Ed Harris--Revisiting the Full Charge Wadcutter

[Bruce in WV]

A modern 1,000 fps/148gr DEWC load from the N340 online data page:

[358156hp]

Lyman listed lots of high powered loads for wadcutters in 357 mag in most of their "Cast Bullet Handbook" and "Pistol and Revolver Handbook". 1400+ fps in some cases.

Formidable.

[Bruce in WV]

I neglected to identify this as a 38 spl load table. Edited to correct that error.

A modern 1,000 fps/148gr DEWC 38 spl load from the N340 online data page:

[03RN]

Is there any serious concern about using magnum primers with the smaller charges and reduced case capacity of wadcutter loads?

[Duelist]

Is there any serious concern about using magnum primers with the smaller charges and reduced case capacity of wadcutter loads?

I don’t think so. Should run just fine. The magnum primer, iirc, has a harder cup to resist Magnum pressure loads, not some significantly different/more/hotter priming compound.

I could be wrong, but that’s what I remember reading.

[john c]

Is there any serious concern about using magnum primers with the smaller charges and reduced case capacity of wadcutter loads?

Even with higher force from a mag primer, wadcutter load pressures are so low that increasing them a few percent still leaves you well below operating maximums.


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[03RN]

Im not so worried about pressure, more like erratic or poor performance.

[john c]

Im not so worried about pressure, more like erratic or poor performance.

Quite the opposite. Magnum primers are recommended for powders with poor ignition (famously 296/H110) or adverse conditions like extreme cold weather. The extra power is better at lighting off propellant.

Serious match rifle shooters have discovered that the mildest primers that will light off the propellant consistently are best for accuracy. They avoid magnum primers and seek out certain brands for that reason. Unless you’re shooting bullseye at 50 yards it’s immaterial for handguns.


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[03RN]

Thanks

[03RN]

Got some tested yesterday.

4" M10-10
3.5gr 231 under 148gr dewc
725fps
173ft lbs

4gr 231 under 148gr dewc
844fps
234ft lbs

3" M10-7
3.5gr 231 under 148gr dewc
704fps
163ft lbs

4gr 231 under 148gr dewc
839fps
231ft lbs

Accuracy was better with the 4gr load in both and they were exceedingly mild.