Wadcutters for Defense? .38 Special and .32 Long Ballistic Test

Testing Fiocchi .38 Special and .32 S&W long from snub nose revolvers in a 10% Clear Ballistics test. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.com/user?u=5828221

[@GunSam]

For reference with my .38 Special wadcutter handloads, last spring I loaded some Hornady 148 gr HBWC's with 3.5 gr of Titegroup and averaged 863 FPS in this same 2" revolver. Through the gel I got 21.5" penetration and nose deformation of .392" and with MDF I got 18" penetration and .422" nose deformation. In plain gel that's 39% more penetration and 6% more expansion with my hand loads, and with MDF the hand loads had 60% more penetration and 9% more expansion.

[@sissydreams7494]

Thanks for the great vid, Sam! However, it seems to me that I remember different 32 S&W wadcutter loads doing VERY well out of that Ruger LCR! This is a very big disappointment and contrary to previous video performances.

[@GunSam]

@@sissydreams7494 May have been Buffalo Bore wadcutters. They rocked

[@kfsrmn]

My 38 hand loads same bullet are a tad lighter than yours but not much. Very comfortable carrying them in my LCR.

[@bobgordon1754]

If you shoot someone with reloaded ammo the morally depraved family will sue you and you will lose. Their lawyer will tell the jury your ammo is 24 times more powerful than the nuke we dropped on Hiroshima in WW 2 and the jury will believe it. I have been a law enforcement officer for more than 36 years and know of what I speak. Even if you win in court you will have wasted many thousands of dollars. Shoot only factory ammo and you will rob the scum of that opportunity. I was involved in a shooting a year ago and my sergeants first question was if I had issued ammo in my gun. It is a really big deal.

[@red9man2130]

Yep!

[@chasrmartel4777]

I use hardcast double ended WC for 32 H&R and 38 Special. I load the 32 to around 900 FPS and the 38 to between 800 and 850 FPS. Both penetrate straight and deep. I've shot into soaked newspaper with ribs and shoulder bones. These punch right through and have a well defined wound cavity. They are my favorite self defense loads. I'm more sure of my ability to hit and see definitive terminal effect with snubbies and hardcast DEWC than any other pocket carry self defense option.

[@yellowboxster06]

I certainly can relate; I have a lot of confidence in my ability with my SP101 using a comparable 38 Special WC load. I routinely practice at 15 and 20 yards with this 2.25” Ruger. I generally carry a speed strip with 158 gr semi wad cutters…the classic FBI load.

[@roraev9296]

Kind of fascinating watching the wadcutters slowly bounce off the target and land in the snow.

[@danamorrow5352]

I was at the range recently and one of the range marshals was telling me that a snub nose 38 was just a "get off me" gun and to not worry about accuracy because you couldn't hit anything from any distance anyway. That is what I really like about your videos and the fact that you shoot these light round and short barrels from different distances and prove that if you can't hit from distance it is you and not the revolver.

[@blackhawk7r221]

Dana, I absolutely love breaking dinner plates on the 25yd back burm with the wife’s J-frame. It shuts up a lot of assholes.

[@johnshields9110]

I've had several M 36's that would easily hit Coke cans at 25 yards, if you have the hand skills to get a good grip on them.

[@evocati6523]

I'm always floored when people who build their careers around guns know almost nothing about them

[@d.b.1698]

I'm a range officer and I love my snubby .38's and I always tell people that the snubby will be just as accurate as you. Not too many range officers are well-versed on revolvers.

[@chuckhaggard1584]

I still have to qualify with my guns on our state LE qual course, with 10 out of 50 rounds from the 25 yard line. I routinely max this qual with snub .38s and .22s, and .380 pistols. "It's only an arm's length gun if you're incompetent" Claude Werner "The Tactical Professor"

[@jimmyjoe4488]

I've been carrying .357 mag wadcutters in my SP101 short barrel, with Hornady critical defense in the speed loader. It's just harder to load wadcutters in a hurry using the speed loader.

[@danielleclare2938]

Reload with FMJ or RNL. If it is that busy then you need the reliability and speed at that point. Be safe as always.

[@normanmallory2055]

I carry 155 grain full wad cutters in my .357 and have been quite happy with accuracy!

[@normanmallory2055]

Great tests ! I’ve been loading full wad cutters for around 25 years ! I’ve used them in IDPA MATCHES ! One thing I’ve noticed as they are like launching a brick through the air is beyond 30-35 yards the group opens up and I see some hit the paper sideways ! But all in all for self defense I don’t see any reason why they cannot be effective! I carry my .357 loaded with them but not all the time as I switch them out !

