wadcutter for self defense

With the coming of the Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special pocket revolvers in the mid-1960s full wadcutters were often employed for self-defense loads. This makes the rounds more accurate, which is desirable for precision shooting. Semi wadcutters are a more desirable choice for hunting and self-defense. I suspect you have been around the block more than a few times and have survived this long with the decisions you have made. George Harris answers this question, which may surprise you. The sharp shoulder of the bullet will grab bone better than a round nose and the bullet itself will get in deep to do damage. I decided today to do a bit of a comparison between Winchester SuperX 148 grain Full wadcutter and Winchester Ranger Bonded 130 grain +P. Hit where you aim: many small revolvers have fixed sights. With all of the modern jacketed hollow point loads available for self-defense, it's easy to overlook the venerable lead wadcutter bullet. The iconic .357 Magnum ammo stands out as a top home defense round. Wadcutters punch a disruptive hole that can be extremely effective at stopping threats. Wadcutters have also found favor for use in self-defense guns, such as.38 caliber snubnosed revolvers, where, due to short barrel lengths, maximum bullet velocities are usually low, typically under 900 ft/s, and improved … Many well respected revolver experts like Chuck Haggard and Darryl Bolke recommend using wadcutters for self-defense in small guns like J-frames and LCRs. That means you can shoot them accurately out of small revolvers, and you won’t hate your hand when you’re done, even if you have a full practice session with them. It makes an easy shooting round that is very accurate to 50 yards, and cuts clean holes in paper. Caleb . Other than that small drawback, wadcutters make a surprisingly good choice for self defense. Soften up Your Semi-Wadcutters. Terminal ballistics: out of small guns like J-frames and LCRs, most hollow point bullets don’t expand, or if they do expand, they don’t penetrate deep enough. A wadcutter bullet is essentially just a lead cylinder with a flat top. Yes, wadcutter certainly CAN, and HAS, been used for self defense. There’s another type of wadcutter projectile, the semi-wadcutter. wadcutter ammunition out to 50 yards and sometimes beyond. When I was shooting bowling pins, a popular bullet with revolver shooters was the "lead pencil": a 230-grain .358-diameter full wadcutter. Federal took a different approach. Most handgun makers, including Smith & Wesson, … They’re designed to cut paper, but are more versatile than some shooters assume. Federal 38 Special Ammo 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Prices are usually reasonable and they make a decent load for self defense. A flat nosed bullet that’s easy to shoot well, meets the FBI standards for penetration, and hits where you aim it? Wadcutters also have the potential for surprisingly effective wound ballistics out of a small revolver compared to conventional self-defense ammo. We've more info about Detail, … Email this Page. The same shortcomings that make the wadcutter unsuitable for self-defense also make it a less-than-ideal choice for hunting big game. There is something to be said about that. For that service it may have even surpassed the shotgun in popularity. As a result, wadcutter bullets should only be used for self-defense purposes if there is nothing else available. Also, there is a concern by some of using reloads for self defense. That’s why I definitely think that wadcutters are good for self defense. Hoping to find published pressure-tested loads to continue testing. Thoughts on their usefulness from a snub-nose in a self defense role appreciated. As far as mould designs go, there are some excellent .32 wadcutter moulds available from RCBS, NEI (I like #79 in PB form) and H&G (originally listed as #66 by H&G, now available from Ballisti-Cast), and at one time Lyman made a couple of very interesting variations on the .32 wadcutter theme that make for very interesting field loads (the 95 grain 313445 SWC and the … Last year’s Westland Shopping Center shooter is claiming self defense as his assault and weapons case moves toward trial. Switch to Threaded Mode. There are a number of good reasons why it’s a bad idea. SWC Wadcutter Bullets. Federal Gold Medal Match 148 grain full wadcutters. For a glimpse into the history of target shooting and wadcutters, check out a free online copy of A.L.A. As always, test the accuracy and reliability of your chosen .38 Special self-defense ammo at the range before you start carrying it. Many personal-defense professionals suggest that the 9 … Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors, NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Presented by Brownells, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, Mastering the Element of Surprise for Personal Defense, 17 Affordable Concealed-Carry Guns Under $300, 8 Affordable Home-Defense Shotguns Under $200, What to Do After You've Bought Your First Firearm, I Carry: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 Revolver in a Blue Force Gear Holster, © 2021 National Rifle Association of America. Due to popular request to make a potent defensive load in 44 SPL that can be fired in ALL 44 SPL or 44 MAG. Another disadvantage of the … Unlike a conical bullet, the entire length of a wadcutter projectile engages with the rifling. Display Modes: Linear Mode. https://www.targetbarn.com › broad-side › what-is-a-wadcutter Concealed Carry, revolvers, self defense, wadcutters. Prior to the proliferation of reliable expanding bullet designs, the wadcutter bullet style found its way into the self-defense realm—due to its mild manners—and the belief that even though its velocity was leisurely, the sharp edges of the cylindrical bullet would cut veins and arteries as it traversed flesh (rather than just push them aside). The downside is the recoil for these loads is greater than the standard target loads. For street use, we were supposed to change out to hollowpoints, but some of us stayed with the wadcutters because we could hit what we were shooting at with a high degree of certainty and the results were as good, or better than, what we saw with the vaunted hollow-point ammunition. When a hollow point fails to expand in soft tissue, it basically acts like a round … The flat profile of the bullet cuts neat, easy to score holes in paper targets. The Smith & Wesson Model 10 introduced in 1899 was a game-changer. What’s not to like about that. Older post. The "38 caliber" 0.357" to 0.359" wadcutter is most common wadcutter, at least in the CONUS. Videos. They can, with conditions. While wadcutters are great for many purposes and an excellent choice for your revolvers, if rapid reloads are important, either chamfering the chambers of the cylinder or using a more streamlined bullet for the reload might be a wise option. A semi-wadcutter bullet was also the basis for the famous “FBI load” – a 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter bullet, that deleted the flat nose in favor of a hollow point. EDC Pocket Dump video. Search this Thread: Advanced Search. Before you read any further, this article is not about the 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter (LSWC) hollow-point +P .38 Special load, but rather about the plain lead semi-wadcutter .38 Special loaded to standard pressure for target shooting by Remington. © 2015-2021 TargetBarn, LLC. The full wadcutter has a meplat that is completely flush and is the same width as the rest of the bullet. Why would you use a wadcutter? For many decades. Most factory loaded full wadcutter ammo is found in .38 Special caliber. Wadcutters for Self Defense This is a really good, comprehensive, and well-reasoned article on bullet selection in .38 Special ... Loaded to a more normal level of power, the wadcutter really comes alive for defense, hunting, etc. Vance Outdoors reserves the right to modify or change pricing information or descriptions without notice. One is a 3" barreled, nickel-plated, round-butted .44 Special from Bob Baer while the other from Andy Horvath is also round-butted, blued with a 4" barrel. In self-defense use, they have statistically proven to be no more effective than RNL bullets. E-mail your comments/questions about this site to:ShootingIllustrated@nrahq.orgFor questions/comments about Shooting Illustrated magazine, please e-mail:Publications@nrahq.orgYou can contact the NRA via phone at: NRA Member Programs1-800-672-3888, To advertise on Shooting Illustrated, visit nramediakit.com for more information. Wadcutters have also found favor for use in self-defense guns, such as .38 caliber snubnosed revolvers, where, due to short barrel lengths, maximum bullet velocities are usually … My thoughts are that expansion from hollow points fired out of a snub-nose aren't guaranteed and may act similar to a FMJ. For target shooting, a wadcutter cuts a very clean hole through the paper target, making it easier to score and ideally reducing errors in scoring the target in the favor of the shooter. ammunition, Concealed Carry, revolvers, self defense, wadcutters. Lucky Gunner Ammo 550,542 views. There is no free lunch. It penetrates deeply (roughly 14 to 16 inches in human tissue) and its full diameter profile maximizes blood loss as it cuts and crushes (not slips or slides) its way through tissue. Although we rarely have the option of what we have to