NoirFan
Member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2006
- Messages
- 671
From listening to experienced shooters I get the general idea that .38 special target wadcutters should not be considered a viable carry load, because it lacks "stopping power". What I'd like is a reasonable explanation for this and to this end I've listed some pros and cons I've heard about.
The Pros:
- Most importantly, they penetrate to about 20" in gelatin, exceeding the FBI standard.
- They have very low recoil, which is very important in a snub revolver.
- They cut a slightly larger hole than a lead round nose or FMJ bullet.
- They are cheap, so one can practice with the same load that one carries.
The Cons:
- They do not expand very much
- They are low velocity (but as long as they exceed the penetration standard, does this matter?)
I can't really think of any other disadvantages to the .38 wadcutter, and it seems to me the pros outweigh the cons. Can experienced shooters and concealed carriers weigh in?
The Pros:
- Most importantly, they penetrate to about 20" in gelatin, exceeding the FBI standard.
- They have very low recoil, which is very important in a snub revolver.
- They cut a slightly larger hole than a lead round nose or FMJ bullet.
- They are cheap, so one can practice with the same load that one carries.
The Cons:
- They do not expand very much
- They are low velocity (but as long as they exceed the penetration standard, does this matter?)
I can't really think of any other disadvantages to the .38 wadcutter, and it seems to me the pros outweigh the cons. Can experienced shooters and concealed carriers weigh in?