Model 52 questions

[45acpshooter]

I will soon be picking up a new to me 52-2. I intend to reload and already have a rcbs # 82031 mold 148 gr, wc ..but it has a little crown ? on top and not " a flush top" as some 38 sp. wc factory loads I have. Will my rcbs mold work in this md 52 ? or do I need to get a mold that will produce a flush top like factory rounds ? Thanks guys .. this forum is the best.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I'm not quite sure I understand your description of the mold and bullet it produces. But, as long as you can seat that bullet flush with the case mouth it should work. If the bullet protrudes above the case, you may have difficulty getting the cartridge in the magazine. Also the round may not chamber depending on the shape of the bullet. You can buy 148 gr hollow base wadcutters from Hornady for very little money.

 

[x10x10]

If you roll a crimp on the "little crown" will the bullet be longer than the case, If its just 50 thou or so you will probably be OK the hornady 148's are hard to beat, I've only used the hollow based wadcutter and haven't a bit of trouble, I think I did load a couple rounds long while adjusting dies and they wouldn't feed through the magazine, but while adjusting I think I did have a couple that would feed through the mag but still showing some lead and they functioned.

the 52 has a rep for being a princess when it comes to ammo but I've found the mags are more of a stopping point.

I'm still trying to master the trigger over the revolver trigger when it comes to the bullseye game.

 

[625smith]

I have always used HBWCs seated flush with 3.0 grains of W231. Never have tried anything else.

 

[smithrjd]

I would think it would be OK. You are limited by the magazine length. I have loaded some old Western Ammo 148g HBWC that have a "dot" in the center as well as Hornaday 148g DEWC that have a pronounced center "dot" No issue when I seat them to the edge of the bullet with a slight roll crimp. 2.7g Bullseye works for me and my 52-2.

 

[civil1977]

Depending on the shape and height of the little crown, you may be ok. The mags will be the tight spot but remember the rounds stack at an ever increasing angle so this may provide enough clearance. I'd cast a few, load them up and see how they work. If not, go with the Hornady or Speer swaged wadcutters.

 

[Ia.redneck]

A couple of other options would be to seat the bullet backwards or trim your brass back a little.
Good luck, they are wonderfully accurate guns and will show you EVERYTHING you are doing wrong on grip, letoff and follow through!

 

[R. G. Newton]

Go ahead and use it. If you can load the mag it will work.

 

[mkflyfisherman]

I've also found that if they fit in the mags without any resistance they will normally work.....all else being equal /MK