Best powder for S & W 686 w/4'' barrel

[bimmerland]

I'm reloading for a 686 3" version and for decent results I run 4.2 grains titegroup in a 38 special case and cci spp.

 

[rwsmith]

Coated bullets.....

I was not really looking at hard cast bullets. The biggest reason was in my 45 model 1911 Kimber I had so much leading they were a headache to say the least. I ended up giving them to an EX friend. I can see where a revolver may be different. How does the lead clean out of the barrel?

The powder and Hi Tek coatings are doing a much better job of lubing lead bullets all over than the 'lube in groove' ever did. And they are darn reasonable. I'd like to cash in my lead bullets for coated.

 

[rwsmith]

Hodgdon sez.....

Hodgdon says that H110 and Win 296 are exactly the same powder. Not similar. The same. Just different packaging.

 

[bigsteve113]

Me too... but does it actually exist? I hear stories about this powder, but I personally don't think it exist, must be one of those urban legends. Maybe its a concept powder and never mass produced. I was told Alliant only produced 4 pounds of 300-MP and misplaced 3 of em.

Recently tried 300-MP. 158 XTP/18.6 300-MP (Alliant's suggested max) for .357 Magnum . Clocked it at 1230 fps from 4"66. It's ok, but not the cats meow that I thought it would be. I much rather 2400.

 

[silentflyer]

Check the Skeeter Skelton link posted here, under Dark Canyon, if it was good enough for Skeeter....

 

[shil]

Try IMR4227 and CFE Pistol. You may be pleasantly surprised! I did because there was nothing else to be had. I have no idea of velocity, but in my 4" 686, even with the maximum published charges, recoil was easy, blast was low, flash was light, and accuracy was good. I used Hornady XTP 125's.

 

[Road_Clam]

If you are getting significant leading, you are doing something wrong.

I've done a lot of research on the "lead fouls barrels" issue, and I think the though is more false fear than fact. With the better technology of pre lubricated hard cast bullets which use tin along with lead in the casting process, there seems to be NO negative credible data that shows any type of excessive lead fouling. Excessive lead fouling is a big concern with the Glock's internal hexagonal barrel profile , but there are many Glock owners (myself included) that shoot a lot of hard cast bullets with zero issues.

 

[ironhead7544]

For the fastest load, IMR4227, AA#9, and WW296/H110 will all be close. Your revolver will tell you what it likes.

For the 158 gr XTP, I would start with WW296/H110. This is a proven load. Work up to Max shown in the Hornady data. I would use the hollow point version.

I like the heavy WFPGC bullets for hunting like the one from Cast Performance. I managed to get 1300 fps from my 4 inch M686 using AA#9. You only need about 1100 fps with this bullet as it will penetrate nicely.

If you want a lighter revolver, I would go with the new M66-8. It has been improved for the heavier loads. The 4 inch M686 is still a heavy handgun. JMHO.

Frankly, The S&W M69 would solve your problem. Use the same loads that you use in the M629 you have. No need for another caliber. The M69 weighs about 37 oz.

 

[btmonnat]

I have done some research on this and the M69-44 mag and the M66-357 mag use a barrel insert. It makes the gun lighter, so I assume they are using less metal. Those guns also run cheaper when buying. Cheaper in my experiences has never been better. Maybe I have been misinformed, I do not know. One thing I do know is a good S & W handgun is something that will last virtually forever. My boys and there sons will probably end up with mine when I pass on.

 

[RMcL]

185 FNGC @ 1100 fps

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When loading for my 4" S&W 686, I want a smooth balance of controlability and penetration. For my purposes a hard cast, heat treated 185 FNGC with a .28" meplate at 1100 fps fits the bill. The load I developed with the New Beartooth Bullet 185 FNGC works extremely well. Beartooth Bullets > Home


Distance to chronograph screens 10 ft.
Temp: 78F Six rounds.
Firearm: S&W 686 4 inch barrel .357 Magnum

"New" 185 BTB FNGC, 13.0 grains of H4227, new Starline brass, and Winchester Small Pistol Magnum primers:

1103 FPS average, 27 fps extreme spread, Low 1091 FPS , High 1118 FPS.

Bullet / cartridge measurements: .358" diameter, .728" long, and 1.566" oal seated in 1.278" Starline cases.


This is a comparatively soft recoiling, low muzzle blast load that leaves surprisingly little powder residue. Also, 13 grains of H4227 measures exactly 1.0 cc by volume - handy for adjusting the powder measure - checked with a scale of course.

Hogdon's online data manual shows a Maximum load of 13.7 gr. of H4337 with a 180 Nosler Partition and WSPM primer. This load was derived from the Hogdon data.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

I plan to use 158 gr. XTP's. I have 231 and H110 for my 629 classic 44 mag. I hunt mostly deer and am trying to cut down on the quilly pig population up on my wood lot. If someone in the family wounds a deer I leave the rifle home and track with my pistol. I want a smaller gun than my 6 1/2 '' 44 mag. I killed a nice buck with the XTP's in my 44 that is why I would like to stay with them. It would be
easier dragging a deer with a smaller gun strapped to me. I also have a 45 ACP in a 1911 I load for.


Sorry for not providing more Info. in the original post.

Your 231 and H110 will cover your needs nicely