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MLeake · June 2, 2011, 11:28 AM

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.

June 2, 2011, 11:28 AM	#30
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	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.