686-6

[Big Kev]

Hi Everyone,

I have just purchased a new 686 with a six inch barrel. I am mainly using it for target shooting and using the 38 cal load. I am wanting to know what is the best load for accuracy.
I was told to use Winchester WST with a 98 grms wad cutter in a 38 cal brass. Is there a better and more accurate load.
I am wanting to put a load through this gun that is low in recoil, although I do not want to sacrifice accuracy.
Your advise is very welcomed.

Regards Kev

 

[nawilson]

Hi Kev! Welcome to the forum!

*Most* of the time *most* factory loads in *most* guns will outshoot *most* shooters. I suggest buying several types of ammo and practice, practice, practice. You will find one that you and your gun like. You said you were interested in a soft shooting round, and you are probably headed in the right direction with wad cutters. As a general statement, they are usually loaded soft and should be a good starting place. Happy shooting!

 

[Skip Sackett]

Welcome to the forum! You will enjoy that M686 and it will be one of the most accurate handguns you will ever shoot!

I have used my M586 6" barrel, stock, for PPC competition and it won me a 2nd place, right out of the box!

What I use for a load is a 158gr LSWC, 38spl brass, and Bullseye powder. The load I use is from the Lyman manual and is the maximum for that weight of bullet. Look it up or go to the Alliant website.

If you want to shoot 357Mag later on, you may want to use 357mag cases for your 38spl loads. Using the shorter cases can cause a carbon ring to develop that must be cleaned out of the cylinder before shooting 357mag out of it.


Have fun, be safe!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Welcome to the forum....

My favorite .38 Special load is a 158gr LSWC over 4.0gr W231/HP-38. It's clean and accurate in every revolver I shoot it from. If you would rather a wadcutter I like a 148gr DEWC over 3.4gr W231.

 

[Big Kev]

Thanks for the advise, I will try out a few difference loads and I will take Skip's recommendation to use the longer case.

Thanks again.

 

[billd13]

I have owned my 686 no dash since new in 1985 and used it for Bullseye, plinking and IPSC matches.

Occasionally I will use the load I make for my 52-2 which is 2.9 grains of Bullseye behind a 148 grain DEWC in my slightly shortened 38 cases. The cases need to shortened for reliable feeding in my 52-2.

My favorite load that I have made for the last 25 years for both my 6" 686 and 4" 586 no dash, is 3.5 grains of Bullseye behind a 158 grain LSWC in a 357 case to avoid the above mentioned extra fouling in the cylinder bores. Thousands of these have gone through both of my guns. It is a very accurate and very mild recoil load.

231, mentioned above, and Bullseye are among the most popular powders for these kinds of handgun loads. I happened to have settled on Bullseye years ago for all of my pistol loads and 748 for my 223 rifle loads.

 

[IAhunter]

Ditto the 357 cases, I use 3.6 of Unique with a 158 grain Oregon Trail Lasercast, for a 4" M686, 2 1/2 M66, 4" M19, and 4" Security Six. Light load, very good accuracy, no 38 special crud ring, and no leading. Makes a fine practice load. 1900 rounds to the pound of powder.

 

[johngalt]

I've had the best luck with a 148 gr HBWC + 2.8 gr Bullseye. I use .357 brass.