Could someone tell me the overall length of factory,.38 special , 148gr.wadcutters. Do any of you have the specs on what length, a Model 52-2, might handle. My friend has some loaded and they all measure 1.170 or 1.0170, I forget what he said. I'm not a reloader, so don't know much about it. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks Mike

the length of a 38 spl case.. 1.155"

I trim mine the first time to 1.145” and load the wadcutter flush with the case mouth with a very slight roll crimp. After that I just spot check the length, it usually doesn’t grow to more than 1.155” After 10 to 20 reloadings.
George

A search should show lots of information on this. It's a regular topic.

Thanks for the info and help. I know more now, than I did. It's a starting point and I'll do some reading. Thanks Mike

The model 52 requires flush-mounted bullets.

I run mine at 1.165 including a SLIGHT protrusion of the bullet from the case. It functions perfectly.

The boolit wt (in grains) and style (shape) will determine the OAL for each individual boolit. They will ALL NOT be exactly the same. A flush seated boolit, (seated flush with the mouth of the case) for example, will have a shorter OAL. Pull 1 head, weigh it, & a pic would help get you in the "ballpark". EDIT: I missed the FACTORY part. IF indeed 38 special factory ammo, & a 38 special revolver, I wouldn't be worried. Good on you for asking if you had ANY doubts/reservations. I rarely say always, but not listening to your intuitions can be BAD.

Thanks pittpa, on the 1.165 length. I seems like from everyones experience that 1.165 and shorter works in Model 52's. The guy that reloads for me said he checked several dozen reloaded wadcutters, and the Remington brass, were the shortest overall length. I'm going to buy a factory box of ammo to test it with, and make sure all is normal, and working great. I might sell it at that point or keep it, depending if I can stand the pressure. That pressure is the cost of magazines, and finding parts for the Model 52, and at 65 my eyes are not great. I know I can't get the full potential out of a demanding target gun. Thanks for everyones help.

That is how I have always loaded mine also.

Runs good in my 52, Colt Mid Range, a Colt 1911 Clark 38 spc conversion, and a model 14 Revolver.

A plunk test is easy & wouldn't hurt. I know, "what's a plunk test"? PLUNK TEST: remove the barrel & drop a loaded round into the breach end of the bbl. It should drop in easy, fit flush, & make a plunk sound.

I hear you on being able to shoot to the potential of the pistol. I just turned 70 and have surrendered to optics on most guns. I am running Burris Fast Fire 3's on my 52 and Gold Cup, C-More on my 41. EGW makes a very nice Fast Fire mount that replaces the rear sight on the 52, no drilling needed.

Hey Mikey. I see from you’re profile that your almost bald and 65. Well, I’m bald and almost 65.
Been shooting bullseye with an 8” Python 38 Target over 20 years. Bought the 52-2 in case I should have trouble shooting the 4# scoped Python. I made sure my loaded rounds functioned in the 52 in case of emergency. Tennis elbow flared up and I tried the 52. Recoil, of all things, was a problem. Recoil in the Python was practically non-existent. I also understand follow through is critical, not an issue with Python.
Anyway, elbow resolved and I bought a 625-8 JM to make big holes and I’m shooting 275 in Bullseye with it.


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It depends on the design of the bullet...........

Most crimp on the front edge of the bullet but some may have
a "Pimple" in the middle of the bullet that will stick out farther
but it will still feed correctly.

I will not mention brand names but most will feed correctly at this short OAL........
it is just a matter of using the correct amount of fast powders
to work the slide with the spring pressure to get proper feedings.

The 52 is a great target "Machine".

Thanks to everyone. Your information and help is really nice, and all information helps a little. Mikey

One word of caution on full wadcutter reloads in 38 Special.
Be careful not to use surplus military brass. (Is there even any of this even around anymore?) I found that the milsurp stuff I had was made with heavier than normal case walls and a full seated wadcutter expanded the case to where it wouldn't chamber in my Model 14. I don't know if this would be true in a M52, but I would suggest trying a few before loading up a bunch as they are virtually impossible to tear down once seated.

__________________
Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446