9mm out of a 686?

[timbo813]

Can 9mm be shot out of a 686 that is cut for moon clips? I know the cases are .001" smaller. Also, they 9mm doesn't have the rim but does using a moon clip prevent problems? I'm just wondering because 9mm is so much cheaper.

Reading threads about 9mm conversions made me curious. I'm guessing there is something different about the cylinders people shoot 9mm out of but I'm just curious what it is. (other than being cut for moon clips obviously)

 

[BruceM]

Chambers are of different length, among other things.

Because something can be made to sorta work does not equate to it being a good idea.

Bruce

 

[handgunner356]

I think it's TK Customs that will cut the cylinder so it will shoot 9x19, 9x21, .356TSW, 9x23, .38 & .357s'. The 9s' all use a tapered case and smaller .355" bullets but I guess they all go out the barrel. How well would be the question.

 

[WC145]

The 9mm won't fit because it has a larger diameter and tapered case - .391" at the base, .380" at the mouth - compared to the .38spl/.357mag's straight case, which is .379" it's entire length. When cylinders are rechambered they are cut to 9x23 dimensions with the appropriate taper.

 

[cp1969]

Recoil shouldn't be a problem.

 

[scooter123]

A far better option would be 9mm specific cylinders for the various 38 calibers currently in production. While the slightly smaller diameter of the 9mm bullet may have a theoretical impact on accuracy, my personal feeling is that it will not be observable if it's fired from a 9mm specific cylinder. Considering the cost difference between 9mm and 38 caliber ammunitions today, I find it somewhat surprizing that S&W isn't offering 9mm specific cylinder assemblies for the 686 series. Frankly, they are missing out on a real marketing potential. I know I'd line up to buy one, my 38's don't get shot nearly as often as I would like due to the cost.

I'd also like to see someone who has a gun like the 686 set up with multiple caliber cylinders do a controlled study of the effect of shooting a 9mm round in a .357 barrel in terms of accuracy and velocity. There isn't that big of a difference and I have a hunch that the net effect is a lot less than most internet rumors would have us believe.

 

[Engineer1911]

I loaded 115 gr HP 9 MM bullets in 357 mag cases. Let's see; I wasted bullets, powder, primers, oh and my time. Really tight 10" pattern at 20 feet. Awsome muzzle blast, no recoil, and really fun. Saturday night just after sundown in the middle of No Where, South Dakota. Could not hit a large prairie dog mound at 75 feet.

 

[BubbaBlades]

This is a picture of my 686 with a Phillips and Rogers "Medusa" cylinder. The gun shoots 9x18, 9x19, and 38 super with the same accuracy as it does .38 special and .357 magnum. The gun's accuracy is the same as my other 686 (unmodified) and 686+. The slightly smaller 9mm bullet diameter does not seem to be a factor.
Mark

 

[cjw3]

I loaded 115 gr HP 9 MM bullets in 357 mag cases. Let's see; I wasted bullets, powder, primers, oh and my time. Really tight 10" pattern at 20 feet. Awsome muzzle blast, no recoil, and really fun. Saturday night just after sundown in the middle of No Where, South Dakota. Could not hit a large prairie dog mound at 75 feet.

BTDT. I thought the almost imperceptible bottle neck as the .357 case was taper crimped down to the .355 bullet was a nice touch.

 

[AzShooter]

A couple of years ago Rob Leathem was able to make his Model 627 shoot 9 mm ammo. He's sponsored by Winchester and wanted to shoot their ammo at the International Revolver Championship.

Although he made it work, the 9 mm didn't fit the accuracy he wanted to get so he shot .38s in it.

But it is possible with very little work

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I have two conversions to 9mm, 38 Super and I load them with 357 bullets 125gr. and they will drive tacks at 25 yards. I like the 38 super the best, easy to load, handle because they are a little bigger.

 

[Revolver King]

9mm from 686

I don't have a 686 that shoots 9mm, but I do have a 627 that does. It depends on the ammo you use as to the accuracy you get. As for factory ammo I find that the Federal 9mm from Wal-mart is very accurate. I used it to shoot the steel match in Hershey Pa. this year and accuracy was great. when I reload for it I use 147 gr. plated bullets from extreme bullets sized to .357. I use 38 super moon clips to load the 9mms. they make them in 6 shot too. (which I have around 18 of them I will sell) Pinnacle guns did my conversion. I used a different cylinder for mine. They don't like 38s anymore after you convert them. here are some pictures.

 

[Espen]

If you reload and want to shoot "9's" in a .357 without messing about with the gun. Use .38 Short Colt brass. It has basically the same dimensions/volume as a 9x19mm. Since they are short they work great with clips too.

Got great results with 125 grains .356 plated bullets, loaded just under a normal staring load for 9x19mm. (4,0 grains of VV N340)
Keep in mind that my barrel isn't standard, but polygon rifled and measures .3555 so it works great with 9mm bullets.

 

[timbo813]

I'm not really interested in reloading. (If I did I would just reload 38's) I was just wondering what would be needed in order to shoot the cheaper 9mm factory stuff out of my 686. $10 for 50 rounds looks pretty good these days.

 

[snowman.45]

A while back, I found a spare cylinder for a Model 65 for sale on the forum. I bought it with the intention of sending it to Pinnacle and having it bored for 9mm and moonclips. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but I hope to soon.