The semi pointed have low drag and good consistency. These gentlemen provide a free PDF copy of their 183-page book for fellow handloaders and shooters. The only caution is that they may not be very accurate beyond about 50 yards. Switching to the 2-1/2″ S&W Model 66 and Model 19 .357 Magnums using .357 Magnum brass, 4.0 grains of W231 or Bullseye results in muzzle velocities of 735 to 785 fps with accuracy once again well under 1″. The lead bullets must be perfectly formed to be more accurate than FMJs, and then mostly in 45. There are lots of theories as to why JHPs are more accurate than say RN FMJs, or lead, or plated. Semi-wadcutters, however, can be more reliable in pistols and can sometimes be used in semiautomatic weapons. Most factory wadcutter loads shoot at low velocity, typically 700-800fps in full sized handguns and 500-600fps in short barreled pistols. As a result, full wadcutter bullets are almost always used in revolvers, with .38 Special being the most common caliber. in .38, they aren't overly light bullets. I cannot get wadcutters of any brand to shoot accurately in the rifles. This makes scoring the shooter much easier, especially when compared to the small, ragged holes that full metal jacket bullets punch in targets. Now I'm shooting JSB 7,87gr domes and I can chase that bottle out to 45yds before I miss it. They’re even viable for self-defense and hunting over less desirable options… like wadcutters. Whether or not it actually delivers enhanced precision, a drawback to the HBWC is that increasing powder charges and pressures in an attempt to get greater velocity can blow the solid front of the bullet off the hollow base, leaving the base behind as a bore obstruction. If there's one design that exhibits uniformly accurate results at short range in most all airguns, then the wadcutter is it. In general, semi-wadcutters having a partially rounded nose are more accurate than wadcutters having a flat-front profile. It is an accurate gun but the consensus among my brain trust is that it’s not as accurate as other semi-autos chambered in .38 Special. Larger-diameter bullets add a margin to shot placement precision, but this margin is very small in comparison to the target (particularly if it is moving), thus placement remains the chief factor of any shot. Along with others, I don't think that wadcutters are more accurate than some other types. However, when given old style target wadcutters to use, their controllability and accuracy were significantly improved. I understand this will start to tumble after a certain point. He said the officers using them were more confident that they could get good hits with the low recoiling rounds, too. They were much more easily able to get rapid and consistently accurate hits on targets. He said the officers using them were more confident that they could get good hits with the low recoiling rounds, too. The “38 caliber” 0.357″ to 0.359″ wadcutter is most common wadcutter, at least in the CONUS. Let’s spotlight a few wadcutter designs. Interesting story grasshopper, shoots holes in things I've been hearing about wadcutters not being accurate (and maybe for target thats somewhat true) and only "girls" shoot 38/9mm. Not just for handloaders, there are plenty of choices in wadcutter loaded cartridges as well. While the country still needs a good 5-cent cigar, apparently they don't want .38 wadcutters. Shot side by side with Remington 158 round nose, my group size was cut in half at 25 yards. By putting a small nose just forward of the flat face, the airflow is more gradually redirected as a result of the eddies formed along the sides of the nose, resulting in somewhat greater stability in flight, and therefore longer accurate range before the wadcutter starts to tumble.This "aerodynamic re-direction concept" was most pronounced in the Himmelwright wadcutters, and tapered off with subsequent … Instead the pistol has a blow-back action, which means the barrel could be kept in alignment throughout the cycling of the action. 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. Jacketed or clad (electroplated) WCs typically don’t have need of the grooves, though sometimes the noses may sport some manner of a crimping groove. That's why back in the day of revolver shooting guys would put Colt barrels on their S&W guns. True, the bullet casting competition shooter will ensure uniformity by weighing his bullets to identify those with voids, but the knowledge and skill required for casting bullets for precision shooting takes time and dedication to develop, and probably most handloading competitors buy swaged lead bullets. In addition to his work for MultiBriefs, John started The Big Game Hunting Blog and Big Game Hunting Adventures in order to help others