Been missing wadcutters, time to revisit. Anyone else love'm too?

[357shooter]

I've been shooting a lot of SWC's in reolvers for a few years. I picked up a beauty of a Ruger Security Six 357 with a 6 inch barrel and a great SS finish. This is a fine shooting gun, maybe the Leupold pistol scope that came on it helps a little. :smile::smile::smile:

I started thinking about other bullets & loads and thought the classic 2.8 grains of Bullseye under a 148 grain wadcutter would be sweet at the 25 yard indoor range. The reason it is so classic; it's accurate and fun to shoot. ;-);-);-)

Anyone have a favorite wadcutter mold to recommend, or just some comments about casting, handloading and shooting wadcutters? In whatever caliber you prefer. :lovebooli:lovebooli:lovebooli

[BCB]

RCBS-38-148-WC...

I use WC820 for 'bout 1056 fps...

I shoot lighter loads also with fast burners too...

Shoot them in a early Security-Six...

One of my favorite handguns...

Good-luck...BCB

[Dale53]

Here is my current favorite for .38 Special. A four cavity H&G #50 (148 gr solid base wadcutter):

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/HG50BB-1402_900x1200.jpg

Here it is loaded:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/HG50BB-1399_1600x1200.jpg

What is not generally appreciated, solid base wadcutters require a bit heavier powder charge than hollow base wadcutters for good accuracy. I use from 3.2-3.5 grs of Bullseye or equivalent.

Dale53

[jmort]

What is nice is that max meplat will blow though four feet of ballistic gelatin at around 900 fps.

[texassako]

I love my Security Six, a SS 6" as well, and pre billboard. It is my constant companion on our property now that I found a decent LH holster that it fits in. I shot some very accurate loads recently with what I think were H&G #50s (or some copy) over 3.4gr of BE. I found them in a box of scrap lead and just relubed with 45/45/10 and shot them. A close second was the same load with Lyman 35891 BB WCs that I just finished casting and 45/45/10 tumble lubing another 500. Dale53's photo makes my jumbled up tray of tumble lubed boolits look sad.

[shooting on a shoestring]

Gee so I've got a Security Six loaded with Lyman 358091 cast soft and sitting over a charge of 14 grains of 2400. That load also resides in my carry SP101.
Also they are hanging out over 3.5 grains of Bullseye in my Model 60....in my pocket right now. I consider it my best 35 cal defensive boolit.

358087 the flush seated one, over Herco in a speed loader in my pocket, I believe I get less lead rubbing off with only the meplat exposed.

Then theres the double ended 358061....its kind of long, but cast a bit harder, it shoots well.

Wadcutters can carry all the lube one would ever want and can be pushed to the max for amazing results shredding milk jugs.

[tacklebury]

Dale's are pretty much identical to the loads I've been using. Really nice for smacking the Dueling tree too. ;)

[Buckshot]

..............What's NOT to like? A pound of powder will give you close to 2,600 rounds @ 2.7 grs, per. The primers cost 2x the powder expense but you can still load a box of 50 for about $2.50 if your lead didn't come too dear. My 70's vintage K38 Smith will shoot the LEE 148gr TL design or the std lube groove type exceedingly well, seemingly from most any alloy, in any case and with any std primer. A couple years ago I bought 2K once fired (unsorted) range 38 Special brass from Midway. I normally only keep R-P, Win, or Federal brass, but there was just over 900 PMC cases. After processing them I loaded 900 cases with the generic 2.7grs of Bullseye and the Lee 148gr std lube groove WC. In the Midway white cardstock/styrofoam tray ammo boxes, they all fit quite nicely in a USPS large flat rate box :-)

..........Buckshot

[357shooter]

Dale53: Those are great looking wadcutters!

[Ohio Rusty]

I'm a big wadcutter shooter also. I really like them in .44. Loading the big magnum with wadcutter loads in .44 special shells makes shooting enjoyable. I load for both .38 and .44.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v372/OhioRusty/wadcutters_zpsaae6de67.jpg
Ohio Rusty ><>

[dubber123]

I did a good bit of testing at 50 yards with wadcutters, and happily found the LEE standard lube groove boolit shot as well as any other design I tested, including offerings from RCBS, Lyman, and H&G. I lucked into a 6 cavity LEE that casts 6 perfect boolits right at .358".

[John in WI]

I have a Lee 148gr for my .38. I was kicking around the idea of copying the Buffalo Bore non-+P they have in there defensive lineup. So I cast some of water cooled WW, and a pretty mild dose of Unique (speed around 1000fps) and I'll tell you--those things drove tacks and my redneck backyard ballistics tests were encouraging. They easily go through denim, plywood, and have enough juice left to go through a gallon jug of water. I think there's some merit there--a low recoiling but high penetrating round like that. I'm a big fan and have been casting them these days of whatever range scrap I happen to have. They work great for me!

