Reloading for the S&W Model 52.

USSR · Jul 6, 2021

I recently picked up a 52-2. Since I cast bullets, I have a lot of options. In addition to a H&G #50 (148gr flat base wadcutter), I have a mold that casts 148gr HBWC's. My primary question is, what size are you sizing them to? I can size them any where from .357" to .360". Also, I have read of the problem of bullet stability falling off at 50 yards. Velocity is limited on HBWC's due to the possibility of blowing off the skirt of the hollow base by increasing the charge weight/velocity. Seems to me that the regular flat base wadcutter would be a better candidate for 50 yards, but how much extra velocity can the 52 take in that regard. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Don

rockquarry · Jul 6, 2021

USSR said:
I recently picked up a 52-2. Since I cast bullets, I have a lot of options. In addition to a H&G #50 (148gr flat base wadcutter), I have a mold that casts 148gr HBWC's. My primary question is, what size are you sizing them to? I can size them any where from .357" to .360". Also, I have read of the problem of bullet stability falling off at 50 yards. Velocity is limited on HBWC's due to the possibility of blowing off the skirt of the hollow base by increasing the charge weight/velocity. Seems to me that the regular flat base wadcutter would be a better candidate for 50 yards, but how much extra velocity can the 52 take in that regard. Thanks in advance for your reply.

Don

There are many threads here on loading for 52s. Briefly, and based on results using only one model 52, I tried the H&G #50 sized to .356", .357", and .358" (actual sized bullet diameter is closer to .3575"). .358" die worked best for bullets in my gun. 2.5 grs. Bullseye ( I think around 750 fps) was more accurate than heavier charges. Do a search and you'll find more information than you want. Good luck-

austintexas · Jul 6, 2021

What he said, I don't load for velocity in my 52, I load for accuracy and I like the HBWC.
SWCA 892

Fullmetaljacket · Jul 6, 2021

I've had best results with 148 gr HBWC's sized to .358. The double end wadcutters shot nearly the same, slight edge to the HB variety at least in my 52-2. 2.7 - 2.8 gr Bullseye, load, shoot, repeat. It's the simple pleasures...

Nevada Ed · Jul 7, 2021

My old Speer manual has a 148 HB wadcutter with a .358 Dia for the S&W M52.
It list eight powders for the lighest loads giiving relieable functioning and accuracy.
The fps range from a low of 713 up to 775 for the starting loads.

Bullet to barrel fit and the correct fps is the key with a soft HBwc bullet in a M52 for light duty target work.
If you need 850fps or more go to the BBwc design if the HBwc does not pan out

boatbum101 · Jul 8, 2021

One can use cast both HB & FB . H&G made a mould DEWC for the 52 IIRC #244 ? . Bore sizes on 52's run .354 - .356 . I used to use both the Rem & Zero swaged HBWC for NRA matches . Gil Hebard did a study many years ago with handloads & cast vs factory HBWC . It involved I believe 6 guns & mucho ammo all shot out of Ransom Rests @ 50yds . Short story factory with their swaged HBWC @ 700fps took the cake .
I can tell you what works for me : R-P cases , Fed 100 prmr , Rem 148 ( prefered ) or Zero 148 HBWC , 3.2grs W231 , seated flush , taper crimp .369 .

Protocall_Design · Jul 8, 2021

The 3.2 of 231 is very close to 2.8 of Bullseye for velocity. Seat flush, if the bullet sticks out any, it can jam the rounds in the magazine and not feed well.

GBertolet · Jul 12, 2021

My 52-1 has a bore of .355. I have tried bullets of .355, .356. 357, and .358. The .358 shoots the best in my 52.

USBP SW · Jul 13, 2021

I would add that thick brass, i.e. military, +p,is not recommended. The long wadcutters are seated deep in the case and bulge it to the point where it won't chamber.

boatbum101 · Jul 14, 2021

Generally speaking the fattest lead bullet that will chamber will be most accurate .

rockquarry · Jul 14, 2021

boatbum101 said:
Generally speaking the fattest lead bullet that will chamber will be most accurate .