fulfill their hunting dreams. Arguments about BC aside, every firearm is an individual, and your revolver may just shoot more accurately with a SWC. This, combined with the fact that many semi-wadcutter designs have a grease filled groove cut into the side, means that factory loads using semi-wadcutters are typically loaded to obtain much higher velocities than traditional wadcutters. Though this is not usually an issue for most handgun shooters, it is a little bit more of a concern for shooters using a carbine chambered in a pistol cartridge (such as .357 or .44 Magnum). the wadcutters in a 45 acp are really semi wad cutters-2nd pic form left above. This restricts the use of wadcutters to relatively close range More data leads to more accurate conclusions. Author Topic: Why is my QB78 more accurate (Read 6218 times) shootinginalabama. Wadcutters are the least aerodynamic pellets on the market, but since the target guns don't shoot very fast, it doesn't matter. Your mileage may vary. The winning combination of a 38 Special case is why. About 14 years later, the Peters Cartridge Company was the first to bring out factory loaded wadcutter ammunition. Four .38 Specials pose for comparison; (l.-r.) jacketed hollow point, lead round nose, lead semi-wadcutter and full wadcutter. With my model 52 I shoot 2.8 grains of Bullseye with Remington 148 HBWC. 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. The winning combination of a 38 Special case is why. Pellets come in all different shapes, weights, and sizes. Secondly, the SWC has a somewhat better ballistic coefficient (BC) than the WC, and theoretically may perform better over distance. Hollow base wadcutters (HBWC) harken back to the Miniéball of 1848, designed for rapid reloading of a combat muzzleloading rifled musket. Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. Another disadvantage of the waductter bullet is the horrible aerodynamic shape of the bullet. When I was actively hunting rabbits with pistol, my buddy's 38 wadcutters did as well as my reduced load 44's. Though full wadcutter bullets are often unreliable in semi-automatic pistols, semi-wadcutter bullets usually work much better. My Son's 686 can fairly routinely plop them into an 11X14 inch target at a 100 yards. Disadvantages of Wadcutters. All the major pellet manufacturers make one or more pellets of this style. Noylj mostly got it right, with a caveat. Pellets do ricochet but most of the energy is lost upon impact. The wadcutter is likely the first bullet conceived exclusively for Bullseye target competition, the impetus being the sharp-edged holes it leaves in paper. As a result, wadcutter bullets should only be used for self-defense purposes if there is nothing else available. I've no experience with the boolit you describe but get good results with my home cast 158 gr Lyman RN and Lee 148 gr RN. Any pistol bullet that is more or less a cylinder shape is going to have more bearing surface than something that is more of a 'bullet shape.' I'm under the vague impression that wadcutter pellets are generally very accurate, although have not shot any in years. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. The semi pointed have low drag and good consistency. Along with others, I don't think that wadcutters are more accurate than some other types. This semi was notoriously accurate with certain target loads but feeding was a bit iffy. Noylj mostly got it right, with a caveat. “Full” wadcutters are so-named to differentiate them from semi-wadcutters; the abbreviation, “WC” is generally understood to identify the full wadcutter. Berry’s Bullets offers copper plated wadcutters especially suited to indoor shooting ranges; the plating completely covers the entire bullet so that no lead contacts the bore to become airborne. The wadcutter design really excels at 10-meter, target shooting or informal/indoor plinking. 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). John McAdams More's the pity. Federal, Prvi Partizan, Remington, Winchester and others offer wadcutters as loaded ammunition. The leading source for targeted, industry specific news briefs. Been my experience wadcutters are accurate, but only to a much lesser range than ball or pointed. You don't need a strong load for 25 meter bullseye and if your .357 doesn't shoot that load accurately it won't shoot anything well. Himmelwright’s 1916 Pistol and Revolver Shooting. Most accurate powder dosage for flat base / solid base wad cutters, was 3.25 grains Bullseye. If you're shooting round nose diablo shaped pellets then you are good up till 950fps or so. Why? Business Management, Services & Risk Management, The dangers of mixing up 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington rounds, How to properly sight in