Wadcutter ammunition types

[hdisbrow]

I own a 52-2 and am having difficulty to find wad cutter ammo. I've never shot anything except flush mounted wad cutters but see a "semi-wad cutter" option now where there is a slight protrusion. Are these safe to shoot in a 52-2? Thank you.

 

[Jim Watson]

A .38 Semiwadcutter will not likely fit the magazine of a Model 52.

 

[505Gibbs]

A .38 Semiwadcutter will not likely fit the magazine of a Model 52.

Jim's response is spot on - more than flush will, in all likelyhood, be a mag issue[won't fit].

 

[hdisbrow]

Thank you both. I had not tried it in the magazine yet but by looking at it I didn't think it would work. Much appreciated.

 

[MrMagoo]

The 52 is a fantastic gun but it's finicky about ammo. Even with flush wadcutters, if there's even a tiny protrusion, it's hard to load and will jam. I've found Winchester to work the best (least problems). I can only find them online or at gun shows, however.


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[civil1977]

As stated, the Model 52 will only function with flush seated wadcutters. Factory ammo is expensive but you can pick up some deals at gun shows or learn how to load your own. These were picked up at various gun shows.

 

[rprofish]

I reload using precision delta 148 grain wadcutters and 2.7 gn of bullseye. Its much cheaper and more accurate.

 

[kcode]

Out of curiosity I ordered 250 Xtreme plated 148 gr full wadcutters. I've never used these before. Has anyone tried the plated versions? Xtreme or Berrys.

 

[bananaman]

Out of curiosity I ordered 250 Xtreme plated 148 gr full wadcutters. I've never used these before. Has anyone tried the plated versions? Xtreme or Berrys.

I recently started to load full wadcutters 148gr. 2.6 gr. Bullseye. What a puppy load to shoot! Have used Berrys, but never wadcutters. (can't see spending the extra $$$) Did load some Berrys 155 gr. 40 S&W's today. Bob

 

[elpac3]

For most gallery shooting where you are punching a hole in the paper, where it doesn't matter how hard it is hit, 2.6 of BE is all you need. Gets you back on target much faster and makes the ever so scarce pistol powder go a little further.

 

[elpac3]

As previously stated, ammo for the model 52 has to be case mouth flush or it will not feed properly. The simple test to be sure it is case mouth flush is to stand a round on end (on the case mouth). If there is any wiggle, it is not case mouth flush and most likely will give you problems in the magazine.

 

[4barrel]

Out of curiosity I ordered 250 Xtreme plated 148 gr full wadcutters. I've never used these before. Has anyone tried the plated versions? Xtreme or Berrys.

I have tried Berrys in mine. A plated bullet puts more drag on the barrel. I had to add .2-.3 more powder & size to .357 to make them work in my automatic. In revolvers was no problem. My barrel slugged .355 & the Berrys wad cutter was.358. My 52 liked lead better.

 

[elpac3]

We have to remember that back in the day, the model 52 was designed for one thing only, that was bullseye shooting (driven by a request from the Army AMU to have a semi auto .38 to use in centerfire competition). The gun was also designed to function with one load only, the 148 grain WC in lead.

The gun was made to shoot slow, bullets, very accurately at a 50 yard paper target.

 

[g27racing]

I don't reload and I also struggle to find ammo although about 3 months ago I got lucky and found a guy on Backpage that had a 2000rd case of factory winchester ammo. I was able to relieve him of his burden in trade for some green papers with Ben Franklins picture on the front. I still ration the ammo when I go shooting but that gun is a dream to shoot. Liked it so much I added a NIB version for the collection and shoot the other one.