A stab in the dark...any one heard of this ammunition?

[MERV5-5505]

Hello-

Forgive me if this has been covered, but: I seem to remember a special type of self defense wadcutter bullet made in the late 70's - early 80's, (designed by a former LEO, if I recall it correctly) that basically looked like a flush-fit .38 or .357 wadcutter load with a big slot-head screwdriver slot cut down the middle. Does anyone know what I am talking about and if so, are these still available as ammo or reloading components? I would be interested for curio & collecting purposes only, as I am sure the ballastics innovation "train" has moved on since then.

Sorry for no photo reference, and thanks for looking.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Seems like Jim Carillo worked with such a design for a while.

 

[38-44HD45]

The ammo you've described is the +P version of Safe-Stop. The 342 in my boot top is loaded with it. It was designed by Jim Cirillo and manufactured by Fuzzy Fletcher in Snoqualmie, WA. None has been produced since Mr. Cirillo died in a car wreck a year or two back, and I wouldn't get my hopes up of ever seeing it again. I bought my small supply about 6 or 7 years ago.

It's great stuff, too. Bullets are heavily plated wadcutters with very sharp edges. The "slot" is a tapered notch cut across the bullet nose, through the plating. The bullets are not seated flush, but are out of the case 1/8" or so. On impact, two little wedges, weighing about 22 grains each, break off the bullet and spin off through tissue or medium. The remaining 100gr.+ core penetrates pretty deeply. The standard pressure load did not have the notch, and Fuzzy told me that Mr. Cirillo actually preferred that load over the +P.

At one time, Fuzzy offered bullets as reloading components, in calibers other than .38, as well as the two .38 Special loads. I do not recall if he sold loaded ammo in other calibers.

Fuzzy used to be a member here, but I've not seen a post from him in a long time. I think he posted as "SafeStop."

 

[MERV5-5505]

It always amazes me: When it comes to this forum, somebody is ALWAYS in the know. Thank you for your fast and informative replies.

As with most things I am a bit late to the party when it comes to cool things. Looks like Mr. Jim Cirillo was an old NYPD salt, (R.I.P) from my old home city.

I will post a WTB ad as well, but if anyone has anything from 1 round to 1 box of safe-stop, they'd be willing to sell, please consider me a very interested party.

Thanks again & all the best...

 

[RedBerens]

I think an excellent alternative would the .38 Special 150gr hard cast wadcutter offered by Buffalo Bore. It is a standard pressure load, but it's faster than most 158gr loads.

 

[pete950]

Here they are:

 

[smooth as smith]

This amazing that this unusual question was asked and there where knowledgeable members to answer the question and post very detailed pics. I love learning more about the hobby I live for. Thanks to all the knowledgeable members!!!! Excellent question. R.I.P JIM

 

[bmcgilvray]

I only ever gave a cursory look at an article and it's provided photos of cartridges loaded with these bullets so didn't recall much about this design. Ol' 38-44HD45 knows stuff. Thanks for the good detail about the design and function of the bullet. Add Pete950's fine illustrative photos and we have a complete little information package right here in the ammo section of the S&W Forum.

Maybe this thread will generate a little interest in this bullet. I'd like to try some ballistic "non-tests" with the bullet but am not willing to shoot up remaining supplies if they are discontinued.

 

[38-44HD45]

Here they are:

Pete, I had forgotten about the earlier version that is depicted in the far right photo. Do you know when those were made? The deep notch looks like it would really peel back on those unplated bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Now those look VERY nasty. I agree, this is a great place to learn something new every day. I never heard of these bullets before this thread, thank you...