New 52 Help with Fitting Cases for Mag and Loading

[chiltech500]

Howdy,

Just rec'd a new 52, in that new because it sat in someones safe with not being shot after purchase. The mags showed little to no wear other that having been racked a couple of times.

The bad news is that the springs are weak and my loads stick in the mags. I have read from here and the S&W forum and taken folks advice but not as much as should be yet, i.e. the DEWC's are almost flush and roll crimped to diameter .378. I used Federal cases and measured a few and they seemed about the length suggested, about - .010 from the manuals. But still had problems. The cases seemed to fat/thick to move smoothly in the mag and my OAL was probably too long.

I will shorten to flush and make sure I have a good roll crimp but need help finding the right casses - I tried a bunch of Federals and they were not thin enough, treed a few Winchesters but not that much better.

Suggestions on cases and length of case. I do have a trimming lathe.

Thanks

 

[Blue68f100]

RP is know to have some of the thinnest brass. You may want to give them a try.

If you haven't done so you may want to slug the barrel and see what size bullet is required. It may have a tight chamber which may give you problems as described. If you have some different mags may see if they give you a looser fit.

 

[forestswin]

check out a member named boatbum in that S&W forum sticky
he gives out all the info needed for loading these rounds - his advice worked for me

I don't know didly about springs

but yes, the cases need to be trimmed to 1.145"
not about -0.01"
the pistol can tell the difference as you have found out

bullets should be seated to flush
so COL will be 1.145"

just put a very slight roll crimp at the top of the case

I've used some DEWC in the past - but not anymore -
the gun is designed for 148 grain swaged hollow base wadcutters (soft lead)- so when you get a chance try to pick some up. The only ones I've found available are from Hornady

I use Remington nickel plated cases and they work fine - nickel? just to keep them separate from rounds shot in a revolver

have fun - its a sweet gun

 

[Rule3]

What forest said above. ^^^^

Cases need to be trimmed, bullets need to be FLUSH, Hollow base WC.

I seriously doubt it is the springs but if you want to be sure go here and buy some. First take them apart and be sure they are clean, old oil will turn to varnish. Be sure to remember the orientation of the spring,

Scroll down towards bottom of page

https://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto Pistols/SMITH & WESSON/NUMBERED SERIES/cID1/mID58/dID261#889

Edit:

Considering how much the gun cost, the following items are a small price to pay Before buying springs try these and save the brass, these bullets work

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/59...ster-wadcutter-box-of-50?cm_vc=ProductFinding


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/28...ase-wadcutter-box-of-250?cm_vc=ProductFinding