I'm shooting a new 686 4" on the PPC course. (LE instructor rules require 4" barrel). I know from reading different forums that the popular ammo is .38 special 148 grain HBWC. I cant find that ammo anywhere (3000 rounds). Is there an alternate type of more readily available ammo that is a low velocity load good for shooting paper at 50 yds? I'm looking for a back-up ammo type because i doubt I'm going to be able to find the amount of HBWC that I want.......or where is a good place to buy bulk ammo? Any comments would be appreciated.

Online. https://precisiondelta.com/index.php...838w-case.html

I have had good luck with Armscor USA .38 Spl, 158 FMJ. It runs just under 700fps in my 4" 686.
If you dont reload, this ammo will shoot well in a 4" L frame at a low cost and the brass is great for and when you do.
Jim

Several years ago I would have pointed you right to Precision Delta, but the last 2 batches of the NEW,158 SWC, federal primer ammo has been junk, last year the bullets had so much lube and polishing media on them you had to clean each round , and this year whatever powder they are using leaves so much unburnt in your gun after 1-2 cylinders worth you have to brush it out or it locks up your gun, sad.

Atlanta Arms & Ammo has HBWC PPC match ammo.

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NRA Benefactor Member

Atlanta Arms seems like the place. Thank You!

They are still available, but 158 grain SCW's will work just fine. They are accurate and plentiful. Personally I use 158 grain RNL as I have a large supply of them. They are more accurate for me and tend to lead up less because of their nice smooth shape but will not cut the nice clean holes of a WC or SWC. Since I shoot mostly for fun now I don't really care. When I do still compete it is only against long time shooting friends and the results are not official or for prize money so they are just fine for me. I also like the fact that the RNL drop into the chambers faster than any other .38 Spl. shape bullets which is great for PPC reloads. Try some!

If you're doing this much shooting it sounds like time to start reloading.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244