Just got my first S&W, and for field carry with my .45 Redhawk I've used Buffalo Bore and Corbon and been pleased with the accuracy.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the accuracy of .357 Buffalo Bore 180gr vs. Corbon 180gr or 200gr vs. Double Tap 180gr. Also, any suggestions for home defense? .38 vs. .357? and suggestions on weight?

Thanks.

Every gun is an entity unto itself. What one of us on the forum experiences with a given brand of ammunition and load from our gun is almost no indication what you gun will do with the same kind of ammunition, but from a different lot and of a different age.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Thanks, Dave. Certainly agree. Nonetheless, I'm wondering what folks have experienced with the ammunition I'm considering.

The loads you quoted are pretty heavy hot loads. The L-frame 686 can't compare to a sturdier Ruger Redhawk, it would more equate to an N-frame model 27. I would only use those loads very sparingly in a 686.

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Dick

Just following up to my original post. In the 4" .357 Mountain Gun, both the 180gr Buffalo Bore (Hard Cast LFN-GC 1,400fps/M.E. 783 ft. lbs.) and the 200gr Cor-bon (Hard Cast 1150fps/587ftlbs) are accurate to 2" at 25yds, though the 200 is a bit more— within 1.25-.50, and the 200 is the one I was able to put through the center of the target. If I were a better shot, perhaps the BB would have centered as well. Interesting enough, the 180 kicks a little more than the 200, which is more of a push. And there's more flash with the 180. Both are fun to shoot. On a related note, the 158gr BB (J.H.C. 1,475fps/M.E. 763 ft. lbs.) is louder, more flash, and is a little harsher. Go figure.