S&W 52 length of case

geeguy

I have procured a S&W model 52 which uses .38DBWC only ammo. It shoots and cycles my current revolver ammo, but it is tuff to load the magazine. I am considering cutting the cases to minimum, using HBWC bullets and seating flush to the case mouth, then a slight taper crimp to assure a smooth feed.

Anyone have experience with loading for this gun? All (almost all) opinions considered.

Thanks

Hawk Carse

I load Speer HBWC seated flush and roll crimped like factory. Taper crimp does not feed reliably.
I have not needed to trim cases.

MIKE WISKEY

just use .38 colt longs (or shorts) they work just fine[:D]

iceracerx

The Model 52 was designed to shoot Commercial Midrange wadcutters. With the ammount of surface contact between the bullet and the case there is no need for a crimp of any kind (as long as you stay with "Midrange" loads).

Stick with flush seated HBWCs and you will be fine.

Are you using this '52 for 50' indoor shooting or the Centerfire stage of the National Match Course (outdoor)?

Edit: ooppsss Perry is, as always, correct. I was just trying to ask the OP what he intended to do with the 52. I have shot 38 spl midrange at 50 yards, it's not hard if you put your mind to it. The 10 ring on a B-27 target is real small at that distance.

perry shooter

hello I am slightly confused The model 52 was and may still be a premier centerfire pistol for N.R.A. bulls-eye shooting That said very few people could shoot it well at 50 yards long barrel time and projectile at near to unstable.Most people either went to a 32 in one of the foreign semi auto's or just shoot the 45 in both centerfire and 45 stage. The ONLY cartridge intended for use was a Flush to the mouth of the case full WAD CUTTER bullet . If you are having trouble with ammo loading in the MAGAZINE are you sure you are using Model 52 Magazines and not a 9MM magazine for a model 39 the OAL of a 38 special should fit in the magazine.

Sounds like a great pistol . Yes I agree great scores can be shot and in a ransom rest they will shoot little KNOTS it just seems that with the wind that blows and nerves by shooters At Camp Perry and other 50 yard outdoor ranges the 38 special in a model 52 is unforgiving sort of like a TURBO PORSCHE 911 It takes a great driver/shooter To stay out of TROUBLE or a Shot in the white.I have a Giles in 38 special that has no case to magazine problems at all I NEVER TRIM just load and taper crimp maybe I am lucky. I still shoot double 45 in matches [^] on 50 foot targets the 45 because of larger bullet diameter will give you HIGHER scores unless you have trouble with recoil. Cheers Karl

geeguy

Karl: Using it for centerfire 50' Bullseye. Although, the person that this was purchased from was a Civilian Champion at Perry in the 50's (not with this gun)and I have targets from Perry with this gun in the 90's that were 90+ at 50 yds and 100's at 25 yds, so it can be done (not that I could do it). This gun was put through the S&W custom shop twice for accuracy (I have all the paperwork), but I realize the round is not as good as the .32 for 50 yds.

The magazines are for the 52, it is loading and shooting fine with 2.4 gains of Clays, 148 gr HBWC, Ultra dot on the slide, drops the case at my feet. The reloads were built for my K-38's and were just a struggle to load in the 52 mags, but I didn't worry about OAL since they were loaded for a revolver. I'm getting ready to load for this new gun and was trying to decide if I should trim to minimum which would make it go in the mags easier, but maybe I would then have a feed issue (don't think so, but I don't know).

Guess I'll just make a few with minimum brass length, flush bullet, and see how they work.

Thanks all for the input.