I recently just bought a S&W 627 5" performance center gun. Love it so much I'm going to buy the 627 in the 2.5/8" version. I've tried 38+P 158 grain & 357 mag. 158 grain. But found out I was shooting lower with the 38+P. I'm trying to set-up the gun with one great target load & not have to keep changing the rear sight. Any help with suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Lefty Lar

Anytime you change velocity or bullet weight you'll most likely will change the point of impact. I usually find the the hotter magnums print lower for me than the lighter loads.

Handgunner, thanks for the reply. I figured I'd get some pet or favorite load/manufacturers loads that work the best for people. Not many replies. Lot of lookers. I don't reload so my choices are relegated to factory ammo. Again, thanks!

Lefty lar.

You might find that lighter 95-110gr PlusP .38s' hit the same as the 158gr .357s' but none are what I call cheap target ammo. The advantage of the 38/357 is the wide varity of ammo that it will shoot, the downside is the POI varies just as much.

Thanks again handgunner!! I will try the 95-110 gr plus p 38's. Since you say they hit the same. I've never shot those before. Thanks for the tip.

Lefty lar

Every gun is pretty much a law unto itself regarding where it shoot specific loads, so don't get mad at Handgunner if you don't get the same results in your gun.

If I understand correctly, you're looking for a light load and a heavy load that will have the same POI at a specific range? That's a tall order. Because it's so hard to do, that's why your gun has adjustable sights. If you're only going to be going back and forth between two loads, why not memorize the number of clicks of elevation it takes to correct POI when switching from one to the other?

Agree with cp1969. The gun comes with adjustable sights for a reason.

Thanks for the help guys. I guess I was thinking one manufacurers load would rise to the top as a favorite load that you guys used from a 627 5" and a 627 2 5/8" model. CP 1969 I will take your advice and count the number of clicks for the adjustment when I change from light to heavy or vice versa. I just was hoping to narrow my search down for finding the right round without spending alot of money on a bunch of different rounds to get to maybe two or three favorites that my gun likes.

I guess that should be the fun of it. Just wanted to shorten the process a little. Again, thanks for all the input. Really appreciated.

Lefty lar

If you are stuck with factory ammo, then honestly, buy whatever is cheapest. Check Wal-Mart, they sometimes have Remington and Winchester in stock. 158gr loads will shoot higher than 110/125gr loads, it's the nature of the beast. Without getting into reloading you won't be able to find a perfect load for your gun so just go by price and availability.

Even if you don't reload yet...SAVE YOUR BRASS. It's just a mater of time. The 627 demands regular feedings

Thanks again guys for all the feedback. I wish I could get into reloading but I just don't have the time. PPS, you are right, that 627 goes to the range all the time. It does need feeding alot.

Lefty lar

I shoot Magtech 158gr in my PC 627.About 25 bucks per 50.Shoot it out to 200yrds and like the gun and ammo very much.

When I could find it, I liked the Sellier & Bellot 158 gr SP .357 and also the Magtech 158 SP .357. Both shot well in a variety of accurate S&Ws and Rugers. I preferred the S&B, as it seemed slightly warmer and more accurate.

Best of luck in your search.

Dyson