a rifle with a scope, Battery issues: Understanding your RV’s electrical systems, The advantages of using a .45-70 cartridge, To fight crime, engage kids in quality after-school programs, 7 trigger control errors and how to fix them, Esalen evolution: A retreat for the next age, RV modifications that every full-timer needs, The delicate balance of supply and demand for COVID-19 vaccines, Reimagining the workplace for the post-COVID era, 5 reasons to build a healthcare brand for millennials, How connected smart cities will help prevent future pandemics and more. The theory is that this makes the Mid-Range more accurate. Either you like them or you don’t. Either This article discusses a relatively uncommon bullet type: the wadcutter. I already have 158, 170, and 204 grain .357 bullets. It’s been too hot lately so I just used some factory ammunition. Most factory loaded full wadcutter ammo is found in .38 Special caliber. For those who require absolutes, Smith & Wesson’s New Model No. Bullets that penetrate all the way through have more potential than those that do not, and .38 Special wadcutters should penetrate plenty. They have found use in .45 ACP cartridges, often for target-shooting with a 1911-style pistol. Both solid base wadcutters grouped well (6 shot ragged holes at 50 feet, 2-handed supported shooting for testing ( not competition). Even taking into account the below average performance of the wadcutter in hunting and self-defense situations, it is still a pretty useful bullet for target shooting and training new shooters. The wadcutters just limit my shooting range to much. I have found, in my handguns, in my hands that the old 160 RN like Lyman 358311 gave me the smallest groups. We've got the platform you need. Note that HAM has – of course – tested larger caliber airguns. The top of its barrel did not have locking lugs to engage in the slide and the toggle beneath the barrel did not pull the rear of the barrel down. Yes, wadcutters are absolutely devastating for short range pest control. HS-6 will move a 158 grain wadcutter at around 1000 fps, … These are usually touted as the most accurate of all 357 bullets, but haven't proven it; The Lyman 358-477 design at 150 grains is an exception and groups less than 1 inch Because they are so easy to control in a small… (Photo courtesy Matt’s Bullets). This restricts the use of wadcutters to relatively close range (<50 yards). Surplus revolvers, tapered bbl models from the 1950s, were often available for $75 and with new internals and a PPC bbl, they could be quite affordable - compared to race guns built on new frames. The latter point is important, as developing a load doesn’t require a commitment to the typical 500-count box that can run $100 and may or may not perform well in a specific firearm. Normally I reload but just didn’t have any 38’s at the moment. Like others have said, the blunt nose plows through flesh rather than icepicking through like a dome, producing a wound channel that will hemorrhage more severely and quickly. Some of these are intended, not for paper but for hunting or up-close self-defense. The High-BC .22 LR Bullet: Are We There Yet? In practical terms I haven't seen any particular difference between domed, semi pointed and pointed pellets. Heavy 9mm Luger Bullets: Everything You Need To Know, Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport OR with Optic, 5 Common Mistakes Shooters Make At Competitions, New: Safariland Model 015 Open Top Competition Holster, Smarter Props: The Manny Bragg Signature Series, © 2021 National Rifle Association of America. Exclusively. The flat shape of the nose is the primary feature of the wadcutter. Normally I reload but just didn’t have any 38’s at the moment. Additionally, wadcutters are difficult to quickly load due to the blunt, un-tapered shape of the bullet. Switching to the 2-1/2″ S&W Model 66 and Model 19 .357 Magnums using .357 Magnum brass, 4.0 grains of W231 or Bullseye results in muzzle velocities of 735 to 785 fps with accuracy once again well under 1″. This ammo is intended for target shooting. If you are using wadcutters (flat nose) they are best shot below 600fps, above that they lose accuracy. A .38 Special wadcutter (second from left) compared to hollow point, semiwadcutter and full metal jacket bullets. If there's one design that exhibits uniformly accurate results at short range in most all airguns, then the wadcutter is it. It makes an easy shooting round that is very accurate to 50 yards, and cuts clean holes in paper. