HBWC VS DEWC

[LexLuther]

Help!
I can find plenty of reloading data for .38 spl hollow based wad cutters, but none for a double end wad cutter. I it seems to me that the COL should be different for a HBWC than a DEWC. It seems like the COL is often left out of reloading data, even the data from the manufacturers, are the manuals wrong; is the COL an insignificant variable? Any help would be greatly appreciated, the components I am trying to work with are Berrys 148 gr DEWC in 38 special, or 357. For powders I have Trail Boss, HP-38, or 800x. I am hopeful that I will not have to buy another powder just to load these bullets.

[J-cat]

WC can be loaded two different ways: Flush and 1/8" out the case mouth. At these pressures and load density, OAL does not affect anything. HBWC occupies the came case volume as DEWC, so the load data is the same, however a HBWC should not be driven faster than 800 FPS because the shirt may blow off inside the forcing cone causing a bore obstruction.

[LexLuther]

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate the help. I understand what you are saying, and I think you are correct. Did you pick this up in a book somewhere, or learn by trial and error with a chrono? I have a hard time getting past that hollow base, it seems like it would have the same effect as a different COL. I guess I better put a chrono on my christmas list...

[eaglemike]

As J-Cat said, don't worry about it. You could also look at it another way. Same OAL, so approx same amount of lead sticking out of case, right? Since they weigh the same, that means the same volume of lead inside the case, right?

2.7 Gr BE, classic load. I don't remember any of the other powders you mention with the 148. Most all the load manuals are at the shop. If not much info by the a.m., I'll post more tomorrow.

Advantage of DE, no worries about which end goes first. In theory, maybe the HB might be more accurate. Quality of loading practice, load used, gun, and most importantly shooting ability make the most difference.

all the best,
Mike

[J-cat]

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate the help. I understand what you are saying, and I think you are correct. Did you pick this up in a book somewhere, or learn by trial and error with a chrono? I have a hard time getting past that hollow base, it seems like it would have the same effect as a different COL. I guess I better put a chrono on my christmas list...

I initially picked it up in a book called Pet loads by Ken Waters. It is a collection of all the articles he wrote for Handloader Magazine. He actually managed to blow off a shirt, so the manufacturer's warning is valid.

My experience with HBWC is in the .357 using .357 cases. I prefer them loaded flush on top of 3.4 grains of Clays. That gives me the best accuracy. You don't need a chrono, just follow what's in the load manual, or get Pet Loads.

Look at the hollow base this way: Yes, the bullet is longer, but the base is hollow, so the amount of airspace in the case remains the same.

[LexLuther]

Thanks J-cat. That explanation makes sense. I will have to find that book, I want to read about the shirt incident.

[eaglemike]

Clays is the cleanest burning powder I've found. Meters well, great target powder.

I too like the Ken Waters Pet Loads book. Mine must be old as I couldn't find the skirt (of the HB, I think that's what you meant) blowing off issue.
all the best,
Mike

[J-cat]

It's in the 38 S&W article from May 1979 on page 551.

[eaglemike]

No wonder - it's .38 S&W - not .38 special. I was looking at the wadcutter specific article.

ETA: for those that don't know, .38 S&W special is a different animal than .38 S&W. Firearms in .38 S&W aren't nearly as common as .38 special.

all the best,
Mike

[LexLuther]

Thanks a million, I dont know why I didnt see that the DEWC is shorter than the HBWC, I guess i was just focused on the recipe because most specify they are for hollow base. I loaded them with Trail boss, when that runs out, I will try clays.