So I'm thinking of buying a S&W model 10-6 for sale at a local gun shop that is out fitted with a custom 6 inch target barrel, aristocrat sight, bobbed hammer and trigger job so basically its a PPC revolver and says it shoots .38 special nor does the gun say anything on it about " shoot only 148gr wadcutter ammo" so I am assuming it shoots regular 38 special ammo. My question is, if it does shoot regular 38 special because while I don't shoot PPC I love the look of this gun and the price is a steal for the work done to the gun so honestly it would be a range toy for me and I don't reload my ammo so I would have to buy factory which is fine but...

What ammo type should I use?
Lead cast or FMJ?
Does bullet weight matter?
Will FMJ wear my barrel out faster?
If it does shoot wadcutters only then what can I use?
What should I def not use in either variations of this gun?
And any other precautions I should know about shooting a PPC gun?

Mind you I'm just your average gun enthusiast so forgive me for sounding ignorant or not so bright when it comes to this subject but finding info I need has proven difficult!

Thanks for your help if you can.

Best load for PPC (spelled out for me by several much more experienced PPC shooters than me) was 148 gn HBWC over 2.7gr of Bullseye. You will(hopefully) love the way this shoots.Often times the PPC revolvers were set up to shoot the softest primers,usually Federal in my experience,so try them. Enjoy!

howdy,
a ppc gun, usually only shoots wadcutters, most are 148gn, some may just be a bit lighter/heavier wadcutter. if you do want to purchase the gun, see threads on what to look for on a used revolver. also, it might be your way into reloading, because new factory ammo is $$$$. i'm sure, you will have a few more replys. good luck...sw dan

Police Pistol Competition (PPC) Forum

Here's a PPC forum. The 148gr HBWC ammo is probably what the gun is suposed to shoot, but any standard 38 spl ammo will be ok.
PPC pistols are fun for range toys, but a lot heavier than the average revolver.
I picked up a used PPC gun years back, and its super accurate.

If it's chambered for 38 spl it should shoot any standard ammo, not
just WCs. And yes jacketed bullet ammo will wear your barrel faster
than plain lead bullet ammo.

Don't be surprised if the PPC action has modified springs and is not reliable with every commercial .38 load that comes along. Many competition revolvers are modified for a light double action pull at the expense of being reliable with select handloads using Federal primers. Of course, stock springs would allow you to shoot any ammo, at the expense of a heavier pull.

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