Picked Up A 696: Need Load Recommendations

[SW357Addict]

Hello. I picked up a 696 no-dash recently and I have to say it is spectacular. .44 Special in an L-frame has to be the creation of a genius at S&W.

But I was wondering what is a good target load for it and a good powerful load for it that won't damage the gun. Would a 255gr Keith wadcutter over 7.5gr Unique be too much. What would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Yes, The Skeeter load is too much for that revolver.

S&W recommends a 200g bullet.

I'd call S&W to get data for limitations, but there are many 696 owners here that can supply pet loads.

I'd imagine a 250g cast no faster than 800fps would be the upper limit and somewhere closer to 750fps might be the right call.

 

[jrplourde]

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

 

[Stainz]

The 200gr max bullet load was for the AirLite-Ti 296/396. The 696 eats anything in a standard .44 Special load, leaving Keith-levels for more stout forcing cones - like the one's in my 629's. I like everything from 3.5gr to 4.2 gr of Titegroup in a .44 Special case with a 240gr LSWC. I love the 3.5gr level - especially in a .44 Russian case - it makes a whopping 692 fps - a 'poof' load anyone can shoot, yet it makes major power factor! The 4.2 gr in a .44 Special case makes 814 fps - all you 'need' in that platform.

For PD, I like the Georgia Arms 200gr Gold Dot load - chrono's along with the CCI Blazer loads, which I quit using due to one having split in my 696. I had shot over 1k of them in my 296 by that time - no more! Besides - the GA Arms loads come in nice Starline cases - and I reload. I bought my 296 & 696 - both new - over 8.5 yr ago. Neat revolvers - but I limit what I feed them - I have a 4" 629 for 'warmer' loads.

Stainz

 

[ADP3]

5.3 grains of either HP38 or Winchester 231 with a 240 grain cast or swaged lead bullet will keep your 696 going for a long time. As others have stated , stay away from heavy loads. The forcing cone is too thin for pounding from high pressure loads.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Frank237]

I've been shoooting the #429421 Keith slug over 7.0 of current UNIQUE in Starline .44 Special cases with zero issues. Doesn't seem to be taxing the gun in any way.

If a guy was going to plink with one like it was a K-22 then I would suggest lighter bullets and less velocity.

FN in MT

 

[Andy Taylor]

Anything lighter than the Kieth level loads are fine.

 

[ExMachina1]

The forcing cone on the 696 is thinner than that of a 29 but it's not "too thin". Skeeter loads will be fine.

Even Buffalo Bore says that their most stout loads are fine.

Like any revolver, there's no need to feed it more than you need since it will loosen the gun. But if you need your 696 to speak with authority, it's a modern stainless steel Smith and it is more than up to the task.

 

[Reloader]

200 gr. SWCHP with 5.2 gr. Tittegroup. Target would be 4.0 gr.