Another Smith question

Gillis2

Gillis2

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Hi all,

I recently purchased a Smith and Wesson 686 and like it a lot. I used both 38 special and .357 mag rounds in it and for some strange reason, I seem to be more accurate at 20 yards with the .357 full loads. Go figure!!
My question is: Is the 686 built strong enough to handle a steady diet of .357 magnums? I have to say that I very rarely shoot more than 50 to 100 rounds from it on the same range trip as I most of the time bring another gun to diversify my experience.

Thanks for your answers

Gilbert
 
If you can afford to feed it, it can definitely handle the 357 magnum load. It is chambered and built for it.
 
If taken care of it will live longer tehn you ever will. As stated above it is made to shoot 357 mag loads all day and every day.

Graydog
 
Thanks for your answers guys. So I guess I'll shoot the magnum loads with confidence :)

Gilbert
 
Gillis2 said:
... for some strange reason, I seem to be more accurate at 20 yards with the .357 full loads.
Gilbert
Click to expand...

I may be able to tell you why - I had accuracy problems with a 9mm that I only recently managed to clear-up (?) Are you reloading the .38's, and have you loaded them soft? The bullet may not be going fast enough to spin it up to where it will spin-stabilize. In my .357, the 148gr wadcutters are heavy bullets and will need some decent velocity to stabilize in the air - try adjusting your powder load to give more ( - or maybe even less - ) muzzle velocity.

If not, just ignore my mumblings - everybody else does :rolleyes:
 
The L Frame Smiths (586 and 686) were introduced in the early 1980s as a response to the accelerated wear problems that the slightly smaller K Frame revolvers (19 and 66) were having with a steady diet of .357 Magnum loads. Shoot yours with confidence!
 
My 586 forcing cone got damaged and cracked after shooting a bunch of hot 125 grain 357 remingtons. I was shocked. It ruined the barrel however it's still up in the air if there was a timing issue. I wouldn't worry but doesn't hurt to inspect your gun after shooting a bunch.
 
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