Need source for 38 Wad Cutters

Glennster · January 13, 2008, 08:23 PM

I'm about to start loading for my S&W Model 52-2, I need a good source for 148 Grain Wad Cutters.
I'm also interested in a jacketed Wad Cutter, I'm thinking I ought to try to reduce my lead intake while shooting.
If anybody has any likes or dislikes concerning loads for the model 52, I'd appreciate the input.
I need about 2,000 bullets, I live in northern Indiana (Elkhart), if there's a source close that would sure help on shipping.
THANK YOU Gentlemen!

Powderman · January 14, 2008, 06:03 AM

Well, how do!

I use the Hornady HBWC, in my Model 52-1. I have a slide-mounted Ultra-Dot on it, and I use a stouter load than normal--3.7 of HP38, seated very slightly below flush, with a very gentle roll crimp. I have used Federal cases, but I just got in 500 new Starline cases, and will try them next.

This load holds X-ring accuracy at 50 yards out of my gun. I order mine from Midway Arms, or Graf and Sons. They usually have them in stock. You'll enjoy shooting that fine pistol.

ShootingNut · January 14, 2008, 06:45 AM

www.mastercastbullets.com
Located in Carbondale, Il.
Great products and service. Mike has 158 gr SWC in .38, call him re: 148 gr.
Add 11% to this price, recent increase and his website isn't updated yet.
.38 CALIBER 158 GRAIN SWC $44.69 PER M (.357)

Powderman · January 14, 2008, 06:53 AM

Good info, ShootingNut.

But, remember this:

The Smith and Wesson M52 is designed to use the .38 HBWC. This means a dead-soft swaged bullet.

The bullets you mentioned are hard cast. They might indeed work well--and those usually do work very well in revolvers. However, the HBWC works in the M52.

cdrt · January 14, 2008, 01:37 PM

Midway carries the Remington 148 grain HBWC. They're a pain to load because of the lube on them, but, boy, do they shoot. I use them in my Clark 1911 .38 Special converison.

January 13, 2008, 08:23 PM	#1
Glennster Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 226	Need source for 38 Wad Cutters I'm about to start loading for my S&W Model 52-2, I need a good source for 148 Grain Wad Cutters. I'm also interested in a jacketed Wad Cutter, I'm thinking I ought to try to reduce my lead intake while shooting. If anybody has any likes or dislikes concerning loads for the model 52, I'd appreciate the input. I need about 2,000 bullets, I live in northern Indiana (Elkhart), if there's a source close that would sure help on shipping. THANK YOU Gentlemen!

January 14, 2008, 06:45 AM	#3
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	How About This www.mastercastbullets.com Located in Carbondale, Il. Great products and service. Mike has 158 gr SWC in .38, call him re: 148 gr. Add 11% to this price, recent increase and his website isn't updated yet. .38 CALIBER 158 GRAIN SWC $44.69 PER M (.357)

January 14, 2008, 01:37 PM	#5
cdrt Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: The Lone Star State Posts: 255	Midway carries the Remington 148 grain HBWC. They're a pain to load because of the lube on them, but, boy, do they shoot. I use them in my Clark 1911 .38 Special converison. __________________ Navy Vet, SWIFT Boat OIC, Distinguished Pistol Shot #1399 USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG-36)

January 14, 2008, 06:03 AM	#2
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Well, how do! I use the Hornady HBWC, in my Model 52-1. I have a slide-mounted Ultra-Dot on it, and I use a stouter load than normal--3.7 of HP38, seated very slightly below flush, with a very gentle roll crimp. I have used Federal cases, but I just got in 500 new Starline cases, and will try them next. This load holds X-ring accuracy at 50 yards out of my gun. I order mine from Midway Arms, or Graf and Sons. They usually have them in stock. You'll enjoy shooting that fine pistol.

January 14, 2008, 06:53 AM	#4
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Good info, ShootingNut. But, remember this: The Smith and Wesson M52 is designed to use the .38 HBWC. This means a dead-soft swaged bullet. The bullets you mentioned are hard cast. They might indeed work well--and those usually do work very well in revolvers. However, the HBWC works in the M52.