RN-FP vs SWC ....

[bigjeepman]

Are there any advantages to shooting rn-fp cast bullets over the swc's? I target shoot a lot to work on my shooting skills and have noticed very little difference in accuracy at 10, 15, and 25 yds in my .357 and .45 lc revolvers.

I have never hunted with cast bullets but plan on doing so very soon. I understand the swc's are excellent on deer and hogs. Is this correct?

All opinions would be appreciated ...

[hogship]

Speaking of performance on game, I don't think there is much, if any difference between the two. Both are a low velocity proposition in pistol cartridges.

Your gun may like one over the other, though.

My Winchester Trapper in .357 has been used with both the SWC's and RNFP cast bullets. It definately is more accurate with the RNFP's.

hog

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[The Shrink]

I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that the SWC and WC's were designed to cut a round hole in a paper target.  Generally it is believed and written that a flat point has a greater impact on game than a spitzer or a round point given that cast bullets typically don't expand.  Either the mix is too hard or the velocity is too low, or both.  You thus want something that will cut the largest diameter hole straight through rather than simply separate tissue and pass througn.

[leverfan]

I believe, if I'm not mistaken, that the SWC and WC's were designed to cut a round hole in a paper target.

The WC was designed to cut a clear hole in a paper target, for scoring purposes.  However, after 35-40 yards, the WC begins to lose stability, and it can tumble after 50 yards.  That's where the SWC comes in, because it stays stable over long range.

As far as RNFP vs. SWC for hunting, I would first see which one was most accurate in my gun.  If they are equally accurate at hunting ranges, go with the one that has the widest meplat.  Tests have shown that the wad-cutter's shoulder doesn't really widen the permanent wound channel, the flat nose does all the wounding (the elastic flesh is still pushed out of the way by the shock of the bullet's nose as the shoulder of the bullet passes through, so the shoulder doesn't do much, unless you're shooting inelastic paper).  The extremely wide meplats of the LBT style cast bullets translate into wider wound channels, and more efficient kills.

[unspellable]

I've had good accuracy with wadcutters at short range with moderate laods but it's been my experience that past fifty yards they begin to wander.  I've also heard it said that if they are deeply hollow based, heavy loads will damage the skirt and spoil accuracy.  I generally use semi-wadcutters with a flat based gas check for heavier loads and longer ranges.

[Questor]

I like the Cast Performance LBT bullets. Very nice. Bigger meplat than a Keith bullet, and very well made. They're kind of expensive, though.

[Blackhawk44]

Pure LBT designs generally require slightly more velocity to stabilize properly due to the longer bearing surface as opposed to most SWC's.  Either is suitable for hunting.  Whichever shoots best.

[bigjeepman]

Pretty interesting stuff here guys. I am interested in hunting Russian boar again next year ... this time with a handgun. I have a new SBH Hunter 7.5" in .45 lc that I am starting to reload for and I have 250 gr and 300 gr XTP's and also some 250 gr rn-fp that I target shoot with. I started thinking it would be kinda cool to use a cast bullet but I am unsure exactly what I will use at this time.

I also reload for our .357 mag and use 158 gr rn-fp and 158 gr swc Meister Bullets. I have some XTP's for this caliber as well.

I agree with the point of view that I should use what my handguns like best and what I shoot best as shot placement is always on the top of my list. Thank you for the feedback ...