Suggestions for finding .38 Wadcutter Ammo

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I have:
5 boxes of Western Super Match (yellow with red lettering)
2 boxes of Federal 38 Special Match (red with white lettering)
1 box of Winchester Super Match (white with blue lettering)
 
Should have specified I am looking to provide the info to a new shooter looking for something soft shooting for a J Frame.

Thanks for the offers though.
 
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Georgia Arms has a 125 grain lead bullet they rate at 750 fps. That's about as mild as it gets.

But I am not 100% sure if it is in stock or not. It doesn't have an out of stock label on the webpage for it but when I tried to add some to the cart it very briefly flashed an out of stock message before proceeding to checkout. Looked more like a glitch than being out of stock but ordering some would be the only way to know.
 
Should have specified I am looking to provide the info to a new shooter looking for something soft shooting for a J Frame.


Wadcutters are definitely a specialty load and are designed specifically for target shooting. But, now they are super trendy and make a strong fashion statement in terms of a self-defense loading. They have been hyped up to the point as to what the 147 gr. Federal HST bullet did in 9mm. That being said, I think your best bet is to recommend proper training to a new shooter. Likewise, suggest using standard FMJ as they're most likely available at your LGS. Logistically, this makes sense. Also, note that wadcutters are very expensive and scarce somewhat.
 
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Data said:
Should have specified I am looking to provide the info to a new shooter looking for something soft shooting for a J Frame.


Wadcutters are definitely a specialty load and are designed specifically for target shooting. But, now they are super trendy and make a strong fashion statement in terms of a self-defense loading. They have been hyped up to the point as to what the 147 gr. Federal HST bullet did in 9mm. That being said, I think your best bet is to recommend proper training to a new shooter. Likewise, suggest using standard FMJ as they're most likely available at your LGS. Logistically, this makes sense. Also, note that wadcutters are very expensive and scarce somewhat.
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^^This.

Some training on how to maintain a good grip, stocks that are comfortable for THAT person, and some cheap range ammo. Fads aside, wadcutters are for making nice round holes in paper, and for making scoring easier.
 
Data said:
Should have specified I am looking to provide the info to a new shooter looking for something soft shooting for a J Frame.


Wadcutters are definitely a specialty load and are designed specifically for target shooting. But, now they are super trendy and make a strong fashion statement in terms of a self-defense loading. They have been hyped up to the point as to what the 147 gr. Federal HST bullet did in 9mm. That being said, I think your best bet is to recommend proper training to a new shooter. Likewise, suggest using standard FMJ as they're most likely available at your LGS. Logistically, this makes sense. Also, note that wadcutters are very expensive and scarce somewhat.
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I shoot J-frames a lot, almost always with handloaded standard pressure 158 gr. cast swc ammo; muzzle velocity about 850 fps from a 4" barrel. I've used mild handloaded wadcutter ammo loaded to a velocity of around 750-770 fps ( about like factory WC ammo in a 4" barrel) and can tell little difference in recoil between the two loads.

However, the SWC loads average about 750 fps or so in a 2" barrel while the WC loads in the same gun will be around 650 - 700 fps at best - not really a self-defense load. Everything kicks in a J-frame snubnose and it matters little if the gun has an alloy frame or steel frame.

A snubnose Chief is a poor choice for a beginner or someone not really adept at handgun shooting. Such a shooter is at a distinct disadvantage from the start but it's possible to do well with a great deal of practice using good technique.
 
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I understand all the training, etc... and have suggested several things.

This is a total new shooter whose husband thought this would be a good gun. We had that discussion also.

I am just looking for something soft shooting to work up to the heavier loads and to determine if this is a gun they will want to keep or consider something else. If you hate the softest shooting you sure aren't going to want to learn with something more stout.

For those of you who offered items for sale, thanks and that is why I clarified the first time.

For those of you who offered ways to find some wadcutter from your experience I appreciate it.
 
A J Frame chambered in .22 LR would have been a better choice. It also makes a great understudy as well.
 
Data said:
A J Frame chambered in .22 LR would have been a better choice. It also makes a great understudy as well.
Click to expand...

Yes, probably a very good idea. The J-frame .22s aren't particularly easy to shoot well, either, but you don't have to deal with the recoil of the .38 J-frames and that's certainly an advantage. Also, the shooter will become less fatigued with a .22 and the likelihood of developing a flinch will be diminished.
 
The cheapest 38sp has the traditional RN lead bullet, usually 148-158gr range. I’ve noticed that most of the cheap 38sp is imports from Europe and is mild loaded.
A week ago shot assortment through pair of 36s I just got from member. A snubby & a 3”. The assortment of American standard police type loads were pretty snappy. I burnt a box of DEWCs intended for K38 and they were noticeably much more pleasant to shoot. Not as tame as 34 but I don’t think would be uncomfortable for most shooters with some physical problems. I didn’t shoot any HBWCs that are m52 fodder. They are loaded with 3gr Bullseye and Hornady HBWCs. I cast button nose & DEWCs but I’m to cheap to waste store bought bullets playing around with gut busters.
I’m sure they would be very soft shooting in J frames.
 
Precision one ammo. Plated wadcutter shoot super easy from my 638. Very clean and accurate. Lil pricey at 60 cents a pop but that’s what I shoot
 
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