[@tflynn2400]

My motto is: If Jim Cirillo used it, it will work. Wadcutters were preferred over round nose.

[@crankybuzzard6867]

I have not found .357 wadcutters yet. I do use the .38 wadcutters while I search for more options.

[@FlightRisk1516]

This may have been mentioned, already: Georgia Arms has a new wadcutter load designed especially for short (1-7/8") barrels. 758 fps.

[@glennsammon4465]

the ULTIMATE DEFENSE WADCUTTER. I am going to look for those.

[@chuckhaggard1584]

We tested that one at Gunsite during the Revolver Round-up event last year, it's an outstanding defensive load for snub .38s

[@miketranfaglia3986]

Your shooting with a DA snub-nose is pretty darn good!

[@JohnDoeSmith08]

I reload & cast bullets for .32 S&W long. With a modern .32 I can bump these up to around 800+ FPS (140 ft lbs.) in a 3 inch barrel without straining things too much. Still easy to shoot with low recoil and tolerable noise compared to the larger calibers.

[@randallupton3622]

Puts a whole new perspective on blunt force trauma.

[@dennisb8874]

I’ve recently switched to 148 grain wadcutters in my snub nose .38 Special and .357’s for EDC ammo for the same reasons already mentioned by others - low recoil, accuracy at typical self-defense distances for a gun this size, quick follow-up shots and what some very yesteryear LEO’s experiences were with street shootings - it got the job done!

[@crankybuzzard6867]

really happy to see this/your test, Sam. Good job, sir!

[@ProjectMataHari]

Weird I was just talking about this with someone this morning! I wouldn't feel unarmed with either. Keep up the great videos

[@bennyregohos1650]

Excellent review, will keep following you.

[@yuvgotubekidding]

Beautiful day for a test video. Very interesting results.👍🇺🇸 ☀️

[@327Federal]

Love this thanks for the Test !!!

[@jw-sigp2258]

Very nice test. I’m about to do some more wadcutter tests soon with 32 S&W Long. Just tested Lyman 311252 RN bullet in 32 Long recently over some 700X powder with decent penetration results. Very accurate too. Thanks again for all the 32 long content sir.

[@RickyJr46]

Sam, I like your methodical approach, that you show how your findings are obtained.

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

I used to carry wadcutters in my .38 spl. Charter Arms undercover..I hand loaded them backwards with the hollow cavity facing out..very accurate up to 20 yards in my 2inch barrel.

[@shadowwolf9503]

That was a very popular load back in the 80's in my area. My girlfriend's Dad carried handloaded "backwards" 148gr 38 Special wadcutters in his 4 inch barrel FIE (an economy German made revolver).

[@chuckhaggard1584]

@@shadowwolf9503 while it was popular, in testing these loads were meh at best, or performed horribly.

[@shadowwolf9503]

@@chuckhaggard1584 Roger that. I personally never liked the idea of "backwards" wadcutters in 38 special revolvers. I've almost always had a 38 revolver or 2 around. I currently own 3- a S&W 642 and 2 RIA 38's; the 4" model 200 and the 2" model 206. I had, until recently, a really nice ole stainless Rossi model 88 snub nose 38. But one of my son's talked me out of it. I rotate the ammo in all of them more than most people change under wear LoL. I have several different loadings I use- but none are the backwards wadcutters.

[@chuckhaggard1584]

@@shadowwolf9503 I've tested various versions of the backwards WCs over the years. Many don't actually expand well, or if they do they over expand and under penetrate rather badly. This includes the recent store bought version by Atomic Ammo. Another issue is that many of these will destabilize and start keyholing at fairly close ranges. A good nose forward WC works fine.

[@frankhinkle5772]

Thanks, very helpful. I like these slow moving rounds; sometimes you can actully see the projectile in the air just before it hits the steel.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

These are my favorite videos. The ones with anything 38 special. It is my preferred carry round. I like the 11O g ballistic tip FTX Critical Defense. It shoots accurate and doesn’t beat me it the gun up if I shoot some at the range. I really like all your videos about old school loads like 158 g LRN. Thanks.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@celowski6296]

Like Gun Sam said years ago.. 38sp is so versatile!

