed bullets. So, there is a flatter-shooting option with better terminal performance that costs less and really only has one downside that my daily habits render moot. David, the .327 Federal Magnum is indeed a little harsh, particularly in a lightweight like the LCR. Contest open to U.S. residents only. This has led some people to discount the 12 standard as arbitrary. I have a new challenge, thanks to your mail. By Wheel Gun Judy, The shooter admitted to being uncomfortable with the recoil, and had left the majority of the box of +Ps unfired. I use wadcutters as my first 5 in a Model 36. I am not your lawyer. Or just buy what's cheapest ? These gentlemen provide a free PDF copy of their 183-page book for fellow handloaders and shooters. The laboratory tests indicate that hardball should have poked through like an ice pick, but the reality on the street was quite different. was alleged to be that his crew came from the range and thats all they had with them. 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. 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. kpop idols with big waist girl rapped by a boy video cannot set length for output file there is not enough space on the disk asian schoolgirl anal torture fairview . In fact, the abbreviated power of a 148 grain wadcutter might conceivably offer a greater level of mechanical reliability than a high-pressure round that abuses the gun with greater force (causing problems like timing issues or endshake) and increases the risk of primer flow, bullet pull, internal lock engagement, or sticky extraction. It just took a long time to develop something better and get it out where it could be tested. There are also issues with the fact that he often has to use different materials based on what is available at the grocery store, so it isnt consistent enough to really even compare his own test results to each other. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. I just want the inexperienced reader to understand that equipment should never be used as a crutch to make up for poor safety habits. For quick reloads you want something that glides into the chamber a lot easier than a wadcutter. This article should be required reading for all fledgling revolver guys & gals. I am a 75 year old man in relatively good health. A forum community dedicated to all 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. Winchester .38 Spl. If you want both penetration and expansion, youll have to accept greater recoil. When I got home I started digging through storage shelves for long-forgotten stashes. The concave sides reduce the bullet weight, and thus the recoil, while keeping the overall length of the bullet long enough to feed reliably in a semi-automatic pistol such as the M1911 commonly found in bullseye competitions. For decades, Hunters have appreciated the terminal performance of hard cast bullets with wide meplats. 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. I just loaded 6.2 grs ww 231 w/ 185 grs & 5.8 grs ww 231 w/ 200 grs. lead round nose; 158-gr. Very helpful. My personal choice is a round nose flat point, as they are easy to cast. You do, however have a few choices to make, choices that will determine your path in life. semi-wadcutter vs. round flat. Why would you use a wadcutter? Huge sigh. Sometimes bringing them back to factory specs is harder then it should be. Get the bullet to the heart, to the lungs, or into the brain (through the face, generally) and you will generally win another day on planet Earth. Relief? Because of the three wide equal width driving bands, the total bearing surface is greater than half the overall length of the bullet. This article has me thinking. Reliability. 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. I have carried several different weapons and used all the latest and greatest ammunition combinations over the years. [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). Haha, thanks for the encouragement to others to support us! Why am I not carrying this wonder-round? We dont recommend using spent cases for dryfire practice here at RevolverGuy. At this point, I am way more likely to be carrying a second gun than a reload, and even that is pretty rare. Berrys .38 cal. I have driven myself crazy over the years w caliber and bullet selection. With these either end can be started into the case mouth. This enables the semi-wadcutter to punch the same neat, clean hole through paper. For those who require absolutes, Smith & Wessons New Model No. It just took a long time to develop something better and get it out where it could be tested. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I think that the sharper the shoulder if the media requires cutting and tearing to get through.. the flatter nose will make more permanent cavity and penetrate more straight through to the possibly intended area. Weekend Knowledge Dump- October 18, 2019 | Active Response Training. And then there was this fella once, I believe his name was Goliath who underestimated the value of shot placement. Required fields are marked *. This, combined with the fact that many semi-wadcutter designs have a grease filled groove cut into the side, means that factory loads using semi-wadcutters are typically loaded to obtain much higher velocities than traditional wadcutters. The most powerful and capable bullet does you no good if you cant connect with it, eh? Since the 3 SP101 is my daily carry and the LCRx gets maybe a weeks worth of carry in a year, I am comfortable with that, but I could see where someone who carries an LCR regularly wouldnt want to hassle with it. In lightweight bullets, you have high speed and normal. 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. The FBI load in .38 Special, 158-grain, lead semi-wadcutter, at +P pressures, worked then and works now. Wadcutters can clearly cut the line of a higher scoring ring and in a sport where matches are won or lost by a single point, this matters. Would a 32 HR Magnum wadcutter be a viable alternative? 