SW Model 52 w/ plated HBWC

[jbrown13]

I need you guys to check my thinking about a problem I'm having. I'm loading Berry's plated 148 HBWC over 2.9 grains of Bullseye powder (seated flush) and having difficulty getting 2 different SW Model 52s to cycle/function reliably. I'm getting a good number (30 to 40%) of failure to ejects. My brain tells me that at an equal powder charge the plated HBWC is not going to achieve the velocity of a swaged lead HBWC and that the pressure is going to peak higher because the projectile is in the barrel longer. With that thinking it is hard to figure out where to go next, as I'm thinking the higher pressure should make the pistol cycle better. If it was only happening in one pistol I would lean towards a mechanical issue, but since it is happening in 2 guns I'm leaning towards the ammo. I certainly don't want to beat the guns up. Am I thinking wrong? What do you think is going on? Where would you go from here? If I have to use a swaged HBWC in the 52s, so be it.

 

[loadedround]

Basically the S&W model 52 pistol was designed to fire a mid range 38 special cartridge. This cartridge was a lead HBWC bullet seat flush with the case mouth. I would increase your powder load .1 gr and see if that helps your functioning. If not, I would stop there and just just stick with lead bullets, that's all I ever shot in my 52.

 

[jbrown13]

Loadedround, thanks for the input. The guns work fine with lead, I was just trying to load something a little less messier. I was thinking of trying 3.0, but had hesitation for fear of beating the gun to pieces. I guess I'll try it, "nothing ventured, nothing gained".

 

[loadedround]

JB: The current Speer manual shows 3.1 as maximum for the lead wad cutter bullet, but I hesitate to reccomend that extra .1 gr. Another suggestion might be to try WW231 or HP-38 (same powder) in target weight loads. It's possible that you may get slightly more energy with those powders. If I were still shooting bullseye matches, I would probably switch to WW231 since its more clean burning at a slighty less mean temperature. Again just my own opinion.

 

[jbrown13]

Today I tried the Berry's 148 HBWC (seated flush) over 3.0 grains of Bullseye and the 2 - M-52s cycled 100%, although only 15 round test.

Also tried 3.5 grains W231 and that also cycled 100%, but only 15 rounds also. I also tried 3.7 grains and that really threw the brass out. I think 3.6 grains of W231/HP38 will work excellently.

I'll test larger quantities at a later date.