Bullseye Wadcutter Loads

[TXTad]

Last night I loaded up some commercially cast 148gr DEWCs over 2.8gr of Bullseye. I understand that 2.7-2.8 is the "classic" swaged HB load, but I've read a few posts here today suggesting that 3.0 is better for the cast wadcutters.

Thoughts?

Sticking to Bullseye, what do some of you use for a favorite WC load?

Recently I've obtained a few different WC molds which I'll be using once I use up my stash of Magma cast DEWCs and Hornady swaged HBWCs.

[Wheelguns 1961]

I have an mp BNWC mold that is a copy of the H&G 50. I use 3.2 grains of bullseye. I have shot many thousands of these and HBWC’s and have tried all of the loads. It is just what my model 14 likes.

[Txcowboy52]

I load 3 grains of f bullseye for my wadcutters loads . Works great no problems experienced.

[steveu]

2.7 grains of BE.

[Winger Ed.]

Ya need to try different ones, and see which load is best for you.
That's why there is min. and Max. loads. One or the other might be best for you, or maybe something in between.

Just don't shoot your eye out kid.

[racepres]

2.7 grains of BE.

Yup...Works for Me!!!

[gnoahhh]

Yup...Works for Me!!!

Ditto.

[stubshaft]

Another vote for 2.7!

[imashooter2]

2.7 grains of Bullseye under an H&G 50. Good enough for my Daddy, good enough for me.

[georgerkahn]

Last night I loaded up some commercially cast 148gr DEWCs over 2.8gr of Bullseye. I understand that 2.7-2.8 is the "classic" swaged HB load, but I've read a few posts here today suggesting that 3.0 is better for the cast wadcutters.

Thoughts?

Sticking to Bullseye, what do some of you use for a favorite WC load?

Recently I've obtained a few different WC molds which I'll be using once I use up my stash of Magma cast DEWCs and Hornady swaged HBWCs.

Not a "bean-counter", per se, but I can give an honest approximation of 148 grain H&G cast bullets sent down-range with my S&W Model 52 -- definitely MORE than ten thousand -- in my Bullseye shooting years ! For the beginning I reckoned a better load would make for better groups, so I tried using Clays, W231, and several other powders -- but steered back to 2.7 grains of Bullseye! I did hope to improve the edge with purchase of "better" (e.g., Redding) dies and powder measure (Harrell), but again, in all MY shooting -- 2.7 grains of Bullseye provided me the best chances for high scores!
geo

[racepres]

Not a "bean-counter", per se, but I can give an honest approximation of 148 grain H&G cast bullets sent down-range with my S&W Model 52 -- definitely MORE than ten thousand -- in my Bullseye shooting years ! For the beginning I reckoned a better load would make for better groups, so I tried using Clays, W231, and several other powders -- but steered back to 2.7 grains of Bullseye! I did hope to improve the edge with purchase of "better" (e.g., Redding) dies and powder measure (Harrell), but again, in all MY shooting -- 2.7 grains of Bullseye provided me the best chances for high scores!
geo

Pretty much sums that up!!!!

[JoeJames]

The NRA in their Handloaders Guide had an article on what they tested and found to be the most accurate 38 Special wadcutter load. From their testing they held that the 148 grain wadcutter Cast (Not swaged) bullet was the most accurate with a charge of 2.7 grains of Bullseye.

[Char-Gar]

2.7/BE will give less recoil than the 3.0/BE load and therefore many folks can post higher scores. I would think that is about the only real difference between the two powder charges.

[TXTad]

The NRA in their Handloaders Guide had an article on what they tested and found to be the most accurate 38 Special wadcutter load. From their testing they held that the 148 grain wadcutter Cast (Not swaged) bullet was the most accurate with a charge of 2.7 grains of Bullseye.

and

2.7/BE will give less recoil than the 3.0/BE load and therefore many folks can post higher scores. I would think that is about the only real difference between the two powder charges.

I think the 2.7 and cast advice are the convergence of the benefits of low recoil, as you point out, and the fact that a slightly shorter bullet will stabilize better in the slowish 18.75" twist of the arguably more common S&W target revolver vs the 16" of a Colt. I suspect my use will not show much difference between anything in the 2.7 to 3.0 or even 3.5 range and cast vs swaged, but I suppose I'll be finding out this summer.

[ascast]

38 Special, good to know

[45DUDE]

I agree with post #2. I bench a lot. In wheel guns with bullseye 3.2 with an H&G bnwc is my favorite and I go high as 3.7. In my autos I back off to 2.5--3.1. <Depends on which one>I have about 4000 loaded. A 38 special wad cutter load is the most accurate -cheapest - and easy to load you can shoot. They are accurate up to a little over 920fps.

[Martin Luber]

What 45 Dude said plus it matters if it's a revolver or an auto, and then which auto and what seating depth. Some seat #50 wc flush which can bulge the shell if +p type beass is used.

There's a crimp groove for revolvers and 1911 autos...this gives lower pressures and velocity. Model 52 must be flush and because its a tighter bore (0.355), and an unsupported chamber, lower charges like 2.7 BE are needed. Good luck

[bedbugbilly]

2.7 gr. under a 148 gr. WC for me has always been a very accurate load for me out of my 38s.

I have a Uberti 1851 Colt Navy Richards & Mason Conversion with 7 1/2" barrel that I've tried a wide variety of cast grain weights and designs in and the 2.7 gr. BE/148 gr. WC load has proven to be the most accurate load out of it - seems like all you have to do is point it towards a can standing up, pull the trigger and the can starts dancing!

[Outpost75]

I have found that with soft swaged HBWCs from Speer, Hornady, Precision Delta, Zero that accuracy suffers from skirt deformation above 3 grains of Bullseye. In S&Ws with 18-3/4" twist 50 yard grouping is improved at 2.8-3.0 grains. In Colts with 14" twist or custom PPC guns with faster twist barrels use 2.7 grains.

The Remington or Winchester factory HBWCs will give match accuracy 2-inch 50-yard groups up to 3.2 grains of Bullseye and can stand full charges up to 3.5 grains of Bullseye with better accuracy than +P service loads if fired in .38 Special chambers.

Solid cast DEWCs give best accuracy in slow S&W twist with 3.5 grains of Bullseye, full charge not to be exceeded. in Colts or fast-twist PPC guns load 3 grains.

[Walks]

2.7 grains of Bullseye under an H&G 50. Good enough for my Daddy, good enough for me.

Same for Me. I've shot thousands of Hornady & Zero swaged WC's thru My M14. And many more #358495. Used 2.8grs of Bullseye.

Dad cast many #358395HP's for Bullseye shooting, used 2.8grs Bullseye.
If it works why change it.