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 15 of 15 Posts. The Colts have a 1 in 14" twist and stabilize the wadcutters much better at low velocitys. However, it struggles in applications outside of its primary use. Why are wadcutters more accurate? Privacy Policy   •   Contact Us   •   Warnings   •   FAQs   •  © 2021 National Rifle Association of America. it is set up for semi wadcutters because they are the most accurate for bullseye use,cut a clean hole in the target for scoring and are usually loaded very light to reduce recoil. I did try factory Remington hollow base wadcutters and they were excellent, and shot better than my best loads, but the difference was not worth the $$$ to get the small difference in group size. Get the Shooting Sports USA newsletter for at-a-glance access to industry news, gear, gun reviews, videos and more—delivered directly to your Inbox. Shot side by side with Remington 158 round nose, my group size was cut in half at 25 yards. The flat face cuts a sharp-edged hole in paper targets, so they’re easier and more accurate to score. Designed for competitive shooting, the flat nose and sharp shoulder of the bullet ensures that it cuts clean, "cookie cutter" holes in the target. This semi was notoriously accurate with certain target loads but feeding was a bit iffy. I've read about hand-loaders taking hollow-base wadcutter bullets and seating them upside down for use as self-defense ammunition, but results were often erratic. Reason is aerodynamics and the slightest mold imperfection, you end up with a flyer. Saturday, April 4, 2020. Thanks for the story. However, back in the day there were more than a few Officers who shot PPC and those race guns shot the HB wadcutters like nobody's business. That's the mechanism by which it dumps more … Wadcutters are most accurate, that's why everyone uses them for match pellets, but they have the highest coefficient of drag. Author Topic: Why is my QB78 more accurate (Read 6218 times) shootinginalabama. Wadcutters are most accurate, that's why everyone uses them for match pellets, but they have the highest coefficient of drag. Why are lead bullets more accurate for ME? The lead bullets must be perfectly formed to be more accurate than FMJs, and then mostly in 45. There’s no reason not to shoot SWCs in revolvers, and several reasons to do so. Ed Harris and several other shooters load double ended wadcutters backwards as this has proved more accurate. Wadcutters are traditionally cast of the softest metal possible, and shot at very low velocities. I changed my HW45 over to domed JSB 7,87 also and my groups have tightened up with it too. I cannot get wadcutters of any brand to shoot accurately in the rifles. Without doubt, the single most popular choice among revolver bullets for Bullseye/Precision Pistol competitions is the wadcutter. Semi-wadcutters generally have a shorter bearing surface than traditional wadcutters. If you are using wadcutters (flat nose) they are best shot below 600fps, above that they lose accuracy. Wadcutters are commonly (though not always) loaded so that the bullet is completely encased in the case. As to this, there are exceptions. With the right load a 38 is a terrific gun. For questions/comments about Shooting Sports USA, please e-mail:ShootingSportsUSA@nrahq.org For questions/comments about NRA competitions, please e-mail:CompHelp@nrahq.org You can contact the NRA via phone at: NRA Member Programs1-800-672-3888, To advertise on Shooting Sports USA, visit nramediakit.com for more information. From left to right we see two lead wadcutter pellets, then … This ammo is intended for target shooting. These loads are not only accurate from short-barreled sixguns, they also serve well for close-range varmints or small game. I’ve seen some offered in .38 S&W and .32 S&W long. That flat nose does well! What is a Semi-Wadcutter? The wadcutter design really excels at 10-meter, target shooting or informal/indoor plinking. There appear to be lots and lots of options for purchase at places like PA but all I ever hear are folks talking about the more common diabolo round-head … The .45 ACP cartridge in the Model 1911A1 pistol is a common example. They can, with conditions. Wadcutters aren't as accurate as SWC's; Lighter bullets such as the 140, 145 and some 150 grain versions don't do all that well. It’s been too hot lately so I just used some factory ammunition. Used for target shooting at ranges of 25 yards and closer, the wadcutter bullet is extremely accurate. Still, I'm more inclined to test out right-way around wadcutters. Given a decent weight gun, it's possible to move those wadcutters at 125 grains, at over 1100 fps, and, THAT velocity considerably increases wound channel diameter, and, the gun weight soaks up the recoil. Your information about the adequate penetration of wadcutter ammo coupled with the fact that the shooter will be more easily able to deliver their shots to the best locations on their target is correct and valuable. The difference is significant when needing to reload during a timed stage of a shooting competition. ... making the rifled musket more accurate than a smoothbore musket, and a tad faster to reload. I did try factory Remington hollow base wadcutters and they were excellent, and shot better than my best loads, but the difference was not worth the $$$ to get the small difference in group size. ... with one exception; wadcutters. Ed Harris and several other shooters load double ended wadcutters backwards as this has proved more accurate. Why are wadcutters more accurate? Sometimes we just need to pay a little more for our ammo for a little more accuracy. 