Lee PrecisionReloading EverythingMidSouth Shooters SupplyLoad Data
Inline FabricationRepackboxWidenersRotoMetals2
Titan Reloading
Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: Wadcutters?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    3,150

    Wadcutters?

    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.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Middle of the Mitten
    Posts
    1,330
    easy to Score Official Paper Targets...if they have neatly cut Holes in..

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy Reverend Recoil's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Louisiana
    Posts
    379
    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.
    DRB #2276 President's Hundred 2021

  4. #4
    Boolit Master


    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Lenore, WV
    Posts
    2,840
    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.

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master



    M-Tecs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    9,452
    Everything and more than most want to know about the history of the WC

    http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chap..._Wadcutter.htm

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

  6. #6
    Perma-Banned



    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    2,712
    In bigbore revolvers, they are FANTASTIC self defense rounds.

    Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel Rounds

  7. #7
    Boolit Master



    RedHawk357Mag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Duncan, Oklahoma, United States
    Posts
    525
    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
    Ruger RedHawk 357 Mag 44 Mag GP100 Davidson Exclusive 5" Security Six 2 3/4", Speed Six 4"
    Smith Wesson 629 PP and 686 PP, 617

  8. #8
    Boolit Master Sasquatch-1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Martinsburg, WV
    Posts
    3,211
    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.
    A vote for anyone other then the conservative candidates is a vote for the liberal candidates.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Middle of the Mitten
    Posts
    1,330
    ^^^ 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???

  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master Char-Gar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Deep South Texas
    Posts
    12,820
    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.
    Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.

  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master

    mdi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    So. Orygun
    Posts
    7,239
    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...
    My Anchor is holding fast!

  12. #12
    Boolit Master
    DerekP Houston's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Houston, Texas
    Posts
    2,877
    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.
    My feedback page if you feel inclined to add:
    http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...raight-Shooter

    Thanks Yall!

  13. #13
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    over the hill, out in the woods and far away
    Posts
    10,158
    Good article on the "Full Charge Wadcutter" on Grant Cunningham's blog:

    http://www.grantcunningham.com/2011/...rge-wadcutter/
    The ENEMY is listening.
    HE wants to know what YOU know.
    Keep it to yourself.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check