S &W Revolver 686 - What ammo ...?

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Irms

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First time buyer revolver ,what ammo is recommended 38 special / +P/ .357 .
Is FMJ the way to go ,if so any brand name and where to buy cheap ?
Tx.
 
I only use 357mag as am lazy and don't like cleaning the carbon ring out of my cylinders. Any cheap 357 will do or start reloading and save hundreds of dollars.

Cost about $8 for 50rds if you reload vs $35
 
Tenda has a smokin deal on S&B .38 special. Something like $22 for 50 rounds. I just picked up 1000. That's what I shoot at steel challenge with my 686, no issues so far after about 500 rounds.
 
The 686 is an awesome revolver. I have owned a few and have found that it will out shoot me. I shoot 38 wad cutter and semi- wad cutter reloads, primarily and feed in a few jacketed 357's to clean out the residue...once in a while. From squirrel and ruffed grouse with shot shells, to white tails with 125 grain hollow points....hard to beat the .357 magnum.
 
If you add your location to your profile, we could suggest ammo dealers nearby with good deals.

I suggest Wolf brand commercial reloads with lead bullets. Try 158 SWC in both 38 and 357.
 
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It's a L- frame revolver. It will take anything .38/.38+P/ .357 you care to put through it.
148gr LHBWC in .38Spl will kick the least and make nice sharp holes on paper. This is a pure target load usually used in PPC style or bullseye.
158gr .38Spl LRN or SWC are the most commonly found in stores. Was the standard .38Spl police round forever.
158gr .357 JSPs are the most common .357 loadings.
The funnest load is 125gr .357 JHPs. They make the best muzzle flash!
 
If you want muzzle flash, the 2 inch barrel does it and it shoots great, you need real good ear muffs.
I like nice light loads, but I have a smith that shoots best with 357.
If you hand load, and can find brass , load 38+p in 357 cases, than you don't have to clean the ring in the cylinder, but that is no big deal
 
I own a S & W 586, which is the same as a 686, but blued.

I shoot mostly .38 Sp. copper plated wadcutters. As far as I am concerned, the supposed crud ring in the chambers is a non issue. I reload.
 
and for fun, try this version of Russian Roulette

1- Do not point gun at your head
2- Mix .38 spcls and .357 magnums. Have somebody else load
so you don't even know how many of each caliber are loaded
and experience the nice surprises.
 
3strokes said:
1- Do not point gun at your head
2- Mix .38 spcls and .357 magnums. Have somebody else load
so you don't even know how many of each caliber are loaded
and experience the nice surprises.
Click to expand...

This is a good trick, i do it all the time with my 454 Toklat, loading 45 Colt or 454 Casull... JP.:)
 
l would suggest reading your manual. It will state what type of ammo p, +p etc your gun is rated for. Then buy a varity of ammo and see which brand gives you the best accuracy out of your gun. Some ranges do not allow fmj indoors, so check your range rules too.

The 686 is nice revolver, l think you are going to like it.
 
Mixing ammo reminds me of the time Century arms was selling surplus 9mm luger ammo, it was SMG ammo and quite a shock in a S-W 39.
I find the hardest cleaning is not the cylinder , but the frame at barrel, G96 and a tooth brush, mind you I would not use the same one that
you clean your teeth with.
The Smith is a nice gun, mind you I like the older ones way more than the newer ones.
The new guys that buy a Glock or what ever and than shoot a revolver are usally suprised how straight they shoot them.
 
Tx everyone for inputs .It was infact good shooting revolver for first time / have been Glock user .
Did order S&B on sale . Now want wooden grips with open back ? Any suggestions where to get ?
Did try Thailand stuff ,didn't fit properly though ?
BTW am in south western Ontario .
 
I sold a 586 smith to one of my customers with the factory wood target grips, but he likes rubber grips , I could talk to him about a trade, his is square butt, I thinks if yours is new , it could be a round butt?
P.M. if interested.
I am in Sk.
Irms said:
Tx everyone for inputs .It was infact good shooting revolver for first time / have been Glock user .
Did order S&B on sale . Now want wooden grips with open back ? Any suggestions where to get ?
Did try Thailand stuff ,didn't fit properly though ?
BTW am in south western Ontario .
Click to expand...
 
marshall said:
I sold a 586 smith to one of my customers with the factory wood target grips, but he likes rubber grips , I could talk to him about a trade, his is square butt, I thinks if yours is new , it could be a round butt?
P.M. if interested.
I am in Sk.
Click to expand...
Tx mine has a round butt.
 
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