Loading wadcutters

[Cerdan]

Just got some plated .38 cal 148gr. double-end wadcutters that I'm looking forward to loading. From what I've read, a lot of recipes call for the bullet to be seated flush with the case mouth, followed by a modest crimp. I imagine I should proceed with caution if I decide to seat the bullet flush when using recipes that call for a longer OAL than 1.160".

How should I compensate for the fact that I'm using plated bullets when most of the data available for this bullet type and weight is for the classic lead HBWC?

Any other tips or warnings about loading this particular type of bullet?

 

[CeeZer]

Which .38? Special?

I guess here - .38 Special as Speer calls for flush seating.
Lyman manual calls for OAL 1.317 for similar type 150gr lead bullet.

You really need a revolver guy to answer it.

 

[diopter]

148gr .38spl wadcutters are 99.9% flush with case mouth.
100% flush with semi-autos like the S&W M52.

 

[hatman1793]

Not flush at all.

Most of the S&W 52 owners will tell you that seating the bullet flush is the only way to go. Otherwise, they will not fit the magazine.
However, I rarely seat my wadd cutters flush. As most reloaders know, the deeper the seat the more pressure is generated, and in a target load, extra pressure is not required.
Depending on the cast wadd cutter I use [currently the very nice cast one from R&Rbullets@mountaincable.net] I usually have around 1/8th to a 1/4 of the bullet out of the case.
I do use a light crimp though.

 

[Cerdan]

Thanks for the info guys.

Anyone know whether I should back off a bit or increase the powder charge if I intend to load plated bullets using data for lead bullets?

These guys are itchin' to get seated!

 

[Ganderite]

use the same data as for non-plated bullets. You are at the lower end of the pressure range anyway. I would laod up and down i grain form the recommended match load, in 0.3g increments, and see what the gun likes.

I just did this for 3 different bullets. The HBWC shot best at max load. The DBWC liked a very mild load and the 158 SWC liked a mid range load.

I am used to guns having preferences, but I was shocked to see that the hollow base bullet shot tighter as the load got hotter. 0.9" at 20 yards.

 

[Cerdan]

use the same data as for non-plated bullets. You are at the lower end of the pressure range anyway.

That's what I suspected as well... And I really don't want to end up with a slugged plated wadcutter, so I'll start a bit high and spread out.

Thanks!