Some Model 52 questions....

[Brian in Oregon]

Does any factory still make HBWC loads that will cycle a Model 52?

Or, does anyone have a pet load for their M52?

Will grips from an M39 fit an M52? My wood grips are MIA. Put Pachmayrs on it decades ago and would like to switch back.

Does anyone have information on the alteration(s) to the magazine to change from 5 rounds to 6 rounds? Apparently this was done by some PPC shooters who wanted to use an auto instead of a revolver.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Most standard WC loads will cycle in a 52. The main thing is, they have to be seated flush with the case. If they stick out ANY they will probably bind up in the magazine and not function. Magazines vary a little, like everything else, so your mags may tolerate a slightly longer loaded round. Check out Zero Bullets. They loaded great ammo at one time, maybe still do. Their 125 gr. JHPs (just the bullet) are what I use in matches.

Don't know about the grips. It looks like they should fit, but never tried it.

Take the magazine apart and extend the slot straight down (parallel to the front and back of the mag.) about 1/4" from where it ended originally. I don't remember the exact length, it's been over 30 years since I did any. You will need a carbide end mill running about 500 RPM since this is tempered spring steel you're cutting on.

 

[505Gibbs]

I believe both Winchester and Remington still catalog the 148g HBWC and Black Hills offered remans at one time.
You won't know until you try them but as noted earlier - they should cycle a 52.

 

[Trophy66]

Yes on grips

39 and 52 grips are the same

 

[Trophy66]

52 load

2.8 bullseye seated flush with slight roll crimp, never fails

 

[824tsv]

"Or, does anyone have a pet load for their M52?"

3.0g of W231 under a 148g HBWC or DEWC seated a hair below flush with a slight crimp.

 

[Tom S.]

I tried .1 step loads of 231 starting at 2.8 and working up to 3.5. I used Hornady 148 grain HBWC. Pistol threw them all over the target at 25 until I hit 3.3 grains, which made one large hole (5 shots of course). At 3.4, the group opened way back up again.

When I get some time, I'm going to see how 452AA works. It used to be a favorite of many target shooters. I'll start 2.6 with it and go up to 3.3 as IIRC it burns just a smidgen faster than 231.

As an addendum, I had no failures to eject/feed like I did with the Fiocchi "stuff". Also, put a fair roll crimp to aid feeding.

 

[kidcom]

I use 38 special 148gr lead HBWC manufactured locally here in Ontario Canada by Wolf Bullets. I've never had any problems with them.

 

[RGPM1A]

I tried .1 step loads of 231 starting at 2.8 and working up to 3.5. I used Hornady 148 grain HBWC. Pistol threw them all over the target at 25 until I hit 3.3 grains, which made one large hole (5 shots of course). At 3.4, the group opened way back up again.

When I get some time, I'm going to see how 452AA works. It used to be a favorite of many target shooters. I'll start 2.6 with it and go up to 3.3 as IIRC it burns just a smidgen faster than 231.

As an addendum, I had no failures to eject/feed like I did with the Fiocchi "stuff". Also, put a fair roll crimp to aid feeding.

+1. 3.3 Grains of 231 and 148gr Hornady HBWC is what I have been using for about 20 years. Very nice reliable and accurate load. Just make sure you seat the bullets flush with slight roll crimp to avoid feeding problems.

 

[Leon Narozny]

Unless its ABSOLUTELY necessary to modify your mags, dont! At $100.00
a pop, your ruining a valuable magazine. Magtech sold by Midway has
an outstanding 148 gn HBWC, and at about $13.00/50 they are a great deal.I load 2.8 BE, Hornady or Speer 148 gn HBWC bullet, VERY accurate. Sometimes you can find WW or Remington, Federal is really rare, your looking at $30.00/50. I shot some a few years ago, like
my reloads better.
I shot PPC with my 52, and on the longer stages I could chamber one and use my 5 round mags, not on 12 in 20! I wasnt a 600 shooter
but shot the 52 for fun and practice. I always shot matches with a revolver.

 

[BigBoy99]

Unless its ABSOLUTELY necessary to modify your mags, dont! At $100.00 a pop, your ruining a valuable magazine.

If original magazines are that much, is there anyone who makes a replacement magazine one could get to modify?

 

[kidcom]

If original magazines are that much, is there anyone who makes a replacement magazine one could get to modify?

I wish there was as 52 mags are really hard to find.

 

[gmborkovic]

I wish 52 mags were $100. I have seen them sell for $150 plus.
Anything S&W is going thru the roof. Go find a Mod-41 22short mag!

 

[samnev]

2.8 bullseye seated flush with slight roll crimp, never fails

I've used the same load with 148 grain HBWC seated flush with a slight roll crimp for may years. It's very accurate.

 

[BE Mike]

If you are going to load, a 148 gr. hollow base wadcutter bullet is the ticket. The wadcutters with a little button on the end probably shouldn't be considered, as they probably won't feed in your magazines. You want to use a pretty light load. 2.7 gr. to 2.8 grains of Alliant Bullseye is a classic load. As others have stated, you should seat the bullet flush with the case or just a hair below flush to get reliable feeding. I use a taper crimp, but others like a slight roll crimp. As for bullets or ammo, it is one stop shopping at: Roze Distribution: 148 GR WCHB, $ Per 50, RELOAD

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Thanks, the reason I ask is years ago I bought a bunch of 148gr HBWC that had previously worked, but the new batch would not cycle. The manufacturer had switched powders, and said it didn't occur to them to test their alternate powder in an M52.

Have thousands of 38 Special cases, so if I can find powder, will work up a load and start reloading them this winter.

Did not realize the mags were getting so expensive. Have a bunch of them, but it's not a pressing issue to increase their capacity, so I'll skip that.

Haven't shot the M52 in a long time. After I stopped doing Bullseye, used it for small game hunting. The wadcutters simply cored a nice hole and no bloodshot meat. Killed far better than a .22 LR and did not destroy meat like a .22 Mag.

As an aside, many years ago someone was making .38 Super conversions on the Model 52. Was considering it, but then found out SIG was making a side-release P220 in .38 Super, so never went any further with the M52 idea. Ironically never did find a side release P220 in .38 Super, still looking.

 

[Leon Narozny]

I have posted this info before. A while ago, someone went to a major
mag maker and said he would pay the tooling, and wanted the company
to make 12 gross....thats 1728 magazines. He figured he could sell them
for $75.00, a great price for a NEW model 52 mag. He got turned down flat. Go figure.

 

[Mac1184]

Are their any differences in the 52-1 mags and those for the 52-2?

 

[Leon Narozny]

No difference. The mags are not model specific.

 

[RKCarl]

Re: factory loads, Magtech 148 gr. wad loads cycle properly, are accurate and are available. The factory load to avoid is Fiocchi 148gr. wad. They are loaded for revolver and will not properly cycle the 52. First-hand experience on that. The Fiocchi factory guys were very understanding and took 500 rounds back and exchanged it for a more usable caliber.