ammo suggestion for 686 plus

[jaktime]

I have a 686 plus (2.5" barrel) that I carry from time to time when weather/dress code permits, its also used for home defense too. I keep the Federal Premium Personal Defense 130gr hydra-shock ammo in it, I was wondering since this is a larger/heavier revolver & I'm not recoil shy if I should be using something different for better performance/penetration? I was thinking maybe something in the weight range of 140gr to 160gr for personal defense just incase god forbid I have to use it in self defense against a intruder in my home ( I'm not too worried about over penetration in my case)
I also want to ask about " woods " ammo for protection against black bears in the 300lb range and under. Should I stick with the 140/160gr weight range in order to keep the velocity up since its only a 2.5" barrel, or should I go with something in the 180gr weight range to achieve maximum penetration and not worry about the short barrel length inhibiting the velocity?
Any insight into the above questions would be appreciated
J

 

[proguide]

Good question as my next purchase will be a 2.5" 686. I too am interested in the response.

 

[one eye joe]

I like the Speer Gold Dot +P for short barrels for personal protection. It penetrates well, and expands reliably. I would use a heavy hardcast solid (perhaps by Buffalo Bore) for woods carry, but IMHO you need MORE GUN than the snubby .357 to stop a large animal in a charge before it gets to you.

 

[badge 851]

I have a 686 plus (2.5" barrel) that I carry from time to time when weather/dress code permits, its also used for home defense too. I keep the Federal Premium Personal Defense 130gr hydra-shock ammo in it, I was wondering since this is a larger/heavier revolver & I'm not recoil shy if I should be using something different for better performance/penetration? I was thinking maybe something in the weight range of 140gr to 160gr for personal defense just incase god forbid I have to use it in self defense against a intruder in my home ( I'm not too worried about over penetration in my case)
I also want to ask about " woods " ammo for protection against black bears in the 300lb range and under. Should I stick with the 140/160gr weight range in order to keep the velocity up since its only a 2.5" barrel, or should I go with something in the 180gr weight range to achieve maximum penetration and not worry about the short barrel length inhibiting the velocity?
Any insight into the above questions would be appreciated
J

I can offer some advice based upon my personal experience. Hopefully it is of use to you; anyway..........
• I have a 2¼" 357 Magnum from another manufacturer.
• I have a S&W® 686 4" (No Dash).

For a personal self defense load, in either firearm; I use this..........
• Heavy .38 Special +P Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

If you fire a 357 Magnum round, inside a building; you will be deaf for several days. If you fire a 38 Special round inside a building you will only feel the effect(s) for an hour or so. I know this to be true.

As for a "woods load" I use these two as a Black Bear stopper in my 686..........
• Heavy 357 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
• http://www.thehuntingshack.com/catalog/retail/Retail.pdf (Load# HSM-357-18-N)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There's nothing wrong with that Federal ammo for most applications but for the woods you might want a heavier bullet. I like hard cast bullets for woods carry but there are several good jacketed bullets too. You might want to take a look at 180gr Hornady XTP ammo for when you're in the woods. For the most part any heavy bullet from a name brand manufacturer will be fine but I like Hornady because they are accurate in my revolvers.