[357shooter]

For self defense ammo that is low recoil, wadcutters are excellent. Sure, they don't expand. But they penetrate at low velocity and cause some serious damage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYYeICHamc

[williamwaco]

+ 1 on wadcutters.

I shoot a lot of them.

I find them to be more accurate than any other style.

( Although in some cases just slightly more accurate. )

[35remington]

John in WI, if you're shooting wadcutters at standard seating depth to 1000 plus fps in a four inch, you're already at Plus P in the 38. If in a short barreled gun you're way past it.

Hope you are quoting a longer barreled gun and/or shallow seating depth when speaking of such a load.

The Lee TL WC has more meplat than any other as there's no "button nose" and everything is meplat. So that's my "maximum effect" wadcutter. Several others such as the standard Lee lube groove, the Lyman 358495, and a discontinued bevel base RCBS design get used as well.

[357shooter]

Rusty, great wadcutter picture. You guys take some terrific pictures, I'm feeling inadequate with my photographic skills.

[Ed_Shot]

Love my Security Six 6" blue. Lyman 358495 over Red Dot 5.0 loaded to kiss the forcing cone is one of my most accurate loads.

[John in WI]

John in WI, if you're shooting wadcutters at standard seating depth to 1000 plus fps in a four inch, you're already at Plus P in the 38. If in a short barreled gun you're way past it.

I wasn't clear on that. BB claims they can get these amazing speeds at non +P loadings. My loading is indeed +P, and as you mentioned, it's seated to the lube groove rather than the crimp groove. It was a published recipe although I don't remember the listed pressure.

[Case Stuffer]

Myself and wife shot thousands of the Lee 148 gr. DEWC in my S&W based PPC comp. gun back in the day and I went thru thousands in my Model 52 S&W semi auto also. Mostly I loaded 3.2gr. WW 231 for around 750 FPF. I did pump a few up to just over 1,000 for wifes carry piece. Back then there were no really good carry loads so some of us used the hollow base swaged WC inverted and also the three cast round ball loads.

[PB234]

Some lightly loaded 75 grain WC here out of am older well used S&W. Never had a BB gun when I was a child and trying to catch up. Actually accurate and fun. Bought the externally worn used S&W and cleaned it up a bit and now it is a favorite. Great trigger, accurate and already well worn so there is no temptation or concern about hurting the finish. Just a great old Smith that has seen its day and has many decades left.

[357shooter]

What gun shoots a 75 grain wadcutter?

[gunfan]

.38/.357 Magnum revovlers can shoot light 75 grain wadcutters for cutting paper. (They used to do it all the time.)

Scott

[Rodfac]

To tell you the truth, I miss the short range accuracy but only by a smidgeon...I do not miss the leading on revolver forcing cones...had to buy a Lewis Lead Remover with that cone shaped copper screen cleaning jig to keep ahead of it...for me, LSWC's, sized correctly, don't seem to be as bad in that respect, and I only lose a 1/4" in group size at 25 yds with 1000 fps loads. And this seems not to be caliber specific...the leading issue that is...as a result, I'm not interested in messing with them further...Life's too short to put up with frustration indefinitely...unless you want or need a challenge. Best Regards, Rod

[PB234]

Gunfan, they still do when I get a chance. Zero recoil, easy on the protected ears, and makes a hole in the paper that seems accurate. It is an old K-38 that shows its age and preforms like an experienced pro.

[2wheelDuke]

I love wadcutters too.

The Lee 148gr tumble lube DEWC lubed with 45-45-10 is my go to right now. I've also got some 185gr .44 wadcutters my dad cast up in an accurate mold.

[Chilmonty]

My S&W 686 has always LOVED the 148gr HBWC. I now have Lee molds for 148gr WC and can't wait to try em!

Wad Cutters make such a nice clean round hole in a target! :-)

[warboar_21]

I bought a box of wadcutters a few years ago and loaded them up for the wife to shoot when we first got married. She loves the combo as it's mild for her to shoot. They are accurate out of my Model 66 6" and fun to shoot. I am just about out of them and was thinking about buying a mold to make my own. Sounds like the Lee is the way to go.

[TheGrimReaper]

I wish Lee would make a WC mold in .41 cal and .45 cal. Why only .38??? Sad is I.

[BCB]

I wish Lee would make a WC mold in .41 cal and .45 cal. Why only .38??? Sad is I.

I agree with the 45 Colt...

Is there a good WC mold for that caliber?...

BCB

[Dale53]

An excellent "replacement" for a wadcutter bullet for the .45 Colt is the premier .45 ACP cast bullet - an H&G #68 which is a 200 gr SWC. The much lighter weight (than the original .45 Colt bullet) gives considerably less recoil and this bullet is accurate to 100 yards and beyond (whereas the wadcutter bullets fail quickly after fifty yards). My version is from Mihec's superb moulds (MP Molds) but NOE makes a version as does Accurate Molds that should do about as well. Ballisti-Cast offers originals (they bought H&G's tooling) and call it the #668.

