M52 Full WC load using Unique??

Do-da · #1 01-30-2011, 01:33 PM

Have a possible lead on a Model 52 and have some full wadcutter swaggged and cast bullet heads and lots of Unique.

I know.....probably not the best choice of powders but I have a good bit of it and just a little WW231.

What if any loads are working well with Unique for any of you folks? I will get some more WW231 as that is what I use for my Bianchi load in my wheelies. A good load using 231 would also be appreciated.

Reason I ask.....It seems I may be able to swing a trade for a very nice Model 52 (dash 2 I believe) for a Python that seems so out of place in the gunsafe. *chuckle*

Never owned a '52 before but a now deceased shooting buddy of mine had one and I have looked for a nice one ever since. The '52 was the only handgun his widow wanted to keep. : )

Any help would be appreciated!

TIA

Do-da

OKFC05 · #2 01-30-2011, 01:45 PM

Those two powders aren't all that different to load for .38 WC.
For Unique, I'd use 3 gr as a starting load and adjust up if needed for operation.
38 Special Load Data - Handloads.Com
(Now don't come back and ask how to get rid of the smoke

)

The 231 load is essentially the same, start about 2.8gr and adjust up if needed for operation of the gun.

boatbum101 · #3 01-30-2011, 05:10 PM

3.1 - 3.2 W231 is an excellent load for the 52 . Swaged HBWC's also are best . Unique is not the best choice for mid range loads in 38 special . I'd say 3.3 - 3.5 Unique would give same velocity ( 710 - 750 fps ) . For a cast WC I'd go a bit hotter ( 800 fps ) but no more than that . You can get heavier & lighter recoil springs from Wolff .

Do-da · #4 01-30-2011, 09:15 PM

Well the Model 52-2 is mine. Lost the Colt.

Got some swaged Hornady HBWC's on order, good suggestion as I've used them in the past.

Wow, just kinda amazed at getting back in the target routine after all these years.

Thanks guys!

Do-da

(boatbum101, I'll look into Wolff's offerings. Thanks!!)