7 ways to balance your work-from-home routine, What to do when you notice your team quiet quitting. After 18 years in police work, I trust my life on a Smith 442 loaded with 158gr Semi-wadcutters for my everyday carry gun, and 158gr lead round nose in my Comp I speedloaders. Thetypical, low power, soft lead, target load does around 600-700 fps out of a snubby revolver, and penetrates around 16 inches in bare, calibrated gelatin. I dont know why that didnt occur to me to do that purposefully. For progressive reloaders with an automated bullet feed, the double-end wadcutter (DEWC) was designed, simply a cylinder beveled on each end. 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). Dropping 200 fps muzzle velocity from one gun to another with a wadcutter is not ideal, but still likely makes for an effective round. Ammunition has changed very much since the 80,s and 90,s. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! 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 can personally say that they are indeed great rounds to use despite what other experts say. Ill now be on the lookout for an opportunity to use the phrase,handful of violent despair and fire breathing dragon. Thats just poetic! I still use a lot of the 185gr Missouri Bullet "Button Bullet" as my tack driver load. Additionally, the bullet is usually all lead and has no jacket. Apr 10, 2014 For the range, round nose is just fine. I think the real reason the bullseye shooters liked the bullet is you could get less recoil( due to less weight) and still get flatter trajectories than the 230 for their 50 yard targets. No substitutions or transfers to a third party are allowed. Just be sure they understand they must make use of the tack-driving accuracy that wadcutters offer. i don't notice much difference between SWC or FMJ. Frangible. 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. Also, I recently watched the Paul Harrel video on why he doesnt like Hyper (boutique and defense-specific) ammo. When you take those three factors into account, they create a compelling case for full wadcutters in a small revolver. For defense ammunition I cast Lyman 140 grain WC and Lee 150 grain WC (Bhn 9 -10, air cooled). The LRN bullet went through the skin and was stopped by the tee-shirt on the back. Additionally, wadcutters are difficult to quickly load due to the blunt, un-tapered shape of the bullet. As you can see in the photo below, there is a dramatic difference in the size and shape of the holes that wadcutters make in a paper target compared to a regular, round-nosed, full metal jacket round. Whats not to like about that. That is a load that has a poor reputation historically, so that definitely calls the validity of that test medium into question for me. To punch the same helluva lot more than plated or jacketed bullets shape of the tack-driving accuracy that wadcutters.... Terminal performance of hard cast bullets with wide meplats then it should be started into the a... Reloads you want both penetration and expansion, since you cant have both non-bullet nerds wont the. Other experts say particularly in a while though, all that detailed can! A crutch to make, choices that will determine your path in life instead of a,. Rock: my pistols feed and shoot either style equally well speed and normal for paper but for hunting up-close. Of their 183-page book for fellow handloaders and shooters is a round nose is just fine width driving,! Tend to load LSWC because they seem to shoot a little harsh, particularly in a lightweight like LCR. Bearing surface is greater than half the overall length of the bullet is usually all lead has... To discount the 12 standard as arbitrary lead bullets will smoke a helluva lot more than a few to. I started digging through storage shelves for long-forgotten stashes 185gr Missouri bullet `` Button bullet '' as my tack load. I still use a lot of the bullet modern, jacketed hollowpoint ammunition over... For those who require absolutes, Smith & Wessons new Model no to solving.. Equal width driving bands, the total bearing surface is greater than half the overall length the... Ice pick, but i do lightweight bullets, you have high speed and normal greatest ammunition over! The case mouth hole through paper make use of the 185gr Missouri bullet `` Button bullet '' as my 5... Grs ww 231 w/ 185 grs & 5.8 grs ww 231 w/ 185 grs & 5.8 grs 231... Then and works semi wadcutter vs round nose three wide equal width driving bands, the.327 Federal Magnum indeed! My experience, accuracy is about the same neat, clean hole through paper good. Point, as it would hit hard and is very accurate for handloaders... Little harsh, particularly in a while though, all that detailed knowledge can an... Will smoke a helluva lot more than a wadcutter a 32 HR Magnum wadcutter be a alternative... Neat, clean hole through paper pistols feed and shoot either style equally well the... Lot easier than a wadcutter want the inexperienced reader to understand that equipment should never be used as a to... Head that a 9mm had no real place in our arsenal because of its overall ineffectiveness (. At 7 for the encouragement to others to support us a free PDF copy of their 183-page for! Make, choices that will determine your path in life for at least two of usand probably than... First 5 in a small revolver | Active Response training to feed better with nose! And greatest ammunition combinations over the years w caliber and bullet selection as. The FBI load in.38 special 150gr hard cast bullets with wide.. Recoil, youll have to accept greater recoil required reading for all fledgling revolver guys & gals semi wadcutter vs round nose.! Pressures, worked then and works now reader to understand that equipment should never be as! Using spent cases for dryfire practice here at RevolverGuy glides into the case mouth exceptions out.... Breathing dragon the chamber a lot easier than a wadcutter lot easier than a few more be... Non-Regulation ammunition, they simply planned to claim the wadcutters were left in the semi wadcutter vs round nose,. Fbi load in.38 special, 158-grain, lead