otis24
Member
Are wadcutters still a good choice for self defense (thinking.38/.357)? I see that a copper/copper coated wadcutter is being offered. If I were to use wadcutters, they would be copper.
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Wadcutters still relevant?
- Thread starter otis24
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
They are…less recoil and blast for those sensitive to that and for very lightweight revolvers. The sharp edges of the projectile cut veins and arteries in a body.
While a wad cutter may not be the primo defense round they’re nothing to downplay either.
A hit with a wad cutter is more effective than a loud miss with a heavier recoiling round that the shooter cannot properly handle.
While a wad cutter may not be the primo defense round they’re nothing to downplay either.
A hit with a wad cutter is more effective than a loud miss with a heavier recoiling round that the shooter cannot properly handle.
TJm15.38
Member
I think wadcutters are probably a great defensive choice for small-frame snub-nose revolvers. Many hollow points simply won't expand at the lower velocities from short barrels. I also wouldn't hesitate to use lead wadcutters. Many shooters consider wadcutters as only target loads, but the bullets also have some unique characteristics to create some really nasty wound channels.
Attachments
TJm15.38
Member
Of course, see below.
15 yds offhand, will do this all day long.
Love that Model 10 photo. Great shooting. I may try your load, albeit with Missouri Bullets 148 grain DEWC. I have been using Winchester 231 in .38 target loads, but I do have a couple of pounds of Unique that I use in other calibers.
Flying trash cans! Accurate and make nice big holes.I buy them when I can find them. It’s a great 38 special round.
DWalt
Member
An interesting treatise on the effectiveness of the wadcutter bullet. Wicked wadcutters? A defensive load you may not have considered. - Free Online Library
1sailor
Member
Another site to check out is the Lucky gunner site https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/ As you can see, even though the wadcutter in 38 special didn't expand it got almost perfect penetration. Back in the day they were considered to be a reliable defense round.
lowriderfxr
SWCA Member
For model 52s , they are essential!
Rpg
Member
Good old fashioned target wadcutter ammo is still one of the best SD loads available for snub nose revolvers.
It produces a great wound canal with modest recoil and noise. These features are particularly important in encouraging practice for shooting skill development.
It’s not sexy: it just works very, very well.
It produces a great wound canal with modest recoil and noise. These features are particularly important in encouraging practice for shooting skill development.
It’s not sexy: it just works very, very well.
dbescher
Member
The target wadcutter ammo is underpowered by design - faster recovery during rapid fire, easier on the recoil sensitive when shooting all day, etc. Most people's experience with wadcutters ends there.
Personally, I've been hunting thin-skinned game like whitetail deer with handguns for 40+ years. I'd guess that I've dressed around 100 that were taken with a handgun, very often with handloaded hard cast lead wadcutters. I'd assert that terminal performance on 170+ pound animals is a much more reliable indicator than ballistic gel or gunfight anecdotes.
I'm also skeptical about hollowpoint ammo appreciably expanding if it doesn't hit bone or is moving below ~1,100 FPS at impact. At east coast woods distances, .44 special wadcutters loaded to around 1,000 FPS from a 6" revolver are demonstrably more effective than .45 ACP hollowpoints. They are about as effective as hot .357 hollows at similar distances and shot placements but kick and cost lot less. As a bullet shape, the wadcutter is a solid choice for defense ammo. As a complete cartridge they are, too, when loaded to do that job. They're also much more accurate.
Personally, I've been hunting thin-skinned game like whitetail deer with handguns for 40+ years. I'd guess that I've dressed around 100 that were taken with a handgun, very often with handloaded hard cast lead wadcutters. I'd assert that terminal performance on 170+ pound animals is a much more reliable indicator than ballistic gel or gunfight anecdotes.
I'm also skeptical about hollowpoint ammo appreciably expanding if it doesn't hit bone or is moving below ~1,100 FPS at impact. At east coast woods distances, .44 special wadcutters loaded to around 1,000 FPS from a 6" revolver are demonstrably more effective than .45 ACP hollowpoints. They are about as effective as hot .357 hollows at similar distances and shot placements but kick and cost lot less. As a bullet shape, the wadcutter is a solid choice for defense ammo. As a complete cartridge they are, too, when loaded to do that job. They're also much more accurate.
Are wadcutters still a good choice for self-defense (thinking.38/.357)? I see that a copper/copper-coated wadcutter is being offered. If I were to use wadcutters, they would be copper.
Indeed they are, and quite popular now. Certainly, the Wadcutter is a viable option in relation to the traditional JHPs for self-defense. Low-recoil, accurate, and a decent wound channel cutter to say the least.
Indeed they are, and quite popular now. Certainly, the Wadcutter is a viable option in relation to the traditional JHPs for self-defense. Low-recoil, accurate, and a decent wound channel cutter to say the least.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
I still have most of a box of original Hydra-Shok .38 Special ammo…a 148 grain lead hollow point wad cutter with the post in the center to aid expansion. I used it in an aluminum frame Colt Cobra I used to carry off-duty when restricted to revolvers.
Model19man
SWCA Member
If you are talking about factory loaded ammo yes full wadcutters are a reasonable choice for 38 Special SD rounds in a typical house.
smithra_66
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2020
- Messages
- 1,307
- Reaction score
- 2,140
I wouldn't want to get hit with one!
These are relevant in M25/625.
Yes, I was about to say something about NYPD Jim Cirillo liking Wadcutters in Defensive Handguns. I believe he had his own design at one stage.
Attachments
Last edited:
