S&W Model 63 (mfr. #162634)

[ron4735]

Buying this NEW .22lr gun tomorrow (12/17) from LGS. Will be used strictly for targeting (mostly indoor range) by me and as a beginning/learning revolver for a 14-year old granddaughter next Spring. What should I expect it to fire without problems? I understand LRN ammo involves issues with lead exposure with copper plated being a better(more expensive) choice. I would appreciate recommendations as to name brand, grain weight, and anything else I am probably should be asking but are not. Want quality ammo at a reasonable expense. Gun will likely become an heirloom as well. I own S&W revolver models 642 (.38) and 640 Pro(.357) for CC & home defense. Own 9mm Shield(1.0) which is a favorite. ANY advice is welcomed for this NRA LIFE Member. Thanks in advance to those who respond and Merry Christmas to everyone on this GREAT forum which has helped me much in the past with advice and counsel. Looking forward to hearing your advice!

 

[murphydog]

I suspect using your new model 63 in an outdoor or well-ventilated indoor range will not present any issues with lead exposure. I would try several different brands and bullet weights to see which one works best in your particular gun; it may turn out to be standard velocity target rounds, hyper-velocity or bulk pack, no way to tell until you try it. Enjoy!

 

[Babysitr]

I shoot a lot of Aguila std. velocity...great for the old classics also. it is a non-plated bullet 40 grs. I believe

 

[mh51]

I wouldn't worry about the lead exposure. Over many years, there have been billions of .22 LRN fired by thousands of people, and I've never heard of one single documented case of illness caused solely by that.
Try numerous brands and types, see what's most accurate, and then enjoy!

 

[nate-dogg]

I shot a lot of lead rounds out of my 63-5 and there was much more fouling in the barrel and on top strap than I anticipated. No more lead rounds for me. Cci mini mag copper plated is the best I've found. Shoot it in 4 different 22 guns.

 

[CajunBass]

I gave up shooting plain lead 22 bullets simply because no matter what gun I shot them in, they leaded the barrel. The copper washed stuff doesn't. The price difference isn't that great IMHO.

My go to is Federal bulk pack.

 

[cmansguns]

For me and my family shooting indoor ranges, outdoor ranges and son's farm backyard.....the .22's are hands down favorites, and revolvers over semi's (old Browning Buckmark, Ruger Mk iii, etc.).

We normally shoot Model 17, Model 34, K22 Masterpiece, and Ruger Single-Six.

Ammo that I have on hand in quantity is:

Aguila SE, 40 gr. LRN (Lead Round Nose); CCI Mini Mag 40 gr CP RN (Copper Plated, Round Nose); CCI Blazer LRN; Winchester Super X 40 gr CP RN; CCI Speer, 27 gr. CP HP (Copper Plated, Hollow Point). Velocities (per carton label) range from 1105 fps (CCI Speer) to 1280 fps (Win Super X)

Prices range from lowest price per round, all bought in bricks (500 rounds) being the Aguila, highest being the CCI Speer, with Win Super X (bought at Walmart) being the average middle ground. I don't see a tremendous savings in any round so I just tend to watch sales and hear-say from local indoor range.

As far as lead exposure, I have shot too many thousands to count over my 75 years, so the only attention I pay is I'll load all guns for the grandkids, and will usually always choose the CCI Mini Mag.

.22's are essentially dirty rounds in my opinion so all guns get a thorough cleaning when shooting session finished.

Apologies to the Forum........some dirty dog snuck a prancing pony pic into my post.....I had to sell that one cause the cylinder rotates the wrong way!

OP: Hope some of the above helps with your choices.

 

[H Richard]

One of the better accuracy wise and lower cost is the Aguila SE 40 Gr. Shot on a correctly vented indoor range or an outdoor range will not cause any problem, and cleaning the gun properly after each outing will keep any leading problems down. I shoot several thousand rounds a year thriugh my various .22's and have never had a leading problem

 

[Stevens]

I bought a new model 63-5 .22 3" last year. I use it for walks in the woods/swamp and plinking. It is very nice to shoot and no problems with it so far, I mainly shoot copper washed/plated bulletts. On mine the cylinder needs to be cleaned out fairly often or it becomes difficult to eject the spent rounds.
Enjoy it!
Steve W

 

[KSDeputy]

I mostly use Federal copper plated .22lr in mine.

 

[nipperdog]

I have a M63 and do a lot of backyard target shooting with it.
I use copper plated Federal bulk box ammo mainly, but also shoot the hated by auto shooters, Remington Thunderbolt ammo. I still remember the 22lr famine from several years ago, and Midway is selling the Tbolts for 14.99/500 so I bought 5000 of them. They are dirty but seem to function Ok in my M63, and M617 I just clean em after every session. Anyway good luck with the new M63, I think that you will love it.

 

[ron4735]

Thanks to all who replied

I read all the responses and consider ALL of it good advice since I will be a "rookie" .22lr shooter. Appreciate Ya!