[@onpsxmember]

Beautiful footage. Seeing the entry with just the clear gel shows the position in the block nicely. Last time at the range someone had a snubby with them, an older model 60 in .38 special. Based on local restrictions I have very little chance to try any revolver with less than a 3'' barrel unless someone had it beforehand lending it or is a licensed hunter. Had some good shots working with the second finger joint, aimed low and I definitely dislike the tiny grip. Someone said to close in cause it's a solely for backup. I knew what was doable from your videos and 25m was no issue even with a trough rear sight.

[@stevenr1354]

Great shooting. Informative video.

[@jackburnham2238]

For me, this was a fascinating video.

[@4udience0f0ne]

Would love to see you test the new Georgia Arms .38 Special self defense wadcutter load!

[@rcbrush99]

Yes, just found these as well! Great idea.

[@johncooper1107]

Nice video. Wadcutters work great for target shooting, they make clean holes in paper

[@Life_Is_Torture0000]

I carry buffalo bore +p soft lead semiwadcutter hollow points. I figure they'll expand better than more traditional hollow points out of a snubby barrel.

[@Gieszkanne]

Sure! I have seen a musket round ball shot at gel. This must have been very soft lead because they flatten like pan cakes.

[@Nutty.357]

Wow! Disappointed in the speed with the 32 LWC Fiocchi! Glad I only bought about 400 rds of that stuff, it's all I could find at the time during ammogeddon and the only means of protection I had was a H&R 732 snubby in 32 SWL! But I was happy to have it lol! Good tests I appreciate it! Happy Friday!

[@mkshffr4936]

There are much better HBWCs than the Fiocci.

[@Nutty.357]

@@mkshffr4936 those was the only ones available on earth at that time lol

[@duaneridings6591]

NYCP nicknamed the wide cutter "one per customer " , The round nose was the " widow maker " before the JHP and 9 mm I carry a 38 snubby (switch out with a 9 mm) In the summer time now That I cast and load at 700fps and doable for me with a 12x12 plate at 25 yards Great video Sam

[@GunSam]

Thank you

[@russellleavitt4449]

Wow, I just picked up two boxes of these rounds on a wim. I am glad I did. I really like the 25, 50, & 75 yard shots with the Taurus. The penetration test was spot on. I have no relative fear of them not working except for the two lite primer strikes out of the whole test is not bad. It's not just a belly gun. I picked the Taurus 856 DAO .38 +P Satin SS for my first revolver. I like it. It shoots straight and easily one handed use two if you can. I really enjoy your reviews. You make sure that you cover most bases to ensure its authentic.

[@JollyOxe]

I have Underwood .38 150GR Hardcast in my SM 686+ 3 inch as well my Ruger Security Six 2.75". It looks like it does well in tests.

[@64samsky]

You need to test 32 H&R Magnum.

[@GunSam]

Need? lol. I have tested .32 H&R magnum ammo before, but I would need specifics on what .32 H&R magnum ammo. It's one of the most difficult cartridges to find now days, but I do own a die set for it.

[@64samsky]

@@GunSam I handload for it.

[@farrismoore7524]

that 38 was accurate af 👀

[@raleighthomas3079]

Great video! It was neat watching the rounds clearly bounce off of the steel and fly around. A couple came close to the camera! Yikes!

[@zonezombie]

This is one of my most important channels for ammo testing and what you do is invaluable. I would like to point out that the performance of this Fiocchi ammo is at the bottom end of what you get with 146-gr factory wadcutters. The Winchester Super-X 146gr wadcutter is spec'd at 710fps and actually delivers about 690-710fps from the two-inch barrel. I did exhaustive research on the wadcutter a few months ago, and the foreign-made wadcutters range from mediocre to subpar. I would stick with the Winchester with Remington as the second choice.

[@marcthomas2482]

Very impressive shooting Sam! Two of my favorite rounds!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Wadcutters, wow I haven't shot wadcutters since the 1980s LEO revolver competitions! I find it interesting that the .38SPL wadcutters could be a viable defensive load!

[@LionquestFitness]

Interesting comparison. I can't remember. Have you done the same tests with semi wadcutters?

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I have tested the Fiocchi .32 Long before VS a .22, but I don't think I have ran the .38 Special version of these before this test.

[@yellowboxster06]

I use 38 Special - Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy 150 gr Hard Cast Wad Cutters from Buffalo Bore (20D). They advertise 850 FPS/ME 241 foot pounds). They work well (read: accurate & reliable) in my 2.25” Ruger SP101 and my 3” Colt Python. The only thing I notice is the smoke. When you shoot this BB ammo you’re left standing in a cloud of blue smoke. If I were backpacking in the wilderness I’d default to heavy 357 Magnum rounds.

