Is the .38 Special Wadcutter Actually Enough for Self-Defense?
In this video, we take a closer look at one of the most quietly respected loads in the .38 Special world: the wadcutter. With its distinctive flat, full-diameter face, it doesn’t look like much next to modern defensive ammunition — but it has earned a loyal following across nearly a century for reasons that still hold up today.
The wadcutter started life as a target round. That flat nose cuts clean, round holes in paper, making scoring easier and rewarding precise shooting, which is why it became a staple of bullseye competition. Over time, shooters discovered its practical virtues reached further than the range. In lightweight snub-nose revolvers, the classic 148-grain full wadcutter is soft-shooting and easy to control, yet still penetrates well because it isn’t relying on high velocity or expansion to do its work. For many who carry a small .38, that combination of low recoil and dependable performance makes it a serious option, not just a nostalgic one.
We walk through where the wadcutter came from, why its simple design works the way it does, and why it continues to earn a place in both target shooting and everyday carry. The goal isn’t to crown one load above all others — it’s to understand why this old-school design has stayed relevant for so long.
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A friend of mine who was LEO shot a suspect three times with a .38 special before he went down. I personally, want a .357 or larger caliber. You can keep you 9mm. I'll go 40 cal. or my preferred caliber, .44 mag. Never will a man keep attacking if you shoot him with a .44 mag. Just ask Harry.
Wadcutter is all I use on my .38 Grant it that I don’t carry a revolver as much due to its low capacity but revolvers are great firearms and wadcutters are no joke, let them bleed themselves out once they FAFO! 😉
Mas…sir!… Thank you! I’m so glad you’re still with us all and still imparting wisdom and experience! (I first “encountered” you in Combat Handguns magazine in 1986 when I was only 12 years old but finally interested in reality, not movies nor “he said”.
So this 52 years old “youngin’” still is here for your words!
I enjoy target shooting with wadcutters – S&B are great in my LCR – but availability is indeed an issue, Cost is, too – maybe reloading is the answer there.
But I find Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special – the regular load – to have similar recoil levels and point of impact to S&B wadcutters. They're a proven round with widespread availability – so that's my carry round of choice.
Thanks Mas Wish there was an answer to arthritis some guns I don't shoot much any more due to the resulting pain in my hands sad but true… My reloads are much easier on the hands. Oh Well😁😁
Two thoughts, first any round available today is adequate for self defense, not necessarily optimal, but adequate compared with nothing. Second considering the ranges at which most self defense shots can be justified and shots are fired the inherent accuracy of ammunition is of little practical consideration. Conclusion, shoot what you shoot best and what you have is exponentially superior that that which you wish you had
If you have to qualify with your service gun several times a year, do you also have to do the qualification test with the particular type of ammo you will be carrying during your service? Would switching to lighter loads for the test, such as wadcutters, be permitted or even any use for getting a better score?
The old hollow base wadcutters were loaded with the base forward, and not at target velocities, but not much higher because they were soft, and THAT load was well regarded.
We're used to call Em belly whoppers, cause they have a tendency to tumble, especially when they hit your stomach, they go out the back with a whole bunch of guts, excellent. I keep 2 in my revolver all the time, those are the first rounds that come out, then I have 2 regular full metal. Jacket, and then I have 2 hollow points. Soupers , that way , I can dial up what I need
I remember people years ago talking about handloading wadcutter bullets turned around backwards for defense. The idea was hoping the bullets turned around would be like HP with huge openings for huge expansion.
I carry w.c. in my 60 yr old Charter Arms Undercover .38 special. I tested it against a doubled up leather sguare. Full hide from Tandy. At 10yrds,it put perfect holes in it. Accurately. I'm satisfied it with do the job.
I don't know if I am right on this, but I have always kind of suspected that people think wadcutters are so accurate because they make bigger holes on paper that can touch easier at a given group size.
I've reloaded thousands of 38 HBWC for my 38 revolvers and model 52's. Cheap to reload from NE Reloading and lots of fun to shoot. 2.7 Gr of Bullseye powder is my preferred loading.
Retired Los Angeles SD about the same age as Massad. Back in the 70s LASD was well known for thoroughly testing anything they gave to the troops. There may have been a gun trainer that wasn't an armorer, but I never met one. We were issued the S&W Model 15 combat masterpiece back in the day. With some effort and hundreds of those wad cutters I qualified distinguished expert (290+ out of 300 at 25 yards – 3 times) using that out of the box 4" revolver, dressed up with some beautiful zebra wood Mustang grips. Back then 158g Remington Core-Lockt was their choice of carry after extensive testing on the honor ranch pigs. Today ammunition technology better. Although I have not tested them on pigs, like Massad I too use Gold Dot in my LCR as a light weight carry. Although I let Crimson Trace assist my aging eyeballs. My LCR can chamber .357 and I agree running them is brutal. .357s are effective but have a sharp donkey kick even in full frame weapons. Try it at night if you really like being deaf, dumb and blind. It makes quick Zombiland double taps a real skill to be mastered. I agree with my old Viet Nam helo pilot partner, I don't want to be shot by any of them.
Great info for those who are looking. Not LE, just a bum at the range… when I go… . Love the way the wadcutters (semi-wadcutters… ) make such nice round holes in the targets. Thanks for the excellent info (as usual 🙂). Your hands look like they hurt, 😞. I hope it's not too bad all day long. All the best to you and yours. Your videos are really good 🙂.
