38 spl loads for a S&W 52
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11e40
Member
mine likes 3.0 grs. bullseye 148 swaged hbwc. hth.
11e40
Member
you can't use semi-wadcutters in a model 52.
TSQUARED
Member
The model 52's were dsigned to use the wadcutter ammo with the bullet seater flush with the case mouth.
2.7 gr bullseye behind a 148 gr. HBWC. Trim the case .010" below minimum, then seat bullet so .010" sits above case mouth. Taper crimp .003". Fed. primer.
gregintenn
Member
In my opinion, this is THE load for the 52.
What is the minimum for case length? Any info I could find showed the maximum length of which only a couple of my cases are at that length and about 2000 of them are shorter.
Chris
ChrisD, here is some data that I accumulated from this forum over the last year or so. Most of this, if not all, has come from a poster on this site that goes by the handle "boatbum101". I have tried a few of these loads with excellent success.
"I use the Zero & Remington HBWC's in my 52-2 & have not expierenced this problem .
I also trim cases to 1.145 but taper crimp to .368 - .369 .
I also use a heavier charge ie 3.1 - 3.2 W231 , 3.6 VV N340 or 2.9 AA #2 or VV N320 .
These group better in my gun than 2.7 - 2.9 BE , especially @ 50yds .
I'd go no more than 3.0 BE max with a 148 HBWC .
I must confess I like a little slower powder in 38 target loads . Hope this helps .
I learned that from Jerry Kieffer . That & preferred powders for 38 special accuracy are WST & W231 .
He's an outstanding 'smith & has done tons of load testing . N320 is pretty close to W231 but cleaner burning .
I've also had very good results from 3.6 N340 . 148 HBWC's demand a faster twist for ultimate accuracy .
PPC guns are usually built with 1 in 12 or 1 in 10 twist for that reason .
Slower S&W twist demands proper loading techniques & if followed can produce acceptible accuracy .
It's not unusal to see some " tipping " @ 50yds from S&W barrels .
I'm glad you were able to solve your problem . If you have them also try 2.7 WST & 3.1 - 3.2 W231 .
See attached 50yd targets shot offhand with my 52-2 & W231 / N340 loads .
My 52 groups best ( @ 50yds ) with 3.1-3.2 W231 ( depending on the lot of powder ) , followed very closely by 3.6 VVN340"
Again, most or all of this is boatbum101's data and suggestions. It did help me tremendously with a problem I had with the chamber leading on my Model 52.
"I use the Zero & Remington HBWC's in my 52-2 & have not expierenced this problem .
I also trim cases to 1.145 but taper crimp to .368 - .369 .
I also use a heavier charge ie 3.1 - 3.2 W231 , 3.6 VV N340 or 2.9 AA #2 or VV N320 .
These group better in my gun than 2.7 - 2.9 BE , especially @ 50yds .
I'd go no more than 3.0 BE max with a 148 HBWC .
I must confess I like a little slower powder in 38 target loads . Hope this helps .
I learned that from Jerry Kieffer . That & preferred powders for 38 special accuracy are WST & W231 .
He's an outstanding 'smith & has done tons of load testing . N320 is pretty close to W231 but cleaner burning .
I've also had very good results from 3.6 N340 . 148 HBWC's demand a faster twist for ultimate accuracy .
PPC guns are usually built with 1 in 12 or 1 in 10 twist for that reason .
Slower S&W twist demands proper loading techniques & if followed can produce acceptible accuracy .
It's not unusal to see some " tipping " @ 50yds from S&W barrels .
I'm glad you were able to solve your problem . If you have them also try 2.7 WST & 3.1 - 3.2 W231 .
See attached 50yd targets shot offhand with my 52-2 & W231 / N340 loads .
My 52 groups best ( @ 50yds ) with 3.1-3.2 W231 ( depending on the lot of powder ) , followed very closely by 3.6 VVN340"
Again, most or all of this is boatbum101's data and suggestions. It did help me tremendously with a problem I had with the chamber leading on my Model 52.
boatbum101
Member
Previous post pretty well sums it up . I keep misspelling Mr. Keefer's name. If you'll search my post you might find additional info . At work now aboard ship & don't have any info with me .
Jeff423
US Veteran
My old "beater" 52-2 runs fine with 2.7 - 2.8 gr of Bullseye. My other 52-2 which has far fewer rounds through it needs 3 gr. to cycle reliably.
Jeff
Jeff
3.0 grs W231 148gr HBWC seated flush with light taper crimp. Here is a picture of my 52-1 and a 5 shot group rested at 10 yards.
