What about using Hardcast 148 grain WC for 12 oz snubbie?

[Glamdring]

Ignoring the arguement against "handloads for self defense".

What do you think of using a hardcast WC in a snubbie for carry load?

Several items have lead me in this direction.

Ross Seyfried and his son have used lt wt 38 specials with hardcast 158's (LBT and Keith style bullets IIRC) to end suffering of elk that are down but not out on their ranch were they guide elk hunters. So hardcast 38's should have sufficent penetration. Which is a concern to me, since I have read more than one case study where 38 ammo from snubs hit skull but skidded off.

I don't expect expansion from snub in real world even with LHP.

Using full WC should give full caliber wound channel. Blunt nose also less likely to skip off on skull shot and more likely to travel in straight line after it penetrates. Have read many case studies where bullets hit rib and follow it around.

Any problems with using WC? IIRC they are not supposed to be accurate at long ranges. But this is for fixed sight snubbie, a long shot would be 10-12 yards IMHO.

 

[Jim March]

I don't expect expansion from snub in real world even with LHP.

That's just not the case. The 158+P lead hollowpoints expand from a 2", but you can't use those in a Scandium because they yank .

So use of the handful of JHPs that do expand from a snub - a good one, and easy to find, is the Winchester 38+P 130grain Supreme. HUGE hollowpoint cavity. Good stuff .

 

[WebHobbit]

I fired this 129 grain Hydrashock .38 +p round from a 2 inch barreled S&W Centennial .38 Special revolver into a home-made "water-box".

 

[JohnBT]

Wadcutters are harder to do a reload with - at least for me.

I've had no difficulty(other than middle aged eyes) shooting WC target loads at 50 yards with a fixed-sight gun. Okay, I admit it, it was a 4-inch Ruger Service Six and I haven't been nearly as good with a S&W 442 snub.

John

 

[ChristopherG]

What you suggest--the plain old wadcutter--is the preferred load of the International Wound Ballistic Association (IWBA) for 2" snub .38s. The IWBA has materials available for perusal at firearmstactical.com, and appear to be the voice of authority on the forums at ammolab.com. Their position is essentially that of Dr. Fackler, who argues that penetration is the sine qua non of defensive ammo, and 'energy' is essentially irrelevant; the wadcutter is advocated for exactly the kinds of reasons you outline.

I think it's an entirely reasonable choice, though it's not the one I make for my 340. I'm currently using Corbon 125 gr JHPs. They're only .38, but they're significantly overpressure, and should be hitting at least 950 fps from a snub (advertised @1100 fps). Combine that with their enormous cavity, and I think they should offer a reasonable blend of penetration and expansion. Next step up would be Remington golden sabres; but I'm riding the ragged edge of quick control, then. With the wadcutter, that's really your strength.

 

[Ala Dan]

The 148 grain HBWC-

Greeting's All-

The 148 grain HBWC (hollow base wad cutter) loaded
properly makes an excellent self-defense cartridge for
a snub nose .38 Special. Only problem, don't expect
great accuracy beyond about 25 feet! I have
done some testing with this recommended bullet; and
have noticed that the inverted hollow base wadcutter
expands to almost .60 caliber, when fired from a 2"
barrel revolver.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

2" 25 yard accuracy

As Deputy Marshal in the 1960's I could use any police range for my monthly qualification. I stopped at Burbank PD range with Ted Lane rangemaster who was also a Gun magazine writer.

That day at his 25 yard range instead of the traditional bull, bull silhouette targets he had set up three bullseye targets. I thought what the heck with my Smith model 60 2 incher I did not have much of a chance to score so I fired the whole course rapid fire.

Ted on the loud speaker said Jones what are your shooting?? I told him. He then asked if I had done some accurizing on it and I yelled no. he then told me that I had fired 297 out of 300 for a DX with my 2 incher.

The only difference was that I had a Fitz gunfighter pistol grip on my pistol and I fired instinctively my left thumb cocking the pistol and firing rapidly.

Instinctive shooting works and the load was wadcutter bullets cast and loaded by trustees with 25 yard accuracy that day. I wear the Marshal DX badge on my shooting hat til this day.

Paul Jones

 

[Ala Dan]

Good shooting Paul, glad to read your report. In my
duties as a former LEO, I became acquainted with
several Deputy U.S. Marshal's based here in the
Birmingham, AL area. And you know what? Most
were darn good shot's; especially a fellow by the
name of Jay Williams. Jay was a revolver
man; and I'd bet he could hit a nat's - - - on a
quilt at 25 yard's. Too bad Jay retired several
years ago, as I always enjoyed speaking with
him about firearms.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[tbeb]

My choice for a 12 oz. snubby would be the Remington .38 special +P 125 gr. semi-jacketed hollowpoint or Federal .38 special +P 125 gr. jacketed hollowpoint or Federal standard pressure Nyclad 125 gr. lead hollowpoint.