S&W 686 question

Jwirecom109

Jwirecom109

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So I've been considering getting myself a 686, but i am alittle confused about something.
I know i can shoot 357 mag, so no issue there.

But .38 S&W Special +P, can someone explain this to me.
is that just normal .38 special or is it another type of ammo all together.

I want to know what i'm getting into before i decide to buy the 686.
 
It's .38 Special with a +P (power) powder load. It's basically a 'hot .38 special load'. There is +P and +PP. S&W says only .38 Special or +P, not +PP. The 38 special case is slightly shorter the .357 mag case. This leaves an area at the front of each cylinder with powder and possible lead residue to be cleaned. I shoot 95% regular .38 special LRN (lead round nose) and about 5% .357 mag, usually at the end of each session with a jacketed bullet to clean out some of the lead. I love the gun, 5" 7 shot unfluted.
 
Jwirecom109 said:
So I've been considering getting myself a 686, but i am alittle confused about something.
I know i can shoot 357 mag, so no issue there.

But .38 S&W Special +P, can someone explain this to me.
is that just normal .38 special or is it another type of ammo all together.

I want to know what i'm getting into before i decide to buy the 686.
Click to expand...

It's normal .38 S & W Special just loaded to a higher pressure. You'll get a little more velocity compared to the regular ammo. You can shoot it all day out of your 686.
 
+P = + pressure

Caused, no doubt, by an increased qty of powder.

Great revolver, I've had one (6" bbl) since April 1984. You will *love* this S&W!
 
The +P designation was introduced to label hot .38 special (and other calibres) that were loaded to above the saami pressure levels. in a .357 gun you can fire any .38 special but for some of the older j frames and alloy guns you can use normal .38 but they are not rated for the +P. an L-frame like the 686 can shoot them all day no problems.
 
+P+ is the modern equivalent of the original S+W 38-44 HV loads. Your L frame can shoot 38 Special, 38 Special +P, 38 Special +P+, 357 Magnum, and 38-44 cartridges. Make sure you clean the chambers well after firing a lot of 38's, as the detritus left behind can cause sticking of the longer 357 Magnum cases. - dan
 
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