[@zachb.6606]

Neat test. Seems like you affirmed conventional wisdom that .38 wadcutters are acceptable defensive ammo in a snubby. I think Chris Baker at Lucky Gunner did a similar test and concluded the same.

[@Gieszkanne]

Sam allready made test and videos about this years ago.

[@zachb.6606]

​@@Gieszkanne I hate to break it to you, but this idea predates KZbin and can be found in old reloading manuals and gun magazines. Baker ran his tests in 2016. Cops were carrying wadcutters in their J frames in the 1970s.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@zachb.6606 Read properly! I didnt wrote that Sam invented or discovered this. The first time I heared about .38 WC for self defence was over 20 years ago! Its no secret at all. I also didnt wrote that he did make videos about that before Lucky Gunner. Kind of a childish approach!

[@zachb.6606]

@@Gieszkanne Ok, then what point are you making if it wasn't to insinuate that he was a "first" in this area? That Sam is recycling content?

[@Gieszkanne]

@@zachb.6606 Man you are really a toxic person!

[@johnkinsel5027]

I loaded a ton of the Hornady swaged WC & SWC. They were knurled dry lubed so you didn't get the lube smoke when you shot them. Sadly they were dropped a few years back. If you ever see any on the shelf try them out. My favorite 32 bullet hands down.

[@stephenkenny7661]

SAM!!! An you get a hold of the Taurus 380. Caliber revolver which came out about ten years ago. If you an get that crazy little revolver...you should put all the 380 ammo to see if it's good!!! THAT WOULD BE A VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO FOR POSTERITY!!!

[@markmeador1137]

Thank you for showing these young whipper snappers the old wad cutters can do the job. In my j-frame with a 2” barrel I have tried various hi-tech self defense loads with poor results. I reload my own ammo for my 38 special, 158 grain wad cutters with 3 grains unique(yes, it is still made). I don’t have a chronograph but it will penetrate 16” in ballistic gel. At 10 yards I can hold an 8” spread, double action. I couldn’t do this without a lot of practice. If I could use my 1911 as a ccw I would but my little 38 special will get I job done.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I shot gel with my .357 Mag wad cutter and it tumbled a few times doing major damage. I think 32 H&R Mag is the sweet spot for 32 cal in a handgun.

[@BuckeyeBallistics]

.357mag & .44mag next! 😃

[@GunSam]

I have seen them lol. At least the .44 Mag, Buffalo Bore hard cast wadcutter. I don't think there's a .357 Mag version.

[@chrish.4067]

I got the same .32 wadcutters as you. Fun to shoot out of my Ruger sp101 .327 4". I wish my LCR was .327 instead of .38 sometimes, so that I could use all of the .32 family of ammo.

[@miketranfaglia3986]

But you can use the whole family of .357 ammo!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@miketranfaglia3986 .357 mag from a 17oz snub is a handful.

[@chrish.4067]

@@miketranfaglia3986 absolutely!

[@miketranfaglia3986]

@@exothermal.sprocket it sure is, but my point was that if you have a 357, you can shoot 357 mag, 38 spl, 38 long Colt, and 38 short Colt, so you have just as many choices as a 327 mag. If you reload, you can also load 38 spl cases to just about any power level you want. 32 cal rounds are small and fiddly, and I think they're a lot harder to reload, even if you an find the components, which you can't.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@miketranfaglia3986 Local stores, most components for non-nato stuff is hard, and has been hard since 2020. That won't stop until the Fed is dissolved and America goes back to paper ballots. .312 caliber is probably fiddly in a lot of cases over .358 caliber. I think the .327 Fed mag gave the 32 a jump start at life, considering what a rocket it is with a longer barrel (easily deer cartridge and smaller game, and Henry has a lever action for it). Obviously .38/.357 are as common as rabbits so nothing has yet to be discovered about them.

[@vettevegas8549]

Thank you.

[@javamanV3]

You are a wild man! 75 yds with a snubby? Wow! I have that same gun, but I don't shoot nearly that well!

[@ArchetypeofMan]

So, my thoughts are- For a recoil sensitive shooter, you get mild recoil, centerfire reliability vs rimfire, and probably better trigger than in a comparable .22LR or .22WMR revolver. Wadcutters make sense, IMO I have the LCRx in .327 Fed Mag for my edc most days, and I carry with Speer Gold Dot 100 grain 327 Mag in it. But if I HAD to go down to .32L for some reason, I like the option. .327 Fed Mag should be much more popular than it is.

