Pros and cons of FMJ & LRN

drew-67

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Hi,

Been trying different ammo in my 686...mainly 38 Specials.

For general target shooting, I have been using FMJ and now ordered LRN (also will be using WC). The price is right on both. The LRN is the same 158 grain, like my regular 357 Mag ammo so that' a plus...
Mainly wondering what other differences you all find?
I am assuming the LRN would cause more lead/dirty barrel???
But than I am thinking maybe the FMJ would do more wear to barrel???
Look forward to your thoughts!
 
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Barrel wear is a complex phenomenon that depends a lot on gas temperatures, pressures, bullet speed and type.

You won't live long enough to wear out a 686 barrel with .38 special ammunition. With many tens of thousands of max .357 silhouette loads, maybe.
 
If you are shooting .38's in a L Frame, why pay the price for jacketed bullets? You're evidently punching paper, etc. and practicing. I actually find lead bullets more accurate in my 686, unless the jacketed round is a .357 and about 5% below max.

My most accurate round is 158 gr. lead RNFP over 4.9 Gr. 231, with a good roll crimp in the bullet crimp grove. This load is listed in the Lyman Cast bullet handbook, as potentially most accurate load, and in my guns it is. Chronographs 906 fps from a 6" barrel.
 
doesn't do anything for accuracy but cast slugs can easily be 'X'ed with a jewelers saw to make a 'dum-dum' and you'll be surprised what these do to stacked wet cardboard or phone books. some of them the 'petals' will break off and go their own way.
 
FMJ is copper. Copper is softer than stainless steel. You won't wear out the barrel with it.
 
Hi,
Thanks for the replies!
So if I am understanding correctly, if the price is the same, they would both be good choices...
So as long as my source doesn't run-out, I will probably stick with the LRN in 38 Special, simply because their the same 158grains as my 357 Mag ammo is.
 
Hi,
Thanks for the replies!
So if I am understanding correctly, if the price is the same, they would both be good choices...
So as long as my source doesn't run-out, I will probably stick with the LRN in 38 Special, simply because their the same 158grains as my 357 Mag ammo is.


yes...the same bullet is used to load 38/357mag.give reloading a shot...you can reload them anyway you want,when you want...and save a ton of money
 
yes...the same bullet is used to load 38/357mag.give reloading a shot...you can reload them anyway you want,when you want...and save a ton of money

Yeah, been thinking about reloading...getting harder to find anything factory...
and I am really enjoying shooting more, so it may be the time for the investment!;)
 
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