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Old 12-28-2010, 11:10 PM
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148g jacketed wadcutter in model 52 148g jacketed wadcutter in model 52 148g jacketed wadcutter in model 52 148g jacketed wadcutter in model 52 148g jacketed wadcutter in model 52  
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Default 148g jacketed wadcutter in model 52

Is anyone familiar with the loaded ammunition from Atlanta Arms and Ammo? They offer .38 special 148 grain jacketed wadcutter. Has anyone tried this in a model 52? If so, does it function reliably and not too hot as to cause damage to the gun?

Thanks to all.
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Old 12-29-2010, 12:18 AM
rburg rburg is offline
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I've never seen jacketed wadcutters. Maybe its a proprietary product they've made. I have seen plated wadcutters. Are you sure the one's you're talking about are really jacketed?

The speed developed by most wadcutter rounds have nothing to do with pressure levels. Its an accuracy round, and they don't push them anywhere near max. Go to their web site and see if they list the velocity. I bet its not significantly higher than the lead ones. More velocity often results in leading.

Those of us who shoot the M52 sometimes run into function problems. The Bullseye load recommended was 2.7 grains. I wasn't happy with that load and bumped it up to 3.0 grains. The world opened up for me with that change. Not only was it cleaner, but more accurate and the gun always cycled. Its why we handload. When something isn't just right, we adjust it to our liking.
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Old 12-29-2010, 12:06 PM
boatbum101 boatbum101 is offline
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I personally don't see the need for jacketed or plated bullets in a M52 . The gun is designed to shoot 148 lead HBWC mid range ammo . If you shoot indoors & / or your range has a no lead policy , I'd either shoot another gun or shoot elsewhere . Since your asking about loaded ammo I'll take it you don't reload . The following factory / remanned loads all use 148 Lead HBWC bullets & are suitable for use in a M52 . Velocity runs between 700 & 750fps . Top of the line factory loads would be 1) Federal # GM38A , 2) Remington # R38S3 / 22284 , 3) Winchester X38SMRP . All have a stellar rep for accuracy . Second tier factory loads would be 1) Fiocchi # 38LA , 2) Magtech # 38B or S&B # V311002U . They seem to be OK , but wouldn't be my choice for serious competition . Quality remanned would be 1) Black Hills # 38R2 , 2) Precision Delta # D148WCR , 3) Zero # R 608A , 4) 3D # 38WMD . Quite a few serious PPC competitors use both the Precision Delta & Zero remanned ammo . I'm sure that you'll be able to find something from the above list that meets your accuracy / budget requirements . Since the 52's are no longer being made & parts are drying up , why use ammo that is outside it's design parameters ? IMHO plated bullets are an abomination . They're neither well made nor are they capable of comprable accuracy . If you need reloading data search the forum . There's tons here , some I've posted myself . While not a direct answer to your ? I sincerely hope this helps .
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Old 12-29-2010, 12:59 PM
PPCSHOOTER PPCSHOOTER is offline
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PM SENT TO YOU ON AMMO JP
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Old 12-29-2010, 01:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeed View Post
Is anyone familiar with the loaded ammunition from Atlanta Arms and Ammo? They offer .38 special 148 grain jacketed wadcutter. Has anyone tried this in a model 52? If so, does it function reliably and not too hot as to cause damage to the gun?

Thanks to all.
Their website calls this a 'TCJ' which I interpret as total copper jacket
i.e. copper flash or plated IMO.
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Old 12-29-2010, 02:16 PM
Jawfish Jawfish is offline
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Unless your range requires lead-free bullets - I would not bother. Use lead cast or swagged bullets for normal loads & function in your pistol.
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Old 12-30-2010, 11:08 AM
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Thanks for all the input. I do reload. In the winter months I go to an indoor range that has a no exposed lead policy. They stock the Atlanta Arms & Ammo 148g jacked HBWC for about 14.00 for a box of 50. For that price I was thinking this may be a way to take the 52, but it sounds like I should just wait till spring.

Thanks again.
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bullseye, fiocchi, m52, model 52, ppc, remington, sig arms, wadcutter, winchester

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