148 gr wadcutter in the rifle

[Johnnyjr]

Has anyone tried shooting the wad cutter bullets in the 38-357 lever action?
Just wondering how well they might perform. These are the 148 gr button nose. Seems like they would be good for small game. I would like to hear how they work if you have.
I got 20 loaded up to try in the Rossi 92. Johnny

[Gunny268]

JJ...I've done a fair bit of testing with both HBWC and DEWC in a 16" Rossi M92 357 mag. At 38 Spl velocities the twist (1 in 30") isn't fast enough to stabilize either slug (10" groups and key holes @ 50 yds.) At 1050 fps in mag cases same problems, but to a lesser degree. And leading became atrocious. Hardness for both slugs was about 10 to 12 BHN. Powders used were Titgroup, Unique, AA#5, CFE-Pistol, & Longshot. Didn't try any slower powders (H110/W296) because those generally don't work well with the lighter slugs and softer lead.
The best round I've developed coming out of my particular rifle is a 125 gr JHP @ 2180 fps. Not the fastest load I've shot, but It's almost laser accurate for a lever gun.

[Johnnyjr]

Interesting. I've got a few loaded using
Cfe pistol powder. Mine are a little harder I think.. raining so not going to the range today. Maybe tomorrow afternoon.. will shoot them over the chronograph.. thanks for your reply..

[mr surveyor]

my question pertains to how well they run through the action of the R92?


jd


oh .... and how much leading/crud in the chamber?

[Johnnyjr]

Mine seems to feed alright. As long as they have a decent crimp applied. I use the crimp groove. Not seated flush.. still haven't tried them..

[Gunny268]

38 Spl or 357 mag brass? 38 Spl brass didn't work so well in my rifle (even when seated and crimped on the forward crimp groove). 357 mag brass cycled well. But, like I said, I've given up on wadcutters in my rifle.

[Johnnyjr]

In 357 brass. Hit about 7 inches low at 50 yards. Maybe a 2 to 21/2 inch groups
Muzzle velocity about 1100 fps. I was impressed. With it..

[Bazoo]

I'm surprised that a button nosed wadcutter will feed. Interesting for accuracy. I bet if you tune the load for the rifle, you can tighten up those groups. I imagine a 35 yard game and plinking round.

I've got a Winchester 92 in 44 magnum, and I haven't tried wadcutters of any variety in mine, course, 44 wadcutters aren't particularly plentiful. I do have a Marlin 1894 in 357 magnum, but haven't tried wadcutters there either. Quite interesting though.

[Johnnyjr]

I was surprised with them myself. I will try some again this week..I used. 700x powder. I have the load in my log book.
I started logging everything years ago. Even the number of shots thru the action.

[Johnnyjr]

On another note,I think these wadcutter would work for deer hunting at 50 to 60 yards. I am going to try to increase the velocity to see how well they will work. It's something to think about.. Johnny