Need accuracy suggestions for model 52-2

[ddboomstick]

Just the other day, I bought a Model 52-2 in really nice condition. I am aware of this guns reputation for accuracy, but I must say that after taking it out to the range I am just a little disappointed. It didn't seem liked it wanted to group very well and didn't even group as well as my Model 57. Maybe someone that has more experience with this model could help.
I understand that this model has the potential to be a little picky about the way it's cartridges are constructed. I tried three different case configurations. All three had the same load. It was 3.0 gr. of 231 under a 148gr double ended wadcutter. All three were roll crimped with a Lee factory crimp die.
The first was untrimmed brass with bullet seated flush to the case mouth with a moderate roll crimp.
The second had the brass trimmed at 1.124 with bullet seated flush to case mouth and moderate roll crimp.
The third had case trimmed to 1.045 and the bullet seated to the crimping groove.
All three types seemed to function well in my gun, but I couldn't get any good groups. I was shooting at 25 yards off of a sandbag. If there was any preference, I would say that it was for the first and third configuration, but it was nothing dramatic. I was trying to find a seating combination that the gun worked reliably with so that I could use this information when I start developing loads for it.
I realize that I have barely scratched the surface with this new gun, but I thought that I would at least get some consistent groups instead of spraying 4" circles on the target. Any ideas?

 

[Ignatz]

I'd inspect the barrel for damage, or a bulge. Maybe even a loose rear sight.
That thing should easily hold 2" at 25 yards with just about anything that functions in it.
Or you could buy a box of factory 148 wc match ammo and see how that does. It should hold about 3" at 50 yards with good ammo.

 

[BE Mike]

It's the bullet. The 52 does best with a swaged 148 gr. hollow base wadcutter bullet. When using the hollow based bullet, one must make certain not to load too hot or the skirt of the bullet will separate. Most of them shoot extremely well with factory ammo. Getting them to shoot as well as factory ammo with reloads is a long journey indeed.

 

[M29since14]

It's the bullet. The 52 does best with a swaged 148 gr. hollow base wadcutter bullet...
Getting them to shoot as well as factory ammo with reloads is a long journey indeed.

Agree on both points. I have never made a handload for my M52 that shot as well as Remington factory loads. Swaged, hollow-base wadcutters (I use Hornadys) have always outshot any cast bullet in my gun.

M52s can be sensitive about everything - including powder and primers. And the trigger is not what you are used to if you are a first-timer (to 52s) and grew up shooting S&W revolvers.

Make sure your cases are within tolerance, get the swaged HBWCs, and try varying your powder charge a few tenths of a grain until you reach something around factory velocity (I believe it is 750 FPS, but you better check the tables). I have seen evidence in my own gun that loads that are a bit too slow are not good for the 52. BTW, this has nothing to do with the "tipping problem," as even the best factory WCs will tip in a 52 at the normal ranges. No one seems to worry that this slight tipping causes any real accuracy problems.

Gil Hebard has a couple good articles on the 52 in his Pistol Shooter's Treasury. Old info - but still excellent.

 

[ddboomstick]

OK, I was wondering about those bullets (DBWC) that I was using. Just about everyone out there uses HBWC I just ordered some. Any other ideas?

 

[M29since14]

Any other ideas?

1. Get some factory loads to use as a control to compare with your reloads. Buy only Federal, Remington, or Winchester.

2. Snap-in. The 52 trigger is tricky and not the easiest to learn. Snap-in and watch your sights. You will probably be surprised. 52s are NOT easy guns to shoot well.

 

[boatbum101]