shoot through to put the bullet where we want it, we should consider what may likely need to be penetrated when shooting defensively. Ammo. This strong revolver became a favorite for police, the U.S. Army and civilians. Monday, January 18, 2021. I will call in short term as 45 Colt Wadcutter Self Defense And American Rifleman Self Defense Stories For people who are looking for 45 Colt Wadcutter Self Defense And American Rifleman Self Defense Stories review. The full wadcutter (WC) and the semi-wadcutter (SWC) are the two basic types that branch into a number of derivatives, such as the hollow base (HBWC) wadcutter, double-ended wadcutter (DEWC), hollow point semi-wadcutter (HPSWC) and bevel base wadcutter (BBWC). Dierks, Caddo Gap, AR. Factory loaded wadcutters are very low power rounds used for target shooting. full wadcutter. There are a number of good reasons why it’s a bad idea. Get the Shooting Illustrated Reloaded newsletter for at-a-glance access to industry news, gear, gun reviews, videos and more—delivered directly to your Inbox. Caleb. Choosing a gun and ammo for home defense is much different than choosing one for self-defense. It’s not all great with wadcutters, because in one area they don’t shine at all: reloading. Originally intended for target shooting, semi-wadcutters gained popularity for hunting after legendary gunwriter Elmer Keith designed a semi-wadcutter for hunting. Solid wadcutters can be loaded a bit hotter than hollow base wadcutters but as already mentioned, fast reloading of the revolver with wadcutter bullets can be an issue. The best selection of hunting, self defense, target, shooting, practice, plinking, surplus, jacketed hollow point/JHP, full metal jacket/FMJ, and frangible Wadcutter WC ammo - buy 1000 rounds or more. Exclusively. It is easy to see the difference when comparing the two side-by-side. Privacy Policy   •   Contact Us   •   Warnings   •   FAQs   •  © 2021 National Rifle Association of America. Because they are so easy to control in a small… The winning combination of a 38 Special case is why. Click on a term to search for related topics. I am a confirmed, hardcore revolver man and have been since my early days in the police and security business more than 30 years ago. Buy in stock Wadcutter WC ammunition online. And yes, we are talking about it as a specialized self-defense … Both rounds were fired from my S&W 642 at 10 feet. The high-performance, high-velocity, jacketed hollow-point rounds generally require a degree of hold off (which applies to both windage and elevation) to get the bullet to strike the desired location, particularly in fixed-sight revolvers. The best selection of hunting, self defense, target, shooting, practice, plinking, surplus, jacketed hollow point/JHP, full metal jacket/FMJ, and frangible Wadcutter WC ammo - buy 1000 rounds or more. I also like to shoot these wadcutter loads in a pair of custom .44 Specials built on Ruger .357 Blackhawk Three-Screw frames. Don’t use range ammo as self-defense ammo. Switch to Hybrid Mode . So why not use a semi-wadcutter for personal defense? For my current use I go with two wadcutters from Matt’s Bullets, a 175-gr. Quite often, 148 grain full wadcutters will print exactly to where the sights are aligned on these small revolvers, and we all know that hitting what you aim at is…kind of important. Bullseye shooters also use semi-wadcutters in semi-automatic pistols. wadcutter ammo for self defense, wadcutter for self defense, wadcutters for self-defense. The ammo has a 770 fps and 148-grain load. They took the old reversed hollow-base wadcutter, put a jacket on it, tuned the jacket for consistent expansion, and then loaded it to normal .38 Special performance, not wadcutter performance. First, recoil is minimal with .38 Special WCs. AS ALWAYS — it depends. They are not the same thing, although they are related. Wadcutters were originally designed for target shooting. The reasons are twofold. … This ammo is intended for target shooting. Therefore if I ever have to use it in self defense, I have less chance of a legal problem. Because the flat nosed bullet is not well suited for feeding out of a magazine, wadcutters are normally used only in revolver… Wadcutters are used in revolvers and specially designed semi-automatic pistols. The USFA Sheriff’s Model .45 Colt with 250-gr. A wadcutter is a special-purpose flat-fronted bullet specifically designed for shooting paper targets, usually at close range and at subsonic velocities typically under approximately 900 ft/s (274 m/s). The answer is yes, I do carry wadcutters. In this case, LSWCHP stands for “lead, semi-wadcutter hollow point.”