What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? - The Firearms Forum

Rhuga · 02-19-2012, 11:08 AM

I don't know if this is the right forum for this question. Also, I think I remember sometime last year the subject of Semi-wadcutters came up. But, I can't find it.

I am looking at buy some bulk ammo. They have the .38 Special 158gr Plated Semi-Wadcutter and the .38 Special 158 gr Full Metal Jacketed rounds.

What is the benefit or difference of these two? Also, consider that they are both +P, if that matters,

Brisk44 · 02-19-2012, 11:12 AM

The FMJ are rounded whereas the SWC has a squared off shoulder in order to leave a nice clean round hole in the target. Easier to score for competitive shooting.

Rhuga · 02-19-2012, 11:29 AM

Thank you Brisk.

H-D · 02-19-2012, 11:35 AM

todd51 · 02-19-2012, 11:45 AM

I was taking a picture while H-D was giving you the answer. But I will add my photo anyway, ha.

JLA · 02-19-2012, 01:06 PM

I like semi wadcutters, they shoot great and make fantastic hunting bullets

Rhuga · 02-19-2012, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

I like semi wadcutters, they shoot great and make fantastic hunting bullets

Are you saying that the Semi-Wadcutters have more punch or shock than a round nose?

Diamondback · 02-19-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhuga

Are you saying that the Semi-Wadcutters have more punch or shock than a round nose?

Yes. They punch a hole rather than just pushing their way through. On game they tend to cut holes through the vitals rather than pushing them to the side.

Oneida Steve · 02-19-2012, 01:45 PM

+1 to Diamondback. The .38 round nose is a holdover from when the military used revolvers. The SWC is an all-around better bullet.

JLA · 02-19-2012, 05:03 PM

Spot on guys.

In my hutning experience a .44 mag SWC is more effective on game than an equal weight HP. Penetrates better too.

carver · 02-19-2012, 06:37 PM

While I agree with every thing that has been said so far, I would like to add one more bullet to the list. The DEWC.

gun-nut · 02-19-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver

While I agree with every thing that has been said so far, I would like to add one more bullet to the list. The DEWC.

who make them? That looks a bit nasty.

cpttango30 · 02-19-2012, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver

While I agree with every thing that has been said so far, I would like to add one more bullet to the list. The DEWC.

According to one guy in the Walmart here that there is a stealth bullet and you will get he death penalty for just owning them......

JLA · 02-19-2012, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver

While I agree with every thing that has been said so far, I would like to add one more bullet to the list. The DEWC.

I like HBWCs loaded upside down over data for a DEWC. Like a huge hollowpoint and makes a mess of a 5 gallon bucket of water.

carver · 02-20-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gun-nut

who make them? That looks a bit nasty.

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=DEWC

Usually you find these in .38/.357, but you can get the extra wide flat nose in the larger pistol calibers. And they are nasty! 260gr. WFP for .44 caliber.

carver · 02-20-2012, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

I like HBWCs loaded upside down over data for a DEWC. Like a huge hollowpoint and makes a mess of a 5 gallon bucket of water.

I like em too! But you can't find em just anywhere. If you are buying some, where are you getting them?

mikld · 02-20-2012, 05:38 PM

Wadcutters are the classic target bullet. When shot through paper, it leaves a neat, round hole with sharp edges, that's easy to score. Wadcutters aren't accurate at longer ranges and lose velocity faster than more stramlined designs. A semi-wadcutter has a full caliber sholder and a short flat ended nose, more accurare than wadcutters at longer ranges. Much debate on sholders cutting tissue or flat nose causing cavitation of tissue around sholders. I believe the most tissue damage, for hunting, is from a large flat nose (meplat). I use a double ended wadcutter for my house gun; good tissue damage with less overpenetration. Pics tell a better story though...

02-19-2012, 11:08 AM	#1
Rhuga Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 645	What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? I don't know if this is the right forum for this question. Also, I think I remember sometime last year the subject of Semi-wadcutters came up. But, I can't find it. I am looking at buy some bulk ammo. They have the .38 Special 158gr Plated Semi-Wadcutter and the .38 Special 158 gr Full Metal Jacketed rounds. What is the benefit or difference of these two? Also, consider that they are both +P, if that matters, --> Last edited by Rhuga; 02-19-2012 at 01:20 PM..

02-19-2012, 11:12 AM	#2
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? The FMJ are rounded whereas the SWC has a squared off shoulder in order to leave a nice clean round hole in the target. Easier to score for competitive shooting.

02-19-2012, 11:29 AM	#3
Rhuga Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 645	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? Thank you Brisk.

02-19-2012, 11:35 AM	#4
H-D Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,334	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? __________________ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:11

02-19-2012, 11:45 AM	#5
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,572	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? I was taking a picture while H-D was giving you the answer. But I will add my photo anyway, ha. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member Last edited by todd51; 04-23-2013 at 08:08 PM..

02-19-2012, 01:06 PM	#6
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,317	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? I like semi wadcutters, they shoot great and make fantastic hunting bullets __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-19-2012, 01:45 PM	#9
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,028	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? +1 to Diamondback. The .38 round nose is a holdover from when the military used revolvers. The SWC is an all-around better bullet.

02-19-2012, 05:03 PM	#10
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,317	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? Spot on guys. In my hutning experience a .44 mag SWC is more effective on game than an equal weight HP. Penetrates better too. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-19-2012, 06:37 PM	#11
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,268	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? While I agree with every thing that has been said so far, I would like to add one more bullet to the list. The DEWC. Attached Images __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

02-20-2012, 05:38 PM	#17
mikld Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 573	Re: What Is A Semi-Wadcutter? Wadcutters are the classic target bullet. When shot through paper, it leaves a neat, round hole with sharp edges, that's easy to score. Wadcutters aren't accurate at longer ranges and lose velocity faster than more stramlined designs. A semi-wadcutter has a full caliber sholder and a short flat ended nose, more accurare than wadcutters at longer ranges. Much debate on sholders cutting tissue or flat nose causing cavitation of tissue around sholders. I believe the most tissue damage, for hunting, is from a large flat nose (meplat). I use a double ended wadcutter for my house gun; good tissue damage with less overpenetration. Pics tell a better story though... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast.