The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Penetration the (almost) only meaningful measure for self defense ballistics?

RMcL · November 24, 2019, 02:02 PM

Prior to WWII, the 38 Special factory round with the reputation of being most effective, was a full power,(850 fps) wadcutter. This was not the reduced load still known as the "mid-range target wadcutter." Today, small manufacturers like Underwood and Buffalo Bore, are again making full power - standard pressure hard cast lead wadcutter ammunition.

Since wadcutter ammunition has the widest possible unexpanded meplat, such ammunition makes sense for use in 1 & 7/8" barreled 38 Spl defensive revolvers for consistent bullet performance at attainable velocities

Perhaps then, penetration and meplat diameter, (expanded or unexpanded), should be the fundamental criteria for defensive handgun ammunition comparison.

November 24, 2019, 02:02 PM	#18
RMcL Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 273	Meplat Diameter & Penetration Prior to WWII, the 38 Special factory round with the reputation of being most effective, was a full power,(850 fps) wadcutter. This was not the reduced load still known as the "mid-range target wadcutter." Today, small manufacturers like Underwood and Buffalo Bore, are again making full power - standard pressure hard cast lead wadcutter ammunition. Since wadcutter ammunition has the widest possible unexpanded meplat, such ammunition makes sense for use in 1 & 7/8" barreled 38 Spl defensive revolvers for consistent bullet performance at attainable velocities Perhaps then, penetration and meplat diameter, (expanded or unexpanded), should be the fundamental criteria for defensive handgun ammunition comparison. Last edited by RMcL; November 24, 2019 at 11:18 PM.