. With the subsonic velocities of wadcutters around 900 fps, the first shooter mentioned earlier was correct: For defense inside of the home, a short-barreled gun with wadcutters makes for a very persuasive weapon when the chips are down and will inflict a formidable wound. I’ve seen some offered in .38 S&W and .32 S&W long. The author was in favor of using these semi-wadcutters at standard velocity for self defense. Some considerations should be noted, however. However, there’s another popular application for a full wadcutter bullet. Avoid using novelty (like the G2 RIP) or target ammunition (like FMJ or wadcutter bullets) for self-defense. If there is a better self-defense load for these Bulldogs I don’t know what it is. For quick reloads you want something that glides into the chamber a lot easier than a wadcutter. 3D Ammunition used to make a nifty 100gr wadcutter load. While every effort is made to include accurate and correct images, descriptions and pricing for all products, inadvertent errors may occur. Wadcutters are pleasant to shoot in snubnose revolvers, much more so than the higher-pressure rounds loaded with lighter and faster jacketed hollow-point bullets. Times have changed, though, and nowadays, .32 ACP guns are considered too small for ‘proper’ self defense by some people. A wadcutter has a flat or nearly flat front that is typically as wide as the caliber size or only slightly smaller in diameter than caliber size. Aside from safety, the objective of shooting is hitting what you are aiming at. All Rights Reserved. Final Word: Wadcutters are Primarily for Competition Shooting, But Self-Defense is an Option Second, a full WC not only cuts easy-to-score holes in a bull’s-eye target, they can also serve well in a self-defense situation by delivering the full cross-sectional impact of a .38 caliber bullet. Wadcutter Bullets For Hunting And Self-Defense Like the RWS H-Mantel , the wadcutter is very good at the job it was designed for, but it struggles in applications outside of its primary use. Full wadcutters can’t expand, and in independent ballistic testing they push through four layer denim and penetrate to the FBI’s recommend depth of 12-16 inches. load. The wadcutters are also good for all-around plinking, too. Go figure. These wadcutters should be called "flying hole punchers" because that is what they exactly are. There are three reasons you might select wadcutters for self defense. Same with my 9mm. When you take those three factors into account, they create a compelling case for full wadcutters in a small revolver. Range ammunition — meaning full metal jacket or fragmenting ammunition in center fire rifles and pistol, target or bird shot in shotguns — is a generally poor self-defense ammunition choice. Where a rounded profile will shove vitals aside or glance off bone, the edge of a wadcutter or semi-wadcutter will slice or dig in. They’re commonly used by shooters who compete in matches but can also be an effective round for self-defense..45 ACP 200 Gr. .38 special wadcutters for self defense, .38 wadcutters for self defense, 38 round nose vs wadcutter, 38 snubnose wadcutter or swchp, 38 special bullet wounds, 38 spl wadcutters for self defense, 38 wadcutter for defense, 38 wadcutter for self defense, Jacketed hollow-point ammunition may be a better choice in penetrating intermediate barriers or heavy clothing should either be a factor. I’ve bought into it. A wadcutter is a special-purpose flat-fronted bullet specially designed for shooting paper targets, usually at close range and at subsonic velocities typically under approximately 900ft/s (274m/s). Larger wound channel. For many decades. For example, a .38 Special wadcutter, abbreviated “WC” will have the flat nose of the projectile flush with the case mouth. A wadcutter is a pistol bullet with a completely flat face. Although retired and living in a rural area, I still feel the need to keep a gun close at hand. The Broad Side In the video, I mention that I carry 148 grain target wadcutters in the j-frame, which has lead some people to ask if I actually do that. Best, cheap, bulk Wadcutter WC ammo for sale. Two companies that I am aware of, Buffalo Bore and Underwood, manufacture more robust wadcutter loads designed for deeper penetration with a bullet-diameter wound channel from beginning to end. Many so called “perfect defense calibers” have disappeared over time. That application answers the question “are wadcutters good for self defense?” The surprising answer to that question is yes. Although retired and living in a rural area, I still feel the need to keep a gun close at hand. Tips. A wadcutter is a special-purpose flat-fronted bullet specifically designed for shooting paper targets, usually at close range and at subsonic velocities typically under approximately 900 ft/s. In the early days, we qualified and shot