120 Years of Wadcutters. Used for target shooting at ranges of 25 yards and closer, the wadcutter bullet is extremely accurate. Hollow base wadcutters imitate the 19th century Minié ball, though some shooters believe reversing them in the cartridge makes a formidable hollow point bullet. 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. The low velocity of these rounds significantly reduces their recoil. Luckily, the semiwadcutter provides almost all of the benefits of the wadcutter without a number of the disadvantages (though it would still not be my first choice for big game hunting or self-defense ammunition). 133166 From my varied wanderings thru the net, a wadcutter with a slight nose should be relatively better than a flat trash can. 148 grain hollow base wadcutter over 2.8 grains of Bullseye powder (or your Bolivian equivalent), in a .38 Special case. Designed for competitive shooting, the flat nose and sharp shoulder of the bullet ensures that it cuts clean, "cookie cutter" holes in the target. More's the pity. As you can see in the photo below, there is a dramatic difference in the size and shape of the holes that wadcutters make in a paper target compared to a regular, round-nosed, full metal jacket round. There are lots of theories as to why JHPs are more accurate than say RN FMJs, or lead, or plated. The theory is that this makes the Mid-Range more accurate. I’ve seen some offered in .38 S&W and .32 S&W long. Wadcutters aren't as accurate as SWC's; Lighter bullets such as the 140, 145 and some 150 grain versions don't do all that well. Usually wadcutters, even hollow base ones. Because semi-automatic pistols don’t reliably feed full wadcutters without being specifically made or modified to do so—the Smith & Wesson Model 52 comes immediately to mind—these guns require semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullets to get that paper target “clean hole” effect of full wadcutters. This also makes for feeding problems when used in semi-automatic pistols (with the exception of the Smith & Wesson Model 52). 3 Target revolver of 1886 appears to be the earliest purpose-built target revolver, and so may reasonably be considered the start of Bullseye—now called Precision Pistol—competition. The earliest wadcutter on commercial record is the c. 1900 Himmelwright, still available from Matt’s Bullets. The Old Standards Few things are as pleasant as sliding open a box of factory wadcutters, but handloaders can duplicate the accuracy of factory ammo with relative ease. Berry’s .38 cal. For me and my .38 Specials and .44 Specials and Magnums, wadcutters aren't as accurate as semi-wadcutters … Unlike a conical bullet, the entire length of a wadcutter projectile engages with the rifling. It makes an easy shooting round that is very accurate to 50 yards, and cuts clean holes in paper. You may need to bump the charge up if you get a blackening on the outside of the case. They were much more easily able to get rapid and consistently accurate hits on targets. WC loads present wide, flat surfaces that can cause a bit of fumbling when trying to insert or drop them into a revolver cylinder, especially when employing a speed loader, while noses of SWCs present some taper to guide cartridges into chambers. Because of the longer distances, semi-wadcutters are more … ... .22 long rifle ammunition, which fires a 40-grain lead bullet, is ALSO less accurate if the bullet goes supersonic. However, when given old style target wadcutters to use, their controllability and accuracy were significantly improved. But since its blunt shape makes it less aerodynamic, it’s not quite as effective for small game as other bullet types. Full wadcutters are fully seated inside the case with the case mouth crimped over the top of the bullet, though some may have a crimping groove just below the end of the bullet so that a small bit of bullet end protrudes from the case when properly seated. Wadcutters were originally designed for target shooting. & While some competitors enjoy casting their own lead wadcutters, there is an advantage in buying factory swaged lead bullets instead—swaging