.38 Special Cases Finally!

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I use WST in my .38/1911. Compare 2.8 - 3.0

Loading for the Model 52 is definitely 2nd or 3rd level activity. Become proficient at the .45 before tackling the .38 full wadcutter.

On bullets:  When you look at 148 WCs you will see the hollow base, double ended , and a button nose variety.  The knowledgeable guys will correct me if I'm mistaken but I believe the button nose  won't fit in the 52 magazine.

Become proficient at the .45 before tackling the .38 full wadcutter.

I really enjoy shooting my buddy's model 52.  Larry is right that it's difficult to master several different platforms, but since everyone has different goals in this sport, and if shooting the 52 doesn't interfere with your goals, enjoy yourself.

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I've got some 38's you could have . Do they have to be Starline?

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Starline are certainly top notch pieces of brass. I personally use them for my 357's but for my M-52 I use nothing but Remington brass because it's the thinnest. I use Remington HBWC's and they are very long and the Remington brass distorted these bullets the least. Just a personal choice because Starline will work the same. One thing I do for all my 38 Special brass that I use in my M-52 is to trim it .010 SHORTER that the recommended minimum length and then seat the WC flush to the case mouth. Most guys I know who shoot the 52 also trim the cases short but some don't. Seems to me the guys that do trim short have fewer alibi's that those that just shoot whatever them come across regardless of length. 

I shoot 2.7 of BE in my M-52 and I have a BME slide mount and a 30mm Ultra Dot on mine. I would think that 2.7 or 2.8 of TiteGroup or the WST 2.8 that LL uses would be a good starting point. I have also noted that with my M-52 a small change in powder like 1/10th of a grain would make a big difference in the accuracy I would get. Not sure if all M-52's are as touchy as mine but it's worth keeping in mine while you experiment with yours trying to wring out the most accuracy.

As always with these suggestions YMMV.


Virgil

" I have also noted that with my M-52 a small change in powder like 1/10th of a grain would make a big difference in the accuracy I would get."   (Virgil Kane)  -----All accuracy results verified by machine rest tests??? John

John wrote:" I have also noted that with my M-52 a small change in powder like 1/10th of a grain would make a big difference in the accuracy I would get."   (Virgil Kane)  -----All accuracy results verified by machine rest tests??? John

No. By shooting literally hundreds of shots with each powder change and comparing the group sizes. Maybe not scientific by some standards  but works for me.