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A friend of mine who was LEO shot a suspect three times with a .38 special before he went down. I personally, want a .357 or larger caliber. You can keep you 9mm.
I'll go 40 cal. or my preferred caliber, .44 mag. Never will a man keep attacking if you shoot him with a .44 mag. Just ask Harry.
Wadcutter is all I use on my .38 Grant it that I don’t carry a revolver as much due to its low capacity but revolvers are great firearms and wadcutters are no joke, let them bleed themselves out once they FAFO! 😉
What the heck happened to .38 special ammo prices? Insanity almost $30 per box of 50 FMJ. Wadcutters are even more $$ if you can find them anywhere
Mas…sir!…
Thank you!
I’m so glad you’re still with us all and still imparting wisdom and experience!
(I first “encountered” you in Combat Handguns magazine in 1986 when I was only 12 years old but finally interested in reality, not movies nor “he said”.
So this 52 years old “youngin’” still is here for your words!
Cheers!
I enjoy target shooting with wadcutters – S&B are great in my LCR – but availability is indeed an issue, Cost is, too – maybe reloading is the answer there.
But I find Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special – the regular load – to have similar recoil levels and point of impact to S&B wadcutters. They're a proven round with widespread availability – so that's my carry round of choice.
Thanks Mas Wish there was an answer to arthritis some guns I don't shoot much any more due to the resulting pain in my hands sad but true… My reloads are much easier on the hands. Oh Well😁😁
Wow, my father used wad cutters sometimes! This really takes me back, rest his soul.
Two thoughts, first any round available today is adequate for self defense, not necessarily optimal, but adequate compared with nothing. Second considering the ranges at which most self defense shots can be justified and shots are fired the inherent accuracy of ammunition is of little practical consideration. Conclusion, shoot what you shoot best and what you have is exponentially superior that that which you wish you had
If you have to qualify with your service gun several times a year, do you also have to do the qualification test with the particular type of ammo you will be carrying during your service?
Would switching to lighter loads for the test, such as wadcutters, be permitted or even any use for getting a better score?
Just wondering what the ballistic jell shows?
The old hollow base wadcutters were loaded with the base forward, and not at target velocities, but not much higher because they were soft, and THAT load was well regarded.
I once shot wadcutters in a model 12 with 2 inch barrel. They felt like nothing. While +p even out of a steel frame model 60 are a hand full!
My 1964 Colt Diamondback and I, thank you for the info.
We're used to call Em belly whoppers, cause they have a tendency to tumble, especially when they hit your stomach, they go out the back with a whole bunch of guts, excellent. I keep 2 in my revolver all the time, those are the first rounds that come out, then I have 2 regular full metal. Jacket, and then I have 2 hollow points. Soupers , that way , I can dial up what I need
I remember people years ago talking about handloading wadcutter bullets turned around backwards for defense. The idea was hoping the bullets turned around would be like HP with huge openings for huge expansion.
I carry w.c. in my 60 yr old Charter Arms Undercover .38 special. I tested it against a doubled up leather sguare. Full hide from Tandy. At 10yrds,it put perfect holes in it. Accurately. I'm satisfied it with do the job.
I don't know if I am right on this, but I have always kind of suspected that people think wadcutters are so accurate because they make bigger holes on paper that can touch easier at a given group size.
Far better than a sharp pointy stick 💯👍👌
Crippletude. hmf hmf hmf!
He said "crippletude".
Better than throwing a rock.
I've reloaded thousands of 38 HBWC for my 38 revolvers and model 52's. Cheap to reload from NE Reloading and lots of fun to shoot. 2.7 Gr of Bullseye powder is my preferred loading.
Retired Los Angeles SD about the same age as Massad. Back in the 70s LASD was well known for thoroughly testing anything they gave to the troops. There may have been a gun trainer that wasn't an armorer, but I never met one. We were issued the S&W Model 15 combat masterpiece back in the day. With some effort and hundreds of those wad cutters I qualified distinguished expert (290+ out of 300 at 25 yards – 3 times) using that out of the box 4" revolver, dressed up with some beautiful zebra wood Mustang grips. Back then 158g Remington Core-Lockt was their choice of carry after extensive testing on the honor ranch pigs. Today ammunition technology better. Although I have not tested them on pigs, like Massad I too use Gold Dot in my LCR as a light weight carry. Although I let Crimson Trace assist my aging eyeballs. My LCR can chamber .357 and I agree running them is brutal. .357s are effective but have a sharp donkey kick even in full frame weapons. Try it at night if you really like being deaf, dumb and blind. It makes quick Zombiland double taps a real skill to be mastered. I agree with my old Viet Nam helo pilot partner, I don't want to be shot by any of them.
Great info for those who are looking. Not LE, just a bum at the range… when I go… . Love the way the wadcutters (semi-wadcutters… ) make such nice round holes in the targets. Thanks for the excellent info (as usual 🙂). Your hands look like they hurt, 😞. I hope it's not too bad all day long. All the best to you and yours. Your videos are really good 🙂.
Just garrulous enough
I fired that SW340 with mag loads back in the day. Yes, it’s brutal 😅
Interesting those were my dad’s favorite round for his Beretta revolver in 38 special, that was in the very early 1970’s.