Wad Cutter for PD

[lzhome]

I've seen references to using wad cutters for a personal defense load in short barrel .38s but no specific were given. What are the advantages, if any? Reduced recoil?

I'm thinking about trying 148g Cp WC for a M442, anyone have experience with this load?

 

[lzhome]

I've seen references to using wad cutters for a personal defense load in short barrel .38s but no specific were given. What are the advantages, if any? Reduced recoil?

I'm thinking about trying 148g Cp WC for a M442, anyone have experience with this load?

 

[OKFC05]

Reduced recoil is correct. There are better defense loads.

 

[BreakerDan]

Very few 38 hollowpoints will expand when fired from a short barreled revolver. When they dont expand, they penetrate like ball ammo and cut a narrow wound channel. The WC makes a wider wound channel while being low on recoil and super accurate. They are the deadliest non expanding bullet.

I know a big city policeman who loaded his 38 snub back up with wadcutters and said they were
very effective.

No they are not the best defense load, but they are better than LRN or 110 gr HP loads. The best 38 hp in a snub is Remingtons 158gr lead hollowpoint FBI load. It almost always expands, but if it doesnt, the bullet is a semi wc design and will "chop" a larger hole.

 

[Paul5388]

Actually, the big meplat is a major factor in the decision to use a WC. You just can't use the normal weenie load for WCs and expect it to do much.

Another consideration is speed of reloading, but most personal defense situations aren't going to call for reloading.

I have 148 gr Hornady HBWCs loaded upside down in a derringer right now. The bullets are more accurate than the derringer will ever be, so accuracy at extended distances is a non-issue.