[@J.R.F.23]

I carry 38, 148 grain wadcutters in my S&W 442 for a few reasons. 1) it stays nice and straight even after hitting a barrier. 2) it kicks less, making faster and accurate follow up shots. 3). Hollow points rarely expand well in such a short barrel. 4) the penetration and tissue damage is adequate. 5) with the lower price compared to regular carry ammunition; wadcutters are great for both practice and EDC. ADDITIONALLY on my 442 I installed a APEX improved firing pin; it’s a hair longer. Which makes primer ignitions far more reliable.

[@327SixShooter]

Very underpowered loads. As far as the .32 s&w long goes, for self defense wadcutters my first choice would be buffalo bore and that's what my wife carries in our 327 LCR. Second choice after that would be Seller & Bellot 32 long wadcutters 100 grain. Those will give you just under 700 fps out of the LCR barrel. Almost 200 fps more than this crap. I'm in Michigan as well and we went shooting at a place called Williams yesterday. I saw the same .32 long fiocchi wadcutter for sale there. When I saw the price of 44 dollars and some change for a 50 round box, I decided to pass on it lol. I'm glad I didn't buy it even if it would have been 15 dollars less than that.

[@TyroneLylesJr-vm5ot]

Solid, how does she respond to the felt recoil of the buffalo bore .32 hardcast? Thinking of switching this round from the 380 for my wife, just due to less malfunctions to occur vs a semi auo

[@327SixShooter]

@@TyroneLylesJr-vm5ot she does fine with it. I don't know which .380 you have, but I have an lcp2. I think it weighs only like 11 ounces. It sucks to shoot. That thing feels like a firecracker exploding in your hand when you shoot it. The LCR 327 weighs 17 ounces, even with the buffalo bore, the recoil is very tame with .32 long. Just enough recoil to know that you actually shot it lol.

[@TyroneLylesJr-vm5ot]

@@327SixShooter thanks man

[@lloydsims1573]

Expansion is intended to maximize tissue damage with the trade off of reduced penetration. If you get some expansion and adequate penetration, you have an effective load.

[@jamesclark6427]

Not only do I favor the revolver and carry them every day, I even use revolvers chambered for .32 S&W Long and .32 S&W! And I handload them. It's a shame the old .32 S&W Long, which is an ideal caliber for most female shooters, has been forgotten. There is a hollow point load available from Magtech, with a very well designed bullet, but it's just too low in velocity to expand. I believe Buffalo Bore has a SWC load. I load them myself. Probably the best choice for this caliber. Which for some reason has never seen any factory load development at all. Up until after WWII, the .32 was the most popular handgun caliber in the United States. Our ancestors seemed to be able to do the business with it just fine. Most women do not like shooting the lightweight aluminum frame .38 Special snubs that they often wind up with from following the misguided advice from gunshop salesmen. Then never develop the critical proficiency required. If only there were more .32s. Every so often someone makes a new revolver in the excellent .32 H&R Magnum cartridge, but it always languishes and winds up going away. Probably the terrible availability of ammunition is the main factor.

[@mkshffr4936]

The interesting thing is that these are about the slowest loads out there. Most target WCs will be faster than these and probably provide adequate penetration.

[@glenmo1]

Many experts and ballistic test have shown that 38 special Target waddcutters.. do a great job at self-defense decent wound cavity and penetration

[@44Mag]

Wow - 512fps -- I have a .177 CO2 pellet pistol that makes a little more than that...I had no idea it would be that low. Thanks for the video and information.

[@MegaAppleshit]

Don't 177 pellets only weigh like 7 grains?

[@44Mag]

@@MegaAppleshit 7gr to 15gr is common, though I have seen some 18gr

[@andrewwilson1975]

There are bb/pellet guns that shoot 1000 feet per second. A .45 acp shoots about 850 fps. But guess what, the bullet is far heavier and bigger. Even that .32 in the video is over 10 times the mass of an average pellet. 500 fps can be deadly with 90-100 grains

[@normanmallory2055]

If you had the reloading die set you could very easily load .327 cases with full wad cutters and I’m quite sure push the bullet above 500 fps closer to the 700 fps threshold! Just an idea I think is worth a try !

