I usually use FMJ .38 spl at the range. If I start shooting wadcutters to cut costs will I see an increase in leading? I don't reload so I'm looking at commercial ammo.

were do you buy your ammo?
try online places like
sgammo.com
ammunitiontogo.com
aim surplus

you'll be able to get your jacketed stuff probably cheaper than the wadcutters.

Pete

Either way you'll be cleaning something from the barrel of your gun. I doubt you'll find any savings in WC vs. FMJ. And by the way, since you don't reload, don't throw away the brass casings. There are many people who reload .38 ammo and once fired brass is, on one site, selling for $ 80.00 per 1000. That's $ 4.00 a box of 50, a savings to you if you can find a buyer.

In some areas, I've seen the 148 gr. wadcutter target load nearly twice the price of the 130 gr. full metal jacket load. Shocked me.
I carried the 130 gr. in the Air Force, in a S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece with 4" barrel. It's a weak load. Never have understood why the factories began offering that load to the public about 10 years ago. It's okay for practice, and knocking off rabbits and grouse without tearing up a lot of meat, but not very versatile.
In FMJ loads, I'd prefer a 158 gr. with a wide meplat (flat point) at an honest 850 fps from a 4" barrel. The Fiocchi 158 gr. FMJ roundnose does this, but it's considered a little hotter than normal. Really bucks in my S&W 637 2" Airweight!
Sorry for rambling off topic. If you can find wadcutters as cheaply as the 130 gr. load, go for it. I love wadcutters. Low recoil and extremely accurate. Perfect for practice.

I too am finding the price of WC's seemingly high as compared to FMJ. Therefore, I choose to shoot the FMJ's.

If you reload, 148 grain HBWC are about 1/3rd the price of jacketed bullets. The pressure is very low, and you don't crimp the cases. Consequently, the cases last practically forever.

They don't lead if you keep the velocity below 1000 fps. Commercial .38 SPL wadcutters travel about 650 fps out of a 6" barrel.

save / buy brass and send it to ...............

IMPORTANT NOTICE

148 gr 760 fps DEWC with brass exchange = $10.17/ box 50

good products and friendly, helpful folks.

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At wadcutter velocities, you might get a light smear of lead, but nothing you can't brush away with a few strokes of a dry bore brush. I you reload, you can save over jacketed ammo; if not, you won't save much.

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Pisgah

Locally, 148 gr. commercial wadcutters cost 20% more than FMJ's in .38 Special. So unless you reload there is no savings to be had. And as for the lead fouling, I have never noticed or had a problem with it. Same old routine cleaning and maintenance. I have come to prefer the wc's for punching paper. My groups are much better and they make me look like a much better shooter then I'am.

Match 148Lhbwc's by the major companys are around $30-40 for a box of 50, while you may find target 158 lead or 130gr FMJ loads for around $14 a box.
Some of the lower priced ammo is made with second rate powders that leave a mess,so you will have to see what brands of the "Economy" ammo you deceide on. You might end up with ammo at $18 a box before you are a happy camper.
Some just shoot jacketed ammo so they only have to clean copper out of the barrel , since it is 4-5 times easier than
"Getting the Lead out"................. however the factory 148 lead bullets are of a hardness and velosity that very little leading happens in most guns and usually a few swipes with a brass bore brush and solvent will remove it.

I'm surprised you found factory Wadcutter ammo cheaper than FMJ ammo. Usually lead factory ammo costs more these days because hardly anyone buys it.

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