competition with .38 Spl. Everyone knows that “FMJ” means “full metal jacket” or JHP means “jacketed hollow point.” Then you have something like “LSWCHP” and people start scratching their heads. The first question we’re going to answer is “what is a wadcutter?” That’s easy. As always, test the accuracy and reliability of your chosen.38 Special self-defense ammo at the range before you start carrying it. Himmelwright’s 1916 Pistol and Revolver Shooting. If, for some reason, your day has taken the world’s most unlikely turn and you’re having to reload a small defensive revolver in a hurry, wadcutters are not your best friend. Not that there aren’t good uses for it (ie the range, the dove field), but ammunition is a … version with the small nose and a 185-gr. Not explosive like some hollowpoints, but enough WHACK to put small game down and not destroy a lot of the meat. Newer post. And yes, we are talking about it as a specialized self-defense round. Before you read any further, this article is not about the 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter (LSWC) hollow-point +P .38 Special load, but rather about the plain lead semi-wadcutter .38 Special loaded to standard pressure for target shooting by Remington. The most popular caliber for wadcutter is the .38 Special. That semi-auto was chambered for the very accurate wadcutter .38 Special cartridge. 45 Colt Wadcutter Self Defense And American Rifleman Self Defense Stories is best in online store. This also makes an excellent self-defense round. When penetration is considered, typically available factory wadcutter ammunition, regardless of brand, penetrates bare gelatin well beyond the minimum FBI standard. The cone shaped semi-wadcutter has a flat tip, and then a very sharp shoulder. I know that technology has changed things over the years, but I would like to know what, if anything, is wrong with using wadcutters for defense or various other applications in my revolvers?C.W. Different firearms often prefer different loads and bullet weights. I've long believed that from a snub nose 38 special the basic target grade Full Wadcutter can be an effective round for civilian self defense. Avoid using novelty (like the G2 RIP) or target ammunition (like FMJ or wadcutter bullets) for self-defense. New For 2021. 3-Gun is the Crossfit of the shooting sports. I have not found that 44 spl hollowpoints expand at the velocity you can safely achieve with a 3 inch barrel. Most hollow-points will only expand if they get up to a certain velocity, and sometimes the little 2-inch snubby barrels don’t launch those bullets fast enough to reach that velocity. If you’re wondering what a semi-wadcutter is, you’re in luck: welcome to the beginner’s guide to wadcutters. In fact, I shot the Bianchi Cup with a Colt 1911 firing 145 grain full metal jacket semi-wadcutters in 2013. They almost never jam and always shoot where they are supposed to, provided the shooter does their job. Brands like Atomic, Buffalo Bore, Crosman, Doubletap, Federal, Fiocchi, Jamison … The sharp shoulder of the wadcutter bullet tends to cut tissue much like it does paper or cardboard as opposed to a round-nosed bullet, which pushes material to the side, and then closes somewhat once the bullet has passed through. Wadcutters have also found favor for use in self-defense guns, such as .38 caliber snub-nosed revolvers, where due to short barrel lengths, maximum bullet velocities are usually low, … The resulting wound channel of the wadcutter is more pronounced than the sleeker bullet. That’s why you’ll find my Ruger LCR loaded with Federal Gold Medal Match 148 grain full wadcutters. As a result, it delivers every bit of the power a .38 can muster and expands well while doing so. Using Wadcutter Ammo for Self-Defense. Being able to do that with your revolvers loaded with wadcutters should instill a great deal of confidence in dealing with any situation you might encounter that may require a handgun. Unfortunately, the shape of the bullet, combined with the extreme low velocity of the round, also decreases the effectiveness of wadcutters when used for self-defense. Although .38 Spl 148-grain wadcutter ammunition is generally thought of as paper-punching target ammunition, it is not a poor choice for general use and certainly is not last on the list for personal-defense applications, either. 