929, and 986 accuracy?

[329]

Since I seem to have a load of 9mm ammo around I started to seriously look at some 9mm revolvers. Based n what I like to shoot I am looking at the 929 and the 986 pc pro. In researching it seems that there is debate on the inherit accuracy based on the barrel bore diameter. Has this issue been addressed by SW or is this a bad apple scenerio.
Any comments or recommendations regarding these revolvers would be appreciated.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Accuracy from one specific gun to another and one specific load to another is always a variable.

In general, both of those will shoot jacketed bullets well. The .355 lead bullets may or may not shoot good groups. The .357 and .358 lead bullets will probably do fine, but you have to reload to find those diameters in a 9mm case.

Also, hotter loads (over 1000 fps) will usually be more accurate than light target loads. This is dependent on how fast the rifling twist is. A fast twist (1 in 10 to 1 in 14) will shoot light target loads accurately to a longer distance than a slow twist (1 in 18-3/4). The normal S&W revo twist is the latter. I don't know what the 9mm barrel twist is.

 

[505Gibbs]

Since I seem to have a load of 9mm ammo around I started to seriously look at some 9mm revolvers. Based n what I like to shoot I am looking at the 929 and the 986 pc pro. In researching it seems that there is debate on the inherit accuracy based on the barrel bore diameter. Has this issue been addressed by SW or is this a bad apple scenerio.
Any comments or recommendations regarding these revolvers would be appreciated.

An answer depends upon what YOUR accuracy expectations are!
I've all three bbl lengths and was happy for my needs but IF you want 1" at 25yds you will have to do load development and even that might not be enough. IMO

 

[329]

Thank you both for the replies. Yes I ambhoping to get similar results to my 686 which sounds like it won't be possible without reloading the 9mm which is what I don't want to do. Right now the price of 9mmbis pretty close to what I can reload 38s so I was hoping for more shooting and less reloading. Maybe I should be looking at a 617 or 17 for cheap shooton

 

[Protocall_Design]

Most store bought 9mm ammo is going to have jacketed bullets and over 1000 FPS velocity. It would most likely work fine in those guns. A 17 or 617 would use cheaper ammo.

 

[505Gibbs]

Thank you both for the replies. Yes I ambhoping to get similar results to my 686 which sounds like it won't be possible without reloading the 9mm which is what I don't want to do. Right now the price of 9mmbis pretty close to what I can reload 38s so I was hoping for more shooting and less reloading. Maybe I should be looking at a 617 or 17 for cheap shooton

As far as I know - there are NO factory 9mm offerings aimed[if you will] at target or precision shooting/results. Years ago Federal offered a 124g semi wadcutter FMJ in their Gold Medal offerings. It's long gone now.
If you decide to handload I'd suggest a call to Sierra if they have what they'd call a match/target configuration - FWIW.

 

[reddog81]

My 929 is very accurate, but I pretty much shoot reloads through it. I guess I should try and see what the difference is between various factory ammo offerings and my .357 cast bullets. Maybe this Friday I can remember to bring some to the range with me.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Zero Bullets has the cheapest of the really good jacketed bullets. They are right up there with Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, etc.