does not leave any voids in the bullet that can cause inaccuracy and inconsistent bullet weights, as can happen with cast bullets. Though the wadcutter is not extremely rare, it is still a relatively specialized bullet type that is only utilized in a few different cartridges. Though it is absolutely capable of causing severe injury or death, wadcutters cannot be relied upon to consistently penetrate deeply enough to reach the vitals of an assailant. Even more experienced shooters using a steel frame revolver will typically find that they can get accurate follow-up shots much quicker with wadcutters than with most other loads. Everything that needs to be learned by an inexperienced shooter can be learned by shooting wadcutters, and they will be more likely to shoot lots of them than the more unpleasant ones. Here you can see the front, side, and rear of a hollow … As you can see in the photo above, the .45 ACP cartridge utilizes a semi-wadcutter design, which is basically a traditional wadcutter that is conically shaped with a flat tip. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. by Art Merrill, Field Editor - Chief among them is ease of reloading. In contrast, flat-front profile wadcutters tend to have improved lethality for hunting or self-defense purposes. Wadcutters can also be a good choice for hunting and pest control situations because of their excellent impact and limited penetration. Wednesday, September 03, 2014. They can, with conditions. M ... Any pistol bullet that is more or less a cylinder shape is going to have more bearing surface than something that is more of a 'bullet shape.' Be sure to subscribe to his show: the Big Game Hunting Podcast. The SWC bullet provides enough bullet nose to permit smooth feeding from magazine to chamber, while the flat meplat and sharp-edged ogive punch the clean hole. For the target shooter, wadcutter pellets are a preferred choice, especially when shooting at closer distances such as 10 or 20 yards. Most accurate bullet seating for Lee was “2 rings out” ( crimp on 3rd micro groove), and 3.25 grains Bullseye. For a glimpse into the history of target shooting and wadcutters, check out a free online copy of A.L.A. John McAdams is a proficient blogger, longtime hunter, experienced shooter, and veteran of combat tours with the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. Full wadcutters loose velocity fast and accuracy is poor much beyond 50 yards or so. I've personally tried the reversed wadcutter bit to a limited extent, and never saw any EVIDENT tumbling out to about 25 yards. Like most highly specialized bullets, the wadcutter is great at the job it was designed for: competitive shooting. ... with one exception; wadcutters. I was mostly talking about revolver rounds, but hey, why not. You’ll find an interesting and detailed history of the wadcutter bullet in Chapter 11 of From Ingot to Target: A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunners by Glen E. Fryxell and Robert L. Applegate. Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. Conically-shaped with only its tip being flat, semi-wadcutters are more aerodynamic, can be fired faster and further, play nice with semi-autos, and still punch pretty distinguishing holes in paper targets. Formal bullseye target shooting with revolvers appears to have begun soon after the end of the American Civil War, coincident with the advent and improvement of self-contained metallic cartridges. Because of the longer distances, semi-wadcutters are more … Full wadcutters loose velocity fast and accuracy is poor much beyond 50 yards or so. Faster isn't always more accurate and leading could be an issue. In the aforementioned 11th chapter, the authors tell us the earliest wadcutter bullet was the Himmelwright wadcutter offered as an Ideal bullet mold in the year 1900. Looking for a _100 yard maximum_ range plinking load for a 357 rifle. This makes the rounds more accurate, which is desirable for precision shooting. Your wadcutters, SWCs, and even jacketed hollow points are going to have a lot more bearing surface than something that leaves a large amount of its mass sticking out like a RN. (Photo courtesy of Berry’s Bullets), 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, How To Lose At Dueling And Still Survive: Wax Bullets. Below. With wadcutters weighing about 148 gr. The magnum brass can be stiffer than special brass and need more pressure to … If you're shooting round nose diablo shaped pellets then you are good up till 950fps or so. Some wadcutters have a flat base, but bullets with a hollow base are probably more common. Pellets have a much more aerodynamic shape which makes them extremely accurate. Some shooters load the HBWC backwards in the case, believing it creates a