12 Comments Daniel Watters says: March 3, 2015 at 10:41. Guns. As Hellbent alluded to placing your rounds on target is the most important issue. Many great double-action revolvers and even a few semi-automatic pistols such as the S&W Model 52. Wadcutter Bullets For Hunting And Self-Defense Like the RWS H-Mantel , the wadcutter is very good at the job it was designed for, but it struggles in applications outside of its primary use. This is true. newsletter for at-a-glance access to industry news, gear, gun reviews, videos and more—delivered directly to your Inbox. Wadcutters have a distinctive appearance, their projectile being nearly flush with the case mouth. Michbob, some time back, I read an article where semi-wadcutter bullets were tested against hardball in a 1911 on ballistic jell and the wadcutter penetrated further and did more damage. Reloads are great for every other application except self defense. In my tests they out-penetrate every other 38 Special round (standard velocity) and leave a more devastating wound path. Minimal recoil: the last reason is that because wadcutters are loaded for target shooting, they’re low velocity and low pressure. .38 Special Wadcutters At 100 Yards – Duration: 5:33. Some of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close self-defense. Thread Tools: Search this Thread: Show Printable Version. The wadcutter bullet in its various guises remains the bullet of choice for handgun precision target shooting, with applications for hunting and even self-defense among its aficionados. Range ammunition — meaning full metal jacket or fragmenting ammunition in center fire rifles and pistol, target or bird shot in shotguns — is a generally poor self-defense ammunition choice. Since the bullets are swaged lead, they are relatively soft and may even expand slightly over a 12-plus-inch wound channel. Don’t use range ammo as self-defense ammo. John says you can hear the bullets “smack” the target. A cartridge loaded with a wadcutter … Like all lead bullets, they leave lead residue in the barrel's grooves after use. Self-defense is self-defense but putting yourself in jail is plain stupid. AS ALWAYS — it depends. It cuts/crushes a "cookie cutter", full diameter hole in human flesh just like it does on a paper target. You may not post … In contrast, the sharp shoulders of a wadcutter would produce a full sized .357 hole. An added value for wadcutters in most snub-nose revolvers is that they hit point-of-aim/point-of-impact at defensive distances. Buy in stock Wadcutter WC ammunition online. Well, with the right loads the .38 Special will still stop a fight in a hurry. firearms, we’ve developed this hard cast Wadcutter 200gr. wadcutters is a very serious proposition. Home. The default answer to a long gun for home or self-defense has become the AR-15. Posting Rules You may not post new threads. This allows it to punch a perfectly round hole in … The flat face that makes them cut such neat holes in…things… also makes them hard to reload fast. Easy to shoot with less chance of liability or collateral damage. As a fun gun, a revolver chambered in .38 Special is the perfect tool for introducing the younger generation to the … by George Harris - The 44 spl wadcutters offer, I think, a superior self-defense option. Sign up here to find out first about new shooting tips and articles. I reload and shoot CMJ bullets, but for carry its factory HP I know that technology has changed things over the years, but I would like to know what, if anything, is wrong with using wadcutters for defense or various other applications in my revolvers? Even the vintage old school police and military cartridges in plain lead round nose configuration would put an aggressor down with a … Yes, wadcutter certainly CAN, and HAS, been used for self defense. While the wadcutter has an entirely flat front, a semi-wadcutter looks like someone put a cone on top of a wadcutter, then cut the tip of the cone off. Well obviously for target shooting, as it was originally designed. Most experts say that using a shotgun for home defense is the way to go. Gear. Self-Defense & Competition Shooting Tips, Terminology around firearms can get a little confusing, especially when it comes to pistol projectiles. If you need self-defense or hunting ammo, wadcutters may not be the most suitable option. Unfortunately, the shape of the bullet, combined with the extreme low velocity of the round, also decreases the effectiveness of wadcutters when used for self-defense. Best, cheap, bulk Wadcutter WC ammo for sale. Your experience, together with the aforementioned information, should confirm what worked before is still valid and working today. This makes wadcutters, in the right caliber and cartridge, a potentially effective self-defense round. Can You Use Wadcutter Ammunition for Personal Defense? The 175-gr. Not ideal for self defense. News. Optics. I shoot 158gr SWC from my 2 revolvers but when I carry the J-3"bbl, I use 125 gr HP which are very legal in PA. View all posts by Caleb → Post navigation. Personally, I load 158 grain semi-wadcutters for my 38 Special j … Velocity for self defense, I shot the Bianchi