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fatelk
03-07-2017, 11:26 PM
What are full wadcutter bullets really good for? I think I generally know the answer to this question, but what are they really superior for?

I have a couple of nice wadcutter molds, in .44 and .45 caliber. I've never really used them beyond just casting a few bullets to try, and have other style bullets that I strongly prefer in those respective calibers. I'm trying to find a reason to keep them. I'd hate to get rid of something I'd regret selling down the road. They're nice 4-cavity mold that make really nice looking bullets.

racepres
03-07-2017, 11:35 PM
easy to Score Official Paper Targets...if they have neatly cut Holes in..

Reverend Recoil
03-07-2017, 11:37 PM
Wadcutter bullets cut a clean hole in tag board target material. This make a shot close to a value ring easier to score. It will make a difference in competitive championship matches.

wv109323
03-07-2017, 11:37 PM
IIRC, the wadcutter was developed for the .38 Spec. revolver. The light bullet provided little recoil and it provided a clean hole to score.
For semi-autos in .38 Spec. The OAL had to be short for the action such as the Mid-Range and S&W model 52.

M-Tecs
03-07-2017, 11:53 PM
Everything and more than most want to know about the history of the WC

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chapter_11_Wadcutter.htm

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell-Himmelwright-Wadcutters.htm

shoot-n-lead
03-07-2017, 11:56 PM
In bigbore revolvers, they are FANTASTIC self defense rounds.

Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel Rounds (https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=99)

RedHawk357Mag
03-08-2017, 06:13 AM
I just like dinking around with them. If you decide to part with them I would be willing to compensate you for rehoming the 44s. Have a great day.

Sent from my P00I using Tapatalk

Sasquatch-1
03-08-2017, 07:31 AM
I use a 44 wadcutter for shooting bowling pins and 2x4's at the club I belong to. Light load and they are devastating on both. Knocks pins off table cleanly and blows huge chunks of wood from 2x4. They are also good for shooting paper. :D

racepres
03-08-2017, 10:02 AM
^^^ LOL
I bet when a Corner "hooks" a Bowling pin, it Bites in pretty good..
We ain't gots no Bowling pins around here....That I know of!!! Off Looking, but, also wondering who I can get to Reset them???

Char-Gar
03-08-2017, 12:20 PM
At mild target velocities, the WC cuts the clean holes in the target as mentioned, making scoring more precise.

Kick the velocity up to full speed and they really deliver the energy and smack things around nicely.

At full speed, they are effective against flesh, blood and nerves. The WC bullet gives deep penetration and cuts all blood vessel and nerves it encounters along the way. It is also quite good at breaking bones as well.

What the WC is not good at, is shooting at longer ranges. The flat nose is a real drag and sheds velocity faster than other shapes.

mdi
03-08-2017, 12:32 PM
I always figgered, besides the good, clean hole, the wadcutter had more bearing surface to length ratio and adds to potential accuracy.

I have a "house gun" load for my 3" 38 that consists of a cast DEWC (about 17-18 BHN) over a hefty load of W231. I figger at around 900 fps the flat end will deliver good tissue destruction with little over penetration...

DerekP Houston
03-08-2017, 12:47 PM
For me they are great for target shooting, less lead and less powder than my normal 38 spec rounds. I figure the huge meplat on them makes it decent enough for my snubby around the house.

Outpost75
03-08-2017, 12:56 PM
Good article on the "Full Charge Wadcutter" on Grant Cunningham's blog:

http://www.grantcunningham.com/2011/11/ed-harris-revisiting-the-full-charge-wadcutter/