[@charlesphillips5906]

In my 342 PD the Federal 38 special WC gave 705 fps, Winchester 643. I was looking for low recoil loads in this very light revolver. The interesting thing is the Hornady standard pressure Critical Defense gave less recoil.

[@miketranfaglia3986]

Using target ammo for self defense is almost always a mistake, regardless of the caliber or the type of gun. However, if you reload, wadcutters might be a lot more viable for SD, because you can bump up the velocity and energy quite a bit.

[@GunSam]

Yeah, but...wadcutters are not in that same category of just target ammo like FJM and LRN. They are more effective than those.

[@miketranfaglia3986]

@@GunSam absolutely, the nice big meplat makes that kind of bullet much more effective than ball. The problem seems to be that most manufacturers load their wadcutter rounds way down to cowboy action power levels. They assume these will only be used for punching holes in paper. For most CCW people looking for ammo, it could be difficult to find the right WC carry load; they won't have a chronograph, and the advertised velocities are so often way off. Now, if you reload, that's another story...

[@robertseafield5810]

Good info. I would not use target ammo for self defense. If you must use wadcutters, get the standard pressure loads with hard cast bullets. JMHO.

[@carloparisi9945]

Hi Sam, the 32 S&W long WC may be the king of centerfire bullseye but maybe it works better with fmj or lrn for anything outside paper, I'm happy with 32 acp ball, maybe 32 S&W works with the same type of load.

[@andyssolutions5341]

Nice how they drop off the steel target like an airsoft bb :)

[@artfulalias3984]

Hand load some full wad cutters to high subsonic velocities. 1000-1050 fps. Please? A test I have never seen is supersonic full wad cutter gel test. I think they will lose stability early, becoming inaccurate somewhere around 50 yards. But a gel test of full WCs at 1250+ fps would be interesting and unique content.

[@GunSam]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3mqi4V5aqyEpbM

[@artfulalias3984]

@@GunSam I've watched that video more than once. That's the reason 38spl+p and 357 full wad cutters would be interesting. Whenever the wadcutter subject arises, someone shoots some ~700fps target wadcutters out of a

[@originallonewolf6643]

Well Sam maybe you can just take out ground hogs or beavers with the .32 🤷‍♂️🙋‍♂️😂😂 great vid bro.

[@glennsammon4465]

Paul Harrels test got 660 FPS and did really good damage to the meat target with some minute expansion , and they did just as much damage as the Hornady FTX critical defense loads.

[@tflynn2400]

75 yards with a snub nosed .38 and you only missed one??? Sam, that’s some serious trigger control. I’m impressed!

[@skipcalvert4310]

Remember, it's a movie.

[@dane5896]

I've been carrying the Underwood wadcutters in my 442.

[@dangerman007]

With the .32: I guess it beats throwing rocks... In .38, it would be an interesting test to compare LRN, FMJ and WC and see what the best option would be if you had to pick a target load for defense. My money is on the LRN.

[@mkshffr4936]

Winchester and Federal 32 HBWCs perform better.

[@loquat44-40]

Low velocity loads in revolvers shoot high in many cases. Wad cutters are more difficult load quickly into a cylinder under stress due to the shape and in your case with .32 they were too short. A strip loader would be better for the .32. Those factory loaded rounds are way under powdered. If it was me I would reload those with care to get them going a little faster and turn them backwards with the hollow portion of the bullet facing forward; I am assuming that they hollow based. Such bullets will often tumble, even inflight making a devastating wound. Light primer strikes suggests that spring tension on the hammer is not sufficient. Often happens when people tune revolvers by weakening the hammer spring tension. I have never heard that .45 ACP was a better long range round than 9x19. But then few shoot them at ranges in excess of 50 yards.

[@TheWalterKurtz]

They may be slow, but I wouldn't let you "plink" me with either. You could see some of the slugs bounce off iron man.

[@sarge2498]

You need to test Underwood Black Cherry 38sp wadcutters. They are quite a but hotter. I carry them in a 642 Smith. They perform really well in times I've shot them.

[@GunSam]

Pretty sure I have

[@andrewwilson1975]

The thing is, at the point one uses hot wadcutters, the benefit of wadcutters is reduced

[@livincincy4498]

I have an LCR 38 and I replaced the front site with an LCR 22LR front site to shoot 148 WC & 158 SWC.

