Model 52 Ammo Problems

[230Ball]

Took my trusty 52 to the range today. It's been nearly 20 years since I did any bullseye competition and looking to get back into it. I shot some old wadcutter reloads that I must have put together for revolver competition, because each empty case would not clear the chamber after firing. Could this be because the case is too long? Perhaps a recoil spring or extractor problem? Is there a factory round you would recommend for competition? (Not sure when I will be able to get back into the reloading business.)
Many thanks in advance!

 

[MrMagoo]

I have a Model 52-1 and have found the only ammo that works perfectly is Winchester. I haven't tried many varieties but here's the lowdown on what I have tried:

Winchester: Perfect
Remington: Jams frequently (projectile protrudes a bit beyond the edge of the casing)
BVAC: Won't fit at all because the projectile protrudes too far beyond the edge of the casing.
S&B: Under-powered ammo. You'll have to manually eject every round.

 

[colt_saa]

i have only put Winchester, federal or handloads through mine

both factory loads were fine

 

[230Ball]

Thanks Guys!
Looks like Winchester factory ammo will be it until I get back into the reloading groove.
Kind regards.

 

[x10x10]

I reload for mine and I've had good luck with hornady HBWC, but where are you guys finding ANY WC ammo, I've never seen WC factory ammo on any shelf any where, I've been shooting 38 since I was 17, and that was a long time ago,

 

[colt_saa]

I reload for mine and I've had good luck with hornady HBWC, but where are you guys finding ANY WC ammo, I've never seen WC factory ammo on any shelf any where, I've been shooting 38 since I was 17, and that was a long time ago,

I have not looked on shelves in over a decade. I order it on-line.

While I mostly shoot my hand loads, there is at least 1500 rounds of factory federal sitting in the back room right now.

 

[austintexas]

I shoot mostly reloads in mine and the only problem I've had is that the rounds do not seat all the way. I realized that the double ended bullets were permitting a small bulge in the case. I changed to hollow base bullets and use a shell gauge to make sure they seat all the way in.

SWCA 892

 

[H Richard]

When I had a 52-2 and shot in competition, I reloaded all my loads. One trick I was told by a very Sr. S&W employee was trim the brass .010 shorter but seat the 148 gr. HBWC the original length. That leaves .010 of soft lead exposed in front of the case mouth and allows the smooth feeding. I never had a FTF in the several years I competed. Man was that a tack driver. I wonder sometimes If I could still shoot it as well as I used to. I doubt it.

 

[carlosmojoli]

I have a Model 52-1 and have found the only ammo that works perfectly is Winchester. I haven't tried many varieties but here's the lowdown on what I have tried:

Winchester: Perfect
Remington: Jams frequently (projectile protrudes a bit beyond the edge of the casing)
BVAC: Won't fit at all because the projectile protrudes too far beyond the edge of the casing.
S&B: Under-powered ammo. You'll have to manually eject every round.

Brazilian CBC feeds OK
Winchester OK when we can get it in Paraguay
Reloaded, with taper crimp

 

[boatbum101]

I use R-P cases & trim them all to 1.145" . I also use Federal primers & Remington or Zero swaged HBWC's . Taper crimp to .369 @ case mouth . My 52-2 likes 3.1 - 3.2 W231 or 3.6 VVN340 with HBWC's . COAL is critical for problem free feeding & extraction . If you'll review my past posts you'll find loads , test targets etc .