I picked up a second 686-6 2 1/2" recently. I had data on my original 686's performance with eight .38 special loads and five .357 loads (110gr thru 158gr) . I tried the new 686 with all thirteen loads. The new 686 shot eleven of the loads to within 1" of point of aim. Both the factory .38 special 148 wadcutters and the reload 148 (double end) wadcutters shot 2 1/2" to the right of point of aim at the 50' target distance. These same wadcutter loads were dead on with the original 686.
a 2 1/2" group at 50" with a 2 1/2" barreled gun isn't a bad group with any round. Depending on how hot the load was, I find a HBWC loaded beyond 3.0 gr 231, (about 2.9 gr. Bullseye) the accuracy starts to fall off in any of my .38/.357's.
H Richard,
This is a 75' double tap that I made with a 442 using the same wadcutter ammo that gave me the problem with my new 686. The group that I shot with the 686 wasn't a 2 1/2" group, it was a 1" group that was centered 2 1/2" right from my point of aim.
Don't know that I would describe what you are experiencing as "a problem". ALL guns will shoot given loads to a different point of aim or will have a "pet" loading. Just because you have perfected a load for one particular 686 does not mean the next will "like" it.
And with regards to point of aim, how about just adjusting your sights?
Not trying to be flip, but what you are describing, to lots of folks, would be considered the fun and challenge of reloading in general.
Twin 686-6 Snubbies - One Won't Shoot Wadcutters
Linear Mode
