.38 Spl. Wad Cut. Load Data

Caliber Overview

The .38 Spl. Wad Cut. is a low-pressure target-shooting variant of the .38 Special revolver cartridge, holding its own CIP datasheet (Tab IV, first issued 14 June 1984, revised 7 June 2000) separate from the parent case. It is a rimmed, straight-walled centerfire cartridge of U.S. origin, chambered in virtually all revolvers marked for .38 Special and in specialized target pistols.

The defining feature is the flat-nosed, flush-seated wadcutter bullet, which punches clean, sharply defined holes in paper targets for unambiguous scoring in bullseye and precision disciplines. Case length is 29.34 mm and bullet diameter is 9.07 mm (.357″), matching the standard .38 Special, but overall cartridge length is limited to 30.35 mm because the bullet sits inside the case mouth. Maximum average pressure (Pmax) is restricted to 1,200 bar, versus 1,500 bar for standard .38 Special loads, with a proof pressure (PE) of approximately 1,560 bar.

Typical factory loadings drive a 148-grain (9.6 g) lead wadcutter at 200–240 m/s (roughly 660–790 fps) for muzzle energies of 190–220 joules. The load is prized for exceptional accuracy, mild recoil, and gentle treatment of older firearms, making it the dominant choice for 25-metre precision revolver competition. It is not intended for self-defense or hunting.