Terminology: Wadcutter

by
posted on October 31, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wiley-clapp.jpg

A wadcutter is a style of bullet that is almost completely cylindrical in shape. While there have been a few jacketed wadcutters, the majority are lead. Most commercially loaded wadcutters are swaged from lead alloys and some even have a hollow base. Cast lead wadcutters are often double-ended, particularly those used by handloaders.

As part of the wadcutter design, the entire length of the bullet bears on the rifled barrel, allowing for an easy transition from cylinder to barrel. Wadcutters are usually associated with low velocity and match accuracy.

More often than not, wadcutters get fired at paper targets with precisely printed scoring rings. They get their name from their ability to cut a sharply defined plug, circle or wad of paper at the point of impact. Round-nosed bullets give a less visually apparent hole and possibly loss of a point when the bullet hits near a scoring ring. Wadcutters provide a true score.

Latest

Winchester Model 54
Winchester Model 54

Favorite Firearms: A Winchester Model 54 Turns 100

Serving during World War I in 1918, my father completed two years in the Engineer Corps. In addition to his engineering duties, he and all the other soldiers had to carry and qualify with the Model 1903 Springfield rifle, since they were often on the front lines.

Winchester Ammunition Opens New Office In Missouri

Winchester Ammunition opened a new office in Clayton, Mo., which will accommodate much of the company's full-time administrative staff and is located several hours away from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

Searching For The Perfect Single-Action Revolver

Bitten by the cowboy handgun bug early on—and influenced by no less an innovator than Elmer Keith—the author finds that, in the search for the ultimate single-action revolver, perfection is an elusive target.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Auto-Ordnance Remembers Iwo Jima Fallen With Special M1 Carbine

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Auto-Ordnance teamed up with Altered Arsenal to create a specially crafted version of the M1 carbine.

Preview: The Ruger 10/22 Complete Owner’s And Assembly Guide

Scott Duff Publications is renowned for its authoritative titles containing detailed information on iconic military and commercial firearms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.