getting ready to load up a batch of 148gr wadcutters and was wondering if they should be crimped. the load will be 38spcl, 4.4grs ww231.

dave

If this is for a wheel gun a slight taper crimp should be more than enough.
If its flush seated to feed a model 52 then a slight roll crimp is appropriate.

thanks , Ill be shootin them in a model10, a 14 and a 66. slight tapper crimp it will be.
Dave

Most .38/.357 dies have a roll crimp feature built in. A slight roll crimp over the leading edge will improve consistancy/accuracy and give complete burning of powder , and well as prevent bullet jump.

actually it is a roll crimp. thanks for the correction.
dave

Not to knock anyone's load but I think 4.4 of 231 might be a little warm for the HBWC, plus 4.0 231 is the current max load for the HBWC. I get the best accuracy at 50 yards by slowing the load to to 750 - 800 FPS.

I'd also suspect the chances of blowing the skirt off to be increased with that hot of a load.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

I don't think he said it was a HBWC. If it's a BBWC it would be acceptable..

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Pete.

PDL, you're absolutely correct...I don't know why I automatically thought it to be a HBWC. I am obviously confusing this post with another email string I have going.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

well now???????????????????????/
define HBWC and BBWC
Out of the lyman cast bullet load manuel 3.2 to 4.6 grains of ww231 topped with a 148gr high tech cast lead bullet linotype #35891 .
confused?
Dave

Here are three types of .38 wadcutter for you, left to right: 148 Hollow Base Wadcutter (HBWC), 148 flat base wadcutter, 148 Double Ended Wadcutter (with bevel).

With the solid base bullets you don't have any concerns of blowing the skirt off. The charges on the solid base bullets are a little higher to ensure the base obdurates sufficiently.

Attached Images

DSC00270.jpg (36.0 KB, 130 views)

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Non illegitimae carborundum

HBWC= Hollow Base Wadcutter

BBWC = Bevel Base Wadcutter

As mentioned, use HBWC bullets for mild loads only -- the thin "skirt" around the bullet base can peel off and affect acccuracy, or get stuck in the bore. A mild-to-medium crimp on either will help provide consistent ignition and velocity.

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Pisgah

thanks, the only other types I used were gas check. . what are the trype with the hollow base used for?
Dave

Okay, it never fails, I finally see someone mention the DEWC that I have a box of, then go on to describe the other two bases, and ignore my bullet!

So what is the deal with the DEWC? It has a slight bevel on each end.
This aids in seating, but then I have a bevel on the top end, and the crimp doesn't touch the bullet, unless I leave the top of the bullet a bit above the case. I've never loaded wadcutters before, so it's all new to me.

Any suggestions?

Jeff

P.S. I will be loading with W231. 25yds is the distance I'll be shooting these loads.

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The hollow base wadcutter is used in low power and very accurate target loads. I typically load those with about 2.7 grain of Bullseye or 3.0 grains of 231 for about 750-775 FPS. A great 50 yard target load.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

Jeff,

I have about 500 of the DEWC, but I seldom use them. I prefer the Rem HBWC and the H&G #50 (cast) as both of these hold more lube and cut very neat clean holes in the target. All of the DEWC only have a single lube groove and I have experience leading at mild loading with them.

If you use the crimp groove you should have about 1/8th of an inch of bullet sticking out. Perfect for revolvers but a hair too long for a Model 52 IIRC. They should be fine for 25 yard practice and 3.2 grains of 231 should have you around the 800 FPS mark.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

Thanks, I'll be shooting a 686 4". Kind of informal indoor pistol league. Load to the crimp groove and slight roll crimp.

Heck, this is easy.

Jeff

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Fight socialism. Never stop.

BTW, the DEWC wasn't my first choice. Sometimes you have to go with what you can find.

Jeff

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Fight socialism. Never stop.

I don't have the Lyman cast bullet load manual but in my Lyman's 49th edition of their Reloading Handbook they list 3.7 to 4.2gr of 231 for the 150gr linotype Lyman bullet #358091. Can these be two different bullets and loads or ?

With 148gr. wadcutters, I always seat slightly below the case mouth and roll crimp over it. That way they can be used in any of my .38 or .357 revolvers or in my Giles .38 Special M1911.

I load the same as cmort666. . . seating just below the case mouth and roll crimp. I just finished a batch of Berry's plated .38 wadcutters with 3.7 gr. 231 for indoor winter shooting at the range.

A couple of excerpts from 2 loading manuals (38 special section:

Hodgdon's 2010 Annual Reloading Manual shows, for the 148 gr. LHBWC: 3.5 grain starting load and 4.0 grain maximum load using WW231.

My older year 2000 Hornady manual shows for 148 gr. WC (all data same for BB or HB): 2.2 grain starting load and 3.5 grain max. load using WW231.