I recently got a box of 148 gr wadcutters that have a button on top as opposed the the flat top Speers I normally use. Do I seat the button flush with the top of the case or just deep enough to feed properly?

Thanks,

Jeff

You want to seat flush with the case mouth.For best results trim all your cases to 1.145 champher & debur.This will insure consistant crimp.Bore on these is tight .355-.356.Gun was designed to shoot HBWC factory ammo.I load Rem,Zero or Precision Delta 148 HBWC,flush w/ case mouth,taper crimp to .369.I use R-P or Fed brass,Fed or WSP primer.Powder either 3.1 W231,2.9 VVN320,3.6 VVN340,2.8 WST or 2.8 Bullseye.Any of these loads in a mechaniclly sound 52 will hold the 10 ring @ 50yds.For HBWC loads you want 710-780fps for best accuracy.DO NOT try to push them any faster as you can blow the skirt off.If this happens & you pull the trigger again you'll have a bulged barrel.The HG50 flat base button nose wadcutter is better suited in revolvers.All that said the 52 is a wonderfully accurate sweet shooting pistol.It demands firm control & pristine technique to deliver its best.This gun will teach you follow through like no other.The smallest mistake on your part will be magnified 10 times over @ the target.It's been said they are as unforgiving as 3 ex-wives.Go enjoy your gun.
Andy Brunt
Pensacola,FL

Thanks Andy,

My question is specifically with the type of bullet. I normally load Hornady or Speer 148 gr. HBWC's for my 52-2. They are flat on top and I seat them flush with case mouth. By mistake I got a box 148 gr. button top (like a Lyman 358091). Do I seat the bullet deep enough so that the top of the button is flush? Or is it supposed to protrude a little? Or does it really matter as long as they feed?

Thanks,

Jeff

I seat the edge of the bullet flush with the case mouth, the "button" portrudes a bit. I have not experienced any malfunctions using 2.8 gr. Bullseye with the 148 gr. LWC and rem 1 1/2 primers.

You could seat the bullet "backwards", with what otherwise would be the base set flush with the case mouth.

Jeff,
Are these button-nose bullets HBWCs or DEWCs?

Bob

Jeff,
I'd seat 'em with the end of the button flush with case mouth.Mag is what sets OAL on the 52.I'm afraid if button is proud of case mouth it might not feed.
Andy

Thanks for the replies.

Bob - They are a solid base with a button on one end.
I ended up seating them with the button protruding a little, but not enough to interfere with feeding.
I shot about 100 last night without a failure.

Jeff

I noticed this week that Cherry's has 8 Colt National Match 38 Mid-Range, 38 Special wadcutters for sale . They are not cheap. They must have bought someone's collection. Here is the link if you are interested:

http://www.cherrys.com/handguns.htm

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