Question on wadcutters:

Has anyone tried loading a hollow base wadcutter backwards? Would that soft lead skirt open up and expand on impact? Seems like I remember reading where someone did that to use in their snubbie.
 
What's wrong with the classic 158 gr +p SWCHP load. Its a proven load that penetrates and expands well out of a 3" or longer barrel. Any particular reason you don't like that load? I know Remington and Winchester make it.
 
http://mastercast.net/amo.htm uses the Berry plated 148gr DEWC and pushes it to a legitimate 825fps in a 4" barrel. A few years ago chronographed it @~700ish from a model 638. Other than buffalobore, that may be the hottest loaded WC out there. I have had my eye on a flat latch model 37 at a local gun shop. If I picked it up I would load it with the mastercast plated DEWC and feel just fine carrying it in my pocket;)
 
WIN the reversed HBWC is an old school defensive load.

Yes the skirt expands.

A bullet loaded this way is prone to tumble, so the effective range is reduced.
 
Here's an option......


thumbnail.asp


http://www.customprojectile.com/38357-Manstopper_p_43.html

http://www.customprojectile.com/
 
Old school, indeed!

Did the hollow based WC thing back in the 70s. Loaded to normal WC speeds. YEs, they do expand, alot. 3/4", maybe more. Penetration is about nil on any hard target. Won't reliably go through a car door. Sometimes won't go through the window (angle usually the culprit).

I shudder to think what kind of a field day today's prosecutors would have in court if you used that load for real. Although it works great on gophers at 15yds!
 
If it is leagal to load/own an upside-down 148 grain hollow base wadcutter then there is nothing the prosecutor could do - a good shoot is a good shoot - period. I don't think an upside-down HBWC is any better, probably worse than "modern" hollow point ammunition.
 
Its not what they could legally do, its the image they can conjure in the minds of the undeducated jury. While the argument applies to any handloads, upside down hollow base wadcutters could be easily demonised in the opinion of the non shooting public.

"Regular ammo wasn't deadly enough for him! No! ...etc."

More of a civil liability worry than a criminal one.

I love my reloads, and if thats what I had in the gun at home, I wouldn't be concerned, but, I don't take them out on the street.
 
I agree that most of the discusions about never using reloads for self-defense should be focused on the civil aspect as opposed to the criminal aspect which is a non-issue. Civil cases are driven by damages and in the end, you pay for the damage done regardless how the damage is done notwithstanding punative damages.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top