Handgun Hunting Ammo for S&W Model 586 (no dash)

[tanker1983]

Looking for suggestions or info on Handgun Hunting Ammo for S&W Model 586 (no dash) 4" bbl.

I want to do some hog hunting in east Texas.

I know this revolver just eats 158 gr. ammo.

Is the Double Tap hunting ammo at 180gr. or 200 gr. pushing this revolver?

Thanks.

 

[DD357]

It would handle it fine.

 

[tanker1983]

Very cool. Thanks. Any suggestions on ammo for this or is this Double Tap hunting ammo sufficient?

 

[bigggbbruce]

As a reloader I like to choose my power level.

Double tap run full throttle loads on everything. It may have more bark that can make it unpleasant to shoot.

Buy a small quantity and try them before stocking up.

 

[bigwheelzip]

I'm not a hunter, but I've read glowing reviews of the Federal Vital-Shok 180gr.

https://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=853

I've fired 180gr Buffalo Bore from my 4" 686 very accurately.

 

[dusty3030]

Federal Premium 180 grain cast core would punch right through and not be so punishing you your end.

 

[unobrownsfan]

Another vote for Buffalo Bore 180gr hard cast. Darn accurate out of my Ruger GP100. Since this is a S&W Forum, I'd bet it'll be even BETTER roaring out of a Model 586!

 

[dusty3030]

Good eating ones are 100lbs or so anyway just shoot them in the head.

Big one shoot lower than you would a deer. Right where the foreleg joins the body, too high and you hit the shoulder blade.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Well, I use my revolvers for back up when I'm killing pigs (we call it extermination and, believe me, nobody wants to eat these things), my main gun is always a rifle, but an L frame will handle any .357 round you decide to load into it and if you use hot .38s its recoil will be negligible - at least in my opinion.

 

[elpac3]

Use a Keith 170 grain hard cast (Rim Rock Bullets) with 13 grains of 2400.

 

[Lostaro]

I'm leaning towards the Barnes Vortx all copper 140grn for hunting with my new 4" 686.

Lots of great reviews of this round. Shoots well and is not unpleasant by any means.

I have shot the Buffalo bore 180grn load...wow! That's a lot of .357 there.

 

[Dale53]

Tanker1983;
Your question brings to mind the reasons why many of us cast our own bullets and reload. As mentioned above, the 581 will handle any reasonable .357 load you want to put through it.

As also mentioned, it is a fixed sighted handgun and must be used with a load that will shoot to the sights FOR YOU (different people with slightly different shooting styles may see the sights differently).

I would favor a home cast bullet of about 160 grains with a "Round Flat" configuration. Lee Precision's bullet is an excellent example of what should work well for you:

Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 358-158-RF 38 Special 357 Mag 38 Colt New

It has a large meplat (bullet nose) that should give excellent "smack" and driven at a decent velocity should give good penetration.

Since you apparently do not "yet" cast bullets or reload, there are commercial loads that use a similar bullet.

Here's one with a slightly heavier bullet that just "may" shoot to the sights (the only way to tell is to try them):

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=162

FWIW
Dale53

 

[tanker1983]

Tanker1983;
Your question brings to mind the reasons why many of us cast our own bullets and reload. As mentioned above, the 581 will handle any reasonable .357 load you want to put through it.

As also mentioned, it is a fixed sighted handgun and must be used with a load that will shoot to the sights FOR YOU (different people with slightly different shooting styles may see the sights differently).

I would favor a home cast bullet of about 160 grains with a "Round Flat" configuration. Lee Precision's bullet is an excellent example of what should work well for you:

Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 358-158-RF 38 Special 357 Mag 38 Colt New

It has a large meplat (bullet nose) that should give excellent "smack" and driven at a decent velocity should give good penetration.

Since you apparently do not "yet" cast bullets or reload, there are commercial loads that use a similar bullet.

Here's one with a slightly heavier bullet that just "may" shoot to the sights (the only way to tell is to try them):

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=162

FWIW
Dale53

Great info, sir. Keep in mind I have a 586 (no dash) so I can adjust the sight. But all great info.

Thanks.

 

[tanker1983]

I'm leaning towards the Barnes Vortx all copper 140grn for hunting with my new 4" 686.

Lots of great reviews of this round. Shoots well and is not unpleasant by any means.

I have shot the Buffalo bore 180grn load...wow! That's a lot of .357 there.

Thanks. I'll check out the Barnes 140grn.