I am trying to find the minimum case length for a .38 special, and I have a question about brass for target loads. First, the only two specs I'm finding are max. case length (1.155) and trim-to-length (1.145). When loading for the 52-2, the directions say to trim the cases to minimum length. Is this 1.145? Also one reponder to a previous post said to use wadcutter brass. I can find no reference to this anywhere. Although I've test seated an uncharged case to test the fit in the magazine, I am not sure until I load and feed the first five, that the overall length of my brass will work without trimming. My brass measures at 1.146.

I am trying to find the minimum case length for a .38 special, and I have a question about brass for target loads. First, the only two specs I'm finding are max. case length (1.155) and trim-to-length (1.145). When loading for the 52-2, the directions say to trim the cases to minimum length. Is this 1.145? Also one reponder to a previous post said to use wadcutter brass. I can find no reference to this anywhere. Although I've test seated an uncharged case to test the fit in the magazine, I am not sure until I load and feed the first five, that the overall length of my brass will work without trimming. My brass measures at 1.146.

I got out my 1963 Gun Digest that had articles by Gil Hebard on the 38 master auto pistol and a reloading article by Kent Bella and this is what he stated about how he did it quote "case length isnt critical if it is uniform, my Forster trimmer is set for 1.142" I have a model 52 and they are great I have modified my mags to hold 6 and shot mine in PPC matches. Note this: Hebard said in his shooting at 50 yards some of the bullets scuffed the target which means that the bullets at that range were a yawing little bit, he says this is common with full wadcutters. One other note in Hebards article He stated that S&W subjected one 52 through a wear and break down test this gun fired 100000 rounds the 50 yard accuracy was 2.14 at the start of the test after 10000 rds it tested 2.1 at 25000 rds it tested 1.93 at 50000, 1.83 and at 100000 it was back to 2.14 this is one heck of a gun.