[@onpsxmember]

*sight

[@johnnymccann5607]

I may self would reload the wadcutters 800-850 fps out of 2 in barrel. John cirelo the NYC police detective in his I think 21 gunfights proved the usefulness of the wadcutters for self defense.some ammunition manufacturers have a 38 special anti personal round and a200 gr wadcutters for 44 special anti personal.i don't know the brinnel hardnessfactor factor for them but would want a 12-15 hardnessfactor but18 would be better for busting through hide, meat, vitals and opposite shoulder bone as close range emergency shots on wild pigs and medium sized black bear walking in the woods.i would prefer 3-4 inch barrels. just my old man's opinion. but as I'm disabled I would have my compact 44 mag.papa wishing you well

[@Paladin1873]

Several decades back a dear friend of mine defended himself and his wife from a knife-wielding drunkard who was attempting to rob their store. Lee put several rounds of 32 Long in the man before he stopped attacking and walked outside to sit down. Both Lee and his wife sustained several nasty knife wounds, but survived. After he recovered I took Lee shooting and gave him some tips on self defense. He was still carrying the same 4" S&W 32 he had used to defend himself and Sarah. I could not convince him to buy a 38 because it meant spending money on another gun and new ammo. Lee was a wonderful man, but his thrift nearly got them both killed. Thankfully, he never had another violent encounter and was at peace the last time I saw him, which was at his funeral about 15 years later. As you might suspect, I do not use small caliber handguns for protection even though they can be quite pleasant to shoot. At the very least you need to achieve good shot placement and penetration to stop a determined foe, and the average 32 Long loading is simply not up to the task. For those who prefer 32 revolvers, please consider a 32 H&R Magnum or 327 Federal and adapt to the increased recoil and report.

[@Gieszkanne]

I have read a story about somone who defend himself with one head shot. His gun was an old lemon squeezer in .32 short! On the other hand you can find stories of aggresssors gotten shot with .357 Mag or .45 ACP with several deadly hits but still shooting back.

[@robertlemaster7525]

That is why I use RNL or FMJ for my speed loaders and speed strips. The smoothest reloads are far superior to a super bullet if by some nightmare you haven't fixed your problem in 5 rounds.

[@AlekseySh1982]

Fiocchi also loads same 148 gr. bullets in .357 magnum with about 1000 fps. Maybe just for Europe.

[@garysarratt1]

Those bullets are so slow they’re visible in flight. Nolan Ryan could throw bullets faster than that!

[@arnoldcohen1250]

When Fiocchi was imported from Europe, they were said to be loaded hot. Are these from the US Fiocchi plant?

[@GunSam]

I think so

[@conro7003]

Lrn is king👑💪 I kid of courses, if you can get a good +p hollow point to get good penetration, expand properly, and you don’t mind the recoil, that’s probably the way to go. My 38 isn’t +p rated so I use lrn.

[@Torter23]

I think modern testing on this channel and others have shown that the much maligned 38 LRN is a formidable cartridge out of short barrels. Certainly better than fmj and hollow points that don't expand, and often better even against expanding hollow points given deformation and tumbling tendencies. I think the myth of poor LRN performance comes from back in the day from officers who wanted 357 but the department stuck with 38 - and no one wanted to say good things cause they wanted the 357. However, for law enforcement the performance of 38 lrn through barriers isn't great so their concerns are valid in that context. But for civilian use, 158 gr LRN worked well back then and today (in snubbies). Whether wadcutters are better or not - that's why I'm here! Out of a four inch or greater barrel, there are other options, but for the snubbies hard to argue against the ol' 158gr LRN - and they're cheaper!

[@mkshffr4936]

Recently have heard good things about S&B 32 HBWCs. Might be interesting to compare say S&B, Winchester and, MagTech.

[@mountainview540]

. I do like watching the uncommon stuff. Like 38 s&w or 32 s&w. Have you ever tested the norma 38-special hollowpoint? They are 158g standard pressure. I have never seen a video on them

[@joegilbert7661]

I have never seen wadcutter ammo for sale anywhere. Where did you find yours? Nice comparison video sir.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. Just about every website I shop at has .38 Special wadcutters.

[@kennethbrooks4425]

These rounds are loaded for competition use by the manufacturer I would assume. With that, the low velocities make perfect sense for ease of shooting paper targets.

[@randyblackburn9765]

I’ve read that they make a cookie cutter wound and will bleed out a lot , also very low recoil for small women

[@matthewtalich9989]

These are fun to shoot but that fiberboard was quite revealing for both calibers. The 38 special did seem to do a little better.

