38 Wadcutter Chamber Gauge

Does anyone make a chamber gauge specifically for the .38 full wadcutter used in S&W Model 52's, as opposed to the .38 special semi-wadcutter chamber gauges for use with revolvers?

A chamber gage should be the same for both, shouldn't it?

james r chapman wrote:A chamber gage should be the same for both, shouldn't it?

A .38 special, semi-wadcutter round will not chamber in a S&W Model 52.  In fact, if the full wadcutter bullet is not slightly recessed (~1/32") in the brass and roll crimped, it will not chamber.  The Model 52 chamber is very precisely machined.  I have the Lee Factory Crimp die as the last stage in my press to ensure a proper roll crimp.

So, no, a standard .38 special chamber gauge will not work.

Gosh, all my .38 special Remington wadcutters easily chamber in all my guns.

Anyway, give Dave Manson a call.

Looks like we are mixing "wadcutter" and "semi wadcutter."   One, wadcutter, being flush seated with the case mouth and the other, semi wadcutter, extending beyond the case mouth.  We all know the 52 requires a flush seated wadcutter.  In talking wadcutters the only concern I remember was the wadcutter with the button nose.  They did not work in the 52.  Don't think that chamber gauges check OAL.  They check your case length and sizing to make sure that they conform to the SAAMI camber specifications.  In this case a 38 Special chamber gauge should check that aspect of any 38 Special