Model 52-2 failure to eject

[Ballpowder]

Hi guy I'm new to the forum. I just got a 1973 vintage Model 52-2. First load I tried, 2.9gr Bullseye and Speer HBWC gave ejection jams about 1/3 of the time. Any thoughts about where to go next? At first I figured it was a wrist issue but I focused on delivery and still occurred. Fairly virgin reloading handgun cartridges and VERY virgin with light lead loads so not sure about crimp. Using roll crimp that can be seen with the naked eye.

Anyhow I will stop loading until I get some ques from the S&W forum crew. What say you?


Tim J

 

[jag22]

There are a lot of 52 shooters that use those light loads, all I can say is they don't work for me. I think if you will move your loads up several tenths of a grain it will work better. I couldn't even get reliable results from factory rounds. Maybe the gun isn't ready for +P rounds but it can certainly handle a normal charge. Give it a try.

 

[z4lunch]

I have a similar vintage 52-2. I shoot 2.6 of be and mine runs fine. It is dripping with oil when i shoot it. Mine was new when i got it, and hickupped a few times until it broke in. Make sure your cases arent bulging.
My Star opens the case up enough that I can push the wadcutter halfway in with my thumb, I lightly roll crimp the case. Oh And trim the cases to minimum length as needed.
Steve

Hi guy I'm new to the forum. I just got a 1973 vintage Model 52-2. First load I tried, 2.9gr Bullseye and Speer HBWC gave ejection jams about 1/3 of the time. Any thoughts about where to go next? At first I figured it was a wrist issue but I focused on delivery and still occurred. Fairly virgin reloading handgun cartridges and VERY virgin with light lead loads so not sure about crimp. Using roll crimp that can be seen with the naked eye.

Anyhow I will stop loading until I get some ques from the S&W forum crew. What say you?


Tim J

 

[Ignatz]

2.9 of Bullseye is a little hot, I've used 2.7 -2.8 over the years.

 

[civil1977]

2.7 grains of Bullseye works well in my mid 70s Model 52-2.

 

[Ballpowder]

Ok guys after reading the posts I'm inclined to think that the load just too hot. A few cases appeared to have slight bulge. Also I think my scale needs to be checked avaunt my other ones.

So the theory is hotter loads are cycling the action and riccocheting it back forward grabbing the case before it can escape? It must be, huh?

Also anyone use W231? I'm thinking 3.0gr.

Tim

 

[BE Mike]

Ok guys after reading the posts I'm inclined to think that the load just too hot. A few cases appeared to have slight bulge. Also I think my scale needs to be checked avaunt my other ones.

So the theory is hotter loads are cycling the action and riccocheting it back forward grabbing the case before it can escape? It must be, huh?

Also anyone use W231? I'm thinking 3.0gr.

Tim

I've used 2.8 grains of Bullseye in my 52-1 with good results. I just got some HP-38, which is identical to W231. I'm considering starting with 2.9 or 3.0 grains and see what functioning and accuracy I get. So answering your question, yes 3.0 grains of W231 looks like a good load to start with and may be good enough to stay with.

 

[BE Mike]

There are a lot of 52 shooters that use those light loads, all I can say is they don't work for me. I think if you will move your loads up several tenths of a grain it will work better. I couldn't even get reliable results from factory rounds. Maybe the gun isn't ready for +P rounds but it can certainly handle a normal charge. Give it a try.

With hotter loads, one is likely to start blowing skirts off of the bases of hollow based wadcutters. That could end up being damaging to equipment and/or dangerous to people.

 

[mstuhr]

231

Ok guys after reading the posts I'm inclined to think that the load just too hot. A few cases appeared to have slight bulge. Also I think my scale needs to be checked avaunt my other ones.

So the theory is hotter loads are cycling the action and riccocheting it back forward grabbing the case before it can escape? It must be, huh?

Also anyone use W231? I'm thinking 3.0gr.

Tim

Hi Tim,
I shoot 3.5 231 and Remington bullets out of mine.
It shoots better than any load up to that point.
I also had trouble and had to tune the mags, but it is flawless since. I set the front lips of the magazine at .353 I.D. and it just does not malfunction at all any more.
Hope this helps
Mike

 

[BE Mike]

I chronographed some Federal factory matchammo, which is loaded with a 148 grain hollow base wadcutter bullet. It clocked at 759 fps. My load with similar bullet and 2.8 grains of Alliant Bullseye clocked 730 fps. The Speer reloading manual shows my load should clock at 741 fps, so I'm in the ball park. The Speer reloading manual shows that 3.0 grains of W 231 should clock 749 fps. That is pretty close to factory, which is highly accurate. I still think your starting load of 3.0 grains of W 231 under a swaged lead hollow base 148 grain bullet is a great starting load and may be the load you settle on for your S&W model 52.

 

[M29since14]

I don't think your load is too hot. I have two suggestions. First, clean your chamber. Put a tight fitting bronze brush in your electric screwdriver (or low speed drill) and use that if you need to, but be sure the chamber is clean from front to back. 52s are known to have tight chambers. There is not much room for crud. Second, get a maximum ammunition gauge and make sure your loads "drop" into it (no "pushing them in" ). I agree with others who say 52s seem to work better with properly trimmed cases, maybe even a little shorter than standard - .010" or so, not much.

Other than that, make sure your extractor is moving freely. Really, the only way to do that is to disassemble and clean everything. It is worth the time and trouble.

I have always found my 52 worked and shot best with fairly snappy loads in the 750 to 770 FPS range. For a long time I used Winchester 452AA but when WST replaced it, I changed to 231 and could never see any accuracy difference, or any difference in the function of the gun.

 

[44wheelman]

3.5 grains 231 seemed a little hot for me...backed down to about 3.2 & all is well.

 

[jbarger]

Tim,

I have been using 148 gr. HBWC w/ 3.0 grains bullseye and slight roll crimp. The one issue to remember is to check the case lengths. I maintain a length of 1.150"

Good luck,

Jim