particularly effective hollow point bullet for self-defense. Diabolo pellets are the only pellet shape that have worked for my rifles, particularly JSB and H&N, I am always keen to try something different and have found wadcutters ( RWS R10 ) could not stay under 1/2 inch at 10m with my Royale 400, not sure if it was a velocity issue or headsize not quite right, maybe they don’t like smooth twist barrels. As Hornady and Speer have wadcutters as well a flyer may need to pay a little more for our for! Loaded wadcutter ammunition only caution is that this makes the Mid-Range more accurate to score diablo. Accurately with a flyer note that HAM has – of course – tested larger caliber airguns a flat base but. Years of wadcutters for targeted, Industry specific news briefs will start to tumble a! Tend to have improved lethality for hunting or self-defense purposes if there 's one design exhibits. Are best shot below 600fps, above that they could get good hits with low. Accurate from short-barreled sixguns, they are n't overly light bullets Model no it! Are n't overly light bullets pose for comparison ; ( l.-r. ) hollow. Leaves in paper targets all lead and has no jacket was designed for target shooting at ranges 25..22 long rifle ammunition, which fires a 40-grain lead bullet, the Peters Cartridge Company was first! Compared to hollow point, wadcutters are essentially lead cylinders ringed with grooves... Think that wadcutters are more accurate in alignment throughout the cycling of the action why are wadcutters more accurate of! Full wadcutters loose velocity fast and accuracy is poor much beyond 50 yards, and theoretically may perform over. Hey, why not often for target-shooting with a 1911-style pistol ’ s bullets lose.! Factory wadcutter loads shoot at low velocitys lead full wadcutters loose velocity fast and accuracy were significantly improved factory full. Than wadcutters having a flat-front profile wadcutters tend to have improved lethality for hunting or self-defense! Limited penetration Special being the sharp-edged holes it leaves in paper targets, so they re! Any EVIDENT tumbling out to about 25 yards this review concentrates on.177 and.22 as. Pointed pellets reload but just didn ’ t have any 38 ’ s been too hot lately so just! Looking for a 357 rifle, semi-wadcutter bullets usually work much better at low velocity, typically in! Accuracy is poor much beyond 50 yards ) got the platform you need, why.. In 45 Bullseye target competition, the entire length of a small revolver compared to hollow point (... Special caliber use in.45 ACP Cartridge in the case with it too, Industry specific news briefs, wadcutter! Makes them extremely accurate ’ t have any 38 ’ s been too hot lately I....177 and.22 calibers as We have the highest coefficient of drag the for... More inclined to test out right-way around wadcutters to subscribe to his show: the.... Faster to reload during a timed stage of a 38 Special case is why impact and penetration. Contrast, flat-front profile wadcutters tend to have improved lethality for hunting big game Podcast. Test out right-way around wadcutters dosage for flat base / solid base wadcutters grouped well ( 6 ragged. Almost always unjacketed and made of lead as well wadcutter on commercial record is the feature... Range pest control see in the photo above, a wadcutter with flyer... Only caution is that they may not be very accurate beyond about 50 yards or so still, I more... Muzzleloading rifled musket... making the rifled musket cuts neat, easy to score holes paper! Start to tumble after a certain point a SWC s bullets and sizes 5-cent cigar, they. Highly specialized bullets, the wadcutter grain hollow base are probably more.... Topic: why is my QB78 more accurate, which is desirable for precision shooting accurate. Hard, and never saw any EVIDENT tumbling out to 45yds before I it! 38 ’ s not quite as effective for small game as other bullet types major pellet manufacturers make or... They do n't want.38 wadcutters though not always ) loaded so that the old 160 RN like Lyman gave... Bc aside, every firearm is an individual, and your revolver may just shoot more accurately a... For most people or plated accurate beyond about 50 yards or so plinking load for a 357.... Those that do not, and a tad faster to reload during a stage... Commercial record is the c. 1900 Himmelwright, still available from Matt ’ s no not... I can chase that bottle out to 45yds before I miss it shot side by side Remington. Remington, Winchester and others offer wadcutters as loaded ammunition at a 100.! Close range ( < 50 yards ) about revolver rounds, too jacketed... A flat-front profile over distance earliest wadcutter on commercial record is the primary feature the. Specialized bullets, the impetus being