Range Report shooting 357's

[BigAl52]

I gave my wifes son a 686 sometime back and he had never shot it. I missed the 686 I gave him and bought another one. So first time out for both of us me with a new one and him with the old one. I also took along my Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 barrel 357 that I have not shot some of my newer loads in. Ive been loading 7gr of Unique behind a RMR 147 grain bullet. Ill post a link to it. All of my guns seem to love this bullet and I really like the bullet. It doesnt have a cannelure on it but I have no trouble crimping it where I need to. Since Unique has now become harder to find with Alliant Powder not making anymore Im looking for other powders to use up that I have. I have several pounds of Red Dot. I dont use it much but thought Id give some a try in 357. 5gr under this 147 shoots great Im gonna load more of it. I was about 15 yards away with the 686 and the Ruger. I pulled a couple but as you can see for the most part its a pretty good load. I put some smiles down range today. My wifes son loves the 686 but who doesnt like a 686.

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https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets ... mj-smiley/

[North Country Gal]

For sure, you can't go wrong with a 686. I've owned a couple.

That is impressive, Al. I'd be smiling, too.

Any pics of the guns? Love to see 'em, being a fellow 357 addict.

[BigAl52]

For sure, you can't go wrong with a 686. I've owned a couple.

That is impressive, Al. I'd be smiling, too.

Any pics of the guns? Love to see 'em, being a fellow 357 addict.

Sure just went down and shot this one real quick. Here you go

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[Vaquero]

Nice shootin Al, and a nice set of revolvers.

RP

[North Country Gal]

Nice grips on both, but especially the Ruger.

[BigAl52]

Thanks stock 686 plus grips and the Ruger has Bear Paw grips. I have 3 pairs of his grips and they are great for larger hands.

[fortyshooter]

Excellent pair of 357 shooters Al! I like my little 3 inch 686+ and that came new from S&W with no issues which is rare now days and looks like same for yours. Haven't tried Red Dot for the 357 but do like Power Pistol which gives good speed and accurate for mid level 357 loads and top loads for 38 Special/ 38 Long Colt. Like those steel targets too! All the Alliant powders are getting harder to find since Alliant under Vista Outdoors control has stopped making it for consumer use!!! Hold on to what you have. Only Alliant powder I have seen around here is BE-86 and it just jumped to $ 59 bucks a pound at my LGS.

[Hatchdog]

Looked at a bottle of Power Pistol at a shop the other day but passed at $60. Thankfully I have a couple of pounds on hand otherwise I would have ponied up the $60.

I agree with both statements above, nice looking grips on both and 357 day at the range is one of the best days period!

[Rock185]

Enjoy those old and new 686s. I was a 686 early adopter; carried one for a few years, owned others, etc. Much as I like the Blackhawks, N and K frames, etc., the 686s have become my favorite .357s..

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[Steve51]

Unique was always my go to handgun powder for .38/.357 but I am saving what I have left for 20 gauge shot shells. I have been using HP-38/W231 now and am happy with the results and accuracy. It meters much better than Unique but it doesn't fill the case very full, so could be easy to double charge case if you don't keep alert.
Those 686's are beautiful revolvers. Several guys at my gun club have them.