Model 52 is designed to function with factory mid range HBWC ammo . R-P Targetmaster , Fed Gold Medal Match or Winchester Match . If you reload you must match these for best results . That means a HBWC not a cast bullet . What works for me is : 1) I use R-P cases , trimmed to 1.145 . 2) I use Fed 100 primers . 3) I will only use R-P , Zero , Precision Delta or Star 148gr swaged HBWC bullets . 4) There's some debate about sizing cases or not . Personally I've not tested this . I've got a lifetime supply loaded up & have always FL resized my cases . 5) Also debate about crimping . I taper crimp to .368 - .369 . Some like roll crimp . 6) Careful belling of cases & bullet seating pays off in spades . You want enough belling not to " shave " bullets when seating . Seat bullets straight & flush with case mouth . Finish with light crimp of your choice .
I think any decent powder is capable of producing a usuable load . I'm not a fan of any powder quicker than Bullseye in 38 special target loads . I find N310 & Clays for example not suitable . Slowest I've had good luck with was VV N340 . 3.6gr in my 52-2 groups quite well @ 50yds . I'll assume your gun is in stock factory configuration with an 8lb recoil spring . 2.7 - 2.9grs of Bullseye , WST , VV N320 . 2.5 - 2.7grs 700X , 2.9 - 3.0grs AA#2 , 3.1 - 3.2grs W231 & 3.4-3.6 VV N340 . You should be able to find a good load out of above list . My gun is set up with a 1" UD slide mounted dot sight , 7lb recoil spring , barrel weight & custom grips . Attached targets are 50yds with above W231 & VV N340 loads .

 

[625smith]

52-1

Here is my 52-1 with a group that I shot with my reloads. Shot from a rest @ 10 yards. 148gr HBWC with 3gr of W231 and a light taper crimp. Follow through is a must with a 52.

 

[br25004x4]

Hornady 148 gr HBWC swaged bullets with 2.7 or 2.8 gr Bullseye should be a good load in your 52 with bullets seated flush with end of case and light roll crimp.
Got to be a perfect hold they demand follow through. Also they were made to hold the 10/X ring at 50 yds.

 

[ddboomstick]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. These are the kind of quality responses that I was looking for! I will consider every one carefully. What do you think of the Lee factory crimp die? Seems like it makes autos function smoother. Also, I loaded up a few 148gr DBWC's (haven't got my hollow bases yet) with 2.8g. Bullseye. This seems to be one of the most popular loads for this gun. Accuracy was a little better but I had a fair amount of vertical shot stringing. This could be an error on my part, but I kinda doubt it. The gun was rested on sandbags and was pretty solid. Also, Boatbum, I like the scope setup. Are you happy with it? Where did you get the mount?

 

[boatbum101]

I'm @ the point ( age 60 ) where being able to really focus on front sight is damn nigh impossible . I've not been able to find the right Rx glasses that'll work for me . Tried the Merritt aperature etc . Hence the Red dot sight . The dot & target appear in the same plane . As I was not willing to drill & tap my gun I use a BME mount ( BME-Mounts ) . They make a variety of mounts for the 52 & other pistols . The one I use replaces the factory rear sight . Don't have to alter gun & can be returned to factory / stock in 15 - 20 mins . BTW I use a 1" Ultra dot with a 4moa dot . It's light & with a 7lb ( Wolff , Wolff Gunsprings - Firearm Springs for Semi-Auto Pistols, Revolvers, Rifles, & Shotguns ) recoil spring , I only have to " bump " loads a smidgen to have full function . 52 barrells usually run .355 - .356 . Most commericially cast WC's run .358 & alloy used is way too hard for low velocity loads in a 52 . If you were using a revolver & same DEWC you'd get better groups by increasing load to 3.5 - 3.6gr Bullseye . Can't do that with a 52 as you'd batter it to death . Most factory HBWC match ammo is 700 to 750fps . BTW I'm not a fan of Lee FCD as IMHO too many use this to replace proper loading technique . I load on Dillon machines & use Dillon dies except my taper crimp die is a Redding .

 

[RGPM1A]

+1 what Boatbum101 said about the BME mounts. I use 4 moa UltraDot LTs with same BME sight dovetail mount on my 41 and 52. They are light (about 4 oz including mount) and you don't need to drill and tap the slides. For the 52 this combination is especially good IMHO because it does not require a reduced recoil spring or require hotter loads like a slide mounted tube red dot does. BTW my 52 likes Hornady 148 gr. HBWCs flush seated with a light roll crimp over 3.3 gr. of Win 231. A little hotter (~800fps) than most people use but I use the load for 25 and 50 yards.

If you use the above red dot you will need to use a laser bore sighter to zero the sight to avoid frustration. The Ultradot LTs don't have clicks for adjustments and you will waste a lot of ammo if you don't.

 

[RGPM1A]

Photo of the guns/mounts.