[@880videoman]

What are your thoughts on Underwood 38 SPECIAL 150GR. WADCUTTER BLACK CHERRY COATED HARD CAST HUNTING & SELF DEFENSE AMMO for my just picked up on Saturday Smith and Wesson 442 for a summer carry? It's my first snubby, but not my first revolver. Ordered some already but have been watching your channel for a while, and you definitely know your shit when it comes to revolvers. Always great content

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I have ran stuff like this before. Generally it penetrates really well, but not over penetration by too much. If I recall it can easily hit 18" or a little more of penetration, so it's not a bad choice.

[@880videoman]

@Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ Recoil manageable? Im 6'1 250 with oven mit hands..lol..seriously though do they kick like a mofo coming out that lil snub?

[@swedeson6188]

Another great video, thank you! And i want your oppinion on a test i made. I fired a Magtech 38/357 bullet in my Ruger blackhawk and used juicejugs with water in it. I got 15.7 inches of prenetation having 0.5" of MDF as "ribs". The bullet expanded to 11mm and fragmented. Is your oppinion that i continue to find a "perfect expanding bullet", or is my loads as it is super good enough?

[@GunSam]

What particular bullets are they? Hollow point?

[@swedeson6188]

@@GunSam Yes, its hollow points Magtech original bullets.

[@kc0lif]

i got vindicater 357 magnum 32 caliber sounds interesting.

[@rmyrvold]

I would like to see the same test using hotter loaded hard cast semi-wadcutters. I load my own .38 special 158 grain semi wadcutters (E Keith) loaded to 950 fps and they work well. I would like see how that load would compare against a .32 H&R loaded with similar specs. I would try this myself if I owned a 32 capable revolver. I would think they my give over penetration though.

[@warrenog499]

What 40 round would u recommend for a glock 27 or 23 size? I was using the 165 g ranger t series until I saw it wouldn’t expand through heavy clothing so my go to would be regular old federal hst 165 g but would like to know what you would recommend? you have very good tests btw

[@markmuch1295]

Paul Harrell likes .38 lead 158 grain semi-wadcutters for self defense. Are they better than wadcutters?

[@Munky332]

What's your opinion on the taurus 856 these days? I know you had issues at first. Was it the alloy ultra-lite model, or the steel frame model? I want to pick one up for shits and giggles, but the easiest place for me to get one only sells the steel frame.

[@GunSam]

Mine is all steel. It functions as they replaced it, but it still shoots left.

[@ezmn9663]

I have watch a bunch of your videos, but it seems very few 38 Special +P HP rounds expand properly out of a short barrel and reach 12"+. Do you have to have a list of ones that consistently do?

[@damiendarko9411]

4:10 "Nothing in the way that could impede this penetration." THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!

[@JustMe-ln5je]

In the first two shots that you said were in "just plain ballistics", it sure looks to me that you have the 1/4" MDF in place between the three inch gel and the bigger gel. What is that separating the gels?

[@GunSam]

It's a 3" wide piece of MDF (gel piece is 6" wide) and is on the right side of the block, the first two shots were on the left side of the block where no MDF is. At 6:22 when I pull out the MDF, you see it's only 3" wide and you see only 2 holes.

[@JustMe-ln5je]

@@GunSam Sam, Sorry, I didn't understand your comment at first. Thank you.

[@smokepole14]

I have an old Taurus model 80 from the early 70’s that’s not plus p rated. Is the Buffalo bore 158 gr standard pressure swchp still too hot of a round to safely use?

[@Andy-cd1dy]

Hi, I have both Fiocchi ammo 38 spl 148 gr Both the 357 always Wadcutter. The 38 are declared by the manufacturer to be 200 m/s 192 joule The 357 instead 310 m/s 476 joules also the 357 do you think can be a good choice for home defense? Or too loud if you shoot indoors in the apartment? Thank you

[@erikjensen6503]

Which grip is 19:40 on the lcr? I'm not shooting great with the stock grip and hand loading to boot, since i still can't get 327 Fred mag ammo commercially

[@dandeering3739]

How about testing Federal 327 Federal Magnum Hammerdown Ammunition in your Ruger LCR?

[@jameslarsen3184]

In my Ruger 327 I use the speed loader by SpeedBees. Its longer

[@GunSam]

I JUST got a Speedbeez but for my LCR .22 Mag. Such a simple design.

[@Paladin1873]

I own several Taurus revolvers that tend to misfire in double action. I have my suspicion there is either a QC issue or underlying design flaw with some of their wheel guns.