You might have to make concessions in some instances, maybe with revolvers, but that's generally very good advice when using conventionally lubricated cast bullets in rifles or handguns. As long as a cartridge will chamber without difficulty, the bullet diameter is likely okay. Example: a .310" or .311" bullet in a .30 caliber rifle cartridge.

boatbum101 · Jul 15, 2021

Did say generally............Rifles fill the throat with the caveat if it'll chamber . Revolvers cylinder throats assuming they're larger than bore , if not they need reaming / honing , size to match . Semi-auto again what'll chamber & many barrels could stand throating if you like cast bullets .

rockquarry · Jul 15, 2021

boatbum101 said:
Did say generally............Rifles fill the throat with the caveat if it'll chamber . Revolvers cylinder throats assuming they're larger than bore , if not they need reaming / honing , size to match . Semi-auto again what'll chamber & many barrels could stand throating if you like cast bullets .

Yes, you did, and I overlooked it.

gwpercle · Jul 15, 2021

Slug your barrel ... then add .001" and see how they group .
I would also try +.002" just for the sake of testing ... you never know .
If you are casting your own flat based wadcutters don't cast them too hard , hard undersized bullets lead the barrel like all get-out !
Gary

dave1918a2 · Jul 15, 2021

I use a HBWC sized .358 cast soft and 2.7 of Bullseye. Most accurate in both My guns.

noylj · Jul 16, 2021

Best are swaged HBWC. Never got decent accuracy with any cast wc.
If I was to size a lead bullet, which I have proven myself hurts accuracy compared to shooting as-cast, I would size 0.360".
M52 is designed for 625-750 fps. Out to 50 yards, the 148gn wc is stable. The.32 S&W long wc loses accuracy between 25 meters and 50 meters, not the 38, even at 650 fps.
If possible, buy factory wad utter ammo first and learn what gun can do and forget old wives tales

rockquarry · Jul 16, 2021

noylj said:
Best are swaged HBWC. Never got decent accuracy with any cast wc.
If I was to size a lead bullet, which I have proven myself hurts accuracy compared to shooting as-cast, I would size 0.360".
M52 is designed for 625-750 fps. Out to 50 yards, the 148gn wc is stable. The.32 S&W long wc loses accuracy between 25 meters and 50 meters, not the 38, even at 650 fps.
If possible, buy factory wad utter ammo first and learn what gun can do and forget old wives tales

Not necessarily true. The brand of factory wadcutter ammo wasn't mentioned; perhaps there's a difference in them. However, it is seldom that a factory load (in anything) can't be surpassed for accuracy by a well-developed handload.

When I bought my 52 used some years ago, several boxes of older Winchester 148 grain match ammo were included. It took some judicious load development work trying different charge weights and bullet diameters and group shooting, but ultimately I was able to get better groups using an H&G #50 cast wadcutter bullet than with the factory ammo.

It seems many handloaders today don't have much interest in load development, but it's usually worth the time and effort expended.

diyj98 · Jul 16, 2021

gwpercle said:
Slug your barrel ... then add .001" and see how they group .
I would also try +.002" just for the sake of testing ... you never know .
If you are casting your own flat based wadcutters don't cast them too hard , hard undersized bullets lead the barrel like all get-out !
Gary

I agree with the "you never know" for sure. Years ago when I was casting bullets for a 45 acp, I found that particular gun shot best with bullets the exact same size as the bore. I'd would have assumed .001 or .002 over would have given the best accuracy.

USSR · Jul 16, 2021

noylj said:
The.32 S&W long wc loses accuracy between 25 meters and 50 meters, not the 38, even at 650 fps.

Most Bullseye Competition shooters who shoot at 50 yards will disagree.

Don

boatbum101 · Jul 17, 2021

Problem with both cartridges @ 50yds is barrel twist rate with wadcutter bullets . Serious target guns have been built as fast as 1 in 10 . That's why in the early days of PPC , faster twist ( 1 in 16 ) Colt Python barrels were the rage . Same deal with 32 S&W , factory twist are too slow to effectively stabilize a wadcutter @ 50yds . Plus add the tiny powder charges where a tenth of a grain will make a difference in 50yd group size & most available swaged lead bullets are not sized correctly . If serious about shooting a 32 study Dave Wilsons work with both 32 S&W & 32acp . Eye opening the accuracy potential in a proper platform .
FWIW most Bullseye shooters shoot a 22 & a 45acp . Shooting a sub caliber in CF will most often hurt scores far more than help . Indoors & @ 25yds or 50ft different story if one insists . IMHO one must master the 22 & the 45 , not the others . More trigger time for the 45 , plus it makes a bigger hole .

Reloading for the S&W Model 52.

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