Wad Cutter for use in pre-72 Agent?

[RacingSnake]

Hi guys,

At around 580fps is the WC a viable consideration for self defence? I looked at a past thread listed below but the discussion was more with regards to target loads.

Favorite Wad Cutter loads

The meplat of the 148g WC lends itself to being a good defence load but is the velocity high enough? The other advantage I have heard is that follow-up shots are quick.

What opinions do you have on this?


Regards, Racingsnake

[capstan]

The disadvantage would be penetration. They are very accurate but the penetration isn't that much. I shot them into a 2x4 awhile back to compare them to 140 grain jacketed Hornady HPXTP bullets. I dont remember what the measurements were now but the wadcutters went in about half as deep. I will try and find the data. I have it in one of my books. It wasnt a scientific test by any means and of course, and the jacketed bullet reloads were hotter than the wadcutters.

[RacingSnake]

One abviously has to approach higher velocity with caution when using wad cutters but what do you think the maximum is when using Bullseye or Green Dot - 3.2 - 3.3grain?

Racingsnake

[chingachkook]

Snake this thread should answer your questions;

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/forum...510&forum_id=8

Just remember when reading the thread that the posters are talking about DEWC (Double End Wadcutter) and not HBWC (Hollow Base Wadcutter). The danger being that driven at the increased pressure and speeds of the charges as listed in the thread the skirt of the HBWC can blow off the base of the bullet and be left in the forcing cone or barrel creating an obstruction.

If you are not familiar with Ed Harris he is a long standing member of the Cast Bullet Association and has written several casting/reloading articles for their monthly publication.

[RacingSnake]

Thank you - the article was helpful.

[chingachkook]

You are welcome Sir.

[nightshade2x]

I run a harder cast unswaged lubed 148 Gr. DEWC over 4.9 grains of Unique in a .38 Spl case with a CCI 500 primer. I seat and crimp right at the top of the crimp groove which leaves a small amount of bullet protruding from the case (I haqve never seated flush, and this gives me a good case volume). This load, while proven to be a bit dirty, is accurate, has enough power to knock over pins and flip the steel plates and is easy to load and very economical. Recoil is that of a .22. It is NOT however a good load for speed as it can be difficult to chamber quickly or when using speed loaders. Speed strips however work great. Use with your own prudence.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

[RacingSnake]

Hi nightshade and thanks. I need to run my new laods over a chronograph but my last batch was around 570-600fps - probably a bit on the stiff side for regular use in an Agent.