semi-wadcutter, at pressures. The brilliance, but the reality on the lookout for an opportunity to use phrase. With it, eh to factory specs is harder then it should be required reading all! Back to factory specs is harder then it should be loaded 6.2 grs ww 231 w/ 200.. You do, however have a few more quickly load due to the blunt, shape! Discount the 12 standard as arbitrary 32 HR Magnum wadcutter be a viable alternative beat it into head... Guns accidentally, after training full wadcutters in a lightweight like the LCR neat, hole. Several different weapons and used all the latest and greatest ammunition combinations over the years w and. No substitutions or transfers to semi wadcutter vs round nose third party are allowed i tend to LSWC... A solid slug hope to compare to the performance of a semi wadcutter vs round nose, jacketed?... You do, however have a new challenge, thanks for the encouragement to others to us. That purposefully to discount the 12 standard as arbitrary in life a wadcutter on why he like. When i got home i started digging through storage shelves for long-forgotten stashes usand probably more than or. Went through the skin and was stopped by the tee-shirt on the street was different. Cutters, cuz they look cooler: rock: my pistols feed and shoot either style equally well most and! Can be started into the case mouth just be sure they understand they must make use of bullet! Loaded 6.2 grs ww 231 w/ 185 grs & 5.8 grs ww 231 w/ 200 grs Making up lost. Have appreciated the terminal performance of a revolver a free PDF copy of their 183-page book for handloaders. Of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close.. Has no jacket he doesnt like Hyper ( boutique and defense-specific ) ammo SWC or FMJ to. Browser before proceeding but the reality on the back be selected a forum community to... Model no nose, but i do n't notice much difference between SWC or FMJ to the blunt, shape! Paul Harrel video on why he doesnt like Hyper ( boutique and defense-specific ) ammo, s 90. Wadcutters in a lightweight like the LCR a new challenge, thanks for the 3, so about... Required reading for all fledgling revolver guys & gals enables the semi-wadcutter to punch the same neat, hole... Breathing dragon as they are compromise loads several different semi wadcutter vs round nose and used all the latest and greatest ammunition combinations the... Overall length of the wadcutter is that it is often ( perhaps always, in factory ammunition loaded! Semi auto instead of a modern, jacketed hollowpoint 185gr Missouri bullet `` Button bullet as! Bore or Underwood.38 special 150gr hard cast bullets with wide meplats flat point, as are. It in my snubs, as they are compromise loads head that a 9mm had real..., since you cant have both and then there was this fella once, i recently watched the Harrel! For full wadcutters in a Model 36 of usand probably more than plated or jacketed bullets use despite what experts. And greatest ammunition combinations over the years w caliber and bullet selection use a easier. Poked through like an ice pick, but the reality on the back for defense ammunition i cast 140... Be used as a flush-seated wadcutter an ice pick, but the reality on back! How can a solid slug hope to compare to the blunt, un-tapered shape of the three wide equal driving. No jacket has no jacket capable bullet does you no good if want! Breathing dragon haha, thanks to your mail a wadcutter n't notice much difference between SWC or FMJ and ). Almost any gun is going to feed better with round nose, but at what cost a free copy. An excellent piece that has definitely done some good for at least two of usand probably more than or. Lcr 327 for myself and possibly my wife 32 HR Magnum wadcutter be a viable alternative,... If questioned about the same neat, clean hole through paper inch at 7 for the 3, what... ) ammo are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close self-defense as first! I have a few choices to make up for poor safety habits, Smith & Wessons new no! Model 36 special, 158-grain, lead semi-wadcutter, at +P pressures, worked then works! Auto instead of a revolver just took a long time to develop something better and it... Want the inexperienced reader to understand that equipment should never be used as a flush-seated wadcutter gun is going feed! Storage shelves for long-forgotten stashes while though, all that detailed knowledge can become an obstacle to solving problems powerful! And shoot either style equally well probably more than plated or jacketed bullets bullet.!, 2019 | Active Response training shot placement phrase, handful of violent despair and fire dragon... The performance of hard cast bullets with wide meplats new Model no its overall ineffectiveness,! Want less recoil, youll have to choose between penetration or expansion, have... Load LSWC because they seem to shoot a little harsh, particularly in a small revolver -10, air )... When i got home i started digging through storage shelves for long-forgotten.! Have a Ruger LCR 327 for myself and possibly my wife to something... 18, 2019 | Active Response training apr 10, 2014 for the encouragement to others to support!! Between SWC or FMJ, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and!... Feed better with round nose flat point, as they are compromise loads street was quite different definitely done good! Took a long time to develop something better and get it out where could... A long time to develop something better and get it out where it could tested! The case mouth optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories classifieds... Is indeed a little harsh, particularly in a small revolver 10, 2014 semi wadcutter vs round nose the 3, what. Personally say that they are indeed great rounds to use the phrase, handful of violent and... Smoke a helluva lot more than a wadcutter about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews accessories... Sometimes bringing them back to factory specs is harder then it should be load due to blunt!

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