Loading for S&W Mod 52-2

[maxwellsimon]

I have a Mod 52-2, I'm trying to find a good load that will eject the spent brass, I am currently using Fiocchi brand in a 38 wad cutter, its very accurate but does not function the action on the pistol. I have loaded several rounds with different powder always using the Hornady 148 hbwc and cci 500 primers, and sugestion about the firearm or loading info would be great to have.
thank you
maxwellsimon

 

[TRE]

I don't own a M52 (although it is highest on my list of "grail" guns), but I have known several people that used them regularly in bullseye/NRA pistol competition.

Almost to a man they all used Bullseye powder with a 148gr wadcutter and used slightly above starting loads as listed in various reloading manuals.

Basically, they begin with the starting load listed (depends on manual of course) and work up in 0.1-0.2 grain increments until they get 100% function of the gun. Once proper function is assured, many of them will experiment with heavier loads (while staying within book recommendations) looking for an accuracy "sweet spot" that still functions the gun without battering it.

This is the same method I use to develop target loads for my "non-52" pistols and it has served me well for a long time.

I guess my bottom line point is that all pistols (and in particular Model 52s) are a law unto themselves when it comes to function and accuracy, and it may take a bit of experimentation to find what's best for you in YOUR gun. If I HAD to make a hard recommendation on a powder though, I would strongly steer you towards Bullseye. Other, newer powders may (and probably will) perform as good as BE, but I have used it for so long that I am comfortable with it.

TRE

 

[Sevens]

Okay, I'm not the type to say "sheesh, use the search engine because this has been asked a thousand times..." because my very firm position is that this is precisely what we do on discussion forums-- we have discussions! Asking a "common" question can bring many new people and ideas in to the fold and that is the purpose of a quality discussion forum!

However, at the same time... a whole lot of folks have a whole lot of hands-on experience and some of them have taken the time in the past to post (at great length!) of their processes and ideas on exactly this subject. If you did search this topic you will be presented instantly with a floodgate of great information, so don't miss out on that.

My experience and process is rather simple in comparison to some of the other Model 52 enthusiasts. I use R-P headstamp brass exclusively. I use old stock/long out of production 148gr Star swaged HBWC and I also use new production Precision Delta 148gr swaged HBWC. I use 2.8gr of Bullseye and I use a slight roll crimp and I don't go to any great lengths beyond that. (some folks do and I certainly don't fault them)

My process is currently feeding six different 52's. That down one from 7 since I sold a minty one to a forum buddy here on this site.

 

[Rule3]

The answers you seek can be found here:

Model 52 loads

Also depending on how much your gun has been fired/maintained I recommend a new recoil spring and magazine springs, which can be found here:

https://www.gunsprings.com/SMITH & WESSON/NUMBERED SERIES/cID1/mID58/dID261

 

[824tsv]

My go to load is 3.0g of Winchester W-231 under the Hornady 148 HBWC. Seat the bullet flush with a slight crimp.
#2 is 2.7g of Winchester WST using the above bullet with the same seating/crimp
Both perform and function flawlessly in my Model 52-2. Accuracy is well beyond my capabillites.

 

[625smith]

I'm with 824tsv 3.0 grs of W231 with a 148gr HBWC seated flush.

 

[H Richard]

2.8 gr. Bullseye or 3.0 gr 231 with the Star (sorry long gone now) HBWC back when I shot my 52-2. Wonderfully accurate load. I trimmed about .020" off the cases and left that much bullet stick out. A trick old timers taught me in the 80's that eliminated any feeding issues.

 

[old tanker]

My 52-2 has been happy with bulk Remington 148 grain wadcutters and 2.8 grains of Bullseye. Too bad Star went out of business and stopped making their very accurate 148 HBWC's.

 

[4barrel]

Each gun is a little different. These loads with a hbwc will work in a revolver or auto 800--850 fps. For me the brass needs to eject about 3 feet. I still have 1000 or so Star bullets left. Back then you could buy them non lubed. I owned a 52 one time I had to size the bullets to .357 to function correctly. I own a 1911 I size to .356.

 

[socal s&w]

I also use 2.8gr of Bullseye, in a WW brass case trimmed to 1.41", then seated a LHBWC by Bear Creek to just a hair above the case with a slight roll crimp and a WW standard primer.