I use the Lee Factory crimp die and you can get a taper crimp insert for your .45 Colt Lee Factory Crimp die for use of this bullet (it is designed for a taper crimp and has no crimp groove). On the other hand, you can just use a light roll crimp and it seems to work just as well.

The advantage of a REAL wadcutter in the .45 Colt is it takes up a lot of the "extra" space in the .45 Colt case when using light loads. I use Titegroup powder, which is reputed to offer better ballistics with small amounts in large cases. At any rate, Titegroup works well for me in .45 ACP AND .45 Colt for "normal" loads.

Trail Boss powder (from Hodgdon) offers the very real advantage of taking up most of the space in the .45 Colt when using light loads and allows you to use less velocity without the very real danger of accidentally getting a double charge in the case (almost certainly to cause a KA-BOOM!).

Just a thought or two...

P.S. I would like to make one caution here. Lighter bullets shoot at a different point of impact than heavy bullets. Before you buy a large quantity or buy a mould for that single purpose, check to see that the bullet weight will be useful to you. Of course, if you already have a 1911 or other .45 ACP handgun, that will not be a problem. My Ruger Bisley Convertible's adjustable sights will allow me to hit where I look with light bullets as well as heavy bullets. If you have fixed sights, try before you buy...

Dale53

[crowbuster]

I put 2 75gr wc in a 38 case and 3 in a 357. fun fun fun

[35remington]

Redding offers a WC in 45 caliber, for one, as do several other makers, including some of the small manufacturers advertising here on castboolits and ballisticast. WC's in the larger calibers are not exactly rare.

[Green Frog]

Well, we've heard about wad cutters in 38s and 44s... I want to go the other way and shoot them in my 32s! ;) I've got a box of swaged HBWCs and a mould for casting solid based WCs. My only question is which case length will be best for them. I'm leaning toward the 32 S&W Long, but that gives a looooong jump in a K-frame! :shock:

Froggie

[Dale53]

Froggie;
As we have discussed, I shoot wadcutters in both S&W Longs and .32 H&R Cases in my 16-4. However, you'll just have to test them and see. What works for me,or others, may or may not be applicable to your revolver.

I have about decided to settle on the 100 gr Keith for my "standard" as it shoots well, and, of course, I have a good six cavity mould for it. You might decide to do the same with your 125 gr bullet. Just sayin'...

Dale53

[texassako]

If you want a little fatter grip or just need to replace them, I remembered Ruger has them on clearance: http://shopruger.com/RLG-Security-Six-Grips/productinfo/19935/

[justing]

man do i love wad cutters

[rintinglen]

I've got em in 32, thanks to RCBS. I've got 'em in 38 thanks to H7G, Cramer, Lyman and Lachmiller. Thanks to NOE, I've got 'em in 44. And back in January, I finally managed to win a Lyman 454-309, so I've got 'em in 45 too.
Tiny Wadcutters three at a time? Heres 3 100 grainers in a 44 mag. They actually work better than the target indicates. That is 10 shots at 25 feet, deliberately spread out so I could see the impacts. 358-101's work in 357's also.

6569465695

[groot nadine]

I've just recently got back into PPC after a 35 year absence.

found the same ol', same ol' still works great!

can't find the remington hbwc's anymore, but, the Magnus 148 hbwc (swaged) over 2.7 gr. Bullseye (Hercules from '72) still prints well from the bullgun S&W.

65788

now I need a 158 gr swc load for the Distinguished gun! (m-14)...

Groot

[Good Cheer]

I agree with the 45 Colt...

Is there a good WC mold for that caliber?...

BCB

Got an old Lyman .45 short hollow base with the ogive machined out straight to make a hollow point wadcutter. It rolls an armadillo purty good.

[357shooter]

I've just recently got back into PPC after a 35 year absence.

found the same ol', same ol' still works great!

can't find the remington hbwc's anymore, but, the Magnus 148 hbwc (swaged) over 2.7 gr. Bullseye (Hercules from '72) still prints well from the bullgun S&W.

65788

now I need a 158 gr swc load for the Distinguished gun! (m-14)...

GrootNice group. 5.3 grains of Unique or HP-38 is worth a try under your 158 SWC. 3.5 of Bullseye is good too.

[brasshog]

I love wadcutters myself. The other day I broke open one of my old ammo cans and was pleased to see a couple hundred of my old pin loads still around. I should have never gotten rid of that old smith model 10-6 with a heavy four inch barrel and aristocrat rib. It was simply too much fun. Back then I was loading 1k rounds for $37 lol. I have often mulled over the idea of making another pin gun especially if I could get some Kawser Pin Grabbers. I never was much for scopes. I would have to go look at the box to get the load info. Out of 60k rounds in five years I only have 300 loaded wadcutters left. Yep I guess you can say that I love em !