Forgive in advance what might be a naive question. But here goes: I have a S&W 586, 4-inch six-shot revolver on the way. I know it's chambered for and can fire either .38 Special or .357 Magnum cartridges. I've got some .38's purchased but holding off on buying any .357 in light of the much higher prices. At a buck twenty a bullet, that's expensive target shooting.

This is my first experience with an L-Frame and larger caliber as I'm used to shooting .22's. Question: How much of a difference is there in .38 and .357 accuracy/performance/recoil, etc. and would I be missing out by not using the gun to its "full potential."?

For what? Shooting paper? If yes, then you just miss the fun of extra recoil.

And the .38s will get your cylinders a little dirtier but no big deal.

There is quite a lot of difference between .357 Mag & .38 Special in an L-frame.
The L-frame is a fairly heavy gun and the .38's are pretty tame in it.
Not boring, but tame. I haven't tried .38+p yet, so I'm not sure how much difference there is with them.

.38 Spe in the 586 is like shooting a .22LR. .38 Spe +P is not much recoil either.
I bought the 586 to shoot .357 magnum and that is what I shoot 99% of the time.
I do reload, so my cost is considerably less.

I have a number of revolvers in 38 and 357, including a 586. You might want to consider getting to know your gun with 38s, then the +P as you suggested. In my experience, there is a dramatic step up in bang with the 357. It will certainly be controllable in that gun. I don't see much, if any, difference in accuracy. All my Smiths surprise me all the time. They are more accurate than I am.

Oysterhead mentioned that 38s might be dirtier in a 357, and that might be true, but also not a big deal. I get the best results all the way around by reloading 158 grain bullets in a 357 case, but at 38 velocities. Check the loading manuals. Using the longer case and longer bullet minimizes the distance the bullet jumps from cylinder to barrel, keeping all that powder residue going strainght down the barrel instead of flashing out the sides of the cylinder. That would help solve your price per round problem, too.

The only other problem you may have is the addiction factor. Its terminal.

+P ammo is a waste of money. Have fun at the range with your 38's. Load for defense with 357's. You'll want 158gr hollow points for 357mag. Same grain bullet if you choose 38 for defense. The L frame can digest a steady diet of mags if you choose. This model is certainly beefy enough for it.

I shoot light 38 spl reloads in my 686 about 100 percent of the time, target shooting. No recoil, less noise, accurate and not boring.

I shoot magnum rounds in my L frame ...



... and at 25 yards with a sandbag rest it's no problem to shoot some good groups.

GF

I shoot mostly .38s in my 686 and everything from target wadcutters to +P to full blown .357. Since the .38s are slightly shorter the fronts of the cylinders do get dirtier. I'm going to start carrying a bore brush to the range since when I go I shoot for a couple of hours at least. I love the versatility of the .357.
Have you thought about reloading your own ammo? I started with Lee Hand Loaders while I collected stuff for using the press. Components are in very short supply right now, though. I just had to back order some rifle bullets.

I agree with what others have said. Shoot a few .357's, just to get the feel, but use the .38s for punching paper. I have a M586 and a M581. They are great shooters. You will enjoy shooting them. Congrats on getting the M586.

Thanks, fellas, for the great responses. Inasmuch as I'll be punching paper most of the time, .38s are the preferred ammo. I may splurge for some .357's just to experience the difference. In any event, I'll save the brass. The LGS does reloading and can save me some money on new bullets. No indoor ranges where I live BTW.

Like was suggested above practice with 38 Special. Load 357 for Home Defense, or Concealed carry. Shoot enough carry ammo to be comfortable shooting it.

I have numerous Revolvers in 38 and 357 Magnum. A safe bet is Over 99% of my shooting is with 38 Special ammunition. My Dillon 550B is normally set up to reload 38 Special ammunition with a 158 Round Nose Bullet, and 4.7 grains of Unique. This is my match and all round use load.
My brother and I both shoot a Defensive Pistol Match one month, and a Steel Challenge Match the next. A safe bet is we average shooting betwen 400 and 500 rounds a month just shooting matches.
My 686-5 has never had a round of 357 Magnum fired in it other than being factory test fired. As this is going to be my new SSR Revolver, it might possibly never have a round of 357 Magnum fired in it until someone inherits it after I die.

My brothers Willy Clapp GP100 is his concealed carry, as well as Match revolver. I do not think it has ever had a round of 357 shot in it other than factory test fired either.
We live in a low threat area close to Mayberry. In the Summer we will both have a couple shotshells up front 75% of the time when concealed carrying for snakes, followed with 4 rounds of 38 Special.

No need to shoot Noisey, Expensive, Hard Recoiling ammunition most of the time at the range shooting paper or cardboard.

By your question you are a new centerfire revolver shooter. I would guarantee you will shoot 38 Special ammunition more accurately than 357 Magnum ammunition off hand.

Get some gunsmith screw drivers. You will need to check the side plate screws now and again, as they can shoot loose. Also pull the grips every few monhs and wipe under them with your oily rag. If you get the gun wet, pull the grips and wipe the frame with an oily rag.

If you wish to take the cylinder off the revolver for cleaning, Take out the Front Side Plate Screw, and the cylinder and crane will slide out to the front. when done cleaning slide the cylinder assembly back in place, close the cylinder, and reinstall the side plate screw.

Enjoy, You have a nice revolver. Keep it well oiled for the next generation to enjoy.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

Same here. Thousands of .38s. However, every other month or so I'll run 1/2 box(25) .357s through it just to stay familiar with the feel. Because I also keep the 686 bedside with 2 HKS loaders stoked with .357s.

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John

Yes you would be. Shooting .357 Magnum rounds in your L frame will be harder on you than it will be on your revolver.

When I shoot my 586 I try and shoot a 2/1 ratio of 38 special rounds Vs. .357 Magnum rounds. This allows me to maintain what ever shooting skills I still have, yet prepares me for the increased recoil of the .357 Magnum ammo.

There is nothing like walking into a range and unloading some .357 magnum. Unlike the tame plinky .38 specials, you can get magnums with a real mule kick in them. The report for my money is as loud or louder than a 44 magnum in an N-frame, and it always gets people's attention. Some of the jacket hollow points can really throw down some muzzle blast, too:



If you are like me, you won't shoot these often, but you should learn to shoot them. They are just as accurate out of the gun -- but can YOU be as accurate with them? If you are new to magnums, you will have to overcome a flinch with those rounds, and when you can shoot them as accurately as .38 special wadcutters, then you will be much better for it.

Some advice: you can buy the Hogue grip for the X-frame .500/.460 and it is a perfect fit on the 586 (the X-frame has an L-frame grip). It is much thicker behind the backstrap than the same Hogue grip that is actually for the 686, and it *really* tames magnum loads down considerably, better than any other grip I've used.

Post some photos - I love a good 586!!

I've always found full house 357s should be pretty tame (a realtive thing) in a 686. It's a full size gun and shoots like it. I never found 38s that were as accurate in my 686 as the 357s were. Now 357s in a sub 20 oz J-frame size revolver...those are a different story.