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Old June 1, 2011, 09:50 PM   #26
M4BGRINGO
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How much difference is there between .38 Special and .38 Wadcutters?

I know there is a HUGE difference between the .38 Wadcutters and .357 Magnum, no comparison!

We have not shot true .38 Special through it yet, just wondering if the recoil is similar to the Wadcutters.
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Old June 1, 2011, 09:58 PM   #27
ClayInTx
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I don’t use .38s in a .357 because the .38s leave a powder ring in the .357 chamber which has to be cleaned out.

I have .357s around and about but have a .38 by the bed.

A DAO (shrouded hammer) does well when fired from under a blanket, no hammer snag. Take note of where you have your toes.

However, in an emergency I’ll grab the closest one.

Regards,
Four-toed Clay
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Old June 2, 2011, 10:59 AM   #28
MLeake
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Powder rings from .38's in .357 chambers are only a big deal if you don't clean the gun after shooting it. If I shoot .38's in a .357, I make sure to clean the gun after I get home. Not a problem at all.
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Old June 2, 2011, 11:14 AM   #29
aarondhgraham
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Wadcutters are .38 Special rounds.

Quote:
We have not shot true .38 Special through it yet, just wondering if the recoil is similar to the Wadcutters.
Wadcutters are "true .38 specials",,,
It's just the specialized shape of the bullet that looks different.

Wadcutters make a very clean "cut" hole in a paper target,,,
Many people will use them for self defense rounds,,,
They feel the shape will "cut" a bleeding wound.

In one way their logic is sound,,,
It has been proven that round nose lead rounds,,,
Simply push tissue out of the way and tend not to make a bleeding wound.

I'm not advocating wadcutters as a self defense round,,,
I prefer semi-wad cutter hollow points myself.

Aarond
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Old June 2, 2011, 11:28 AM   #30
MLeake
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Wadcutters are still .38 Special, but they are often loaded to lower pressures since they are generally intended for punching paper. Not to say one couldn't find or make full-power wadcutters, but most wadcutters are down-loaded for comfort at the range.

Following numbers come from ballistics.com
http://www.ballistics101.com/357_magnum.php#
http://www.ballistics101.com/38_special.php

Looking at MagTech and Remington, their 148gr wadcutters both run at 710fps. (barrel length was not specified, I'm assuming 4" but am not sure). Fiocchi's 148gr wadcutter runs at 730fps.

MagTech's 158gr standard pressure SJHP runs at 830fps, and 158gr+P SJHP at 890fps.

Remington's 158gr standard pressure SWC runs at 755fps, and 158gr+P SWC at 890fps.

So, wadcutters are typically loaded lighter than other ammo in a given caliber.

Now, to compare those to .357 ammo...

MagTech 158gr LSWC at 1235fps.

Remington 158gr SWC at 1235fps.

Figure same weight, at 40%-50% more velocity than the .38, and you can add 40%-50% recoil in a given platform for .357 vs .38 recoil.
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Old June 2, 2011, 12:20 PM   #31
M4BGRINGO
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Thanks 4-toed Clay, guess you didn't move your foot in time........

I will check the chambers, I cleaned the barrel and the top strap, not too sure how closely I looked at the chambers though.

As far as .38 Wadcutters vs. .38 Special: I have never seen a bullet "apart". I kinda figured the Wadcutters had less powder in them because of where they located the projectile. It sits flush with the end of the casing (brass) while a "normal" .38 Special projectile comes out of the casing. Because of this height difference I figured the Wadcutters had less pop to them. Then again, I guess using a different type of powder between the two would change everything anyway.........

My wife really likes the Wadcutters but they aren't cheap. I am thinking of also getting a 9mm for her just for shooting paper since that ammo is cheap and she said the .22 is boring. Maybe a revolver in 9mm.......
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