Loads for S&W model 52

james r chapman wrote:Did it shoot any better than your accepted load from, oh, 60 years or so?

there's a reason that all the factory loaded 148 hbwc's are 710 fps, give or take.

KenO wrote:If it works for you, can't argue with success, my experience was different.

Early this year I bought a M52 off of Gun Broker. I loaded up some 148 HBWC over the lowest starting load listed in my reloading manual. The groups were horrible, so I started working up and trying, the groups got worse. I was getting close to max, then gave up.

I told a friend who many years ago shot on a LEO team which supplied M52s and match ammo. He still had a couple boxes, one was Federal, and one was Remington that he had me try. It grouped great, and had me puzzled, so I ran it over a Chrony, and it clocked at 700 and 710 fps, I don't remember which was which, but both brands grouped just fine.

The starting load of manual came in at about 750fps, you wouldn't think it would make that much difference, but it did. I dropped the load to get the factory velocity, and it was unbelievable the difference. My charge is 2.6 of Tight Group or Bullseye.

rhyno01 wrote:

I will for sure give your load a try. What is the velocity of the 2.6?

KenO wrote:If it works for you, can't argue with success, my experience was different.

Early this year I bought a M52 off of Gun Broker. I loaded up some 148 HBWC over the lowest starting load listed in my reloading manual. The groups were horrible, so I started working up and trying, the groups got worse. I was getting close to max, then gave up.

I told a friend who many years ago shot on a LEO team which supplied M52s and match ammo. He still had a couple boxes, one was Federal, and one was Remington that he had me try. It grouped great, and had me puzzled, so I ran it over a Chrony, and it clocked at 700 and 710 fps, I don't remember which was which, but both brands grouped just fine.

The starting load of manual came in at about 750fps, you wouldn't think it would make that much difference, but it did. I dropped the load to get the factory velocity, and it was unbelievable the difference. My charge is 2.6 of Tight Group or Bullseye.

Steve B wrote:How's that 52 coming along with the new barrel Jerry?  Please post a few photos over here.
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Hello Steve;
I have slowed down a little the last couple of weeks to do some deer hunting and coyote trapping.. Got back yesterday, and will get some work done on it now slowly, as I'll still be in the woods, swamps,  and fields locally..for a month or so..

I have the Micro base in place, silver solder and welding is done,  re blued.. and the bushing is worked out.. Top pic is the bushing.. I removed all the factory "junk" and machined a solid full thread contact that uses all the threads and locks against  the slide face.. It's twice as long, locks up tight, and much thicker.. The bottom pic is how the bushing started out..4140.. The middle pic shows the optic base.. I have to make the Micro mount yet.. and the tubes.. The grip panel on the left side is being omitted and an aluminum panel will be in place there to enable the shooter more purchase on the trigger.  Short fingers.. We have function tested it... Shot great.. I am still contemplating some ammo modifications..Fun stuff.