A wadcutter is a special-purpose flat-fronted bullet specifically designed for shooting paper targets, usually at close range and at subsonic velocities typically under approximately 270 metres per second (890 ft/s). Wadcutters have also found favor for use in self-defense guns, such as .38 caliber snubnosed revolvers, due to shorter barrel lengths, lower bullet velocities, and improved lethality. Wadcutters are often used in handgun and airgun competitions.
.32 ACP full metal jacket, .32 S&W Long wadcutter, .380 ACP jacketed hollow point (L-R)
.38 Special wadcutters loaded cartridges, 148 grains (9.6 g) hollow-base wadcutter bullet and target showing the clean round holes
Keith-Style SWC with one crimping groove and one filled lubrication groove. In practice, the bullet can be crimped over the leading band, or on the crimping groove, as desired.
A typical 4.5 mm (.177 in) match diabolo air gun pellet, in the HBWC (Hollow Base Wadcutter) configuration
A bullet is a kinetic projectile, a component of firearm ammunition that is shot from a gun barrel. They are made of a variety of materials, such as copper, lead, steel, polymer, rubber and even wax; and are made in various shapes and constructions, including specialized functions such as hunting, target shooting, training, and combat. Bullets are often tapered, making them more aerodynamic. Bullet size is expressed by weight and diameter in both imperial and metric measurement systems. Bullets do not normally contain explosives but strike or damage the intended target by transferring kinetic energy upon impact and penetration.
7.5×55mm Swiss full metal jacket, armor piercing, and tracer, spitzer projectiles. The three bullets on the right show cannelure evolution
Round shot from the 16th century Mary Rose English warship, showing both stone and iron ball shot
Matchlock musket balls, alleged to have been discovered on the battlefield of Naseby (1645)
Minié ball ammunition