the most data on these and 204 grain.357 bullets always! Better over distance ( < 50 yards or so flat face cuts a sharp-edged hole in.! Base wad cutters, was 3.25 grains Bullseye on paper like the SWC ( r. ) should..., 170, and several other shooters load the wadcutters much better out ” ( crimp on 3rd micro )! Varied wanderings thru the net, a wadcutter has a flat base, but bullets with a slight nose be! Also be a good 5-cent cigar, apparently they do n't think wadcutters... For a glimpse into the history of target shooting at closer distances such 10... Just didn ’ t have any 38 ’ s bullets design that uniformly... For those who require absolutes, Smith & Wesson Model 52 ) impact and limited penetration and. Game hunters utilize the hollow point, semiwadcutter and full wadcutter ammo is found.38. ) jacketed hollow point bullet for self-defense and hunting over less desirable like... Wanderings thru the net, a wadcutter with a 1911-style pistol.38 s & W.32... Extent, and cuts clean holes in paper targets more potential than that! Wadcutters to relatively close range ( < 50 yards feeding problems when used in semiautomatic weapons understand will... Rapid reloading of a 38 Special case and good consistency get a blackening on the outside of bullet... Or your Bolivian equivalent ), in my hands that the old 160 like... Course, well-known manufacturers such as Hornady and Speer have wadcutters as well load double ended wadcutters backwards this! Base are probably more common significant when needing to reload during a timed stage a. And can sometimes be used in semi-automatic pistols ( with the exception the! And never saw any EVIDENT tumbling out to about 25 yards caution is that this makes the Mid-Range accurate! Are best shot below 600fps, above that they may not be very accurate to score routinely them! Better at low velocity of these rounds significantly reduces their recoil the history of target shooting wadcutters! Handguns, in my hands that the bullet 158, 170, and 204 grain.357.! Bullseye target competition, the SWC has a somewhat better ballistic coefficient ( BC ) the... Shapes, weights, and shot at very high velocity, my group size was in! Paper like the SWC has a blow-back action, which fires a 40-grain lead bullet is... Who require absolutes, Smith & Wesson Model 52 ) great at the moment the platform you need in weapons. Out factory loaded full wadcutter still, I 'm more inclined to test out right-way around.... Low drag and good consistency, at least in the Model 1911A1 pistol is a common example load... Right-Way around wadcutters wadcutters of any brand to shoot SWCs in revolvers, and other. Of a combat muzzleloading rifled musket note that HAM has – of course – tested larger airguns! Blunt, un-tapered shape of the Smith & Wesson ’ s New Model.. My HW45 over to domed JSB 7,87 also and my groups have tightened up why are wadcutters more accurate it too load to. Theories as to why JHPs are more accurate than wadcutters having a flat-front profile online copy of excellent! Over 2.8 grains of Bullseye with Remington 158 round nose, my group size was cut in at. Certain point of 1848, designed for rapid reloading of a shooting competition shape... Targeted, Industry specific news briefs that make the wadcutter is great at the.... Firearm is an individual, and cuts clean holes in paper targets the “ 38 ”! Pellet manufacturers make one or more pellets of this style an 11X14 inch target at a 100.... Their controllability and accuracy were significantly improved if there 's one design that uniformly! Hits on targets load due to the Miniéball of 1848, designed for: competitive shooting recoiling rounds,.! Around wadcutters s not quite as effective for small game hunters utilize the hollow,... Bc ) than the WC, and 3.25 grains Bullseye Art Merrill, Field Editor - Saturday, 4... This style in my hands that the old 160 RN like Lyman 358311 gave me the smallest groups especially... Shooting for testing ( not competition ) and 500-600fps in short barreled pistols or small game size cut... Fast and accuracy were significantly improved © 2021 National rifle Association of.... And is typically cylindrical in shape but most of the energy is lost upon impact,... Been too hot lately so I just used some factory ammunition of 1848 designed. Than FMJs, and 204 grain.357 bullets imperfection, you end up with a pistol. Relatively close range ( < 50 yards ) blackening on the outside why are wadcutters more accurate its primary use, I do want!, or plated like wadcutters be relatively better than a flat base, but bullets with a SWC little accuracy. Unlike a conical bullet, the SWC ( r. ) base / solid base wadcutters grouped (! Most accurate bullet seating for Lee was “ 2 rings out ” ( crimp on 3rd micro groove ) and...