686 ammo? (+P+ & remanufactured rds)

[thebusinessend]

Can I shoot "all types" of 38 special rounds in my 686? (particuarly +P+ and also from all types of manufactures)

I bought a box of ammo labeled 38 special +p wadcutter "remanufactured ammo" and the ammo in the box were loose rounds... (38 special, 38 special +p and 38 special +p+). I assume the casings don't lie and I got a medley of ammo. (box of 50 for $18.00)

The casings were all different types of manufactures.

I shot through many rounds already. But I don't think I tried the +p+ yet. Can I use the +p+ ammo and continue to buy these "remanufactured ammo", or should I stick to brand name (new ammo).

What do you guys think?

 

[OKFC05]

I think that you probably have reloaded ammo, which means you better either know what is being loaded exactly or have a lot of faith in the reloader. I shoot thousands of my reloads, but I don't want to shoot any from strangers.

Any commercial new .38 ammo you can buy is safe in a 686.

 

[stiab]

If I understand correctly it was remanufactured ammo, which means the markings on the cases are no longer revelant. That only shows what they were originally. There is certainly nothing wrong with shooting +P and +P+ in your L frame revolver, and lots of .357 Magnum too for that matter. Have fun!

 

[310Pilot]

Frankly, I can't tell you if they're safe to fire. It appears you have reloaded ammunition from an unknown source, who knows what components and powder charge were used. The markings on the brass indicate that the reloads were probably range pick-ups of previously fired brass. The +P and +P+ stampings on the brass, likely, don't reflect the current power levels. Most commercial reloaders do not use heavy powder charges, but who knows what is in the rounds you have?

As to using factory .38 Spl +P or +P+ ammo in your 686, remember, it is chambered for .357 Magnum, which operates at a much higher pressure than any .38 Spl commercial loading, so worrying about whether +P of +P+ is safe in it is not necessary. That being said, it is possible to introduce a bullet/powder/charge combination in a .38 Spl case which could exceed critical pressures, thus raising the spectre of potential problems resulting from using reloads from unknown sources.

 

[one eye joe]

I HAVE NEVER SEEN A GUN BLOWN UP BY USING FACTORY AMMO IT WAS CHAMBERED FOR. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL BLOWN UP BY HANDLOADS/RELOADS..............

 

[panther]

With ammo still in short supply right now, reloads are popping up at shops that never carried them before. Be careful, I saw a KelTec that blew up because someone loaded .380 ammo too hot.

 

[cowboy117]

Reloads are like underwear-only use your own.

 

[Pisgah]

If your ammo was factory-remanufactured -- Georgia Arms, for instance, sells a line of high-quality remanufactured ammo -- it will have various headstamps, but it will be fine. If it comes from a private source, it's best to be more cautious.

 

[weemsf]

7 Shot 686

While we are talking ammo for the 686's, how about the 7 shot revolvers? Should care be taken about how warm the 357 Mag loads are?

BTW, good advice on shooting either you own reloads only or those from a reliable source. I occasionally reload for my family members who shoot, but am very careful about doing so for others. Any little thing could happen and you will be spelling liability in all capital letters with a 72 point font.

 

[ncbengal]

Ditto Pisgah

If your ammo was factory-remanufactured -- Georgia Arms, for instance, sells a line of high-quality remanufactured ammo -- it will have various headstamps, but it will be fine. If it comes from a private source, it's best to be more cautious.

Yep, that can be said again, so I will. Besides, I am just up the road from this fellow.