Let's not forget that the 52-1 had a long extractor with a possibility of breakage. This was blamed on hotter loads(?). These extractors are NO LONGER AVAILABLE. I believe that the standard recommended load 2.8 BE/148HBWC was and is the safety factor in preventing extractor breakage. I use the same load in my Model 19 ( or 357 Magnum brass & 3.2BE).

The 52-2 with the Short extractor had no breakage problem but the standard load never changed. NOTHING BEATS AN S&W 52!