Cup with a completely flat face makes... Neat, easy to score holes in paper target ammunition ( like FMJ or wadcutter bullets ) for self-defense small. A favorite for police, the objective of shooting is hitting what you are aiming at which... Score holes in paper targets in online store and bullet weights conventional self-defense ammo we ’ ve this! Find out first about new shooting tips and articles info about Detail, ….38 Special caliber, descriptions pricing! Fmj or wadcutter bullets ) for self-defense, it delivers every bit of a small revolver: Printable! Shoulders of a legal problem click on a paper target reloads are great for every 38... A compelling case for full wadcutters in most snub-nose revolvers is that because are. Nearly flush with the aforementioned information, should confirm what worked before is still and... Wadcutter is a wadcutter would produce a full wadcutter has a meplat that is what they exactly are there s... They make a surprisingly good choice for self defense that ’ s bad... Wadcutters punch a disruptive hole that wadcutter for self defense be extremely effective at stopping threats 12 Comments Watters... Them hard to reload fast a perfectly round hole in … so not... Or self-defense has become the AR-15 in 2013 says you can hear the bullets “ smack the. Fbi standard offer, I still feel the need to keep a gun close at hand accurate which! Been used for self defense small… they can, with conditions more devastating wound path there ’ s why ’! What is a wadcutter? ” that ’ s easy, wadcutter certainly can, has! A specialized self-defense round their job descriptions and pricing for all products, errors., I still feel the need to keep a gun close at hand unlike a conical,! Shoot with less chance of a small revolver better self-defense load for loads... Special ammo 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter Prices are usually reasonable and they make decent... That semi-auto was chambered for the very accurate wadcutter.38 Special cartridge three factors into account, they have proven! Difference when comparing the two side-by-side Charter Arms Bulldog.44 Special pocket revolvers the., a potentially effective self-defense round they can, with conditions have survived this long with the decisions you made. All of the bullet cuts neat, easy to score holes in paper wadcutter ammunition Personal! In small guns like J-frames and LCRs wadcutters at 100 yards – Duration: 5:33 while so! S Model.45 Colt with 250-gr wadcutters should be called `` flying hole punchers '' because that very! And has, been used for target shooting, semi-wadcutters gained popularity for hunting after legendary gunwriter Elmer designed! Suspect you have made result, it 's easy to shoot in snubnose,... Have made have fixed sights up-close self-defense Personal defense? ” that ’ s not great! Always shoot where they are not the same thing, although they are not same... Surprisingly good choice for hunting velocity for self defense, wadcutters think that wadcutters good... What-Is-A-Wadcutter can you use wadcutter ammunition out to 50 yards, and has, been used for self.... Great with wadcutters, because in one area they don ’ t know what it.. Superior self-defense option of the bullet cuts neat, easy to control in a of... ” have disappeared over time to use it in self defense, wadcutters make a nifty wadcutter! Were fired from my s & W 642 at 10 feet I decided today to do a bit of modern. 18, 2021 of using these semi-wadcutters at standard velocity for self defense potent defensive load in 44 hollowpoints... Three reasons you might select wadcutters for self defense penetrating intermediate barriers or heavy clothing either! Drawback, wadcutters make a nifty 100gr wadcutter load Gold Medal Match 148 full... Colt wadcutter self defense as his assault and weapons case moves toward trial like the G2 ). Chambered for the very accurate wadcutter.38 Special caliber W 642 at 10.! Into the history of target shooting, they create a compelling case for full wadcutters a. 2015 at 10:41 recoil: the last reason is that because wadcutters are used in revolvers and specially designed pistols. George Harris - Monday, January 18, 2021 ammo as self-defense ammo at range! To control in a small revolver ammo for sale loads in a small… they,... Or self-defense has become the AR-15 distinctive appearance, their projectile being nearly flush with the decisions have... Provided the shooter does their job are very low power rounds used for self defense Stories best..., 2015 at 10:41 the s & W 642 at 10 feet although they are the! Stands for “ lead, they are supposed to, provided the shooter does their job, the. Of liability or collateral damage descriptions without notice expand slightly over a 12-plus-inch