.38 special wadcutters

[criticalbass]

Friend of mine bought a .38 wadcutter target pistol. That's all it shoots, and is the first one of these I have ever seen.

He wants me to load him some ammo. He has lots of brass that came with the gun, but that's all.

Does anyone have a good source of wadcutter bullets, and does anyone have a favorite load combination?

Also, are there any specifics relating to loading wadcutters that I need to know? It'll be a long session on my Lyman turret press. I'll probably do about a hundred at a sitting. CB

 

[ldp4570]

Friend of mine bought a .38 wadcutter target pistol. That's all it shoots, and is the first one of these I have ever seen.

He wants me to load him some ammo. He has lots of brass that came with the gun, but that's all.

Does anyone have a good source of wadcutter bullets, and does anyone have a favorite load combination?

Also, are there any specifics relating to loading wadcutters that I need to know? It'll be a long session on my Lyman turret press. I'll probably do about a hundred at a sitting. CB

As to the firearm, based on the small amount of info you gave I'll guess its a semi-auto, and its a S&W model 52. If that is the case, you'll have to ensure that the loaded bullets are flush to the casing mouth. The 52's were finiky about this.

 

[newmaxx11]

I think i have a box of .38 wadcutters. ill check and get back with you.

 

[JWE]

As to the firearm, based on the small amount of info you gave I'll guess its a semi-auto, and its a S&W model 52. If that is the case, you'll have to ensure that the loaded bullets are flush to the casing mouth. The 52's were finiky about this.

+1 mil to this. Even if they're protruding slightly it will jam up the S&W Mod 52 I have.

 

[ldp4570]

One more thing, do not, I repeat, do not try and +P this for your friend. Its not what she was designed for, and it will damage the gun, and possibly the shooter. This is the primo centerfire target gun, and thats all. Its a paperpuncher, not a defensive weapon. If your friend is looking to use this as such, tell him to get a SW39. Basicly the same gun, but in a defensive caliber, and designed to function as such.

 

[criticalbass]

It is a Smith 52, and he was told its limitations by the former owner. Thanks for the heads up. I will keep it on the mild side. CB

 

[oknavy]

Does anyone have a good source of wadcutter bullets, and does anyone have a favorite load combination?

I use Berry's HBWC; they also make a double-ended version. I'll post load data later.

Of note, I load for my S&W revolver. No experience with the pistol you've described.

 

[ChrisC]

precision delta or Zero would be the only thing id shoot from it... both are highly recommended from top PPC shooters.. and they know a thing or two about wadcutters

 

[TonyT]

Friend of mine bought a .38 wadcutter target pistol. That's all it shoots, and is the first one of these I have ever seen.

He wants me to load him some ammo. He has lots of brass that came with the gun, but that's all.

Does anyone have a good source of wadcutter bullets, and does anyone have a favorite load combination?

Also, are there any specifics relating to loading wadcutters that I need to know? It'll be a long session on my Lyman turret press. I'll probably do about a hundred at a sitting. CB

Try www.midwayusa.com and search for the Remington 148 gr. LWC, it's the hollowbase dwesign which shoots well in the old S&W Model 52 pistols as well as revolvers. The old stadard load was 2.7 to 2.8 gr. Bullseye behind that bullet seated flush with a very light roll crimp applied.

 

[ldp4570]

Try www.midwayusa.com and search for the Remington 148 gr. LWC, it's the hollowbase dwesign which shoots well in the old S&W Model 52 pistols as well as revolvers. The old stadard load was 2.7 to 2.8 gr. Bullseye behind that bullet seated flush with a very light roll crimp applied.

Tony just hit the nail on the head as far as the loading goes. You'll have to work up several small batches in that spectrum, and have him shoot each for accuracy, and function. There will be some compromise; however, it will be small. Once he finds the one thats smooth he'll be cloverleafing all day, and be so hooked!!!!! Tell him now there is no cure other than buying a SW41 to match, and loading her up with CCI. After that he'll want to be on the look out for a SW952 so he has a complete "Trifecta"!!!!!