Bullet suggestions for SW 686-6

[SW686-6]

Folks, things are changing. Looking to actually PRACTICE on an indoor range [winter, 'natch] or an outdoor range. I do not want to become the next Ed McGivern, but to get better.

I have a nice 686-6 in .357 Mag [of course]. What style of bullet is a good all arounder? SWC? RN? DEWC?

Looking at using Unique. Sure, there's better powders, but an 8lb jug really makes up for perceived [or imagined] faults.

 

[Protocall_Design]

In your case, probably a 158 gr. (or something close) SWC would work well. The heavier bullet weights will normally shoot tighter groups than the lighter weight bullets. This is a broad generalization, there are many variables.

 

[Alk8944]

For all revolver calibers I prefer cast bullets in the "standard-for-caliber" weight. In the case of .357 Magnum and .38 Special this would be 158 grains. Any semi-wad-cutter would fill the bill.

Unique is a perfectly adequate propellant for .357 Magnum in all but maximum performance loads. The only issue with Unique is it can be somewhat erratic in metering, but this is highly dependent on your powder measure. The larger diameter the metering chamber is the more consistent Unique will measure. The Lyman 55 and RCBS Little Dandy and other similar measures tend to be worse for measuring consistency with Unique.

For heavier loads, 1250 FPS +, I prefer 2400.

 

[StrawHat]

I have found the SWC cast bullet to be a better bullet for scoring targets. I have found the RN to be slightly more accurate but the most accurate and easiest to score is the full wadcutter.

I used a 150 grain wadcutter in competition and the same bullet with more powder for hunting. I got great results with both loads.

Kevin

 

[-BTM-]

I have found the SWC cast bullet to be a better bullet for scoring targets. I have found the RN to be slightly more accurate but the most accurate and easiest to score is the full wadcutter.

I used a 150 grain wadcutter in competition and the same bullet with more powder for hunting. I got great results with both loads.

Kevin

Are you referring to a hollow base wad cutter or something else? I used plenty of the HBWC for PPC, they cut pretty holes but are not the best when reloading in a hurry. RN is great for speedloaders.

The DEWC is a good compromise. Usually hardcast, IIRC.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I do a lot of plinking with 125 grain Berry's bullets. For max accuracy I find that a 148 grain WC over a modest charge of Bullseye or 231 is very nice. You will probably get your best accuracy with that sort of load or a 158 grain SWC. Nice thing about rolling your own you can load .357 cases with wadcutters for a very nice paper punching load and avoid some cleaning issues.