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View Full Version : 38 special, 100 grain wadcutters


Big Fella
08-26-2010, 12:43 AM
I'd like some loading data for the 100 grain wadcutter. I've found lots of data for a 90 grain bullet, but nothing specfic to the 100 grain wadcutter. Thank you!!
sargenv
08-26-2010, 12:53 AM
Use data for the 110 gr bullet. There are enough 110's out there that the data should be close enough.. Personally, I'm using 5.1 of SR 7625 with a 110 LSWC in a model 1894 carbine and am getting 960 ish fps. In a pistol it should be down in the high 700's to low 800's I would think. Bullseye is listed at 4.6 for a max load, it is likely safe to load Bullseye to about 3.5 gr as a starting load for the 100 wadcutter.
lwknight
08-26-2010, 04:10 AM
Now your talking my language. 100 grain wadcutters are just fun!!
I load as low as 2.0 grains bullseye for about 450 fps. Very accurate and its like a 22.
You can shoot them like that indoors at rats in the barn and what not. They will not penetrate the metal but will thump a rat silly.
That is for a revolver. The bullet might get stuck in a rifle barrel loaded that light.
Down South
08-26-2010, 09:13 AM
You didn't mention what powders that you have available. I doubt that you are looking for full power loads for the 100 gr wadcutter. You might want to use the starting load for the 90 gr -5% and work your way up.
Larry Gibson
08-26-2010, 01:30 PM
Many years back I used to put a Lyman GC upside down in the front driving band of a 358477. It then cast a nice little 100 gr WC. The GCs were put in the mould with tweezers and easily flicked off the cooled bullets for reuse. I also used Bullseye in the 3.5 -4 gr range for around 800 fps out of my 5" M15. Accuracy was my criteria and out to 25 yards they were deadly on squirrels and rabbits. I then aquired a 4 cavity 148 gr WC mould and gave up on the lighter weight WCs. However, I do extensively use the Lee 358-105-SWC over 4.7 gr of Bullseye for 1025 fps out of that same 5" M15 with 1 - 1.5 " accuracy at 25 yards.

I think 2 gr of Bullseye would be a good starting load and work up to 4.5 gr. Watch out for bullets stuck in the barrel with the lighter loads as lwknight mentions.

Larry Gibson