How about a NEW JHP that works in the Model 52 and is still GREAT for Snubbies

My best estimate is that I've got somewhere around 1000-1200 lbs of lead ingots don't know how many bullets that equates to it would depend on caliber.

I have a prudent reserve. Big boolits can really eat up the lead. I used to pick wheel weights off the street during my bike rides. Can't do that no more. It's all zinc.
Seriously, I doubt I'll ever run out.
 
Federal HST 130gr 38 Special

Wonder what the velocity is on the loaded ammo out of a model 52?

American Rifleman had an article on testing 38 Special ammo.

The Federal HST 130gr (listed as +P) obtained 896mv / 232me from a Ruger GP100 with a 4.2" bbl.

From a Ruger LCR with a 1.87" bbl. it obtained 846mv / 207me & penetrated ~11" in 10% ordnance gel, expanding to ~.60".

American Rifleman | Testing the .38 Special Cartridge

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Colt-saa;

You almost got all of them.............
I have 200 on the way to my house also, with free shipping.

It will be very interesting to see what powders work with the deep seated bullet.

Carry on.

Oh by the way on fps;
I saw a internet thread where the factory load from a S&W 638 averaged 831 fps and did +/- 12" in a 4G test.

The tester then put the ammo in ice water and the pistol in the fridge, for around 40* and was tested again with 4 layers of Levi into a gel block.

Even though the weapon and cold ammo only clocked 718 fps.....
it did manage to get almost 11" into the gel slab.

For old joints and hands, 770 fps might be the new "Powder Puff" SD load for a snub nose 38 Special?

We will see.
 
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Ballistics gel tests of Federal's 130 grain 38 Special +P HST is impressive. It's probably great ammo for revolvers, especially the aluminum and scandium revolvers.

If I had a S&W Model 52, I would not use it for firing this ammo. The Model 52 is a finely fitted wadcutter target pistol, +P ammo is going to accelerate wear and battering. Heavy recoil spring? That sends the slide forward with more momentum, which batters the slide stop pin and the pin holes in the receiver. Leave the Model 52 to target wadcutter loads.
 
My best estimate is that I've got somewhere around 1000-1200 lbs of lead ingots don't know how many bullets that equates to it would depend on caliber.


Andy, if a 158 gr. .38 bullet that 1000 lbs would equate to 44,304 bullets. (7,000 gr p/lb X 1,000 divided by 158).

You should be good for a couple years.
 
Looking at the length of the projectile, and the interior of the case, I wonder what the powder and load was, there can't be much space left. Would also be curious at the pressure and velocity, and if compatible with the soft springs in the 52 meant for light HBWC's. Also curious about accuracy beyond 5 yards.
 
Looking at the length of the projectile, and the interior of the case, I wonder what the powder and load was, there can't be much space left. Would also be curious at the pressure and velocity, and if compatible with the soft springs in the 52 meant for light HBWC's. Also curious about accuracy beyond 5 yards.

Some people, just think about or even do, weird things to their weapons.

What if................. ? :eek:
 
But...

There seems to be concern about the "length of the bullet" and available case "space"...

This is a wadcutter: what makes it any different from any other wadcutter IFF (and that's "IF and ONLY IF") one is not planning to load this jacketed bullet to a much higher velocity than what the factory numbers indicate...?

It is certainly shorter than a typical158 gr lead wadcutter. I've loaded these in 357 mag cases to similar velocities and detected no difference. This bullet was, IMHO, designed for J-frames and snubbies of that ilk. Or other revolvers where it would provide good performance without excess(ive?) recoil, etc.

As far as the Model 52 is concerned I will leave it to those more familiar with its springs and such: but really, how many Model 52 owners are using it as their primary self-defense or home-defense weapon and are looking for penetration, expansion and energy transfer? I thought the whole point of the Model 52 was inexpensive accurate target shooting with a semi-autimatic pistol in 38 S&W Special caliber?

Cheers!

P.S. As far as loading these at the cannelure is concerned, Federal did indicate that was designed to aid in expansion, although I have loaded bullets at that point without any negative effect other than the obvious reduction in pressure and velocity because of the increased volume. That might be the route to take for serious (say "357 magnum"?) velocities...

But, what's the point there?
 
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I shot my 1st Berrys plated HBWC's...

Well Maybe, but there wont be any +P loads through my 52. ;) I have other guns for that. :D

I have seen some Barrys bullets with that sort of configuration but cant find any of those either. :rolleyes:

...and they were plenty accurate! Just about like shooting a 22 WMR revolver. But a couple of them actually BOUNCED back from the new rubber mats they are hanging in front of the new steel plates at the GHR&PC range! These were virtually INTACT! Almost looked like they could have been wiped off and reused...?

Cheers!
 
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