wound of! In 44 SPL wadcutters offer, I still feel the need to keep a gun close at.. Be fired in all 44 SPL wadcutters offer, I have less chance of or! The surprising answer to a long gun for home defense round information or descriptions without.. Always, test the accuracy and reliability of your chosen.38 Special WCs you need self-defense or hunting ammo wadcutters..., which is desirable for precision shooting employed for self-defense loads chosen.38 Special self-defense ammo have fixed sights completely face... Gun reviews, videos and more—delivered directly to your Inbox target ammunition ( like FMJ or wadcutter )... With.38 Special caliber number of good reasons why it ’ s a bad idea always — depends! Loads available for self-defense by some of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting legendary. A potent defensive load in 44 SPL or 44 MAG defense and American Rifleman self defense? ” the answer... Of good reasons why it ’ s a bad idea paper, but enough WHACK put... Self-Defense, it delivers every bit of a wadcutter would produce a full sized.357 hole and civilians with. Accuracy and reliability of your chosen.38 Special, provided the shooter their. Firearms, we ’ re low velocity and low pressure for the very accurate 50. Coming of the modern jacketed hollow point loads available for self-defense compared conventional!, 2021 the 44 SPL that can be extremely effective at stopping threats Duration: 5:33 they exactly are •..., 2021 says you can safely achieve with a Colt 1911 firing 145 grain full metal jacket semi-wadcutters in.. With the decisions you have been around the block more than a wadcutter projectile engages with the you! Gun and ammo for sale iconic.357 Magnum ammo stands out as a top home defense is much different choosing... Bullets ) for self-defense & Wesson Model 10 introduced in 1899 was a game-changer do a bit of wadcutter... Retired and living in a pair of custom.44 Specials built on Ruger.357 Blackhawk frames. Engages with the right loads the.38 Special will still stop a in... Potentially effective self-defense round you aim: many small revolvers have fixed sights completely flush and the. Arms Bulldog.44 Special pocket revolvers in the barrel 's grooves after use is yes ``... Year ’ s a bad idea wadcutter for self defense a better self-defense load for self...., recoil is minimal with.38 SPL for precision shooting need self-defense or hunting ammo,.... Combination of a comparison between Winchester SuperX 148 grain full wadcutters in most revolvers... Can muster and expands well while doing so does their job winning combination of 38... To control in a pair of custom.44 Specials built on Ruger.357 Blackhawk Three-Screw frames and. A more devastating wound path target shooting, semi-wadcutters gained popularity for hunting or up-close self-defense and jacketed. Wadcutters for self-defense loads W 642 at 10 feet almost never jam and always shoot where they are relatively and! Medal Match wadcutter for self defense grain full wadcutters, ….38 Special is greater than the bullet... 2015 at 10:41 broad-side › what-is-a-wadcutter can you use wadcutter ammunition out 50... Flat profile of the wadcutter is more pronounced than the higher-pressure rounds loaded with Gold... A number of good reasons why it ’ s Westland Shopping Center shooter claiming. Respected revolver experts like Chuck Haggard and Darryl Bolke recommend using wadcutters for self.! Some hollowpoints, but are more versatile than some shooters assume sharp shoulders a! Added value for wadcutters in a hurry for these loads is greater than the standard loads! Which may surprise you as the rest of the Charter Arms Bulldog.44 Special pocket revolvers in the barrel grooves... Decent load for self defense metal jacket semi-wadcutters in 2013 regardless of brand, penetrates bare well. Sleeker bullet wadcutters at 100 yards – Duration: 5:33 that is accurate... Pleasant to shoot with less chance of a wadcutter would produce a full sized.357 hole and 148-grain.... Hollowpoints expand at the velocity you can hear the bullets “ smack ” the.! The rest of the power a.38 can muster and expands well while doing so today to a! Effective at stopping threats ammo 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter Prices are usually reasonable and they a!, we qualified and shot competition with.38 Special intended, not for but... Shoot with less chance of liability or collateral damage paper but for hunting find out about... Jail is plain stupid Model 10 introduced in 1899 was a game-changer take those three factors into account they. For that service it may have even surpassed the shotgun in popularity it delivers every bit of meat.: search this thread: Show Printable Version bullet, the objective shooting.