696 ??

Slim Jim · #1 02-23-2009, 06:53 PM

Is 6.5 grs. of Unique behind a 240gr. cast bullet a safe load for my 696? I know it works in other .44s but I'm concerned about the forcing cone in mine. Will this get me around 800-850fps?

Slim Jim · #2 02-23-2009, 06:53 PM

Is 6.5 grs. of Unique behind a 240gr. cast bullet a safe load for my 696? I know it works in other .44s but I'm concerned about the forcing cone in mine. Will this get me around 800-850fps?

mike from st pete · #3 02-24-2009, 08:59 PM

I use 6.2 and a 240 LSWC in mine and have good luck with them

Spotteddog · #4 02-24-2009, 09:20 PM

Yes,
They are thin. BUT, the fragility of these guns has grown into an urban legend now. I'm surprised barrels aren't falling off of them nation wide by now, with it's skinny forcing cone and threads being left behind? Reload with sanity, use lead, and make sure she doesn't get out of time. Do those three things, and she'll out last both of us! Mine hasn't bit the hand that feeds her for 12 years now.

Slim Jim · #5 02-25-2009, 05:19 AM

Thanks guys, I was hoping for more response to my post but I apreciate the two replies. Slim Jim

Spotteddog · #6 02-25-2009, 12:32 PM

Your probably not going to see a lot of responses for a couple of reasons. First, not a ton of them were bought originally when new. Second, those that were bought later as NIB often got squirreled away in a safe as an investment or part of a collectors passions. Third, only someone who reloads could afford to shoot one much, without having to take up residence in a refrigerator box in an alley. Fourth, because re-loaders tend to be amateur metallurgist's, engineers and born "tinkerer's", we tend to inspect sometimes overly so, in search of possible problems before they crop up. Fifth and probably most importantly, is the fact that 90%+ of folks into this hobby/sport, tend to end up being OCD. Which is probably a good thing, considering how easy it would be to put an eye out playing with them!

Slim Jim · #7 02-25-2009, 01:35 PM

To me the 696 was the ideal piece for what I wanted and it would be shame not to shoot it. My first few boxes of ammo were, unknown to me, part of a special purchase. When that was shot up I nearly fainted at the full price of .44 specials. That's what has started me reloading again after a neary 40 year hiatus. The $30 a box cost of jacketed bullets was the reason for switching to cast of which I know nothing. about.