*Note from moderator: New thread created for the topic*
This thread show a lot of love for wadcutters in the .38 snubby. I like wadcutters, too. In fact, I like them so much I've been loading two to a cartridge.
Before you tell me that the two projectile idea "has been tried repeatedly and rejected" or that "the concept is a loser on all levels" (as I was advised by some on another forum) at least consider these points:
- The .38 Special, even a snubby at standard pressure, can launch a 200 grain bullet at over 600 ft/s.
- Two 100 grain wadcutters can be stacked base-to-base in a .38 Special case and leave plenty of room for enough powder to get 600 ft/s. (WARNING: Don't try this with published loads for 200 grain bullets! Seating depth is much too deep for that.)
- Predicted penetration in 10% ballistic gelatin for a 100 grain .36 caliber wadcutter at 600 ft/s is about 12". (see Quantitative Ammunition Selection by Schwartz and/or Bullet Penetration by MacPherson.
- My own testing in Clear Ballistic gel shows that two projectiles hitting the gel simultaneously penetrate significantly deeper than the predicted penetration of the same projectiles fired singly at the same velocity.
- The combined cross sectional area of two .36 caliber wadcutters is equivalent to a single .50 caliber projectile.
- Predicted wound mass for two 100 grain wadcutters at 600 ft/s (as per Schwartz and/or MacPherson) equals or exceeds that of most JHP loads from a .38 snubby.
- I've found accuracy to be more than adequate for any likely civilian self-defense scenario.
- Most importantly, given a well-placed shot, two projectiles per trigger pull significantly increases the chances of a "vital" hit.
Of course, it's not all gravy. Recoil is stout. Accuracy at 25 yards leaves something to be desired. POI does not match POA. And the two wadcutter load is not speed loader friendly.