Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Lets talk about wadcutters...

    In the spectrum of ammo, from personal defense to target, where do these fit in? We'll use .38 for an example. Is the wadcutter a good personal defense round? Does it possess more "stopping" power due to the flat nose? Who uses these, and for what? I've seen them on various ammo websites, and was curious what their primary purpose is.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    Wadcutters are typically used for competition as it cuts the paper cleanly on entry for scoring.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    They are for cutting holes in paper for target. That flat front end with a relatively sharp edge makes nice gradable holes for scoring and measuring purposes.

    They also do the same thing on flesh, nice round holes, but a HP is better suited.
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  4. #4
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    they're target loads, usually loaded to a lower velocity.
    Not typically what someone would use for self defense.

    I don't have a short temper, I just have a quick reaction to bullshit.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    Quote Originally Posted by mauser View Post
    they're target loads, usually loaded to a lower velocity.
    Not typically what someone would use for self defense.
    UNLESS....they are hollow-based wadcutters and you load them upside down.... J/K, of course...

    Seriously, they are for target shooting as said previously for reasons stated previously.....

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    Quote Originally Posted by Leftloose View Post
    UNLESS....they are hollow-based wadcutters and you load them upside down....
    I've heard of people doing that but I've never tried it. Sounds like something to experiment with and check expansion and penetration.

    I don't have a short temper, I just have a quick reaction to bullshit.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    Thanks for all the info. I now have a better understanding of why wadcutters exist.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    wadcutters = target rounds. they do punch the absolutly cleanest holes in paper and their shape helps keep them stable when they leave the barrel.

    I have, in my younger days, played around with the "reverse hollow based wadcutter" loads. The problem is the end of the cone has very little lead so you don't get even expansion. It's more effective you stick something in the hollow base like a small steel ball, or mercury, or a primer

    All fun, but not practical, and possibly not legal everywhere either.


    Mike

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    Back in the 60-70's, before JHP technology had advanced much and relaiable JHP's became readily available, it was loaded and carried, but other than speculation, you never heard much about it. Especially, you never heard of real-world use and results.

    SuperVel and Zero started making JHP's and half-jacket HP's and the market rapidly caught up with demand so hollow-based wadcutters loaded reversed over a stiff load of Bullseye became a thing of legend more than reality.

    FDlash
    "The life unexamined is not worth living." ....... Socrates

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Lets talk about wadcutters...

    Put a BB in the reverse hollow based wadcutter and fill it by melting candle over the BB. It makes them open real nice.

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