686 Target Load

[BradLH]

Just bought a 686-4 and want to develop a 38 Special target load for it. My first priority is accuracy out to 25 yards, second is easy barrel cleaning, and third is low recoil.

I've loaded many thousands of 45 ACP LSWC at about 750 FPS, leading with that load in my 1911 is minimal. I've also loaded a few thousand 45 ACP Poly coated bullets that caused excessive barrel leading and polymer deposits. Due to the effort needed to clean the barrel I think I'm done with the coated bullets.

The vendor I used for 45 LSWC bullets doesn't have .358 diameter so I've looked for information on Bayou, Missouri, and Zero lead bullets. I don't really have a preference on bullet profile except where it may effect accuracy.

I understand the need to use bullets of the correct diameter for proper barrel fit, so I'm wondering if there's any consensus on which of the bullets mentioned above is best for accuracy and minimal leading. Also is there a consensus on the best velocity range for accuracy and minimal leading using a 158 grain lead bullet in a 4" 686?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[BradLH]

While looking through more posts I saw Magnus bullets mentioned, the poster mentioned they're a soft alloy. The Magnus website lists them as .357 diameter. I find that strange since most lead bullets are listed as .358, are the Magnus soft enough that they obturate and seal?

 

[Wise_A]

2.8 grains of Bullseye or 2.5 grains of WST under a 158-gr LSWC. In a 686, I would load in .357 Magnum brass and bump up the load very slightly.

.357-diameter is usually listed for "match" chambers and barrels.

I've used the .357-diameter swaged LSWCs from Magnus, and didn't have a problem. Magnus bullets aren't any softer than any other swaged bullet.

Tbh, while they were very good, unless you were shooting 25/50-yard DR matches, I don't think you'll notice a difference.

 

[Willyboy]

I load 5.0gr HP38 for my model 27 6" barrel using a local cast 158gr LSWC.
This is slightly hotter than 38+P and I use the 357 brass. Willyboy

 

[forestswin]

686 6 inch
Hornady swaged 158 SWC
with 5 grains Unique
357 cases

velocity 830 to 870



I call it my benchmark load - because if this load isn't grouping well at 25 yards - its time to go home

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have found that 4.0 grs of WST works great , accurate and very clean . My fiance shoots 4.5 grs of Ramshot Zip , accurate and low recoil . Both loads use a 158 gr cast bullet . I'm sure swaged will shoot fine also with the above loads .
The 5.0 grs of Unique has been a favorite of many a shooter . Skeeter Skelton said it was a " good working mans load " . Also using a 158 gr lead bullet . I loaded up some 125 gr lead bullet loads using tite group , very low recoil and seemed accurate . They were being shot out of J frame airweights .

 

[BB57]

My preferred target load is 3.2 gr of Red Dot under a 158 gr LSWC. It shoots well in my 2 1/2" Model 66 and 686+, 3" Model 19. 4" Model 10 and 4" Model 15, 6" Model 19, 6" Model 66 and 6" Security Six.

Hornady listed a starting load at 2.6 gr and the max load at 3.9 gr with the 158 LSWC, so 3.2 is pretty middle of the road.

 

[BradLH]

Thanks guys. I ordered Starline 357 brass and Zero 158 LSWC, I already have Bullseye and W231 to try. If that doesn't work I'll try Unique and Hornady bullets.

Couple more questions, it doesn't look like the Hornady bullets have a crimp groove. Do you seat them deep enough to roll crimp over the shoulder or do you use a taper crimp leaving some shoulder outside the case. Also, has anyone been successful seating lead bullets in new Starline brass without swaging them down. The new Starline 45 ACP brass I've loaded is so tight I use jacketed bullets for the first firing.

 

[forestswin]

Sounds like a good plan.

From what I hear, Zero bullets are fine, maybe better than the Hornady's.

I always size and trim new 357 brass before use.

I usually seat the shoulder flush and roll crimp over the shoulder for this combination. I've seated a little out and taper crimped too....it seems the roll crimp gives me better accuracy.....yours may differ...
Both ways work.

 

[peachhead]

I second the 5gr of Unique and would add 3.5gr Bullseye, over 158gr cast. I also shoot the 3.5gr load over 150gr cast in 38 special cases. Both are very accurate loads. I cast my own so I am not as familiar with where to buy them though, I am only really familiar with Missouri and Dardas. If you have not checked Dardas bullets you might want to. Dardas has a good 158gr cast swc.

 

[Wise_A]

From what I hear, Zero bullets are fine, maybe better than the Hornady's.

They're a favorite of bullseye shooters, both their various .45 bullets (including their JHPs), and 158 LSWCs for the DR guys.

But to be honest, I've shot very well with both Missouri Bullet's offerings, and Speers. A little bit less on the Speers. Achieving accuracy at 25 yards is not difficult at all--select an appropriate low-pressure powder, a non-terrible bullet, and have at it.

 

[S&WNUT]

Brad A lewis lead remover and a few drops of Kroil is the answer to your lead removal problems

 

[BJ343]

mate i use 135gn RN, with 3.8gn of AP50 (an Aussie powder) about equal to W231, with about 8mm of the rn protruding from the 38 special case...
the other load a lot of folk use down here is 2.5gns of the same powder, with a 105 gn lee SWC (i cast n coat my own) and size to .357..the projectile is them seated so deep the top of the SWC is even with the case mouth...these are super accurate

 

[BradLH]

Brad A lewis lead remover and a few drops of Kroil is the answer to your lead removal problems

When using LSWC a few passes with Chore Boy and a bronze brush work fine for my 1911. With the Poly coated lead I've tried soaking in Kroil, Lewis lead remover, and scrubbing with Chore Boy. I eventually get it cleaned up but my concern is barrel wear. One thing I didn't try is the 50/50 mix of peroxide and vinegar, but that would have been next if I hadn't finally used up those 2,000 bullets.

 

[Owly]

For a light target load in 38 special I use Red River Bullets 125 gn TC over 3.7 gn 700-X. For some reason it looks like I've never chronographed this load, but it should be in the 850-900 fps range.

 

[Forrest r]

I'd look no further than 3.3gr to 3.6gr of bullseye and a 158gr bullet.

Also look at coated bullets in the future sized to .358".

I've posted these groups before. 6-shot groups @ 50ft from my 686. They are only @ 50ft because that's the typical distance I use them at. I either shoot 50ft nra bullseye or we do a spinoff of bowlingpins. We use 12ga shotgun shells @ 50ft instead of bowling pins @ 25ft.



A 200 round range session with those bullseye 3.3gr loads pictured above. The 686 doesn't need cleaned until the 700+ round mark.


There's no leading with those coated bullets. It takes a wet patch with nothing more than hoppe's #9 to clean the bbl.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Since you do not like coated you might try a plated 148gr wc
along with the 158gr lead bullets.

My 686 6" likes a lead 158gr wc at 976fps with IMR4227, 918fps with Bullsye
788fps with Trail Boss and 108fp with HS-6 powder for a few of the slow accurate loads.

Good luck wih those load.

 

[Nightowl]

158 grain Mo Bullet Co coated semi wadcutters, 3.0 gr Bullseye averaged 668 fps out of a 5 inch model 27.

 

[Confederate Tyrant]

My light loads are 158gr RNFP from Missouri Bullets with 5.5gr or 6gr of AA#5 in a .357 Magnum case. Very light recoil from my 686+.

 

[Mikeinkaty]

I like 3.5 grains of Trail Boss behind a 125 grain RNFP coated bullet. I shoot them in 357 brass however. I have plenty of 357 brass and can think of no reason to load 38 Spl brass.